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Denizens of the Dark

Carved pumpkins usually go solo -- the jaunty jack-o'-lantern perched on a stoop, greeting Halloween callerswith a toothy smile. But presented in a cluster, theselate-October luminaries really shine. This year, why notassemble dramatic vignettes to set the stage for aseason of spine-chilling fun? Beckon treat-seekers withglowing orbs that radiate a spider theme on the stepsof a dimly lit doorway. Or set a harvest table withpumpkins from which an ominous scarecrow and ablack cat loom. These are just two of the scenes youcan create using the techniques that follow. Before you

visit the pumpkin patch or the farm stand, draw asketch of your composition to determine how manypumpkins you'll need. Then, with an eye for sizes andshapes, choose ones with slightly flat faces, which willmake it easier to transfer the designs. When carving

time comes, invite friends over to partake of the craft of transforming pumpkins, large and small, intoscenes full of watchful ravens, screeching cats, and fluttering moths. Your gang of pumpkins willbewitch the night so effectively, you'll want to enjoy them long into November.

Harvest ScenesAbove, a front door tempts trick-or-treaters with a collection of eerie spiderwebs and a trantula shiningbrightly. Below, a rickety picket fence unites a row of pumpkins in a depiction of a farmer's field. Forboth displays, electric string lights are fed through a hole in the pumpkin's base to provide constantillumination.

Get the template.

Victorian GothicThis sideboard tableau intersperses luminous pumpkins with a decanter of wine, a stand with fruit,and other objects evocative of Edgar Allan Poe and his tales of horror. To render the glowingsilhouettes, we used two techniques: The bright candelabrum and goblet are cut through thepumpkins' walls, while the textured quill and skull are pared gently from the outer shells. Pumpkins ofdifferent hues, including white 'Lumina,' a green-gray 'Jarrahdale,' and burnt-orange cheesepumpkins, add tonal variety.

Tools and Materials Keyhole saw to cut the openingPlaster scraper, fleshing tool, or sharp, sturdy spoon for scooping out the pulpy flesh and thinning thewalls

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Awl, for transferring the template patternsNarrow-blade and wide-blade linoleum cutters foretching designsMiniature saw for carving designsString lightsGlass jarTemplate 

Pumpkin How-ToOnce the carving is complete, wrap string lightsaround the glass jar, then place jar inside pumpkin.We prefer this technique because you won't have toworry about the lights going out in your display.

To BeginCut a hole in base of pumpkin with keyhole saw.Scoop out seeds and flesh with plaster scraper,fleshing tool, or spoon; thin walls if desired. Choosetemplates. Reduce or enlarge as needed, and tape topumpkin. Using an awl, pierce holes along perimeterof template; remove to reveal pattern outline.

For Etched DetailsUsing narrow-blade linoleum cutter, remove skin along perimeter of your design. Then use wide-blade cutter to pare away skin within design. (The more skin you pare, the brighter the design willglow.)

For Carved DetailsCarve out your design using miniature saw. For intricate patterns with tight corners, work in sections.

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Raven's WayA bell-shaped squash serves as a vertical canvas for amoth-to-flame carving. Below, leaves seem to swirland tumble in a chilly wind as a raven watchesbeneath a baleful, moonlit sky. Glowing along a stonewall or presented indoors on a deep mantel, this

moody vignette can encompass as many pumpkins asspace permits. It's also an opportunity to use fruits ofvarious sizes in the same arrangement. (Keep in mindthat smaller pumpkins are harder to work with.) Wepaired three basketball-style pumpkins with a small,smooth-skinned pie pumpkin.

Get the template.

First Published: October 2007

Copyright 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

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PUMPKIN CREATIONS WORKBOO

Page 1 o2006 MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIAC

www.marthastewart.com

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PUMPKIN CREATIONS WORKBOO

Page 2 o2006 MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIAC

www.marthastewart.com

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PUMPKIN CREATIONS WORKBOO

Page 3 o2006 MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIAC

www.marthastewart.com