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Pumpkin Carving Or How To Become A Pumpkin Master!

The first item on the agenda is selecting your pumpkin. Folks usually pass up those gnarly squash for the nice round big guys when shopping. You can pick a pretty pumpkin but it's not necessary, or always desirable. Some of those lopsided ones or ones with 'defects' actually can add to your design, and you may get a discount. You are not limited to pumpkins either, a nice Turban Squash or a Golden Acorn or two can add to the fun. Mix it up!

The next step is deciding if you want to just display, carve, or engrave your gourds. Displays of several various gourds can be very effective. I personally like a couple in my mix of carved and engraved squash. Carving is cutting all the way through the flesh while engraving entails just cutting through the outer skin and leaving the under flesh intact.

When you are carving, and in most instances engraving, you will need to scoop out the innards of your squash. Using a large sharp knife cut the top section. Usually it's the top but not always, then lift off. Then you can use an ice cream scoop or large kitchen spoon to remove the seeds and pulp. Ideally you want about an inch thickness of flesh for your designs. A little pot scrubber can smooth the inside for a clean look.

Save those seeds, they make a great snack salted & dried. Or you may want to plant a crop for next fall so keep them in a dry cool spot. Most varieties take about 100 days from planting to maturity, so sow next summer in a sunny place with lots of room to spread out.

Of course you will need to design your carving or engraving. You can transfer a picture by using dressmaker pins and attaching the picture to the face of your gourd. Then with an awl or large pin, prick the outline of your design right through the paper onto your pumpkin. Remove paper and follow the dots you made to cut or engrave.

Creativity comes into play with your design and the tools you decide to use. There are many different specialty pumpkin cutters, or you can just raid the kitchen or your toolbox. A large sharp knife is a must for most carvings. Apple corers, drills, various sizes of chisels, large spoons, and all sorts of items found around the house can help you create wonderful works of art. A little craft blade can help with intricate engravings. I've even used an old jigsaw blade with several layers of duct tape on one end as a self fashioned handle.

With a knife you want to slice the flesh. With a specialty cutter or the jigsaw blade use a sawing motion to cut the design. This motion is most useful for intricate carvings and less likely to over cut your design. If you have kids helping, please use the sawing method. I love the drill for perfect circles and some geometric designs.

Simple geometric designs repeated around the fruit, somewhat like an Easter egg, can be quite stunning in an engraving. Easy circles drilled in concentric fashion, or even randomly, is very little effort for big effect. Consider putting your house numbers or just eyes on your squash. Simple folk art can be stunning on a gourd. Of course, we all love the scary faces so include some of those too!

Combine several different types of squash for various effects. A Turks Turban makes a great 'hat' for a larger squash. Little Sweet Dumplings can trail off the steps or around the porch for added effect. If your squash will be displayed in front of a wall, consider cutting a back design to throw a shadow on that wall like a couple of bats flying. Dry ice scattered around gives that nifty smoky effect.

Now that you have your squash ready, use votive candles to illuminate your designs. A simple way to light a votive is with a long piece of uncooked spaghetti. Light it and then use the length of the noodle to easily reach into those carvings. A barbaque lighter also works well. Happy Halloween!

About the Author

Susanne Bargel is getting ready for Halloween in all sorts of ways. You can check out costumes and accessories at her EMall. Free shipping on select orders up to Oct 23rd.

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