The Everlasting Pumpkin

With Halloween now just days away, our yards depicting in the decorations with the scary sense of the holiday, and pumpkins lit along porches.

I figured to add to the many crafting ideas I would share a rather interesting one with you. I know this works because one of my aunts did this and it has been at least 10 years and it still stands up strong, the "everlasting pumpkin." It sits lovely upon a shelf with paper clips and catch alls inside. Yes you really can make the sweet pumpkin last forever! At least the smaller ones that I know for sure - bigger ones have not been tried.

If steps are followed accurately the pumpkin should take on the state of an almost glass type figurative, yet almost virtually unbreakable, making a rather unique decoration, in a beautiful autumn season, or interesting collectible craft. (Typically writing of poetic verses I hope I'm giving these instructions properly, as I'm not so set in the manners of articles.)

The first step obviously is to cut off the top set aside (this can be used as your cover later) and clear out the contents, as much as possible. With pumpkin carving tools you can enhance the look if you wish to do so. (If you decide to make a curvy edge when cutting the top off make sure to do this along with your cover - to make sure it sits on top properly.)

The next item needed on this list, which may be more difficult to find would be chunks of soapstone. (river rocks could be used as well - and may also be less of a waiting period in between the process.) Soapstone has a unique quality, as it has been used widely in Native American cultures to make cooking pots, dishwares, and many other useful objects from skilled craftsmen throughout many years, in fact centuries. One of the most useful qualities is its ability to hold heat for great lengths of time, as well as cold, making it very versatile. This type of stone also contains a talc, powdery substance, another of its interesting and usable attributes.

The stones will need to be heated in a fire pit, and then placed inside the pumpkin shell to cool (also use a little bit of the ash from the fire pit), with the cover placed back on top of the pumpkin to keep the heat on the inside. This can be time consuming, as stone can take some time to cool. The process may take a few times of heating and cooling the stones. The pumpkin shell will soften as you go along at first, these are the points to add decorations and make sure your pumpkin shell is retaining its rounded shape after removing the cooled stones, and clearing the inside more of excess pumpkin residue. Do not forget to clean the cover as well.

If you are good at beading crafts you can enjoy in adding this to your pumpkin, while still pliable. Generally after the first stones are heated and then cooled and removed, it is best to begin this process. Best bet is to look for stone type beads, or good seed beads (that are not going to melt or can withstand some heat) and the type of string used to tie up that grand old turkey. If you already have a bead loom and enjoy some of the more intricate designing, "sew" the design around the pumpkin. My wonderful aunt created a gorgeous draping design that cascaded from the top edge, down about an inch to an inch and a half at some points. Continue the process of heating the stones and cooling and clearing the pumpkin and shaping. You will know when the process is complete by its leathery feel after cooling. Let it sit in this state for at least 24 hours.

The shell should be much thinner but still look just as beautiful as it had when purchased. Glue can be applied to the beads to keep them snug along the pumpkin shell if you Wish but, a few coats of shellac should be applied, this may eliminate glue usage on the pumpkin. Sheen level is dependant on preference of your own personal creative eye. For best quality a non-yellowing type of shellac should be used to retain the natural look. (or you could paint with a design using acrylics prior to using the shellac or another clear coating that suits your personal use.)

This is the method my aunt used for this type of craft. Personally I may be so inclined to instead of having a fire pit, break out the grill! It sounds like much work really but overall, you could have that wonderful pumpkin last for years to come. Place wrapped candies inside to pass to the children. Tea light candles along the walkway or at your doorstep, or to add something unique in personal décor. Quite an Autumn craft. Enjoy!

Special thanks to my aunt who wished not to have her name mentioned beyond the first: Cory. Much love to her for making this article possible.