**Before beginning, make sure to read the tips section for safety information.**Add 3 - 4 cups of concrete to a large bowl or bucket. Slowly add water, starting with about 3/4 cup.(Follow the package instructions for exact water to concrete ratio.)
Mix the concrete with a garden trowel, adding more water if needed. The mixture should be the consistency of chunky peanut butter.
Step 2: Fill pantyhose with concrete
Cut the foot off a pair of pantyhose, about 8 inches from the toe.
Stretch out the pantyhose foot with one hand and use the trowel to scoop concrete into it, a little bit at a time.
Continue filling the pantyhose until you've reached the size of pumpkin you'd like.
Tie a knot in the pantyhose as close to the concrete as possible.
Gently rub around the outside of the pumpkin. This helps bring moisture to the surface and creates a smooth finish on the outside of your pumpkin.
Step 3: Form pumpkin
Cut four lengths of twine long enough to circle around the pumpkin.
Lay one piece of twine on your working surface and place the pumpkin on top in the center.Pull it around the pumpkin, pulling it tight enough to create ridges in the cement. Tie a knot.
Add the other three pieces of twine at different angles, pulling them tight and creating the ribs of the pumpkin.
You'll want to smooth out the surface of the pumpkin with your finger again at this point.
Allow the concrete pumpkin to harden. This will take about 24 - 48 hours (drying time will vary based on temperature and humidity).
Step 4: Remove twine and pantyhose
Once your concrete pumpkin has dried you can begin removing the twine. Cut each strand close to the top and begin peeling them off.
You can also cut the twine from the bottom to make it easier to remove.If the twine is stuck and you can't remove it, cut it off as close to the concrete as you can.
Now cut a hole in the pantyhose close to the knot you made.
Pull the pantyhose off the concrete pumpkin.
Step 5: Attach stem
Cut a wood dowel to around 1 inch long. Place a bit of hot glue on the side of it.
Wind twine around the dowel until it's completely covered. Add a final dab of hot glue to hold the end of the twine in place.
Cut the twine close to where you glued it.
Now add more hot glue to the end of the twine covered dowel.
Place the "stem" in the center of the pumpkin.
Your concrete pumpkin is complete!
Video
Notes
Make sure you work outside or cover your work surface with a plastic garbage bag and a large piece of cardboard.We recommend wearing protective gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection when working with concrete.Be sure to add some felt to the bottom of the pumpkins if you're displaying them indoors, because the concrete can scratch furniture surfaces. Felt furniture pads work well.