Photo: flickr.com/garrisonlemasters
There’s no doubt that we are pumpkin nation. In 2008 alone, the major pumpkin-producing states in the US churned out 1.1 billion pounds of everybody’s favorite orange squash. And considering that 80% of a year’s pumpkin crop is available during October (thanks, University of Illinois), we’ve got pumpkins coming out of our ears right now!
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So what better to do with extra pumpkins than cut, pierce, and carve them? We were wowed by these 52 Unexpected and Amazing Ways to Decorate Pumpkins, but now we’d like to see what you can do.
Get your knives, scoops, and drills ready for Bob Vila’s First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Click to Enter! From classic jack o’lanterns to intricate, imaginative creations, we want to see just how creative pumpkin carving can get in your hands. To enter, simply send us a picture of your masterpiece (submission below). If the judges select your entry, you will be named “Bob Vila’s King or Queen of Carving” for the year, a glory complete with bragging rights and the satisfaction of your triumph.
You must enter by November 3rd (midnight EST) to qualify. So what are you waiting for? Click the link below, upload a photo, and see if you’re the next King or Queen of Carving.
ENTER HERE!
The “Bob Vila’s First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest” is open only to permanent legal U.S. residents. Void in all other geographic locations. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Contest Period begins at 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 23, 2012 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on November 3rd, 2012 . One entry per household on BobVila.com. Contestants must submit their name, email address, and a photograph of their pumpkin, as well as a title and brief description. Winner will be chosen by the BobVila editing team based on the following criteria: creativity/originality, craftsmanship, and level of difficulty. Odds of winning are dependent on the number of eligible entries received. The Winner and winning Contestant Pictures shall be featured on the Bob Vila website as “King” or “Queen of Carving.” See Official Rules for details.
If the idea of a freshly plastered wall does not overly excite you, it’s because the options for plaster have been fairly limited in this country until now.
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Listen to BOB VILA ON PLASTER, or read the text below:
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Renovation Road Trip: A New Backsplash at Turtle House
In our second stop on the Renovation Road Trip we met up with Katy and Brandon from Turtle House in Ypsilanti, MI. They’re a fun couple of teachers with a mostly finished home, who felt they needed a backsplash to really set off the area behind their stove. So we helped them.
Photo: Meryl Rose Philips
After clearing the area of all obstacles and removing the outlet covers, we gave the painted surface a quick sanding with 100-grit sandpaper.
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Estimating Home Value: Whose Price Is Right?
Hooray! The housing market is bouncing back from the depths! No, wait, prices are going sideways—in some markets. Who to believe? We’ll sort it out right here.
Photo: dexknows.com
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- Bob Vila Radio: Fire Extinguishers
Bob Vila Radio: Fire Extinguishers
Whether you live in a palace or a studio apartment, at least one fire extinguisher should be standard equiment in your home.
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Listen to BOB VILA ON FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, or read the text below:
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Bob Vila Radio: Fireplaces
While it’s hard to argue with the romance of a crackling fire on a chilly night, your fireplace might be costing you more in energy dollars than you know.
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Listen to BOB VILA ON FIREPLACES, or read the text below:
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Bob Vila Radio: Electrical Ground Rules
Make sure you’re familiar with the ground rules of home electrical work if you’re considering doing some yourself.
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Listen to BOB VILA ON ELECTRICAL GROUND RULES, or read the text below:
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