Pumpkins: To Carve, or Not To Carve, That is the Question!

Creative Alternatives to Carving Your Pumpkins

So, historically, old Jack sits watch on our doorsteps with with a jagged smile and precariously  positioned triangular features. He is the traditional Halloween mascot; buckets were formed in his likeness and his moniker is solidified in cult movie history. But, what if, instead of a triangle you made a circle, with say, a drill bit? Or, how about taking the less gruesome approach of butchering and gutting, and just leave the big guy whole to be painted instead? With so many options out there, why just settle for triangles and zig zags? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

These are some great designs for all of the over achievers out there:

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/11-extreme-pumpkin-images-from-ray-villafane/#slideshow=slidead8

For those who love the buzz of a power tool, this is for you:

http://www.extremepumpkins.com/powertools.html

Are you more creative with a brush than a blade? Check these out:

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/painted-pumpkins#slide-2

A different approach to making shapes:

http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/cookie-cutter-pumpkin-carving-with-kids/index.html?soc=pinterest&crlt.pid=camp.WoEPOMQ4BwnK

Once you have carved your pumpkin, you are going to want to preserve it so that revelers near and far can bask in its majestical glory, i.e., you don’t want it to rot. I have heard tell of using furniture polish, Vaseline, silica gel and even good old white glue, but take it from an expert  who tried all of the above and then some in the name of science:

http://www.extremepumpkins.com/pumpres.html

Now that you have your inspiration, go and have some fun! We would love to see your Jack O’ Lanterns, so if you feel like sharing your masterpiece send your pics to: [email protected]

One last note – the guts may look gross, but they can be transformed into something magical! Stay tuned for next week’s #FunFriday Blog: Pumpkins – The Inside Scoop!