The Pumpkin Carving Book

This title helps you create glorious glowing lanterns and illuminated decorative displays, for Halloween and all year round, in 20 wonderful projects shown step by step. It includes a section on techniques, shown stage-by-stage in easy-to-follow photography with clear instructions, make carving beautiful pumpkins as easy as pie. It includes 165 stage-by-stage photographs, by photographer Debbie Patterson, and 10 design templates to help you create beautiful results with each carving. The introduction contains a history of decorative pumpkin carving, information on different types of pumpkins and squashes, a guide to the tools you will need, step-by-step techniques for hollowing out and carving, and instructions for growing your own pumpkins and storing the finished lanterns. It includes projects such as dramatic geometric globes, charming clusters of miniature squash to warm a windowsill, a friendly feline, a wise witch and a traditional Jack O'Lantern. Halloween is just one of the times that pumpkin carvers can create fabulous displays. Squashes and pumpkins are now available all year round, and there are many seasonal, festival and home celebration excuses to make wonderful carved decorations. The book opens with an illustrated guide to the variety of pumpkins and squash available. A glossary of carving techniques then explains the uses of different tools and cutting methods. There are 20 step-by-step projects for producing original lanterns of every shade, shape and size, from simple geometric patterns to beautiful folk-art designs. Pumpkins can be decorated with a festive snowflake motif, autumnal falling leaves, or letters and numbers, or can even be made into a stunning candle holder. Every project contains a useful list of tools that will be needed, and the method is written clearly in simple steps, with easy-to-follow photographs illustrating each stage. Practical and inspirational, this delightful book offers a one-stop source for pumpkin-carving designs.