Welcome to Imagine That on Wednesdays!
With the holiday season fast approaching, people are breaking out the crafts. First up are Halloween decorations. We used to carve pumpkins when I was growing up. Simple at first, but then I fell in love with the various patterns you could buy at Michaels. Carving cats was much more fun than triangle noses and mouths. My least favorite part, however, was scooping out the pumpkin innards. Blegh.
My solution now is not to carve at all. But my mom still wanted some pumpkins for decorations, so last year she bought them anyway–and gave me the job of decorating them. Not to worry. If I didn’t want to use a knife, I could use a Sharpie.
You can do this at home too if you don’t like the mess of carving the pumpkins (and the even worse mess of throwing them out after they’ve molded). And you can still use the patterns from the carving book. Simply use the Sharpie to color in the areas you would normally cut out.
Last year's pumpkins
For some other Halloween crafting tips, see Debra Kristi’s post on making a budget friendly “Wicked Wreath of Delight” and Tameri Etherton’s “Getting Crafty With It!“
Angela Wallace, Author 
Those are fabulous!!
Every year, hubby’s sister hosts a family gather (this Sunday actually) called Pumpkin Carving day. We all gather at her house and carve pumpkins all afternoon followed by a huge pot luck feed. I usually use a stencil kit and carve something. I’ll have to find some pics and do a little post.
It’s such a GREAT family activity!!
Can’t wait to see that post, Natalie!
That’s a great idea Angela! Saves a mess and a sore arm from all the carving. LOL Plus at the end of the day you can make lots of wonderful pumpkin pie and pumkin bread. YUM! Thanks for the link back!
Well, I’m not sure about saving the sore arm–drawing on a pumpkin isn’t the best thing for one’s wrist. Though carving is definitely more strenuous.
You’re welcome, Debra!
These are wonderful! When I was a kid, I got pretty good at carving pumpkins (it was one of the activities we did every year in elementary school), but now that I live alone, it’s something I rarely do. I love driving around my neighborhood, though, and seeing what the other families have done.
Hey Lena, decorating is more fun when you have people to do it with, or at least to appreciate your efforts. I probably wouldn’t do anything if it were just me, either.
How cool! I think we’ll try those this year – although Rob and Grace will still have to carve one. We’ve got some neighbors who always have the really intricately carved pumpkins. I have no idea how they do that, but these are a great alternative.
Hey Stacy, I’ve seen pictures of carved pumpkins that look shaded in some parts, with different intensities of light shining through. I have no idea how they do that.
Those are some great looking pumpkins Angela! I was half tempted to do one myself this year, but didn’t get around to it. Looks like you did enough I can pretend one of them is for me, lol.
Haha. After your Row80 comment, shall I say the angry kitty is yours, Susan? 😉
I love this idea. We don’t have any trick or treaters because of how far we live from civilization. But, I would have loved to have done this on some of the pumpkins we used to decorate for our fall party last weekend. I’ll buy the stencils now so I remember do it next year. Love the howling wolf!
Thanks Kate! 🙂
That is such a great idea… I just bought 2 pumpkins yesterday for carving… hmm now I’m liking your idea more:)
One to carve, one to draw…? 🙂
Last year I did the same thing — we drew a scary mansion on one large pumpkin and I made two smaller ones into funny pirate faces (per my kids’ request) complete with black felt pirate hats and eye patches 🙂
Haha, how cute!
I love this idea, Angela! It’s so simple, but I’ve NEVER thought about it – and I hate the carving mess. (And it truly turns into a mess around my house.)
I used to love carving pumpkins with my dad; sadly, I haven’t decorated a pumpkin in years. I need to change that! Unfortunately, I’m not very artistic or crafty….
I think using a stencil would work. 🙂
I LOVE the Fairy Pumpkin! How beautiful ^_^
Thanks Becka. 😀
[…] We start with one of the most familiar crafts this time of year, pumpkin carving and decorations. Luckily for us, Angela R. Wallace walks us through some fun ideas in It’s Pumpkin Time! […]
What a fantastic idea for decorating pumpkins. I’m going to try it with the kiddos.
[…] 7. But I draw a wicked jack-o-lantern. […]
[…] Tameri Etherton’s post “Getting Crafty with It!” and Angela Wallace’s post “It’s Pumpkin Time!” You are bound to find just what you’re looking […]
Those are SO cool! I actually like scooping out the goop (I know, I know), but carving drives me nuts. I think this is something I could totally do and have a great time (and not miss the goop).
It would also give me a reason to use the 234 sharpies I have. Thanks for the idea!
And the shout out! Duh. I posted the comment before I was done.
Thanks for the mention. It’s been a fun week for Halloween crafts!
[…] Tameri Etherton’s post “Getting Crafty with It!” and Angela Wallace’s post “It’s Pumpkin Time!” You are bound to find just what you’re looking […]