This Huntington Beach Man Is Creating Masterpieces Out Of Pumpkins From His Garage
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — In the weeks leading up to Halloween, Jim Morey of Huntington Beach might as well be a ghost to his family.
"There are no mistakes in pumpkin-carving. There's just changes of plan," explains Morey is who an IT manager by day and professional pumpkin carver by night.
Each evening until midnight, Morey is holed up inside of his garage making masterpieces out of craft pumpkins.
From Jay Leno to Robin Williams and Bruno Mars, Morey has the ability to transform any photo into a life-like form.
One of the masterpieces Morey is currently working on is a carving for his mechanic who wanted his grandson's face carved onto the pumpkin.
The pair bartered.
The mechanic did an oil change on Morey's SUV in exchange for the personalized pumpkin.
Morey receives orders from television networks requesting sports stars and celebrities as well as customers who want carvings of children and pets at the beginning of September.
Four years ago, he realized his talent could pay for Christmas for his kids.
"It's paying for Christmas now, yes it is. It's awesome. Every October, I look forward to it," he said.
Morey's pumpkins run $100 on up.
While he has a day job, he carves out enough time afterwards to create 30 or more in time for Halloween.
"What I tell people is, 'If it doesn't freak you out a little bit when it's pitch dark and you light that up, then I didn't do a good job,' " he said.
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