Pumpkin Decorating
Trick out your gourd so it stands out from the patch!
PAINT 'EM
Skip the knife and paint funny faces on your pumpkins instead. Painted pumpkins generally last longer than carved ones. Be sure to choose a pumpkin that's fairly smooth and give it a good wipe down with a moist towel or rag before you start painting.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Plan your escape from the normal solo jack-o'-lantern and use two pumpkins for one display.
SIDEWAYS STEM
Who says stems have to be on the top? Turn a curvy stem into a funny nose. Make a small opening on the bottom of your pumpkin for scooping out the seeds.
GET GHOSTY
For a ghostly display, paint your pumpkins completely white. Once the paint has dried, add black circles for mouths. Acrylic paint works best. Stick on some googly eyes and place the pumpkin on a base. You can use coffee filters draped over the top of a glass or jar.
KEEP IT FRESH
To help your creation last longer, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from hungry squirrels. Once carved, most pumpkins only last a week or so. But don't worry, there will be more to carve next year!