Most of the photos here at Rabbit Run Cottage
can be enlarged just by clicking on each one!
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Thursday, October 09, 2008

Pumpkins? We've Got Pumpkins!

Aren't these ideas fun?
From Country Living:
Spell out your greeting in mini pumpkins gathered at a prominent--and stationary--location. First, pencil letters on hollowed pumpkins (carve out the opening from the bottom). Then, using a drill with a 1/2" bit, bore holes to form each letter. Here, strings of Christmas-tree lights, gathered in small bunches, illuminate each pumpkin (unscrew bulbs where the string descends to the next row). FAUX PUMPKINS called Funkins, made from polyurethane foam, can be carved just like real pumpkins. Bonus: They are already hollow and lightweight, too, making them ideal for projects such as a jack-o'-lantern chandelier. LEAVES AND GOURDS, such as these pear branches, bittersweet berries, squash, and bottle gourds, with their shapely silhouettes, make for eerie effects. BRING COLLECTIONS of vintage plates, platters, and mugs in seasonal hues outside. Here, a bottle caddy (turned candle holder on the chair), cake stand, and painted table and chairs are used to lend visual richness to the setting. ILLUMINATE the scene with candlelight from lanterns, votives, and jack-o'-lanterns (light them safely with battery-operated Christmas lights, electric candles, or flashlights). From Better Homes and Gardens: Pumpkins make great luminaries to light up a walk, driveway, porch, or stairway. Just be safe, and allow enough room for traffic flow. Use LED candles or strings of lights. Include gourds, squash, and uncut pumpkins to complete the Halloween look. You'll be able to use these through the fall season. Bring out your inner artist, and freehand a design. Simple shapes work best: flowers, leaves, or random–size holes created with an electric drill. If you need help, let the men involved know they can use power tools. You'll be done in no time. But if you want to create detailed, unique designs on your pumpkins, it's easier than you think. Templates are redily available or you can create a design template yourself. Carving kits are available everywhere from dollar stores to high-end kitchen shops, but you really don't need one. Assemble your own with basic kitchen tools such as a sharp knife; a smaller paring knife; and wide, sturdy spoons to clean out the seeds and stringy pulp. A small handsaw is also helpful. From Martha Stewart Living: Use a pumpkin incense burner to suggest the cozy scent of pie just out of the oven. Cut off the pumpkin's top and scrape out the innards; carve round vents with an apple corer. Rub cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spices onto the lid, or push cloves into it. With a lighted tealight candle inside, the pumpkin will give off a lovely fragrance for about six hours.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Susie!! Thank you so much for coming by to see me. Yes, we're blessed so much. I told Mr. Precious about the legs thingy. He said no way!! lol
I love all those cute pumpkins!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Justabeachkat said...

Gorgeous ideas! Today was a "chilly" day for us. Well, chilly for us in Florida. LOL

Hugs!
Kat

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your sweet words. Love the cute photos.

SmilingSally said...

How many of these ideas will you use?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What wonderful ideas! I love the idea of using string lights inside instead of candles!!
Hugs,
Penny

Kathleen Grace said...

I love the idea of spices inside the pumpkin for a spicey scent, I have to try that:>)

Sandi McBride said...

I want to fill my back steps with pumpkins, all different...Mac says the cats will have them for bowling balls out in the yard...he could be right! But I'm going to try!
Sandi

nikkicrumpet said...

very clever ideas....I love the daisy pumpkin!!!!

Bonnie said...

What great ideas! I just got an old fruit cart from a yard sale last week and I want to put pumpkins and ghourds in it and around it...

Terri said...

Very pretty ideas! How many are you doing? How do you decide?? They are all kind of great!

Janet said...

That pumpkin incense burner is so cute. I just hate to cut into my pumpkins, though.

Jeanie said...

I have found such a lovely haven here. I always wrap up my visit with a smile on my face! I love the pumpkin ideas -- I must remember them for an upcoming pumpkin carving party! (I love using the apple corer for those holes -- since I don't have a drill!)

Southern Lady said...

Hi, Susie ...

Thank you for taking the time to visit Southern Lagniappe, and for the gracious comment you left.

I enjoy your blog and especially liked your post on pumpkins. I may have to try my hand at carving one with "daisies."

I'll be back to visit again soon.

Sincerely,

Janie