Stackable Wood Pumpkins

This is a simple project made from some scrap wood I had laying around. As shown in the pictures, the pumpkin boxes can be spaced side by side or stacked vertically on a porch, mantle or table. In addition, the group can be stacked inside one another for easy storage. Since they are made from wood, I recommend LED Tea lights versus a candle for the illumination.

Video showing how it works:

Tools:

• Table or Miter Saw
• Drill Press & Bits
• Nail Gun or Hammer
• Sander
• Ruler
• Pen/Pencil

Materials:

• 1x4 x 18 inches
• 1x6 x 30 inches
• 1x8 x 40 inches
• 1x10 x 8 inches
• 1/4” diameter dowel x .75” long
• 3/8” diameter dowel x .75” long
• 1/2” diameter dowel x .75” long
• Nails
• Wood Glue
• Paint or Stain

You will be building to this drawing. Note that all the parts are color coded for easy reference.

Make one top (left view) and one bottom (right view) and the four sides to the dimensions shown. I used a drill press for the blind holes. Cut a 1/4" dowel to 3/4".

The face is arbitrary. I chose a simple pattern that represents triangle eyes/nose. After my previous design, I was asked to make a "happier" pumpkin.

I used a pencil to mark off the locations and a drill press to make the holes. Note that the face is centered on the box when built to these instructions.

Attach face to side as shown. Note the orientation. With all connections, I used glue and nails.

Add next side as shown.

Add last side as shown.

Add the bottom as shown. It should be flush with the sides.

Add dowel pin into hole on top piece. Position it so the 3/8" is sticking out the top.

Add top to box. Optional steps:

• Add hinge to lid.
• Add alignment pins/blocks so lid doesn't slide off.

The design is the same as the small box. Follow directions above and the dimensions shown on this step.

The design is the same as the small box. Follow directions above and the dimensions shown on this step.

The blind hole in the bottom of the small and medium boxes allows the the pumpkins to be stacked. See cross-sectional view for clearances.

The pumpkins are designed to stack inside one another for easy storage. The cross-section view shows the clearance around all of the parts.

I've included the actual drawing file for those that don't need instructions.

The boxes were painted with "pumpkin orange" craft paint. The stems were painted green. For a more rustic look, see my other pumpkin.