Melon bowls

Ever wonder what you could do with the shell of a watermelon?  How about use it for a centerpiece at your next barbecue or get together?





I chose a cute mini seedless watermelon to make my flower vase and found how very simple this is and how cute it can be.




Here is all you need to make your own.
1.  Watermelon - size of your choice
2.  Knife
3.  Toothpicks
4.  Water glass or vase
5.  Flowers
-- yep, that's it!

You will want to first slice the bottom about 1/4" thick to make the watermelon level, then slice the top off enough so that you can scrape the insides out but not too much so that still get the rounded edges (approximately 1 1/2" to 2"), this piece will be used face down under the body of the watermelon like a vase pedestal.

Scoop and scrape all the watermelon fruit out of the shell, I found with this small of one that I could use a butter knife to cut along the inside edges before I scooped out the insides; this made it very easy to get a nice close edge.

Once all the fruit has been removed, secure the large upside down slice you took from the top of the watermelon to the bottom with toothpicks.  It can be a challenge with a small one to get the toothpicks far enough to the sides so your vase will fit inside flat.

After you are confident the two pieces are secure insert your water filled vase or glass, the arrange the flowers of your choice into the water-filled vase/glass.

The watermelon can last up to a week, but you can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the inside and all the cut edges, this will help to seal in the moisture and help it last a little longer.

Other Uses:
- Cut a large melon and hollow out, fill with ice and add bottles for a drink cooler.

- Cut melon and hallow out, cut various holes randomly through out the watermelon with an apple corer, add a candle to the inside, and attach small flowers around the rim by poking holes and inserting the flower stems. Makes very cute candle holder!

-  Cut the watermelon along the side (lengthwise) and slice a small piece from the bottom to level out, hallow out and add back the watermelon and various other fresh fruits for a natural fruit bowl.