Although I’m not a big Halloween fan, I usually will carve a pumpkin or two – or, create something in the Halloween spirit.

This year, my pumpkin was carved in a little less than traditional manner.  I used wood carving tools rather than a knife.  Carving in this manner is much easier and, I think, can be more interesting.

I was inspired by an evergreen tree in my yard.  The tree has the traditional needles and tons of little mini pine cones.  My idea was to carve the pumpkin with ‘needles’ and then add some of the pine cones from my tree.

I purchased what is called a blue pumpkin, rather than an orange one, to complete the task.  Because the blue heirloom pumpkin looked almost green, I thought it would work well as my ‘evergreen’ pumpkin.

I used woodworking tools to carve the needles.  I had planned on adding the pine cones with straight pins, but I began to wonder if the pumpkin would not live as long with holes punched in it!  With this in mind, after I finished carving, I ended up using my glue gun to add the pine cones.

I have to say, using the woodworking tools is much easier on the hands than the traditional method of carving through the pumpkin with a knife!

After I completed my pumpkin, I carved a few baby boos to use at place settings for an upcoming brunch.  I love little white baby boos!  I did a little bit of carving and added a ribbon.  I did end up adding some pins on these little guys – some pretty gold ones!

In the Halloween spirit, I also created some favors for my brunch.  I made some butter cookies in the shape of candy corn and packaged them in the holiday theme!  Why are they not the traditional yellow and orange?  Well, I made them totally organic – so I couldn’t use red dye!  I used organic cocoa to create color variations.

So, that’s the extent of my Halloween preparations!  I hope you are also creating something fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie