If it's pretty or scary, Martha's got it nailed

If your creativity is stalled in neutral, check out Martha Stewart's new DVD, "Martha's Halloween Ideas" (Warner Home Video, $14.97).

Stewart whips up 118 minutes of ideas that range from elegant to spooky. Her step-by-step demonstrations include a variety of cool projects — beautiful as well as beastly pumpkin carving, spider cone lanterns, glow-stick spiders, costumes, treats and special-effects makeup.

If you can't find something you want to make in Stewart's 23 segments, just give up and go to the mall.

Here are a few of Stewart's pumpkin-carving tips that I gleaned from watching a review copy of the DVD:

Use the right tools. A keyhole saw is easier and safer to use than a knife for cutting out simple shapes. Use either a spade bit on a drill or a piece of brass pipe to make perfectly round holes. A linoleum cutter is the best tool to make feathery designs or shallow gauges.

Add accents. Turn a pumpkin into a creepy creature by adding mini pumpkins and gourds for body parts.

The DVD can be ordered at www.marthastewart.com. The Web site also includes templates for decorations and pumpkin carving as well as other holiday ideas.