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Pumpkin
People
by Arleen M.
Kaptur
It's a
beautiful Fall day - you head out to your
local pumpkin patch in the hope of finding
that one and only orange globe that will
captivate the youngsters, and bring some
chuckles and giggles from young and old
alike. Of course, your pumpkin is totally
free of any bruises or blemishes and it
definitely is in the shape of that idea
that keeps popping up in your head of the
kind of face you want to carve this
year.
A smooth
and evenly colored one is absolutely
perfect. It should have a flat bottom and
should be able to sit upright. if you have
very small children who want to lend a
hand this year in carving, pick a
lighter-colored, and softer pumpkin to
make their first attempts a bit
easier.
With handy
marker in hand, you lightly trace your
design or run one off on the computer as a
pattern. You could also play "connect the
dots" and then cut. Then the fun begins -
you cut, saw, and push and pull and there
you have it -the perfect "this year's"
sensational pumpkin.
(You
should really scrape away the pulp until
the area you plan to carve is 1" thick.
Hold your saw like a pencil and saw
steadily up and down, just like a sewing
maching. Don't use saws to cut the lid, or
twist, bend or jab.)
Two things
happen to pumpkins once you cut them. They
dry out and shrivel or they mold. Not
good! To protect, cover the carved areas
with plastic wrap, if not using a candle,
or with vaseline. Should the worse happen
and that pumpkin shrivels, don't despair.
Soak it in water for 6-8 hours. Use a
bucket or bathtub. Let it drain and then
dry it very carefully.
Come
Halloween night your pumpkin will be the
highlight of your outdoor decor and your
artistic talent will shine!
For easier
lighting, cut the "lid" from the bottom
and fit the pumpkin over the light,
instead of reaching in. A whole lot easier
and safer -
The Great
Pumpkin will be watching so do yourself
proud!
ENJOY!
©Arleen
M. Kaptur 2003 October
Arleen has
written numerous books and articles on
simple/rustic living and enjoying each and
every day.
Free newsletters:
http://www.arleenssite.com
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