CAPSULE COMMENTS

September 20, 2007

Pumpkin Crafts

Along country roads and in local farm markets there will be more and more signs that autumn is fast approaching. One of the most recognizable of these is a pumpkin. The following books highlight the many different things you can do with this versatile fruit.

HOLIDAY PUMPKINS by Georgeanne Brennan and Jennifer Barry

This book will provide a wealth of ideas on the many creative ways a pumpkin can be used. Filled with color photographs on nearly every page, there are recipes for soups, salads, side dishes and desserts using this fall staple. Pumpkins also get crafty with easy to follow directions on how to make candle holders, vases and centerpieces.

GREAT PUMPKINS: CRAFTY CARVING FOR HALLOWEEN by Peter Cole with Jessica Hurley

Tired of carving the same old faces on pumpkins every year? These ideas will give many new avenues to travel when looking at that pumpkin and wondering what to do. There are tips on how to pick out the right pumpkin, prepare it for carving and how to choose the right tools for your project. Featured projects include carvings based on popular artworks, well known celebrities and standard Halloween characters. Each project has a color photo of the finished pumpkin, instructions and in some cases a stencil to help with the design.

EXTREME PUMPKIN CARVING: 20 AMAZING DESIGNS FROM FRIGHTFUL TO FABULOUS by Vic Hood and Jack A. Williams

The interesting designs in this volume would be for those pumpkin carvers that are looking for a project that is a bit more challenging. Relief carving using tools readily available and woodcarving tools are presented. There are step by step instructions and a picture of what the pumpkin should look like each step of the way.

PUMPKIN CARVING by Edward Palmer

This book is mainly a collection of over thirty patterns that can be transferred to a pumpkin for use by both beginner carvers and more experienced. The beginning of the volume is an explanation on how to do everything from cutting the lid of the pumpkin, to choosing the best tools for the job.