It’s hard to believe Halloween has arrived. I love driving around the neighborhood to see all the frightfully creative yard décor.
Treat your family to delicious homemade chocolates. These are easy, fun and so much better than store bought candy.
Want to feel like a child again? Wear a mask.
Costume making 101: Cut eye holes in an old sheet and throw it over your head. How easy was that? Accessories are fun but optional.
Most families trick or treat as a group. It’s a fun and safe way to wander around the neighborhood and you’ll probably meet several friends along the way.
Let the festive lights and laughter fill you with the spirit of the season. Breathe in the clean, crisp fall air and make a wish upon a star. “Listen to the Music of the Night.” – Phantom of the Opera
I hope you have a great time and wish you a Happy Halloween and Happy Crafting!
A mask is the perfect accessory to complement any Halloween costume. Feathers have gorgeous colors and patterns and are easy to work with, making them a great choice for mask making projects.
Humorous Bird Mask
Masks not only coordinate with costumes, but can also express personality, subtle sophistication, and even humorous characteristics.
Unintentionally Humorous Bird
The colors and patterns in this mask are bold and confident, but there’s a problem…birds don’t have feathers on their beaks. To correct it, remove the beak feathers and simply paint it flat black, which will return the focus to the beautifully accented eyes.
How to Make a Feathered Bird Mask:
Assorted Supplies
Crafts stores sell several mask styles, such as half masks, full face masks, and some with sculpted scroll or fleur-de-lis details. Decorations include feathers, rhinestones, sequins, faux diamonds, and fancy beaded or woven trims.
Paint Mask Black
This half mask is made of plastic. Because spray paint can produce strong odors, I chose to hand paint it with acrylic paint to make this more comfortable to wear. Depending upon the mask material, it may require two coats of black paint.
Add Faux Faceted Diamonds
Glue individual diamonds, flat side down, around the eye openings, ensuring the gems will not impede vision.
Begin Layering Black Feathers
I started under the center point of the eye openings and worked my way around to the top, following the contours of the mask.
Create a Feathered Crown
Layer additional black feathers creating a beautiful crown, which extends above the top edge of the mask.
Layer Turquoise Feathers
Turquoise & brown tipped feathers are added, starting at the edge of the nose and continuing around the eye as shown. Repeat for the other side.
Completed Mask
Add turquoise accent feathers on the top to contrast with the black. You may need to touch up the black paint due to scratches or nicks from handling. This completes the mask and it is ready to wear.
Completed Mask – Left Side View
Because each feather is unique, there will be variations, but this will not detract from the design. I chose to create a balanced design, but masks can also be asymmetrical.
Completed Mask – Right Side View
Completed Mask – Top View
Raven/Parrot Costume
I made this mask for my mom to wear to a Halloween costume party. I had already purchased this cape, which resembles bird wings, from Grandinroad. She wanted an easy-to-wear costume. All she had to do was wear a black top and slacks, pull on the cape and complete the look with the feathered mask.
I hope you enjoyed this project. It’s easy and fun. Have you ever made a mask? Please let me know in the comments.
Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
When I was writing the first three posts in this series, I found myself constantly flipping back and forth between each of the Halloween themes within the Kid Friendly, Creepy and Nightmares levels. I thought you might like to see a side-by-side comparison. The results below are astonishing.
Halloween Themes: Kid Friendly Creepy Nightmares
Jack-O-Lanterns
Black Cats
Mummies
Spiders
Ghosts
Clowns
Scarecrows
Monsters
Witches
Haunted House
Pumpkin Patch
Skeletons
Graveyards
Werewolves
Bats
Day of the Dead
Vampires
As you can see, Kid Friendly characters are cute, almost cuddly. Creepy ones make you feel uneasy, wondering what it might do. However, if you encounter a Nightmare character along a lonely road at night, don’t waste time wondering… Run away!
This is the last post in the Halloween Grins, Chills & Screams series. In case you missed the first three parts, please be sure to read part 1 Kid Friendly, part 2 Creepy, and part 3 Nightmares for more inspiring ideas. I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made:
1. Choose a Theme. 2. Choose a Fear Factor.
What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 3 is Nightmares. Halloween themes at this level provide good old-fashioned scares like when someone sneaks up behind you and yells Boo. You jump and maybe scream in shock…and then you tell them they’re grounded for life. (lol) Let’s see how the desired emotional reactions affect our choices in Halloween décor.
Nightmare Themes:
Jack-O-Lanterns
Black Cats
Mummies
Spiders
Ghosts
Clowns
Scarecrows
Monsters
Witches
Haunted House
Pumpkin Patch
Skeletons
Graveyard & Zombie
Werewolves
Bats
Day of the Dead
Vampires
Haunted Corn Maze
Haunted Village
Haunted Bog
Onion Monster
Insects
Headless Horseman
Vampires & Werewolves (Extra Credit for Living Chess Pieces. lol)
Gremlins
Nightmare Themed Foods:
Beverages
Cakes
Desserts
Pastries
Let’s Toast to Halloween
Halloween Nightmares themes explore the unknown and isn’t that mankind’s biggest fear? Being more complex, these characters appear out of the darkness via motion (costumed actors or animatronics), light, sound and fog, triggering screams or bad dreams for days to come.
Stay tuned for the fourth and final post in this series for a frightfully fun side-by-side comparison of Halloween themes. In case you missed the first two parts, please be sure to read part 1 Kid Friendly and part 2 Creepy for more inspiring ideas. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made:
1. Choose a Theme. 2. Choose a Fear Factor.
What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 2 is Creepy. Halloween themes at this level are eerie and unsettling, resulting in spine-tingling chills & goosebumps. Let’s see how the desired emotional reactions affect our choices in Halloween décor.
Creepy Themes:
Jack-O-Lanterns
Black Cats
Mummies
Spiders
Ghosts
Clowns
Scarecrows
Monsters
Witches
Haunted House
Pumpkin Patch
Skeletons
Graveyard
Werewolves
Bats
Day of the Dead (Extra credit for being fashionably frightening. lol)
Vampires (Looks like Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire)
Twisted Fairy Tales
Dolls (Reminds me of the little girls in Stephen King’s The Shining)
Creepy Themed Foods:
Beverages
Cakes
Candy
Serving Dishes
Guests, craving the thrills of amusement parks, will appreciate the chilling surprises discovered around every corner with these Halloween Creepy themes. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
Stay tuned for the third and fourth posts in this series for ideas on Halloween Nightmares themes and a comparison of all three. In case you missed it, please be sure to read part 1 for Kid Friendly inspiration.
Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made:
1. Choose a Theme. 2. Choose a Fear Factor.
What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 1 is Kid Friendly. Halloween themes at this level are cute or funny, resulting in widespread grins. In this four-part series, let’s see how the desired emotional reactions affect our choices in Halloween décor.
Kid Friendly Themes:
Jack-O-Lanterns
Black Cats
Mummies
Spiders
Ghosts
Clowns
Scarecrows
Monsters
Witches
Haunted House
Pumpkin Patch
Skeletons
Graveyard
Werewolves
Bats
Day of the Dead
Vampires
Kid Friendly Themed Foods:
Candy/White Chocolate Marshmallows
Cupcakes
Cakes
Cookies
Donuts
Guests of all ages will appreciate the playful, festive atmosphere created by these Kid Friendly decorations. Stay tuned for the next three posts in this series, exploring Creepy themes, Nightmare themes, and a comparison of all three. Please let me know your favorite Halloween themes and if you prefer amusing or frightening decor.
Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!
Feathers have been used for centuries as personal adornments, ceremonial costumes, wall art, and as the inspiration for freestanding sculptures and architectural reliefs. The photo above is a modern-day interpretation of the ancient Mayan & Aztec feathered serpent gods.
Light as a feather, each one is a fanciful treasure found.
The finest feathers provide bold colors in unique patterns and soft textures.
Peacock feathers are highly sought for their fascinating colors, shapes and natural sheen. Peacock patterns are often used in clothing, home furnishings and finishes. Let’s explore some of the artistic possibilities for these delicate natural wonders…
Costumes
Dolls
Dreamcatchers
Easter/Spring Décor
Digital Art
Quill Pen
Fantasy Portraiture
Feather Boas
Jewelry
Mobile
Photography
Wall Art
Feather Wreath
Feathered Hats
Feathered Hair Accessories
Flower Arrangements
Cultural/Religious Ceremonies
Feathered Masks
As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate feathers in your life. I hope these ideas inspire you to give it a try. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
Those of you who follow this blog are familiar with a recent crochet project called Beach Bear Rita. Well, guess what? Rita now has a twin sister! Wouldn’t it be nice to simply use a crochet needle to bring a new sibling into your life? And here she is…
She’s feistier than the original and loves red, making her the center of attention wherever she goes. Please check out the photos below to see how this little lady came together.
In Progress: Body with Swimsuit, Arms, Head, Ears & Skirt
Rita II has a red and white swimsuit with matching bracelets. The white skirt will have a red scalloped edge in a later step.
In Progress: Cardinal Inner Tube, Fish & Pail
The fish needs a white dot in the eyes and the cardinal inner tube needs to be assembled.
In Progress: Completed Body, Swimsuit & Inner Tube but Needs a Hairdo
Rita II is close to completion. The arms, ears and head have been sewn on as well as the facial details. The swimsuit has red scalloped edges at the top and bottom. Red earrings and a red tie for the swimsuit have been added. The skirt and inner tube may need to be tacked in place. The next decision is what type of hairdo would she like?
A New Up Hairdo
She may be a twin, but she has her own style, and an up-do seems to be a perfect choice. Bobby pins hold the style in place, while a vintage crystal bee pin tucked beside her ear provides the sparkle every fashionista craves.
Crocheted Bracelets & Scalloped Edge on Swimsuit Top
Cardinal Inner Tube
Unlike her sister, Rita II likes cardinals. You can easily adjust the pattern to resemble any bird.
Side View
Back View
Finished Bear with Fish in Pail
Beach Bear Rita Twin Sisters
Just like their human counterparts, these two may have their differences, but they will forever be sisters!
I hope you like this adorable, crocheted bear. For additional information, please see my first post by clicking this link: “Beach Bear Rita.” The pattern can be easily found online. These bears make great gifts, which can be personalized for each recipient and they’re a lot of fun to make. Good luck with your future craft projects.
Quilling is a craft utilizing colorful precut strips of paper. After the paper has been rolled using a special slotted tool, the coils are shaped using your fingers to create teardrops, squares, diamonds, etc. and then glued into interesting compositions. Below are a few ideas to inspire your creativity…
Party Décor
Handmade Envelope – (Quilled card shown below)
Greeting Card
Edible Quilling
Ceramic Easter Eggs
Collector’s Egg
Intricate Quilling Design Detail
Portraiture – (Quilling & Illustration)
Wall Art
Freestanding Sculpture – (Requires substrate for support)
Tropical Wall Art – (Quilling & Illustration)
Fantasy Wall Art
Springtime Garden Wall Art
I hope you enjoyed seeing these beautiful examples of quilling and will consider giving it a try. Kits are available with all the supplies you need. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.
If you are searching for a new hobby, then this is the post for you. Because there are too many hobbies to fit into one post, arts and crafts can be found in my 3-part series entitled, “Creative Stress Relief.”
Sports, for the faint of heart as well as daredevils, can be easily found online.
Below is an eclectic list of hobbies to pique your interest:
Antiquing: furniture, home furnishings, jewelry
Aromatherapy: perfumes, body washes, sachets, scent sticks
Historical Re-enactments: Renaissance fairs, famous battles
Kite Building
Model Airplane Building
Lego Building
Model Trains
Puzzles: Jigsaw, Crossword, Seek & Find
Reading
Stargazing
Video Gaming
Wine Making
As you can see, there is something for everyone. What starts as a hobby often blossoms into a new career. I hope you are inspired to try something new. Please let me know your favorite hobbies in the comments.
Crafts Inspire Me 