Here is a quick and fun way to use up the strips of crochet you accumulate when a child is learning that craft.My 10 year old actually taught me to crochet, but is still happiest turning out long chains. I got her to do a long piece in bright orange acrylic wool for me, so we could make a pumpkin pot using some glass baby food jars we have stashed.

As you can see, he turned out really well. It’s so simple; one long chain of yarn, crocheted in orange. Then paint a jar in tacky glue and wind the crochet around the jar. We did felt shapes for eyes and nose and mouth in yellow, but I think for a quirky effect, we might replace them with black tomorrow. The felt got glued on too.

For a bit of fun, Amelie covered the lid of the jar in green fimo to give him a top. She decided it turns him into a French pumpkin! If you use an electric tea light for the glow effect, you’ll be able to leave this lid on while he’s ‘alight’ – obviously with a flame tea light, the lid will make him go out though!

For the record, we put a flame tea light in. The yarn is synthetic and can’t burn easily. I lit it once the candle was inside (grown up job!) but you could flame proof the yarn if you wished. Be careful – and don’t do anything silly with it. We aren’t responsible for anything daft you do while making or lighting this craft!