“IT IS NOT THE STRONGEST PUMPKIN GROWER THAT SURVIVES, NOT THE MOST INTELLIGENT, BUT THE GROWER MOST RESPONSIVE TO CHANGE.” ~Charles Darwin, Theory of Pumpkin Evolution
Did you know that there are over a billion pounds of pumpkins grown in the United States each year? That could fill a whole lot of Jane Marvel Tote Bags! With so many pumpkins at our disposal we have plenty of opportunities to do more than make a pumpkin pie and carve a Jack-O-Lantern…don’t you think?
Now don’t get me wrong, I love Jack-O-Lanterns; have been known to make a mean pumpkin pie; and have roasted my fair share of pumpkin seeds…. but somehow, this year, I want to do more with those beautiful, orange spheres. Check out these novel ideas for dealing with pumpkins this season:
#1 – Pumpkin Carving with Power Tools
If you’re going to carve a pumpkin, try doing it with power tools this year… the definition you can get is astounding. Watch this video for some pointers. I would leave this technique to the ‘adult children’ though—those over 21 that is. 
#2 – Make a Seasonal Festive Vase
Turning a pumpkin or gourd into a vase is a unique and simple way to celebrate the fall season. Just cut a hole in your pumpkin, clean it out, insert a jar for water, and Happy Fall!
#3 – Hanging Pumpkin Lanterns
Now here’s a new twist on the conventional Jack-O-Lantern. These hanging pumpkins make a very festive addition to your outside décor for that fall party you’re planning.
#4 – Mini-Pumpkin Candleholders
Looking for something new and different to decorate your Thanksgiving Day table? These baby pumpkin candleholders are super-easy to make: a) Buy 2 mini-pumpkins, b) Cut holes in mini-pumpkins for candlesticks, c) Insert candlesticks in mini-pumpkins and… voila! How awesomely easy is that?!
#5 – Pumpkin Pie Potpourri
I’ve been placing naturally scented pumpkin-spice candles inside my pumpkins for years… but hats off to Martha Stewart for a new and interesting approach to this seasonal concept. Rub the inside-top of the pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Then, place a beeswax candle inside to heat it all up and wait for that healthy, natural, pumpkin-pie-in-the-oven scent we all love to permeate the room. You can press cloves or star anise into the top for an extra, added zing. (Do not use vanilla extract—the candle flame may ignite the alcohol.)
#6 – Make a Vitamin Rich Pumpkin Mask
What better time to make a pumpkin mask than when there are over a billion pounds of pumpkins waiting around to be consumed in the U.S.? You can spend a fortune at your local spa… or you can make and apply the mask yourself. (Savings: about $120—ca-chink!) Did you know that pumpkin is a natural exfoliant? They are–the enzymes in pumpkins gently exfoliate dead skin cells without scrubbing, which can break capillaries. The milk and honey attract and retain moisture. (Warning: You may be tempted to eat this mask )
Pumpkin Facial
Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin
½ teaspoon honey
¼ tablespoon milk (or whipped cream if your skin is very dry)
–Combine ingredients and apply to face.
–Leave on for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
NOW GET TO WORK USING UP THAT BILLION POUNDS OF PUMPKINS THE U.S. IS PRODUCING FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Jane Marvel Bucket Tote in Vegan Leather
(for toting your pumpkins from market to home!)
Jane Marvel Hanging Cosmetic Bag
(for storing all your beauty supplies!)
