Now I am all about decorating my yard and house from September 15 to the end of the year. Beginning of course with Autumn and ending with Christmas. But, there is just something special about being able to bring out all of the oranges, browns and yellows from September until Thanksgiving- I mean look how long you can leave it out and all you have to do is switch out a few carved faces of the jack o' lanterns for a few human ones of the Pilgrims and a few black cats for turkeys!
In Oklahoma, the fall festivites are in full force. The Tulsa State Fair just ended. The cornmazes will soon begin to confuse many, haunted houses will live up to their names and the pumpkin patches will soon be overloaded with picture taking mommy's and daddy's trying hard to capture those first smiles.
Along with the pumpkin patches, will come a few brave souls who will be very surprised when the perfect pumpkin they pick is sold by the pound and ends up costing way more than they imagine, but they pay for it anyway, because they just know that it will be the prize winning pumpkin when they get it home and carve it. And of course, this is Oklahoma, so they never dream that the elements might just turn that perfect smiling face green or that it will cave in before those first so cute, but then so annoying as the night goes, trick or treaters ring the doorbell. Really? Has this ever happened to you? Wouldn't you like to know how to avoid the curse of the pumpkin rot?
Alright, alright you really didn't think I was gonna tell you how much I loved this time of year, get you so excited about all the events like my birthday, decorating, fall events and carving your pumpkin without telling you what Southern Living said about it did you? I just made it to the pumpkin patch this weekend as you can tell from the above pictures and I am so ready to try out a few of the templates below. (Make sure you click on the link to look at their beautiful pumpkins)
Pumpkin Carving Directions
Everything you need to know about carving pumpkins and
How to Trace a Template for Fantastic Pumpkins
After cleaning your selected pumpkin, wipe the outer surface clean.
Decide if you want to remove a round piece from the top with the stem as a handle, or remove the bottom of the pumpkin.
For the "top" method, cut off the lid of the pumpkin at an angle. This prevents the top from falling in.
If the flesh inside is very thick, gently cut or scrape away any excess to about a 1-inch thickness.
Templates use negative space to create designs. You will cut away the dark areas.
Tape desired template to the "front" of your upright pumpkin. If you have trouble making it fit, cut small slits in edges of template paper to ease it around the curved surface.
Using a thumbtack, straight pin, or wooden pick, poke holes about every 1/8; to ¼ inch along design lines on the edge you are supposed to cut.
Carefully remove template. Save the pattern to use as a guide.
Cut away the negative space along pierced lines.
If a piece breaks or is cut in error, use wooden picks to secure it back into the design.
To preserve a cut pumpkin, place "front" side down in a tub of cold water. Let pumpkin float and slowly fill with water. Soak up to 8 hours or overnight. You may add a tiny bit of liquid bleach to water to prevent mold. Immediately dry pumpkin when removed from water.
Rub a coating of petroleum jelly on cut edges to hold in the moisture from soaking.
And for the ones who don't want to get their hands all ooey and gooey like Mrs. Priss, check out these easy no-carve pumpkins at Real Simple-these are simply amazing!
Don't forget, as always we want to see the pictures of your creations! Please email them to wearerhok@gmail.com
♥Mrs. Hart♥
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