In 2007 we started a family tradition called the Nason Family Pumpkin Glow. Each year we carve a big Jack O'Lantern display of 20-35 pumpkins. This year we have 28.
The night before Halloween we have a party. We had 50+ people here last night, and if I do say so myself it was FUN. (We invite other families -- parents and kids together)
Because of predicted rain and eventual thundershowers, we had the pumpkins inside last night, in our basement playroom. It was cool. With all the lights off it was awesome. I loved hearing the screams of the kids.
The pumpkins are lit with LED lights. Some change colours. My husband scoops the pumpkins out and I carve them. I do them freehand, making it up as I go along. I only make faces of some sort. No patterns. More fun that way.
Tonight they will be on display outside for our Trick or Treaters.
So why? Why do we do it? A lot of reasons really. I love Halloween. I love making stuff. I always have extra creative energy that needs an outlet. I love having a unique special family tradition. Life is short. And, I do love making something that you can't buy, that can come only from a handmade effort. As more and more decorations are available in the stores, and everything is commercialised, I feel more and more compelled to go traditional, old school, with the original decoration if you will -- the carved Jack O'Lantern. It's just my thing.
Thanks for stopping by ...
...and Happy Halloween!
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Posted by Riel Nason.
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22 comments:
Your pumpkin display is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your family tradition.
What a wonderful display! I have the same feeling about keeping family traditions. Even if Halloween is not deep-rooted in France, some families like mine enjoy to display some pumpkins -- but I've never seen decorations like yours!
Thanks for sharing!
Awesome pumpkins! Great family tradition! Your children will continue your Halloween tradition, I'm sure!
Great stuff Riel,,, I, on the other hand, have one "fake" jack,oh lantern.. But we did carve real ones with the kids way back when...and the grandchildren get to carve each one... Your kids will remember and do this forever.
Wow...what a lot of pumpkins! You did a fantastic job of carving them! What a cool tradition.
Wow!!! That's just amazing. It must be a real riot every year. :D Family traditions like these are rare and priceless.
Boo!
That is a fantastic display!
Amazing! You're a multi-talented crafter :)
wonderful!! Absolutely love it...I bet it was great fun and you're right it is great tradition.
Wow! How wonderful? Your kids must love it. Mary
Brilliant fun xx
Wow, that is the best pumpkin display ever! I love it! And what a super family tradition! Thanks for sharing with us.
I think this is way to much fun!!! Were do you get your energy???? Love the display. I used to love to carve pumpkins, but..... one year I got a funkin and called it good. It comes out every year (speaking of which, I had better go find it!!! I keep thinking Halloween is next week!!! It was, but it's not now!!!!)
I think you are wonderful and I love getting my batteries recharged by coming to visit your blog!!!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
Wow, I love it! And especially the fact that's its non commercial!
You already know my feelings on the commercialization of Halloween so needless to say your words about this fabulous tradition of your family's really spoke to me. The photos of the pumpkin glow are especially cool against your blog's black background! Happy Halloween to you, Riel!
Fantastic tradition. Soon the kids will be old enough to carve too.
How did you get the drooling effect from the pumpkins?
Nicely done :0) looks like a fun time.
Happy Sewing
Love your pumpkins...they're awesome!
Thanks so much everyone. We really do just have SO much fun with this.
Awesome Jack-o-lanterns, great job! I also love Halloween.
fantastic!!!!
Wow! Totally awesome!!
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