Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

I love decorating pumpkins! From paint, templates, drills, embellishments, and colored lighting, the possibilities are endlessly adorable! We’re getting close to the date that is safe to start carving; don’t do it too early if you want your pumpkin to survive until October 31st. Depending on what part of the country you live in, and what the temperatures are like this time of year, you may want to wait till closer to a week out. For the many ideas pictured on the left, visit this link: Craft O Maniac

Here is a list of some great tips on pumpkin preservation from HGTV:

Mold and dehydration are the two main contributors to pumpkin rot. Prevent both by covering the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly. This will keep the pumpkin from drying out and will slow the growth of mold.
Another option is to add a small amount of bleach to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pumpkin daily with the bleach mixture; the bleach fights mold while the water keeps the pumpkin from drying out too quickly.

How to keep squirrels away: I have spent countless years, at war with the squirrels that seek to devour my freshly carved pumpkins. My kids have been horrified to find their lovely creations destroyed the next day. Try the options above, but add some cayenne pepper to the petroleum jelly and cover the outsides as well. The bleach may help keep squirrels away as well, if sprayed daily as they suggest to fight mold. You may also try ammonia water on the inside and outside. Other ideas I have read include sitting fake animals near your pumpkins, moth balls and deer repellent. Squirrels can be persistent little buggers and it may take trying a few different options.

Check out this collection of some of my favorite pumpkin carving ideas! Happy pumpkin carving! Now, to decide which ones to use…