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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239.250.0222

Let's Eat!

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com

BEFORE WE JUMP INTO THE MEAT AND POTATOES (NO PUN INTENDED!) of

AD DESIGNER

this issue, there is just one thing we have to know…

Evan Deuvall

How do you like our new look?!

L AYO UT DESIGNER

It's the same Fort Myers Lifestyle magazine you know and love, with stories about

Dana Rudolph

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

your neighbors and the local businesses that make our community beautiful and

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

unique. We hope you find the new design inviting and will keep the magazine on your

Aubrey Sewell, Stefanie Edwards

coffee table all month long...and beyond. You'll see the CL logo on our cover, a nod to our digital platform is CityLifestyle.com/ FortMyers where you can find all the stories in the magazine (for you to share) and more local content along with articles from our sister Lifestyle magazines around the state and county. And now for the main event… Fort Myers, you are in for a treat! This month is all about food—and who DOESN’T like food, right?! It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and find yourself eating the same things each day. We get it; we’re all busy, and we have our go-to meals that we know will feed the family for the whole week. So, we’ve tried to make your life a little bit simpler with some tasty meals that you can whip up in no time; and the best part is that you don’t even have to make a grocery list! Just snap a photo with your phone of the one we’ve already put together for you and make a quick dash into the store. In addition, you may discover some new kitchen gadgets that will make your time in the kitchen more efficient, so you have a

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

chance to breathe and relish in a few more free moments. Be sure to check out how

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

to build a beautiful fire pit in your backyard, which will give you even more cooking

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

options! And if dinner is calling for something a little more upscale, you’ll enjoy getting

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

to know Azure’s newest chef, who just might create a food experience you won’t forget!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

We wrap this issue up with taking a look at all that Community Cooperative is doing

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

for our beloved Fort Myers’ families. This organization is so much more than just a food pantry as it strives to nourish peoples’ lives as well as their bodies. With caring community members like these volunteering their time and resources, the hearts and bellies of Fort Myers are in good hands. We hope you enjoy the fresh, updated look to our cover, this delicious issue, and all the

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Rob Hannon, Publisher

Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Myers areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Autumn’s Backyard Blaze Creating backyard atmosphere with a fire pit

18 Grocery List Meals Three meals from one list

22 Feeding People. Nourishing Lives. A nonprofit’s impact on our community

12 22

28 In the Hot Seat! Getting to know the chef who prepares your food

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

12 DIY 16

Trend Setter

Culinary Creations

22 Giving Back 26 Food & Wine 28 Local Limelight 30 Artist’s Palette

GOOD TIMES

Shell Point residents distribute school supplies In July, dozens of residents at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers recently came together to assemble and distribute school supplies to hundreds of children and grandchildren of Shell Point employees. Over a three-day period, dedicated resident volunteers assembled 725 bags of school supplies and handed them out via drive-thru pick up.

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

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GOOD TIMES

Creighton Construction & Development relocates office to First Street “SWFL has been our home since the very beginning, and we want to serve this incredible community, and its people, for years to come,” said Dan Creighton. “Our new [5,600 sq. ft.] office provides much-needed room for our team to grow, and we are proud to strengthen our roots locally while we continue to expand our services across the country.”

School Supply Outreach The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center’s annual back to school outreach on July 25 provided backpacks and school supplies for 580 low-income children living in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.

READ

DINE

During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you. Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news! + INTRODUCING +

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Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

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DIY

AUTUMN'S B AC K YA R D B L A Z E

CREATING A FIRE PIT OASIS

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

THE SEASONS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

hardware store and can be constructed in

ARE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND. We

just a couple hours. A few blocks or stone,

could have beautiful sunshine one second

lava rocks, and timber is all you need to get

and torrential rains the next. One unmistakable

started. The possibilities are endless!

M AT E R I A L S NEEDED: + Wheelbarrow

thing, however, is when we get the first cool

If elegance is what interests you, choose

snap into “Florida Fall” weather. No, we don’t

stone; if you are looking for inexpensive effi-

+ Caulk Gun

have leaves that change, but it is the perfect

ciency, choose fire brick. Both can be found

+ Level

time to do one thing-start up the fire pit!

at Lowes, Home Depot, or even a local stone

+ Speed Square

When it comes to a fire pit, someone

distributer. Once you have your stone picked

+ Shovel

could spend thousands of dollars to make it

out, you will need to remove about two inches

+ Garden Rake

the perfect oasis. However, you could also

of dirt in the shape of the fire pit you want to

+ Fire Bricks or Stone

make it a fantastic backyard paradise of

create. Next, you will need to tamp down the

+ Paver Base

peace and tranquility on a budget. The best

soil and add a gravel base to prevent weeds

+ Lava Rock

news is, everything you need is at your local

and the unsightly burn marks in your grass.

+ Construction Adhesive

+ Hand Tamper

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

DIY (CONTINUED)

STEPS/HOW TO

After you have laid the gravel base, saturate it with water. Once the wet gravel base is dry, it will create a solid paver to lay the stone or bricks on

Choose a location: For safety, choose a spot located away from your house

top of. When aligning the bricks on

and low-hanging limbs, or anything

the paver make sure that there are

else that could catch fire.

no spaces in between them; this will ensure the fire stays contained to the pit area. Last, add the interior base

Outline your fire pit: Begin by outlining the shape of the fire pit with the

for the logs. Lava rocks are preferred

blocks or stone. It’s easiest to design

because of cost, durability, and their

a layout using full size blocks.

beautiful look; however, glass or gravel stones could be used as well to bring a unique beauty to your pit.

A fire pit is not only the perfect

Install the paver base: Remove the sod, tamp down the soil, add about 2 inches of gravel/paver base and

spot to kick back after a long day

check to make sure it’s level.

and relax, but it can also serve as an impeccable outdoor cooking space. A wire rack added to the top of your

Lay the stones: Lay the first level of stones on the paver base making

fire pit can help cook anything from

sure they are touching. The second

hamburgers and hot dogs, to steak

and third rows should be directly on

and chicken. Simply remove the wire

top staggering the joints. To ensure

rack at the end of the meal for the

stability of the top rows, add con-

ideal fire pit treat, S’mores!

struction adhesive.

Choose interior of fire pit: Decide what color or type of stone you want inside and at the base of your fire pit.

Add some wood: A starter log is recommended but not necessary. Remember to have plenty of wood handy to keep the fire going longer.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

FIRE COOKING TIP To cook your food instead of burning it, donâ€™t place it directly in or over the flame. Create a more consistent heat by letting the fire burn down to white-hot coals and cook over those.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

MAKE COOKING FUN & EASY

Clever Kitchen Gadgets

TREND SETTER

//01 JOKARI CRAZY BUT IT WORKS SILICONE BOTTLETOP BASTER This baster instantly turns any sauce, salad dressing or marinade bottle into a handy basting brush. The silicone baster features flow control for mess-free application. It works on both plastic and glass bottles so its great for barbecues, cookouts, camping, picnics and more; it's the ultimate barbeque accessory 14.99 Amazon.com

//02 WHISK WIPER Whisk Wiper has changed whisking forever. Cleaning a whisk is now easy, mess-free, and it just feels so satisfying. It helps save excess food that would normally go to wastes, catches drips to prevent messes, and has a unique design that doubles as a spatula. 16.95 Amazon.com

//03 AVOCADO HUGGERS (SET OF 2) Creamy avocados are delicious on a taco, in a smoothie, or as a spread on toast.Â Since a little avocado goes a long way there is always another half to keep fresh and intact. These form-fitting silicone huggers ensure that you're prepared to preserve your favorite fresh fruit, and the convenient pit pocket can be pushed in or out for the tightest possible seal.Â $8.00 uncommongoods.com

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

//04 CHEF’N GARLICZOOM GARLIC CHOPPER Chop garlic (or shallots) easily and quickly with this garlic chopper. Simply put peeled garlic into the chopper, close the lid and roll it on a cutting board or your hand. The wheels turn the chopper to chop up your garlic. $9.99 Bedbathandbeyond.com

//05 SMART TOUCH CHEF AL DENTE SINGING PASTA TIMER Chef Al Dente is a waterproof timer that you drop into boiling water with your pasta. He serenades you when the pasta is cooked to a perfect al dente, so you never overcook your noodles.

$19.99 Bedbathandbeyond.com

//06 ONELID UNIVERSAL POT LID WITH INTEGRATED STRAINER This double layer silicone and glass universal pot lid was designed for almost any pot or pan up to 8.5 inches and 4 quarts/liters. With integrated grooves on the underside, the unit safely sits on the top of any pot with a perfect fit. Plus, no more transferring hot liquids; simply tilt the pot and let the water flow through the lid’s built-in strainer! $39 Amazon.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

CULINARY CREATIONS

grocery list meals THREE DELICIOUS DISHES FROM ONE TRIP TO THE STORE

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

grocery list

+ Sharp Cheddar Slices

+ Cream cheese

+ Sour Cream

+ Honey

+ 8 oz Shredded Cheddar

+ Bread

+ Tortilla chips

+ Dijon Mustard

+ Bacon

+ Chicken breasts

+ Spiral sliced ham

+ Jalapenos

+ Salsa Verde

+ Brown Sugar

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

one S H A R P C H E D DA R , B AC O N , & JALAPEÑO GRILLED CHEESE

INGREDIENTS: + 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese + ½ cup Shredded Cheddar + 4 slices of Bacon + 1-2 jalapenos, finely diced + 1 bar cream cheese, softened + Bread + Salt & Pepper to taste + Garlic Powder or fresh diced garlic to taste

DIRECTIONS Cook bacon to desired crispness. While the bacon is cooking, combine the cream cheese, jalapenos (1 or 2 depending on your desired spiciness level), shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt & pepper. On one slice of bread, place one slice of sharp cheddar. Then spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture on top. Add the two slices of bacon. Top with a second slice of cheddar and the other piece of bread. Grill and eat!! YIELD: 4 servings

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

two

three

VERDE CREAM CHICKEN

HONEY GLAZED HAM

INGREDIENTS:

+ 4-5 chicken breasts (thawed)

+ 1 4-6 lb boneless spiral sliced ham

+ ½ cup salsa verde (adjust to taste)

+ ½ cup Honey

+ ¾ cup Sour cream (adjust to taste)

+ ½ cup Brown Sugar

+ Shredded cheddar

+ 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard

+ Tortilla chips

+ ¼ cup water

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish.

Layer slices of ham in the bottom of a crockpot. In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, com-

Mix the salsa verde and sour cream together

bine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and

and pour on top of the chicken. Bake for 30

water. Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

minutes. Pull out and top with cheese. Bake

Pour glaze over the ham.

another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cover and cook on Low for 5-6 hours. **3-4

You can always broil the cheese for some

times during the cook time, take a baster or

added crispiness.

large spoon, and pour some of the glaze over

Serve with whole tortilla chips underneath or crushed tortilla chips on top.

top of the ham. Use the extra glaze from the crockpot to pour over the ham when serving.

YIELD: 4-5 servings YIELD: Approximately 10-12 servings

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

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GIVING BACK

FEEDING PEOPLE. NOURISHING LIVES.

ARTICLE STEFANIE EDWARDS & AUBREY SEWELL

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE

AN ORGANIZATION WHO CARES AND SERVES

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A SOUP KITCHEN, EVEN THOUGH THAT IS WHAT IT IS MOST WELLKNOWN FOR. Its overall goal is to support and strengthen those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. In the early 1970’s, First Presbyterian Church and two other downtown Fort Myers churches saw that there was a need in the community to serve the downtown area’s homeless and hungry. They began passing out peanut butter & jelly sandwiches out of their cars, which then evolved into the idea to start an organization. In 1984, the Fort Myers Soup Kitchen was formed and thus began the evolution to what we know today as Community Cooperative.

FORT MYERS OFFICE 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33916

FORT MY ER S BE ACH OFFICE Chapel By the Sea Presbyterian Church 100 Chapel Street Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 (239) 332-7687 Facebook.com/communitycooperative Twitter.com/FtMyersSoupKtch

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

This is their 36th year as a grassroots nonprofit orga-

rebuild, and a year and a half after that first meeting, the

nization. They have physical locations in Fort Myers,

mother is gainfully employed, the kids are excelling in

Fort Myers Beach, and Cape Coral for their various

school, and they’ve moved into their own house.

programs and services. Community Café is a crucial

More recently amidst the pandemic, they’ve had

piece of what they do to feed their neighbors in the

countless families sharing words of gratitude at

community which includes a Community Market/food

mobile food pantries, letting them know that “without

pantry available for those in need where customers can

this food, [they] wouldn’t make it.” People are finding

shop like they would in a grocery store. They also have a

themselves in need of assistance who have never

Social Services and Education department that houses

needed organizations like this before. When you look

incredible social workers dedicated to working with cli-

at the difference in numbers from last year to this

ents through budgeting, goal-setting, applying for jobs,

year just through July, it is evident just how crucial

etc. to help them get back on their feet. The Meals on

their work is in the community to help keep people

Wheels program serves over 1,000 homebound seniors

afloat in these unprecedented times as they have

in the community every day with hot, fresh meals pre-

aided over 30,000 unique individuals. Since COVID-

pared in their own kitchen. Mobile Food Pantries reach

19 began, their service numbers are up over 400%.

all corners of Lee County to bring food access to fam-

The organization really rose to the critical need of

ilies who might not be able to get groceries otherwise.

supplying much needed groceries to so many folks

Getting a hot meal at the Community Café is often a

during the pandemic. What started in early March,

foot in the door for people who need more than a meal,

hasn’t slowed down. On account of the pandemic,

and when they reach out for that extra assistance,

they grew their Mobile Pantry program from eight

Community Cooperative is there for them.

pantries (scheduled monthly) to sixteen, opening

Community Cooperative works hard to take a wholis-

several new locations. What served an average of 150

tic approach to the issues of hunger and homelessness.

households per pantry prior to the health crisis has

What may begin as serving a warm meal to a stranger

now expanded to serving an average of 300 house-

can turn into a partnership to bring wellness and growth

holds. In 2019, through all of their comprehensive

to their clients. Their goal is to meet the needs of those

programs they served more than 30,000 undupli-

at risk, walk alongside them as they work on bettering

cated individuals in SWFL. With the turn of events in

themselves and their families, and then send them on

2020, they surpassed that number in May.

their way to live a more full and meaningful life. This is

So. with this unprecedented need right now, how

why it’s important to them to be a multi-faceted outreach

can you can help? Volunteers are always needed and

organization with comprehensive programs to not only

welcomed. They couldn’t do what they do without the

reach more people in need, but to be able to assist those

3,500+ dedicated volunteers who support their work

people in ways that are best for them individually.

each year. The biggest areas of need for volunteers

The personal stories of individuals and families

are with Mobile Food Pantries and delivery drivers for

Community Cooperative has helped to get back on

Meals on Wheels. Those interested can learn more

their feet is what inspires and motivates them to keep

and apply at communitycooperative.com. Monetary

going. There was a family that came to CC shortly after

support is also greatly appreciated as they, like many

hurricane Irma needing assistance. A single mother and

other organizations, have had to cancel or postpone

her three school-aged children were escaping domes-

fundraising events that they count on for dollars each

tic abuse, had just lost their home in the hurricane and

year. They were able to have their biggest annual

were living in their small station wagon. They visited

fundraiser just before the pandemic hit in March and

the café just looking for a warm meal. Community

are hoping to have it in 2021. In the meantime, any

Cooperative met them and began working with them to

and all support is deeply appreciated.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

FOOD & WINE

SPRINKLED + Graham crackers + Chocolate bars + Marshmallow fluff + Sprinkles

PB + CHOCO DREAM + Graham crackers + Peanut butter cups + Marshmallow fluff + Chocolate syrup

RASPBERRY COCONUT + Graham crackers + Chocolate bars + Marshmallow + Raspberries + Coconut flakes

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

GIMME S'MORE PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN + DANA RUDOLPH

PUMP UP YOUR Sâ€™MORES WITH THESE TRIED + TRUE TWISTS ON A CLASSIC

WHAT

YOU NEED

WHAT

YOU DO

+ Graham crackers

SPRINKLED: Begin with two graham cracker squares. Place one on

+ Chocolate bars

a microwave-safe plate and top with chocolate bars and a scoop of

+ Peanut butter cups

marshmallow fluff. Set aside. Take the other graham cracker square

+ Sprinkles

and spread marshmallow fluff on half (top + bottom), then coat with

+ Sea salt

sprinkles and set aside. Microwave the half with chocolate + marsh-

+ Chocolate syrup

mallow for 10 seconds, or until marshmallow fluff is melty. Remove

+ Caramel syrup

and top with sprinkled graham cracker.

+ Raspberries + Coconut flakes

PB + CHOCO DELIGHT: Begin with two graham cracker squares.

+ Marshmallows

Place one on a microwave-safe plate and top with peanut butter

+ Marshmallow fluff (vegetarian)

cups and a scoop of marshmallow fluff. Microwave for 10 seconds, or until marshmallow fluff is melty. Remove and top with chocolate syrup and second graham cracker square. RASPBERRY COCONUT: Begin with two graham cracker squares. Place one on a microwave-safe plate and top with chocolate bars and a marshmallow. Microwave for 10 seconds, or until marshmallow puffs up. Remove and top with raspberries, coconut flakes and second graham cracker square.

OLD-SCHOOL + Graham crackers + Chocolate bars + Marshmallows

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

In the Hot Seat! MEET AZURE'S NEWEST CHEF IN 15 QUESTIONS

AS: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

YOUR LOVE FOR COOKING?

MA: Being able to be creative and seeing people reactions

MA: My great, grandmother teaching me how to make

when they really enjoy something.

rice when I was 7 years old AS: DESCRIBE YOUR COOKING STYLE AS: WHERE WERE YOU TRAINED? WHAT

IN THREE WORDS

WAS THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART? WHAT WAS

MA: Eclectic, unorthodox, spontaneous.

THE MOST CHALLENGING? MA: I started my career as a dishwasher in Key West in

AS: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DISH TO CREATE?

1991. I used to try to finish my dirty dishes quickly so I

MA: My great grandma’s chicken.

could volunteer to learn. The most challenging thing was learning how to execute the orders; I had hard time read-

AS: WHAT FOUR INGREDIENTS ARE

ing the tickets and timing them.

NECESSARY IN YOUR KITCHEN? MA: Salt, pepper, any kind of freshly made stocks and fresh herbs.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED BY AZURE

AS: WHAT’S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF

Marbin Avilez

AZURE RESTAURANT 15301 McGregor Blvd., suite #1 Fort Myers Florida 33908 (239) 288-4296

AS: IF YOU COULD PREPARE A MEAL FOR ANYONE,

AS: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST

WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU MAKE?

CHALLENGING INGREDIENT TO WORK WITH?

MA: I would cook for Mother Teresa if she was alive. I

MA: Beets because lots of people hate them!!

would make her some type of dish from her native country. AS: DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE AS: WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTER?

COOKING/KITCHEN MEMORY?

MA: My 16 year old daughter.

MA: I made an incredibly expensive meatloaf for one of the Golisano Children’s Hospital’s wine dinners. I used

AS: WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO

ground Kobe beef and ground elk. It was crazy because it

HAVE AS YOUR LAST MEAL?

cost almost $1100.00 to make!

MA: Country style fried chicken. AS: IF YOU COULD BE A CHEF IN ANY OTHER AS: ARE THERE ANY FOODS YOU JUST DON’T LIKE?

COUNTRY, WHERE WOULD YOU PICK AND WHY?

MA: Okra, I am not a big fan of it.

MA: I care a lot about people, so I would like to travel to a really poor country and feed the less fortunate.

AS:WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN EQUIPMENT OR GADGET?

AS: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PERSONAL

MA: That would be my 10” global Sai chef’s knife.

“CHEF’S DREAM COME TRUE?” MA: Owning my own restaurant.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

ARTISTâ€™S PALETTE ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

Pumpkin Pe r fe c t i o n PUT THE CARVING TOOLS DOWN + CHECK OUT HOW YOU CAN ADD SOME PIZZAZZ TO YOUR PUMPKINS WITH JUST A PAINT BRUSH

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

THE

CREEPY C R AW L E R

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.

Paint

your

“background”

pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

ARTISTâ€™S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

THE

METALLIC

MASTERPIECE

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

Start with several mini pumpkins. (We prefer to use fake ones so you don’t have to worry about leaving them out too long!) You’ll also need some white paint, metallic paint and black paint. Twine is optional to add a slightly rustic vibe to the stems.

Paint all of the stems with black paint and wrap some with twine if desired. Then, create

several

different

looks with combinations of metallic and flat paint. Make extra creepy “oozing” pumpkins by allowing paint to run down the sides.

Don’t feel limited to solid colors! Experiment here with different patterns and textures (like painting over lace or using a sponge to apply paint instead of a brush), and add some extra sparkle with glitter!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Go to the “dark side” with this design that requires matte black paint, white paint, some metallic paint (for an out-ofthis-world vibe) and some newspapers. Be careful—this one could get messy!

Leave your stems natural or cover with metallic paint if desired. Then, coat your mini pumpkins in matte black paint— be sure to cover everything!

THE

G A L AC T I C GOURD

Fort Myers Lifestyle | October 2020

You can leave some matte black, but for an extra touch, lay out newspaper and splatter your white paint onto some of your black pumpkins. Bonus—as long as you catch it before it dries, any paint should be easily removed with some warm water.

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