Well, here is the update for my circuit. I want to thank everyone who assisted me in my first venture. The link is to an application of the circuit. Also attached is the schematic of what finally worked for me. If anyone wants to comment on my schematic, I would appreciate it. It's running 6 LED's (2 5mm, 2 3mm and 2 2mm). I added 2 more led's- extras from a strand of halloween lights. Once again---Thanks
http://s974.photobucket.com/albums/ae228/ShockBoyPB/?action=view&current=100_3411.flv
(hopefully this link works)

 

I would recommend connecting the cathode of D1 to pin 3 of the 555 which can sink more current than the discharge pin.

 

I'm not sure, but in this case I don't think that is true. This is a CMOS 555.

 

I had an hour and a half to wire and stuff the led's into that pumpkin. I'm happy with the results. Currently I have 8 LED's going with no major dimming.

 

mik3, is that why D2 was significantlly dimmer with the 470 resistor I originally had, before the 33?

 

It's because the TLC555 can only source about 10mA when Vcc=15v. You've reduced the resistor attempting to compensate for the 555's poor current sourcing capacity.

If you'd gone with the circuit I suggested that had the 2sc1813 transistor with 6.8k on the base, it should've worked just fine.