A pumpkin is for Autumn… not just Halloween.
Are these beautiful bounties of Autumn wasted merely as hollowed out Halloween lanterns? Come 31st October the poor pumpkin will be subjected to having its innards scooped out, its flesh hacked into and a candle popped inside to light up its scary face before being put out in the cold to fizzle out in the rain. All good fun and a spooky sight in the dark evening but I believe they deserve more than just one night of glory.
All hail the painted pumpkin! Glorious beauties that bring joy instead of fear. Much safer for children to create than carving (not a knife in sight- think soft paint brushes, not sharp knives) a meditative pleasure to paint (methodical brushstrokes and colour mixing, yes please) all resulting in a beautiful autumnal decoration for your home or porch for the whole of the season.