Pumpkin Decorating Tips

Are you tired of the same old pumpkin carving? You've been doing the same faces since you were a kid, isn't there any other way to decorate a pumpkin? Of course! You just have to get out of the same old carving mind set. Here are some other ideas:

• Try paint- wash and dry the outside of the pumpkin well and use acrylic paint to create your design. You can still outline your shape using a stencil. Pin leaves, real or silk, to your pumpkin and spray paint around them. This works well with pumpkins that still have some green on them. For a contemporary twist, select a white pumpkin and use black paint. Uncarved pumpkins last longer as well. You could even use this same technique for Thanksgiving using different designs.



• Scrape the flesh of the pumpkin but don't carve all the way through. Leave some areas just scraped for a glowing appearance. The light inside will glow out those areas and create a beautiful effect.



• Use your pumpkin as a vase for a flower arrangement. Carve your pumpkin (or not), cut a lid from the top and hollow out or partially hollow out your pumpkin. Drop a small container to hold water and place flowers inside. A beautiful display for any fall occasion!



• Instead of cutting the top off to insert a candle or light, leave the top in tact and cut off the bottom. This can help stabilize a lop-sided pumpkin, and you can slide the pumpkin over the candle or light.



• If you like carving pumpkins and maybe creating goofy or scary faces, try adding other gourds and vegetables for a new look. For example, cut small holes in the 'ear' area and insert red chili peppers to make horns. Or, cut a hole for the nose and slip in a gourd to create a bulbous nose.



• Use ribbon, metal wire and other household items to create something new.

Look at your hardware store and produce section in a new creative way to add new life to your creations! If you have other unique ideas, please share.