In good hands learning the ropes
Practice makes perfect.
Maybe it's... perfect practice makes perfect.
Or even ... perfect pumpkin practice makes perfect ...
Whatever it is, my pumpkin "have a go" was not perfect. At least there was no blood.
Assembled the tools and resources
I had grand ideas of etching and shading and Aussie themed outcomes however, after my attempt in the miniature, I am definitely adjusting my expectations. My skill set and ambition didn't quite meet in the reality of this project.
The first cut is the deepest ...
To begin with, I couldn't even pierce the surface of my little pumpkin. Had to bring in the heavy hitting team with 7 years of carving experience to get me started. I was operating way too gingerly and after a little bit of help, at least got to the centre of the pumpkin.
And oh dear, that was an assault to the olfactory senses. It is a little "stinky" and it is all so slimy and involves a lot of sawing and rasping. I had a bit of an 'I'm an extra in a Dexter episode" moment.
Seriously ... stinky ... slimy
Soon got the hang of it though and made lots of holes around the pumpkin. Tried drawing on it as a guide - but that just smudged off with the slime, so no two little carved spaces are the same - that's what makes is so unique!
It is one of those sorts of "tidy up" things. You know, you look at it and say "I'll just take a bit more off that" and before you know it, the whole thing has lost its original form and focus. Eventually had to declare, enough is enough.
Tools down - if I had kept going, there would have not been any pumpkin left
I covered up some of the little faux pas spots with a strand of crocheted thread to form a scarf. Balanced the little pumpkins on a great little colour changing light and 🎶 🎵 da da 🎶 🎵 my little effort looked spooky and Halloween inspired. 🎃
How cute is that - there are 12 carved out little holes in that beauty!
Anyway, feeling VERY PROUD of myself, I was excited to set it up outside on the porch as a welcome home surprise for @Mindy and @Ian. They had been to #The Village for a date night celebration of their 16 years together. As an aside l, they went to their three favourite go-to-Asian cuisine restaurants ... and each one was closed! On. A Saturday night! Definitely the "dead season." Ended up eating at #McDonalds .... what can I say ... other than perhaps my little pumpkin carving was a highlight of their evening.
Think my little creation is the FEATURE of the display - winner
At least they noticed it and sang its praises and dutifully snapped lots of pictures and sent snaps to all the competitors in our upcoming pumpkin carving competition. I bet they are shivering in their boots in anticipation of what I can come up with after a week of practice!
Just had a thought @Mrs McPhee ... do they have #airtaskers for pumpkin carving?
PS Please note that @Mac was very, very, very quiet throughout the session - sat quietly and unobtrusively in the corner. I think he feels if he has his invisibility cloak on, he will avoid all this creativity. Maybe he can work on Halloween Sock Puppets!
Ha ha. I #Dr Googled it - it really is a thing. Do you think this is too ambitious? Could be right up there with the kid's handmade #Christmas decorations from #Preschool.
If carving isn't @Mac's thing, maybe a sock puppet!
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