Document text
http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 21, 2006 Pumpkin carving has evolved from the traditional, triangular jack-o�-lantern to totem poles and three-dimensional goblins. (Mail Tribune illustration / Bob Pennell) (Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell) A Craving For Carving By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune Just as soon as the weather turns cool, thousands of orange gourds appear at produce stands and supermarkets across the Rogue Valley. Some will become pie. Others will be used for unadorned decoration. Thousands more will sport anything from a witch's grin or Garfield smirk to the silhouette of a ghost or haunted house. As much a fall tradition as trick-or-treating or turkey dinner, jack-o'-lanterns light the way to Halloween fun, symbolizing the coming end of the harvest. Advertisement Whether you dig "snaggletooth" pumpkins, or creepier critters are more your style, some basic pumpkin-carving techniques can ensure a successful creation. According to Ashland resident Scott Cully of Harry & David — who holds the world record for the largest jack-o'-lantern ever carved — the trick to pumpkin carving is to stray from the norm. Cully broke the world record last fall in New Cambria, Pa., carving a 1,469-pound gourd. While he prefers to create his carvings on pumpkins of 800 pounds or larger, he'll carve a 100-pounder, just for the sake of being able to carve. Even for those wanting to become artistic with smaller pumpkins, there are some basics to keep in mind: The Proper Gourd While some pumpkin fans are adamant about finding the perfect "Cinderella pumpkin," Cully prefers ugly and unshapely. "I think that people should choose the nastiest, gnarliest pumpkin they can find," he says. "I think that the character that Mother Nature put into that pumpkin can only add to what the pumpkin can become." Some produce stands operators will recommend younger carvers use white Lumina pumpkins, which are usually softer and easier to chop than their orange cousins. Tool Time Area pumpkin carvers have their favorite tools. Cully's is a three-inch paring knife. "It's got a wide handle I can wrap my hand around and a narrow blade can be turned and twisted," he said. In addition, basic kitchen spoons for "digging out" 3-D features, and a sheet rock saw come in handy. Ashland pumpkin carver Harry Wolf, who has created a local fan base over the past 10 years, prefers a Swiss Army knife to most tools. "I won't carve without one," Wolf said. Cully and Wolf are careful to remind amateur carvers, young and old, that safety comes first. "I think (pumpkin carving) kits are good to start young kids off," Cully says, "because you're going to end up with fewer trips to the hospital." Put on a happy face, or not When determining what to carve, draw before chopping. Cully recommends a face-painting crayon. Sit the pumpkin on a flat surface, determine which side should be the "front" and mark the center at which the design will start. "The good thing about using (the crayons) is, if you make the wrong mark and have to wash off part of the pumpkin, face-painting crayons work on wet surfaces, too," Cully says. When coming up with a design that you want to carve, use your imagination. Or, search online for design possibilities. Dig In When setting out to carve, remove seeds and other goo from the insides. This creates a prettier carving and makes a better impression when lit. Remember, the opening can be cut in the side or bottom, not only the top. When creating the final look, go for the unusual. And get away from triangles, Cully says. "Triangles? Absolutely not!," Cully says. "Make eyes that look like eyes, or goblin eyes, witches eyes. Make a mouth with fangs, or a nose that can breath fire." Show Off When your work is done, set a tea candle or battery-operated tea lights inside the pumpkin and dazzle the neighbors. While Web sites tout pumpkin preserving recipes and ideas, simply enjoy the creation while it lasts, then start another, Wolf says. And don't forget the most important part of carving, Cully adds. "The most important tip for families is to make sure they set up the carving activity with the family in a place they're not afraid to get good and messy!" he said. "When I carved pumpkins as a kid my parents were like, 'Don't make a mess.' ... Forget that! ... Expect to make a mess," Cully says. "Go crazy, throw chunks of pumpkin at each other! it's just a great family activity." Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary