BOOtiful Halloween Pumpkins

It's that time of year again, my ghosts and goblins, to delight in being frightened, maintain a constant candy high and decorate for All Hallows Eve.

Jack-O'-Lanterns have come a long way and become increasingly sophisticated since the days of triangle eyes and crooked teeth in a half-moon smile. Specialized carving tools and techniques make for 3-D faces and images or intricate designs. But what if you want a pretty or sparkley pumpkin without all of the fuss of cutting and scooping? Let me share a few suggestions that I've found with you.

BEDAZZLED

I love the black painted base, but you can paint your pumpkin any color. Then glue on inexpensive rhinestones in the design of your choice. Add some candle light and you have a halloween disco ball.

Photo by frykitty

STUDDED PUMPKIN

These are my favorites! If you choose to decorate your pumpkins with a skin of tacks, be prepared for a time consuming and repetative process. It's fairly simple to do, cover every tiny space of your pumpkin with silver or gold thumbtacks. It may take a while, but the finished effect is fantastic.

Photo by MadiganMade

GLITTER GOURDS

Simple and fantastic. Brush your gourds with plain white glue. Let dry until tacky and sprinkle thoughoughly with glitter. Let dry and voilà, beautiful.

Photo by winemegup

There are so many great ideas out there! These caught my eye on the website www.stylelist.com, but the opportunities are endless. Paint, decoupage, tape, carving, buttons, fabric, ribbon - use it all! And have fun this halloween.

Now where did I put that candy??