Pumpkins With Pizzazz

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Host Sharon Anderson meets with Pete Nelson of The Design Group, who shares ingenious ideas for carving the perfect pumpkin, including a jack-o'-lantern with a tropical theme and a pirate. He also demonstrates clever candle-free ways to light a pumpkin.

Figure A--Avast mateys! This pirate pumpkin will inject an unexpected fright into guests at your next party. To add a spooky effect, turn the pirate pumpkin into a dramatic centerpiece with a little dry ice. Place some dry ice in a small dish inside the pumpkin and add a bit of water. Light the pumpkin with a light stick.

Figure B--Carve out the face in the usual manner, then create a 3-D design by carving out the ears, then pressing the cutouts partially back into the pumpkin. Add a large gold-hoop earring for a final touch.

Figures C and D--Nothing's scarier than a big ol' pumpkin infested with spiders! To create this effect, carve a large hole in one side of the pumpkin, and build a web of black pipe cleaners over the hole.
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Figure E--Place a battery-powered touch light inside the spider pumpkin, and cover it with tiny little plastic spiders. For additional creepiness, carve little spiders on the pumpkin.
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Figure F--A small battery-powered fluorescent light makes a safe, reliable and neat alternative to candles when it comes to lighting a pumpkin.
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Figure G--A pumpkin doesn't have to be scary. Create an interesting tropical jack-o'-lantern by carving out an island sunset, including a palm tree, sun and water. Line the inside of the pumpkin with sheets of colored gels in appropriate colors such as green, gold and blue. Use a battery-powered fluorescent light to illuminate the pumpkin.
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Figure H--Most stencil kits for carving pumpkins also include tiny, specialized carving tools to make the task easier.
Figures I and J--Don't just stick to carving when decorating pumpkins. Use flat green spray paint to create a witchy pumpkin. Paint the pumpkin, then use a stencil kit (available at craft stores) to cut out the witch's face.
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Figure K--Recycle the pumpkin stem as an appropriately gnarled witch nose.
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Figure L--Start a cute kitty jack-o'-lantern by sponge-painting a pumpkin.
Figures M and N--Create ears for the kitty pumpkin by snipping off a couple of lengths of coat-hanger wire, bending the wire and inserting into the lid of the pumpkin. Cover the wires with fake fur. Light the cat-o'-lantern with a battery-powered light or a glow stick.
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Figure O--Stick-on designs are another way to add some unexpected punch to a pumpkin creation. Cover the pumpkin with hippie-themed stickers, carve out a peace sign and add some colorful slogans.
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Figure P--Cut interesting shapes, such as smiley faces, big feet, hearts and peace signs out of foam board. Paint with loud, vibrant colors and attach to the top of the pumpkin on rods.
Guests
Pete Nelson
Sales Manager, The Design Group
2912 N. Second St.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Toll-free: 800-616-6460
Fax: 612-522-6461
Website: www.thedesigngroup.com
Also in this Episode
Your Holiday Home : Episode YHH-101
•Pumpkins With Pizzazz
•Ultimate Halloween Party
•Haunted Accessories
•Entertaining Treats
•Elegant Halloween Ideas
•Clever Costumes
•Halloween Party for Kids