Delicate openwork, inspired by eighteenth-century English pierced creamware, turns these pale 'Lumina' pumpkins into ornate decorations.

A little patience is all that's required to mimic the lacy designs. Select a pumpkin or squash, such as (below, clockwise from left) 'Lumina,' spaghetti squash, or 'Blue Ballet.'

Then assemble your tools. Hardware and art-supply stores sell wood-carving gouges; think about the perforation each tool makes, and choose accordingly. (Alternatively, use a short length of brass tubing from a jewelry-supply store, and bend it in at sides to form desired shape.)

Cut an opening at bottom of pumpkin; scoop out the flesh. Run masking tape around circumference of pumpkin. Start cutting, using tape as a guide. The going will get easier once you've circled your gourd with a pattern -- keep following it, adding more cuts.