Halloween ideas: Minion painted pumpkins inspired by 'Despicable Me'

Courtesy David Williams/WilliamsNursery.com

Painted pumpkins become Minions for Halloween with Mason jar lids for their large round eyes in a fun project from Williams Nursery in Westfiled. 

Cute pumpkin ideas are always in order for those whose trick-or-treat displays are geared toward younger Halloween visitors.  Best of all, these don't require carving or templates.

To make them, the pumpkins get a yellow coat of glossy spray paint. The details can be brushed on with high gloss paint in blue and black, or use tape and paper to cover the areas that will stay yellow and then use spray paint for the detailing, too.

The large, round eyes of Mason jar lids are really what make the minions, and the WilliamsNursery.com project guide uses roofing nails to attach them. Simply hammer a pilot hole into the center of the flat removable part of the lid. Push the assembly into the  pumpkin with the labeling of the Mason jar lids turned to the inside.

Jab a few black pipe cleaners into the pumpkin top near the stem and the minion pumpkin is ready for outdoor display on the porch or inside on a table or stand. 

See instruction shots by David Williams, along with his gorgeous flower photography on the regularly updated nursery blog. Minion pumpkins in various sizes are also on sale for $10 to $25 each at Williams Nursery, 524 Springfield Ave., Westfield. Starter kits with the Mason jar lid eyes and pipe cleaners also are available.

On Monday, the nursery is offering hayrides, pony rides and more fun. The rides and activities also are scheduled for weekends through Oct. 26. There's a costume contest on Oct. 25. For more information, call (908) 232-4076.