SELECTING A GOOD PUMPKIN

Try brush on or spray paint and an unusual color this year. These aqua and blue pumpkins are great for lovers of the sea.

These captivating decorative pumpkin images feature genuine and imitation pumpkins, which can be purchased at your local discount store. Always check your local dollar store for glitter and even thumbtacks (featured in the amazing gleaming metal tacked pumpkins at this pages end). 
If you want to use a genuine pumpkin here are a few tips on how to select a good one:

Sparkle glitter is always a favorite.

Whether you are looking for a pumpkin to carve or use as Harvest décor choose a pumpkin that will last until Hallow’s Eve.

Check for a smooth, uniformly colored skin. The flesh should be firm, not elastic in any way.

Stay away from pumpkins with bruises, cuts or scratches as these are the areas open to decay.

 If carving is your goal, you want a pumpkin with a shell that is hard enough to protect it, but still allows you to get a knife through. 

Pumpkins with outer shells that feel as hard as a piece of wood are difficult and dangerous to slice into.

Gilt paint and crystals!

Tap the pumpkin gently and listen for a slightly hollow sound.

Lift the pumpkin—the heavier the pumpkin, the thicker the walls.

If carving, thick walls block candle light and any carving details will be lost.

Test to see if your pumpkin has a good, balanced base to sit on, so it doesn’t roll over when you try to display it.

Hi Sheen metallic paint!

By the way, if you are looking to place a specific image on the pumpkin, select your  design before you go shopping. 

What shape pumpkin would best suit your design? 

Spray paint, glass beads and large flake glitter!

Look for a pumpkin with a shape similar to the pattern you're going to carve. If you'll be using stencils, steer clear of dented pumpkins.

Amazing shiny upholstery or
 thumb tack pumpkins!

If you carve or puncture your pumpkin, it will start to dry out as soon as it is  exposed to the air. 




Try these tips to keep it fresh longer:

• Keep it in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight.
• Spray it with an anti-transpirant, like Wilt-Pruf.
• Don’t leave it outdoors if there’s a threat of frost.  

 Remember to take your time selecting and  creating your own unique Harvest Pumpkin!!