A Glow From the Past
This pumpkin was inspired by an old ceramic light my mom always set out every Halloween. It had this perfectly goofy grin that somehow felt comforting and eerie at the same time. I wanted to capture that same spirit—but in my own handmade way. This is my second pumpkin and my first fully hollow sculpt, built to hold a small tea light so it could glow just like hers did.
Bringing the Shape to Life
I started by forming a solid pumpkin shape, carving out the eyes and smile before it completely hardened. The twisted stem and looping vines were sculpted last—loose and imperfect to keep a hand-touched feel. Once dry, it was light enough to lift but sturdy enough to shine from within. Even before paint, it already looked like it wanted to laugh.
The One That Didn’t Work
The first version was painted in classic pumpkin orange—exactly like the vintage light it was modeled after. But when it dried, it just didn’t feel right. It looked flat, too expected, and didn’t blend with my space the way I’d hoped. Sometimes nostalgia doesn’t translate literally, and this was one of those lessons.
The Gold-Leaf Glow-Up
So I started over—this time painting in warm creams and antique golds that matched my fall décor. Suddenly, it felt elevated, softer, and more magical. The light now glows through in a subtle, golden hue, highlighting every curve and crease. What started as a copy of my mom’s décor turned into something uniquely my own.
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This piece ended up teaching me that memories can inspire without needing to be replicated. It’s both a nod to my childhood and a reflection of the creative freedom I’ve found as an adult. When lit, it still gives off that same nostalgic warmth—like the one my mom’s pumpkin gave our living room every October.