Book Review
It is explained in the Introduction that you should start off with
a simple design using tools you have on hand for your first project
but that after you gain confidence and enthusiasm for what you are
doing, you should by all means attempt more detailed projects requiring
specialized tools. This is a very sound piece of advice and
makes this book a good one because there are projects of various
skill levels to meet the needs and capabilities of any reader interested
in pumpkin carving. It is important to read the Introduction
as well as the subsequent sections for valuable information such
as the difference between how pumpkins and squash are used (because
of their properties compared to gourds for lasting quality) due
to their composition.
In the Guide to Pumpkins and Squashes the properties of a variety
of squashes and pumpkins are described (and illustrated in color
photos) as well as the best methods to carve them. This section
is followed by Carving Techniques that covers the tools you can
use (most of which you probably have around the house) as well as
photos demonstrating the step-by-step instructions for the various
techniques (preparing the pumpkin for carving including cutting
off the lid and leveling the pumpkin, hollowing our, transferring
the pattern to the pumpkin, storing the finished pumpkin as well
as growing your own pumpkins, squashes and gourds) you will be using
on different types of pumpkins & squashes.
The good advice doesn't stop with the introductory sections, below
the title of every project in the Pumpkin Carving section there
is a brief description of how best to carve that particular type
of pumpkin or squash (i.e. Keep carving simple on the smaller pumpkins,
lending variety with slits, zigzags and scrolls. Make several,
then group them in an evocative autumnal window display.).
The templates section at the back is simple and straightforward
and explains how to enlarge the patterns to fit the pumpkin or squash
you are using. A couple are large enough that you may not need to
enlarge them at all which makes things easier since the carving
you will be doing on the pumpkin gives you enough to do without
worrying about enlarging a pattern. The photocopier method
of enlarging is definitely the way to go because the copier does
the work for you and once again saves you time which you should
be spending on actually carving your pumpkin or squash. |
