Jack O'LAMP-erns

About eight years ago, my brilliant hubby (pun intended!) invented a cool Halloween decoration idea:
Jack O'LAMP-erns! (Yes, another bad pun! You're welcome!) Not only is it a spook-tacular decoration , it is dread-fully cheap and easy! (I just can't help it!)

We used the Jack O'Lantern trick or treat buckets you can buy just about anywhere for a dollar.

They're a cinch to make, assuming your hubby is like mine and has every tool known to man! And they'll fit any standard lamp. We replace every single lampshade in our house with these. I've even taken one to my classroom at school. Kiddos think they.are.SO.COOL!

You need a 1 1/4 inch paddle bit and a battery drill.

And, of course, an assortment of Jack O'Lantern buckets in various faces and colors. Personally, I'm partial to the traditional face and pink or orange.

Kiddos can help with this craft, but it definitely requires an adult to "assist".
Step 1: Insert your paddle bit into the battery drill.
Step 2: Gently press the paddle bit into the bottom center of the Jack O'Lantern  bucket.

Imagine there's a battery drill attached here :)

Step 3: Drill slowly and easily through the Jack O'Lantern.  If you force it, your hole will look like the blue pumpkin. If you're nice and easy, you'll have a smooth, clean hole like my yellow pumpkin.

Step 4: Remove your lampshade and light bulb from your lamp.
Step 5: Place your Jack O'LAMP-ern over the lamp socket.
Step 6: Screw your light bulb back into the socket. (We usually use CFL bulbs in our lamps, but for Halloween time, we switch back to standard light bulbs, since they are a bit brighter. We have used 100 watt bulbs in these Jack O'LAMP-erns for 8 years and have had no issues.)

Just in case you're thinking, "Why would I want to destroy my kid's trick-or treat bucket?", I'll let you in on a little secret. I have covered the hole with clear packing tape (both inside and out, so it's not sticky) and let the kiddos use them for Trick or Treating.
Happy Jack O'Lamping!