Even though I really do like decorating for Fall and usually start busting out the pumpkins as soon as possible, it’s a little early to put real pumpkins out on my front porch. They would end up rotten or eaten by squirrels before October even begins. So, why do I have that pretty white pumpkin sitting outside already?
Because it’s a Funkin, not a pumpkin! I have been interested by foam pumpkins but I was always too cheap to pay the $20+ they typically cost. When I saw that a local craft store had them on sale for 60% off, I snatched one up. The cool thing about Funkins is that they carve just like real pumpkins but can be used year after year. I just had to figure out how I was going to carve it.
Enter my new Dremel Micro™. Light and easy to handle in tight spaces, the Dremel® Micro™ 8050 is packed with features that have crafters, hobbyists and DIYers in mind: soft grip, LED front-end lighting to illuminate projects, a docking station that continually charges, and an 8V Max Lithium-ion battery. I got the brilliant idea to use the Micro to etch and carve a welcoming pumpkin to display on our porch this Fall.
I already have a different Dremel tool, but its cord keeps me tethered to an outlet. The Micro is cordless and fairly light, so using it feels kind of like gripping one of those large permanent markers.
I created a stencil in PicMonkey and transferred it onto the Funkin. I used the Dremel etching bit on a medium speed to remove the top layer of the Funkin within the leaf stencil lines. First I would use the Micro to outline each shape and then I would lightly go over inside each shape like I was using a colored pencil. It was fairly quick and easy.
I was originally going to use the Micro to etch the lettering as well, but I had a better idea for that. More on that in just a bit.
I added two more maple leaves towards the bottom of the Funkin. Do you see the darker line between the two leaves? That is the seam of the Funkin. If possible, avoid placing your design over that seam. I discovered that the foam is much harder to cut and engrave along that seam.
Instead of just etching the lettering, I decided that I wanted to carve them out so that a light placed inside the Funkin would make the “Welcome” glow. The Micro 8050 is fully compatible with all Dremel rotary tool accessories, so I could use the carving bit from my other Dremel tool to remove the material from inside the lettering.
I put the Micro on a higher speed, which actually made the tool jump around a little less while I was working. I carefully traced my lettering lines, and the interior of the letters fell away. I was very glad that the Micro is cordless because I needed to be outside for this stage of the process. It is messy. Wear protective eye gear and a mask because there will be Funkin foam dust everywhere. I finished by using the carving bit to create a hole in the very bottom of the Funkin so that I could put lights inside of it.
I love my newest addition to my Fall decor, and I am glad that I don’t have to throw it away at the end of the season. This friendly pumpkin can welcome guests to our house for years to come!
I used the same LED light strand in the Funkin that I used in my Firefly Mason Jars. At night, I switch on the LED lights so that the Welcome sign lights up for visitors to see.
If you want to try out the Dremel Micro™ for yourself, you can purchase the Micro 8050 online at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com for $89. For more information on Dremel products, project ideas, and problem-solving tips, visit www.dremel.com.
Dremel wants to celebrate its fans’ brilliant projects, work, and ideas! Now through October 12, share, tweet, or post photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that depict your brilliant ideas. Use the hashtag #MyBrilliantIdeaSweeps for the chance to win weekly prizes, including free tools and handmade gifts, or the grand prize: a custom-engraved Honda scooter and a Micro 8050. Visit Dremel on Facebook for rules and to learn more.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Thanks, Jessica
That pumpkin is gorgeous! I love my Dremel, but never thought to do anything like this with it! Genius!
So cool! I personally really like the etching effect! That’s an awesome tool.
I really like that it’s cordless!
You did a great job on the carving. Love all the detail on the leaves. Pinning.
What a beautiful way to greet your guests! That Dremel makes it look so easy to do too!
I love love LOVE carving with my dremel, love that you don’t end u with a huge mes with the funkin too! I always worry about my dremel with normal pumpkins. It’s just lovely!
What size bit did you use to carve into the pumpkin?
Love your Welcome Funding pumpkin! It’s perfect for outside or indoors! Can you please share where you found your wicker pumpkins? Thanks a bunch!
I found them at a local thrift store and scooped them up!
Don’t see any date of when this article was written but the Dremel Micro 8050 was recalled due to the tool’s defects and dangers of personal injury.
Yes, you need to check the date code. If it was purchased in 2014 or 2015, it may be a recalled version.
I carved one last year with the 8220–add that I’ve only used the tool prior for carving wood, and what followed was an entire day of cleaning the kitchen