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Halloween hints

* Use an ice cream scoop to clean out the seeds and flesh. It won't bend as a spoon might.

* Submerge the pumpkin in water overnight before you carve it. The pumpkin will absorb some of the water and firm up, becoming easier to carve.

* Soak the finished jack-o'-lantern in a bucket of water to prevent shriveling. Then remove it and dry it thoroughly to prevent molding.

* Apply petroleum jelly to the cut surfaces to keep the pumpkin from drying out.

* Cover the jack-o'-lantern with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator when it's not on display.

- Source: Dremel

* Bratz

* Care Bears

* Everyday heroes (police officer, firefighter, etc.)

* Fairy princesses

* Harry Potter characters

* Pop stars

* Power Rangers

* Shrek 2 characters

* Spider-Man

* Tom Arma costumes the cute animal costumes featured in baby photos by photographer Tom Arma; www.tomarma.com)

- Source: Better Homes & Gardens online

If elaborately carving a pumpkin isn't your thing, you can still get into the Halloween spirit. Try these easy ideas:

* Stud a pumpkin with star-shaped sequins held in place with pearl-topped straight pins.

* Use paint pens to draw stars in a variety of colors and sizes all over a pumpkin.

With either of these ideas, top off your pumpkin by curling a metallic pipe cleaner around a pencil and slipping it over the stem.

* Hollow out enough of a medium pumpkin to make room for a soup can. Use the can as a vase to hold an arrangement of fall flowers, leaves and twigs.

- Source: Better Homes & Gardens online