Sunday October 14, 2012 Pumpkin Carving

It seems likely that I’m not alone in finding that as the days get shorter I find myself craving light through the winter months.  This led to a search of the catalogue for books on how to make paper lanterns.  I found Paper Illuminated by Helen Hiebert, which contains projects for paper lanterns, lampshades, luminaria, and more.  Even more interesting I found a selection of books on pumpkin carving.  So, today I will focus on books that prepare us for Halloween.  In our house we’re already working on costumes and the jack-o-lanterns are next up on the “to-do” list.

For most of us pumpkin carving is not a work of art.  We draw a simple face and do our best to cut on the lines.  Growing up there was always some choice language and we kids usually got bored halfway through pulling out the insides.  Then we’d return to see Dad tackle the carving with a freshly sharpened knife.  For others though pumpkin carving is an art form and there are an ever increasing number of books and websites on how to carve the perfect pumpkin.  The books you can find at your library range from the most simple to the extremely complex.  I’ve collected a taster pack of different pumpkin carving and decorating books for your pleasure.

To get started in pumpkin carving check out How to Carve Pumpkins for Great Results by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell and Pumpkin Carving by Ed Palmer.  These two books cover the basics of pumpkin carving with step by step instructions.  Even if you don’t want to carve the designs provided they should give you some ideas to make your own masterpiece.

Do you want to make three dimensional faces for your pumpkins and create awe inspiring scenes?  Check out Extreme Pumpkin Carving by Vic Hood and Extreme Pumpkins by Tom Nardone, both books contain directions to make truly terrifying pumpkin designs.  Not for the faint of heart they will put the fright back in Halloween.

I’ve included Decorating Pumpkins and Gourds by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell because it includes ideas for all of Fall and Winter, not just Halloween.  In this book you’ll find ideas for next Thanksgiving’s decorations as well as this Halloween and Christmas.  We tend to associate pumpkins (and to a lesser extent other gourds) with Halloween but they can provide striking seasonal decorations for several months.

Of course there are many more pumpkin carving and Halloween decorating books available at your library, but sadly space does not permit.  I encourage you to come in and check out all we have to make this Fall special.

Ruth Hamlin-Douglas