Tuesday, October 23, 2012

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!


Only 7 days until the big day.... were has the time gone? And most of you Halloweenies have already outfitted the whole family with their fabulous Halloween costumes.... but not forYOU!

And if you're a thrifty one, you don't want to waste your time and money spending 30 bucks (or more!) on a costume you're going to just wear ONCE this year!

Instead, why not create your own Halloween costume, and if you're not a professional seamstress..... simply use what you have! Basic black is a Halloween must, and I know you've got that little black dress hanging in your closet. Check out these great,crafty ideas from POLYVORE to get inspired!

Monday, October 22, 2012

BOO!

Ok fellow Halloweenies.....We are really getting down to the wire, now! Bats need to be hung and cauldrons need to be polished, and don't forget more crafty projects!!!

We all know that the little monsters will need to have something light their way on trick or treat night, so why not a band of ghostly, glowing garland! This is a pretty easy project, and the results are just boo-tiful!

For step-by-step instructions from Design, Dining & Diapers, click here!

Monday, October 15, 2012

DIY TOMBSTONES

The Halloween countdown is on.... and there's so much to do over the next 15 days! So let's talk spooky props....

We all know that setting the scene is what really makes for a boo-tiful Halloween! And to do that you need props.... and we all know that if you jump on the old broomstick and fly off to one of those "Halloween Specialty" stores, you're gonna pay a severed arm and a leg for some cool props.

Well, with a little creativity, a few supplies and some tips from DIY, you can make some pretty cool props yourself, and save the arm and the leg for the withes stew.....

Check out this tombstone project.... it will take about half a day (depending on how many you make) and should run under $50. For the complete DIY directions, click here!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

One of the fun things that I love...... is to make something on my Halloween menu that's unexpected and that may even get a laugh or two.

But you don't have to be an expert chef or even an artist to let your creativity come through. Remember something that you've heard me preach many time.....keep it simple!

Like these cute little pepper spooky faces.... even if you've only ever carved  pumpkins (and I know you have!) this will be a breeze!

Just slice the tops off carefully, then hollow out the peppers and give 'em a good rinse. Then take your paring knife and make a standard jack o lantern face. Simple.

Then once they look they way you want.... then just fill 'em up! You can fill them with dip (they look pretty cute when it's oozing out..) or use them to fill with individual pasta or potato salad!

I think any little goblins would love to be served their mac and cheese in these little spooks! And yes, we do encourage the little monsters to play with their food!

Monday, October 8, 2012

SPIDERWEB DOORMAT



We all know that when it comes to decorating for Halloween, you really need to set the scene, and it all starts at the front door! So why not lure visitors with a spiderweb doormat? Now of course you can buy one, but come on all you crafty ones....it's soooooo easy to make! And you'll love telling your guests who ask where you got it.... that you made it!

Now I've scoured the (cob)web and here is the best way to do this:

Step 1: Purchase an indoor/outdoor needle-punch carpet ($3.70 for one square yard; Caldwell Carpet, 800-772-7090). To turn it into a circle: Mark the rug's center point with a Prismacolor white-colored pencil (88 cents; dickblick.com). Measure and mark the distance from that point to a spot about half an inch from the rug's edge. Cut a piece of string to that length. Tie one end of the string to the pencil and secure the other end of the string to the rug's center point with a tack. Pull the string taut and draw a large circle onto the rug; remove the string. Cut out the circle, just inside the white pencil mark, with sharp scissors.

Step 2: Using a yardstick, evenly space and draw eight intersecting lines that cross the rug from edge to edge. Between those lines, draw arches around the mat, using our photo as a guide.

Step 3: Lastly, coat the rug with a clear finishing spray (Krylon Make It Last Clear Sealer, $3.99; joann.com) to protect your web from trick-or-treating feet.

Find this and more Halloween Craft Projects from the folks at Country Living!

Friday, October 5, 2012

HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YA

I really love those decorations that are the show-stopper of the neighborhood, like this! These window clings and silhouette are very popular for the holidays. But they also can be pretty expensive. But if you have some minimal art skills, you can pull this off, and do it on the cheap, too!

All you need is a few rolls of craft paper, some craft paints, scissors, an exacto knife, clear tape, and a pencil.

You could handle this project several ways, but let's go with the simplest one.... I suggest measure the inside of the window, and cut your craft paper to fit. Then take your pencil and draw a very simple design (it might be a good idea to use a picture as a reference) then cut it out with scissors and/or your handy-dandy exacto knife.

Then place it back in the window to check your measurements, and also check it out from the outside too, to make sure it looks the way you want it to. Then after you're happy with it, take it down and apply the craft paint. Let dry, then put up with clear tape.

Remember, when doing a project like this, the more simple the design, the better it'll look. Keep in mind, you want it to be recognizable from the street, so don't make it too fancy, think simple shapes.

This also is a fun art project for kids of all ages!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

YES, I'M BACK......

Sorry dear followers.....
It has been quite a turbulent time around the Manor. But things have finally gotten back to normal. As you all know, the Spookiest Day of the Year is just around the corner. And I'm afraid I'm a bit behind on my spells and potions.

But I assure you.... it's never too late. So let's get started, shall we??????

If you're a little behind, like the Halloween Queen.... here's a jump-start to get some great ideas coming your way! Log on to All You.com and you'll find devilishly tasty recipes to ghoulish decoration tips, to let you know what you need to throw a wickedly good bash this Halloween!

It's like having your very own Halloween Fairy Ghoul-mother! Now, go get started!