Frequently Asked Questions

Contest

• Where can I find contest rules and entry forms?
  
• How are contest winners notified?
  
• How can I get the contest winners' patterns?

Products

• Where can I find watermelon carving kits?
  
• How can I find a specific pattern or tool?
  
• Where can I find Power Master™ Power Saw replacement blades?
  
• I am having trouble carving a pattern from the 2005 Xtreme™ pattern book.

CD Pattern Maker™

• What should I do if my computer does not recognize any files on the CD Pattern Maker™ or if there are no files on the CD?
  
• What should I do if nothing happens when I put the CD Pattern Maker™ software into the drive?
  
• I found a pattern I like, but when I go to print it, I get the following message: "You do not have administrative rights to perform this function" or "You need permission from the administrator to perform this function." What should I do?
  
• What computer settings are best for CD Pattern Maker™?
  
• What are the design elements in the miscellaneous category?
  
• How many elements can I add to my pattern?
  
• What should I do if my pattern elements print out "fuzzy"?
  
• What should I do if I print my pattern and blank pages come out?
  
• I try to print my pattern and I receive an error stating FlashAsset32 error.
  
• Can I import picture files (.jpg, .bmp, etc.) into CD Pattern Maker™?
  
• Is CD Pattern Maker™ compatible with OS X?
  

Pumpkins

• How do I preserve my jack-o'-lantern?
  
• How do I revive a shriveling pumpkin?
  
• What is the best way to store my pumpkin?
  
• What is the best way to light my pumpkin?
  

Small Orders

• I have a small order (under ($2,000), where should I place my order?
  

CONTEST

Where can I find contest rules and entry forms?

Contest entry forms and rules are available on our website, www.pumpkinmasters.com, under the "enter our contest" link located on the home, promotions, and carving pages. Click here to go to the Contest page now. You can also find the necessary rules and forms in this year's Pumpkin Carving Kit, Pattern Books, Carving Party Kit, or Sculpting Kit.

How are contest winners notified?

All contest winners are notified through mail by January 31.

How can I get the contest winners' patterns?

Pumpkin Masters® will incorporate winning patterns into various kits and pattern books each year.

PRODUCTS

Where can I find watermelon carving kits?

Pumpkin Masters® produces a watermelon carving kit with patterns. The best way to purchase this kit is to visit www.yankeeharvest.com.

How can I find a specific pattern or tool?

Pumpkin Masters® no longer produces tools or patterns to sell individually. New patterns are created each year to replace our older ones. However, many of these patterns are recirculated from year to year. If you are looking for a lot of tools, we encourage you to purchase our Carving Party Kit. It includes many tools, scoops, and 16 new patterns. You can find the Carving Party Kit and pattern books at most discount, drug or grocery stores, or go to www.yankeeharvest.com.

Where can I find Power Master™ Power Saw replacement blades?

You can purchase replacement blades for the Power Master™ saw by calling Yankee Harvest at (203) 776-2091.

I am having trouble carving a pattern from the 2005 XtremeȘ pattern book.

We have made revisions to the "Ship of Ghouls" and "Grim Reaper" patterns published in the 2005 Xtreme™ Pattern Book. For an updated version of these patterns, please email your request by clicking here.

CD PATTERN MAKER

What should I do if my computer does not recognize any files on the CD Pattern Maker™ or if there are no files on the CD?

The Pattern Maker software you have purchased is defective. Please return the CD Pattern Maker™ to the store you purchased it from and exchange it.

What should I do if nothing happens when I put the CD Pattern Maker™ software into the drive?

Double-click on My Computer, double-click on your CD-ROM drive, and double-click on "cdpm.exe".

I found a pattern I like, but when I go to print it, I get the following message: "You do not have administrative rights to perform this function" or "You need permission from the administrator to perform this function." What should I do?

This is a Windows XP and Windows 2000 permissions error. Go to Settings, then Control Panel, and then click on Users and Passwords. Click Add, type in your username and domain (this information can be found by right-clicking MY COMPUTER on the desktop) and click Next. Then give yourself administrative rights under "Other". Click OK to finish.

What computer settings are best for CD Pattern Maker™?

Screen setting: Set your screen resolution to either 800 x 600 or 640 x 480 pixels. This allows CD Pattern Maker™ to fill the majority of your screen.
Color setting: If you are running Microsoft Windows, set your color setting to True Color (24 bit).

What are the design elements in the Miscellaneous category?

The first six rows are different pairs of eyebrows, the next three rows are different earrings, the following three rows are ears, and then there is a pirate's eye patch, a bow tie, a witch's hat and a bone.

How many elements can I add to my pattern?

For easier carving, the elements should be as large as possible. Putting too many small elements into your pattern will make carving very difficult.

What should I do if my pattern elements print out "fuzzy"?

For easier carving, the elements should be as large as possible. Pattern lines on smaller elements may print out "fuzzy". If this happens, increase the size of the element or trace around the printed pattern lines with a pen.

What should I do if I print my pattern and blank pages come out?

This problem is typically caused by out-of-date printer drivers and usually only occurs when using a Microsoft Windows operating system. There are two steps you can take to correct this:

1. Reset your monitor's display settings (color depth) to "256 colors" when you are ready to print. In Windows, this setting is found at Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings. This should allow your printer to receive pages from CD Pattern Maker™.
2. Download and install the latest drivers for your printer. Drivers for your printer should be available for download at the printer's manufacturer's website.

I try to print my pattern and I receive an error stating FlashAsset32 error?

Reset your monitor's display settings (color depth) to "256 colors" and your screen resolution to 800 x 600 when you are ready to print. In Windows, this setting is found at Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display > Settings.

Can I import picture files (.jpg, .bmp, etc.) into CD Pattern Maker™?

Current releases of the software do not allow for you to import your own picture files.

Is CD Pattern Maker™ compatible with OS X?

Currently the software is only compatible with OS X through Classic Mode.

PUMPKINS

How do I preserve my jack-o'-lantern?

There are many effective ways to preserve your jack-o'-lanterns. You can carve 2-3 days before Halloween and then try the following:

1. Place petroleum jelly on the cut edges of your carving.
2. Spray your pumpkin with water and cover it with plastic wrap and then store it in the refrigerator when it is not on display.

You can also give your pumpkin a bath in water mixed with a little bit of bleach, which will help to ward off mold and preserve it longer.

How do I revive a shriveling pumpkin?

If the carved portions of the pumpkin show signs of shriveling, soak them in water for several hours. The more shriveled they are, the longer they need to soak. Often, badly dried-out pumpkins and melons can be revived almost completely with this technique. When the pumpkin is removed from the water, dry the inside with a towel as much as possible to retard mold growth.

What is the best way to store my pumpkin?

Keep pumpkins in a cooler or a refrigerator if at all possible. Kept properly, they should last a week or more, depending on climate. Be sure the carved portions are covered with plastic wrap to keep them crisp. If the pumpkin has a lid, leave it off the pumpkin to allow air to circulate inside. This helps reduce mold. If pumpkins are stored at room temperature, they will probably only last 1 to 2 days.

What is the best way to light my pumpkin?

Electric lights work well to light pumpkins. For maximum brightness, use a 25-watt candelabra bulb. If they are going to be lit for a long time, use a lower wattage, cooler bulb. Candles will work to light pumpkins and melons as well, but are less reliable and less showy in a brightly lit environment. If you use candles, be sure a hole is cut on the lid or top for the smoke and heat to escape. Position the candle directly under the hole. Make sure to place the candle away from flammable materials. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

SMALL ORDERS

I have a small order (under $2,000), where should I place my order?

For orders under $2,000, we now ask that you order through our distributor, Seasonal Distribution. Seasonal Distribution can be reached at (303) 333-4449. Check them out on the web at www.seasonaldistribution.com. They will be happy to help you get what you need for this Halloween.