The Beaucoup section carved pumpkins inside the office for Halloween, below are their thoughts.
Isabelle Brumley
Beaucoup Editor
This was my first time carving a pumpkin all by myself. In the past, I always had a family member or friend “help” me, which usually meant they did most of the work because I didn’t trust myself. Now that I’m older than the last time I carved a pumpkin, I figured I could trust myself to do it.
I didn’t anticipate how physically demanding the whole process would be. My pumpkin was quite thick, so it took a long time to open. Once I finally cut the top off, I immediately put on gloves because my squeamish self is not touching that slimy, stringy mess. It took 45 minutes to clean out my pumpkin, so after I was finished, I did not want to do an elaborate face design.
I started cutting out my smiley face design, and a few minutes later, it was complete.
This experience not only got me in the Halloween spirit, but it also boosted my carving skills. I can’t wait to do it next year!
Charlotte Alexander
Designer
At the Vermillion staff Halloween picnic this past weekend, I had the opportunity to carve a pumpkin.
The experience reminded me of when I was a kid since I have not had the opportunity to carve a pumpkin in a long time. The smell of the pumpkin as you carve, as well as the product of the glowing pumpkin face, really brings me back to when I was little, excited to go out trick-or-treating in my neighborhood.
I started by cutting a hole in the top of the pumpkin and carving out the insides to prepare it for my carved design. Although getting the pumpkin guts all over my hands was not the most enjoyable experience, I had a sense of satisfaction when I finally got to start carving. I decided to carve a classic scary face onto the pumpkin to get a true nostalgic feel and I thought that the pumpkin looked very cute by the end!
Ellie Schmidt
Layout Manager
Carving pumpkins has always been a family tradition for me growing up every year for Halloween. I have always loved carving them and finding different designs to do every year.
My favorite part is putting a light or a candle in when we are done, and seeing the final result. We even used to bring them to pumpkin trails.
This year, since I’m not at home with my family, I was sad that I wouldn’t be able to carve them.
I was so happy when we decided to do it for Beaucoup!
It was so much fun getting to do it in our office this year!
We bonded over the gross feeling of the seeds and pumpkin guts and enjoyed getting our hands dirty together.
I really enjoyed the experience and I’m glad that I have a carved pumpkin with a goofy face to look at for the rest of the Halloween season!
Kayla Woods-Crane
Managing Editor
This week I carved pumpkins with Beaucoup and it was so fun! I was very excited initially, but then I got scared that I wouldn’t be able to carve the pumpkin I bought because I realized it was not a carving pumpkin. I was so distracted when I bought it that I didn’t even think about it, but luckily there was an extra one for me to carve.
While carving, I thought to myself, “Wow, I haven’t done this in a really long time.” This thought was further proven by my discomfort while digging out the guts of the pumpkin. My least favorite part. Other than that, it was a totally pleasant time.
I carved the logo for The Vermilion on one side, which absolutely came out crooked, and a dumb pumpkin face on the other side.
It made me feel like a little kid, which is always a good experience.
