Build a Picket Pumpkin Lantern: Easy Fall Woodworking Project

Hey there,

Matthew here.

Fall is finally starting to sneak into the shop, and I’ve been looking for something easy and seasonal to build between bigger projects. I had a single cedar fence picket leaning in the corner, so I decided to turn it into a couple of little pumpkin-shaped lanterns just for fun.

It surprised me how much character you can get out of one board. I curved the sides, added a small stem from a branch outside, and left space inside for a small LED candle or lights. My favorite part is that the back panel pops off, so you can change the lighting whenever you want. It’s simple, but when they’re glowing, they look better than I expected.

I wrote down the sizes, steps, and the way I laid everything out in case anyone else wants to try it. It’s the kind of build that doesn’t take much time, and it feels really good to finish something in one afternoon. If you do make one, send me a picture — I always enjoy seeing what everyone comes up with.

Hope you’re getting a little shop time this week. These small projects are a nice break from the bigger builds, and they remind me why I enjoy woodworking in the first place.

Talk soon,
Matthew

👉 Start Building Here!

A lot of folks have been asking how to move beyond the smaller builds and start tackling furniture with more confidence. Over the past year, I filmed some step-by-step projects in my shop and collected the techniques that helped me the most when I was learning.

I put everything into a course you can follow at your own pace, along with a handful of build plans that pair nicely with the lessons. There’s also a small Facebook group where people share progress and help each other out, which has been really fun to watch.

If you’ve been looking for something a bit deeper than random videos, this might be helpful. No pressure at all — just wanted to share what I’ve been working on.

👉 Join Woodworking Kickstart + Get $300 in Free Plans

Keep building things that surprise people (including yourself).

Until next time,
Matthew Peech

^{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this.” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this.”}