Now that the leaves are falling and the nights are getting longer, it’s time for some cozy fall projects. Halloween is coming up and there’s nothing more fun than transforming your home into a spooky yet cozy atmosphere. Love pumpkins but not a fan of digging up those big, heavy ones? We’ve got the perfect mini DIY for you!
Arizona DIY content creator Sibia Torres Padilla aka @sibster has been making her own Mini Jack-o'-lanterns out of... tangerines for three years. These tiny, fragrant pumpkins are not only super fun to make, but also easy and cheap. And the best part? They'll instantly give your home that warm Halloween vibe without the need for an entire pumpkin patch.
So, make a cup of hot tea, put on a sweater (it's sweater weather!) and get started with this simple and super fun DIY project.
Supplies
To get started, you only need a few simple materials that you probably already have at home:
- A mandarin (or two, or three…)
- A small knife
- Kitchen roll and/or aluminum foil
- Rope or wire for the handle
- Optional: a small LED tea light for an extra spooky glow! 🕯️
Step-by-step: How to make your own mini Jack-o'-lantern
1 - Cut off the top
Start by carefully cutting off the top of your mandarin. This will be the opening of your mini lantern, so be careful not to cut too much away.
2 - Hollow out the mandarin
Use your fingers or a spoon to scoop out the inside of the mandarin. The idea is to have only the peel. Eat the inside :)
3 - Shaping
To ensure your mandarin keeps its shape, temporarily stuff it with a wad of paper towel. This will also prevent your mini Jack-o'-lantern from collapsing as it dries.
4 - Cut out the face
Now comes the creative part! Take your small knife and carefully cut a face into the mandarin peel. Think eyes, a nose, and a spooky mouth. Want to get extra creative? Add some fun details like angry eyebrows or crooked teeth. Don't forget to make two small holes on the sides for the handle.
5 - Let dry or bake
You now have two options: let the mandarin dry with the paper inside for 1-2 days, or speed up the process by baking the mandarin (with foil inside) at 95°C for about 2-3 hours. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.
6 - Make the handle
Once your mandarin is dry, you can thread a piece of string or wire through the two holes on the side to make a handle. Having trouble attaching the string? A small drop of hot glue will do the trick.
7 - Extra magic: add an LED tea light
Want your mini pumpkin lantern to really shine? Add a little Add an LED tea light inside for an extra spooky atmosphere.
Time to make your own mini pumpkin patch!
The best part about this DIY is that it’s super simple, but it has a huge impact. Within a few hours, you can fill your entire home with small, fragrant Jack-o’-lanterns that are perfect for Halloween. And the best part? They’re completely biodegradable. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a net of tangerines and get started!
🎃 Don't forget to share your creations with us, tag @sibster and our @happlify – we can’t wait to see your spooky masterpiece!
Source: all images are from @sibster - edited and posted with approval
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