This post is ?????? ?????? ??????? ???????part ofHard Refresh, a soothing weekly column where we try to cleanse your brain of whatever terrible thing you just witnessed on Twitter.
Autumn has finally arrived, which means it's time for apple picking, cider donuts, and some seasonally appropriate methods of stress relief.
When it comes to unwinding in the fall, there are a variety of glorious options like taking a walk in the crisp air or jumping in a huge pile of leaves. But if you're stuck inside staring at your computer, we highly recommend watching some professional pumpkin carving videos to cleanse your brain while simultaneously getting your seasonal fix.
SEE ALSO: Here's the scary movies you should watch this monthAny human with average carving skills knows that carving pumpkins always seemslike a fun activity, until you find yourself covered in pumpkin guts and unable to properly wield a knife in such a way that produces the picturesque design you'd hoped for. But watching other peoplecarve 'em up? Now that makes for an absolutely great time, not to mention it's mess-free.
I first saw a professional pumpkin carving video when I stumbled onto Sculpture Geek's YouTube channel. Seconds into a 15-minute-long video titled, "How to Carve a 3D Pumpkin," I was hooked. Something about watching skilled hands use carving tools to shave off pumpkin pulp and fibrous strands puts me in a serene trance. And before I know it, the pumpkin's transformed into an impressively realistic face.
Over the course of the time lapse, the sculptor creates immensely detailed facial features for the pumpkin. And though the process is most certainly NOT simple, the video makes carving look effortless, which is part of what makes watching so extremely soothing.
About seven minutes into the video the carving comes to an end and the final product is revealed. The remaining footage is a scene from Sculpture Geek's fullcarving tutorial, so even youcan attempt the remarkable feat. It seems like a ridiculously complex endeavor, TBH, but if you reallywant go there you can pay $24.99 to watch the full video.
If you're in the mood to leave the mess to the pros though, you can check out Sculpture_Geek's Resident Eviland Nintendo-themed pumpkin videos, and search for other impressive carvers by looking up 3D-pumpkin or jack-o'-lantern carving videos on YouTube.
You can even watch Martha Stewart try her hand at carving faces alongside artist Ray Villafane. What's more relaxing than that?!
While I prefer to kick back and watch skilled carvers go to town, those of you who want to step up your pumpkin game this year might want to invest in some classic carving tools from Amazon.
There are also a bunch of less intimidating carving tutorials for beginners online, most of which you don't have to pay for. So perhaps consider starting small and working your way up. Who knows? One day you might even be skilled enough to make your own soothing time lapse videos.
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