He’s a Real Swinger

Ghost Swing

With a title like that, you’re probably looking for a good time. And that you will have, but probably not in the way you were expecting. Lol Today we’re going to talk about skeletons and swings.

Skeleton & Pumpkin

Halloween is a skeleton’s favorite holiday.

Skeleton Romance

Love at first sight does not require sight. Even after death love lives on.

Skeleton Lounging

They like to lounge around on Sunday afternoons.

Funny Skeletons

Skeletons can be silly and have a playful sense of humor.

Swing

What could be more fun than riding a swing? The idea of skeletons and swings inspired our next project.

How to Make a Skeleton Swing:

Halloween Sidewalk Edging – (lightweight plastic)

Swing Seat

I bought this at the dollar store. It is supposed to be used as spooky edging along your front sidewalk or to serve as a perimeter fence around a Halloween graveyard display. This works great as a seat swing, and I kept the stakes for their menacing appearance.

Large Link Chains – (lightweight plastic)

Swing Chains

This dungeon-like chain also came from the dollar store. A note of caution, these fake chains are only for show and cannot hold any weight. Compensate for this by using heavy twine, as you will see in the following steps below.

Assembled Swing

Assembled Swing

Tie chains to each side of the seat using heavy twine. As mentioned above, you will need to add support, and this depends upon the type of skeleton you choose. To prevent the chains from pulling apart: tie heavy twine to each side of the seat and weave it through the chains to the top and then tie it together so it can be placed over a branch or slid onto a wall-mounted flagpole.

Human Skeleton on Swing

Human Skeleton on Swing

Human skeletons have a loop at the top of the skull, which will support the full weight. He will appear to be riding the swing if you clasp his hands upon the chains, allowing the seat to simply lean against his backside. You may need to adjust the chain length to accommodate his height. For a humorous touch, you could add a baseball cap or a fashionable scarf around the neck.

Dragon Skeleton on Swing

Dragon on Swing

Here’s another skeleton option, and as you know I love dragons, so I returned the human skeleton to the store and chose this dragon instead.

Finished Dragon Swing

Finished Dragon Swing

To protect the dragon’s animatronic eyes, jaws and sound effects, I opted to keep the swing indoors and hung it from an existing plant hook in the ceiling. To reinforce the swing to hold his weight, I attached additional twine to the four corners of the seat. I also tied his feet to the seat to ensure he stays firmly in place. Everybody loves this new addition to our Halloween décor. I think he likes it too!

I hope this project will inspire you to think outside the box with your Halloween decorations. Please let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments.  

Thanks for Reading! Happy Crafting! And I hope you have a very Happy Halloween!

Halloween Costumes – Variations on a Theme 2

Pumpkin Cat

Welcome to part two of this costume post. What do you want to be for Halloween? This playful celebration is for “kids” of all ages. Become the actor you always wanted to be. Let’s continue our exploration of characters and costumes…

Medusa:
Legendary Monster

Medusa Legend

Mesmerizing Beauty

Medusa Beauty

Mother Nature:
Tranquil Beauty

Mother Nature Tranquil

Powerful Protector

Mother Nature Queen

Nurturing Creator

Mother Nature Nurturer

Queens:
Ethereal

Fantasy Queen

Cold as Ice

Ice Queen

Evil

Evil Queen

Pumpkins:
Playful

Pumpkins

Creepy

Pumpkin Skull

Terrifying

Pumpkin Monster

Scarecrows:
Funny

Scarecrow

Frightening

Scarecrow Frightening

Steampunk:
19th Century Retro

Steampunk

Futuristic Glam

Steampunk Futuristic

Mad Hatters:
Playful

Playful Mad Hatter

Twisted Beauty

Beautiful Mad Hatter

Vampires:
Sexy & Unpredictable

Vampire Sexy

Dark & Foreboding

Vampire Gothic

Werewolves:
Cute

Wolfman Kid

Fierce

Wolfman Adult

Trees Creatures:
Dark & Unnerving

Treeman

Ferocious

Tree Monster

Group Costumes:
Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Group Lord of the Rings

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Group Ghostbusters

The Family That Plays Together Stays Together

Group Ghosts

Halloween is a time to let your inner child come out and play. I hope this post has helped you to find inspiration for your next costume. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.

Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Halloween Costumes – Variations on a Theme

Cute Ghost with Pumpkin

Deciding what you want to be for Halloween is an exciting occasion. It may require makeup, masks, accessories, and/or full costumes. There are also a variety of options for the type of character you want to portray. For example, you could be Casper the Friendly Ghost versus the Ghost of Christmas Future. This two-part series will look at some of the possibilities.

Aliens:

Fashionable Little Alien

Star Wars Jawas

Star Wars Jawas

Predator

Alien Predator

Wildlife:
Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly

Cat Woman

Woman as a Cat

Panda Storyteller

Panda

Bigfoot

Bigfoot

Character Combinations:
Rock & Roll Alien

Rock & Roll Alien

Anime Witch

Anime Witch

Skeleton Warrior

Skeleton Warrior

Warrior Princess

Warrior Princess

Couple’s Monster Costumes:
Frankenstein’s Monster & his Bride

Frankenstein Monster & Bride

Dracula & the Countess

Vampires

Zombie Bride & Groom

Zombie Bride & Groom

Day of the Dead:

Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead

Ancient Egyptian:
Egyptian Princess

Egyptian Princess

Egyptian Pharaoh

Egyptian Pharaoh

Fairies:
Fairy Queen

Fairy Queen

Woodland Fairy

Woodland Fairy

Goddesses:
Atlantis Goddess

Atlantis Goddess

Greek Goddess

Greek Goddess

Zen Goddess

Zen Goddess

Warriors:
Spartan Warrior

Spartan Warrior

Tribal Warrior

Tribal Warrior

Viking Warrior

Viking Warrior

As you can see, there are lots of opportunities to express your creativity. Personalize your character, and remember attitude is as important as the costume. Please let me know your favorites in the comments and stay tuned next week for part two of this post as we continue our exploration of costumes.

Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Skeletons Like Makeovers Too

Eerie & Otherworldly
Spooky Cemetery Skeleton
No Halloween display would be complete without a skeleton or two. Each one has its own personality.

Unexpectedly Playful
Funny Skeletons

Culturally Festive
Day of the Dead

Bone-Chilling & Terrifying
Snake Skeleton
Every year manufacturers introduce new items to thrill, amuse or frighten avid Halloween fans. With a few easy steps, you can personalize store-bought skeletons to express whatever style or attitude you desire for your Halloween décor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Fierce Makeover:

Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
Original Fish Skeleton
This skeleton is based upon a real life deep-sea fish called an Anglerfish. To attract prey, a bioluminescent fishing lure is cast in front of its head and in no time, those strong jaws snap shut as vicious teeth make short work of consuming the meal. Check out the illuminated photo below.

Illuminated Deep Sea Fish Skeleton
Original Fish Skeleton Lit
As a Halloween decoration, it certainly is more unique than the usual offerings. When lit, the lure is bold yellow and the stomach has an eerie purple glow. While he does have a menacing appearance, I think we can do better! I really like the purple glow but when the lights are turned off, the bones are a neutral color without any contrast. In other words, he needs an upgrade!

Fish Skeleton Paints
Fish Paints
Supplies:
Deep Sea Fish Skeleton (8” high x 17” long x 5” wide)
Acrylic Paints – linen, metallic periwinkle blue, & black (not shown)
Paintbrushes

Fish Tail – Before
Fish Tail Before

Fish Tail – After
Fish Tail After
Paint the tail and tips of the spine with metallic periwinkle blue. Notice how the bones stand out against the metallic blue. The reflective quality of metallic paint contrasts well with matte finish bones.

Fish Head & Fins – Before
Fish Head Before

Fish Head & Fins – After
Fish Head After
Paint the eyes black. Paint the webbing of the fins and crevices around the eyes with periwinkle blue. The fleshy, darker contrast makes the eyes look meaner in a zombie-like fashion. Linen paint can be used to touch up unwanted marks on the head.

Finished Fish
Finished Fish
The individual bones in the tail and fins really show up now, resembling creepy skeletal hands for seizing prey or curious trick-or-treaters. See fish 2025 updated version below.

Illuminated Finished Fish
Finished Fish Lit

Portraits – Before & After
Before & After Portrait
The first photo is the original fish and the second is the finished makeover. The purple glow now extends across the entire body. With a ferocious expression and intimidating attitude, this Anglerfish is ready to strike, perfect for a Halloween scare.

Fish Update 2025

Angler Fish Revisited
Sometimes I like to live with a finished craft for a while to ensure I’m satisfied. I decided this fish needed a meaner look, which required additional painting. I think I accomplished my mission. What do you think?

Fantasy Fashion Makeover:

Spider Skeleton
Original Spider
Spiders often have a very creepy aura and you could certainly go in that direction. This lucky lady prefers a haute couture makeover and we know just how to bring it!

Spider Skeleton Paints
Spider Paints
Supplies:
Spider Skeleton (6” high x 8” long x 13” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic blue sapphire, metallic copper, & pure black
Paintbrushes

Spider Head & Feet
Spider Black & Copper Paint
Darken the eyes with black paint, and paint the facial details and feet with metallic copper. Feel free to experiment with the colors.

Spider Joints & Spine
Spider Metallic Blue
Turquoise and brown are a very fashionable color combination, making metallic blue the perfect complement to the copper. This bejeweled spider is ready to make her debut on the fashion runway! lol!

Finished Spider Pulling Wagon
Spider Drawn Carriage
Why not show off her new look by participating in a Halloween parade with a few friends?

Fairy Tale Makeover:

Frog Skeleton – Before
Original Frog Skeleton
This little guy has a heartwarming smile. I believe we can add a little more charm.

Frog Skeleton Paints
Frog Paints
Supplies:
Frog Skeleton (3-1/2” high x 5” long x 4-1/2” wide)
Acrylic Paints – metallic peridot green & pure black
Paintbrushes

Frog Skeleton – After
Finished Frog Skeleton
Sporting his new color, he’s bound to win hearts and maybe even garner a few kisses for luck. Who knows – maybe he will turn into a prince?

I hope you enjoy these fanciful skeletons and apply these ideas to your Halloween décor..

Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Bewitching Mushrooms

Mushroom Centerpiece

Mushrooms have been trending this year in everything from apparel to home décor. Nature is filled with magical wonders and what better time to tap into that magic than Halloween? This fun project is fun and easy for everyone.

Original Mushroom Decoration

Original Mushroom

I purchased this cute figurine at Wegmans. The shape of the mushroom cap lends itself perfectly to becoming a witch’s hat.

Supplies

Supplies

For this project you will need acrylic paints, brushes, a black sharpie marker, and a toothpick for tiny touch-ups. You will also need a stuffed animal eye. (You’ll see why below.)

Paint Jack-O-Lantern Faces

Painted Jack-O Lanterns

Painted faces give these pumpkins personality. I didn’t like the low placement of the faces, so I repainted them to start over.

Repaint Pumpkins

Repainted Pumpkins

The new orange paint creates a new blank canvas.

Paint Yellow Jack-O-Lantern Face Details

Painted Yellow Face Details

Yellow paint creates the inner glow typically found in Jack-O-Lanterns.

Outline Face Details in Black

Black Outlines

Using a black Sharpie marker, outline the face details for a carved appearance.

Add a Purple Eye

Add an Eye

The addition of a purple eye is both cute and creepy.

Create Eye Socket with Packing Peanut

Create Eye Socket

Instead of a human eyeball, I decided to give this magical creature a tube-shaped eye socket using flattened packing peanuts.

Side View of Eye Socket

Side Detail

The packing peanut texture coordinates well with the mushroom stem.

Side View of Eye Socket

Side Detail

Finished Bewitching Mushroom

Finished Mushroom

The eye socket was painted beige to blend with the stem.

Side View of Finished Mushroom

Side Details

Side View of Finished Mushroom

Side Details

I hope you enjoyed seeing this bewitching mushroom. It makes a great addition to your Halloween décor and creates an element of the unexpected. As you know, I love Halloween and would love to hear about any of your Halloween-themed projects.

Thanks for Reading! Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Crafts for Every Holiday

New Year's Kitten

I couldn’t resist this photo of a kitten swatting a clock just before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Time flies so quickly. I don’t think this little guy could catch it, but that won’t stop him from trying. There are so many creative opportunities throughout the year. Let’s look at some of the possibilities for each of the major holidays:

New Year’s Eve/Day – Specialty Drinks

New Year's Drinks

New Year’s Eve/Day – Homemade Zodiac Chocolates

New Year's Zodiac Candies

Chinese New Year – Lanterns & Decor

Chinese New Year Decorations

Valentine’s Day – Homemade Candy & Cookies

Valentine's Cookies & Candy

Valentine’s Day – Flower Arranging

Valentine's Wreath

St. Patrick’s Day – Flower Arranging, Jewelry, & Sewing

St Patrick's Day Apparel

St. Patrick’s Day – Cookies

St Patrick's Day Cookies

Easter – Dyed Eggs & Wood Crafts

Easter Eggs & Wood Crafts

Easter – Cookies & Ceramics

Easter Cookies & Ceramic Basket

Cinco de Mayo – Hat Design, Beading & Embroidery

Cinco de Mayo Hat

Cinco de Mayo – Costume Design, Sewing, Embroidery & Beading

Cinco de Mayo Couple

Mother’s Day – Flower Arranging & Jewelry

Mother's Day Flowers & Jewelry

Mother’s Day – Painting

Mother's Day Painting

Mother’s Day – Portraiture

Mother's Day Portrait

Father’s Day – Wood Sculpture

Father's Day Wood Sculpture

Father’s Day – Craft Beer

Father's Day Craft Beer

Father’s Day – Illustration & Digital Art

Father's Day Illustration

Independence Day – Cake Design

July 4th Cake Design

Independence Day – Homemade Popsicles

July 4th Popsicles

Halloween – Cosplay Costume Design, Makeup, & Props

Halloween Cosplay

Halloween – Cookies, Candy, & Baked Treats

Halloween Desserts

Halloween – Nail Art

Halloween Nail Art

Thanksgiving – Centerpieces, Candle Making, & Specialty Lighting

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving – Ceramics

Thanksgiving Ceramics

Hanukkah – Candle Making

Hanukkah Candles

Hanukkah – Jelly Donuts

Hanukkah Jelly Donuts

Christmas – Cupcakes

Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas – Hand-Painted Nutcrackers

Christmas Nutcrackers

Christmas – Hand-Painted Ornaments

Hand Painted Christmas Ornament

Kwanzaa – Candle Making, Candleholders, & Centerpieces

Kwanzaa Candles

Whether you make these holiday-themed crafts for yourself or give them as gifts, they are all wonderful ways to express your creativity. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You may discover talents you never knew you had.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Happy Halloween 2024

Cat & Pumpkins

It’s hard to believe Halloween has arrived. I love driving around the neighborhood to see all the frightfully creative yard décor.

Homemade Chocolates

Treat your family to delicious homemade chocolates. These are easy, fun and so much better than store bought candy.

Mask Making

Want to feel like a child again? Wear a mask.

Costume Making 101

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.

Trick or Treating Family

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.

Scarecrow & Pumpkins

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!

Feathered Bird Mask

Black & White Feather Mask

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

Humorous Bird Mask

Masks not only coordinate with costumes, but can also express personality, subtle sophistication, and even humorous characteristics.

Unintentionally Humorous Bird

Oops Bird Mask

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

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

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

Faux Diamonds

Glue individual diamonds, flat side down, around the eye openings, ensuring the gems will not impede vision.

Begin Layering Black Feathers

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 Black Feathers

Layer additional black feathers creating a beautiful crown, which extends above the top edge of the mask.

Layer Turquoise Feathers

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

Completed Mask Front

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

Completed Mask Left Side

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 Right Side

Completed Mask – Top View

Completed Mask Top

Raven/Parrot Costume

Raven Wings 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!

Halloween: Grins, Chills or Screams? Part 4

Witch Mixing Potions

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

Pumpkins

Black Cats

Black Cats

Mummies

Mummies

Spiders

Spiders

Ghosts

Ghosts

Clowns

Clowns

Scarecrows

Scarecrows

Monsters

Monsters

Witches

Witches

Haunted House

Haunted Houses

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patches

Skeletons

Skeletons

Graveyards

Graveyards

Werewolves

Werewolves

Bats

Bats

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Vampires

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!

Halloween: Grins, Chills or Screams? Part 3

Nightmares Midnight Rider

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

Nightmares Pumpkin

Black Cats

Nightmares Black Panther

Mummies

Nightmares Mummy

Spiders

Nightmares Spider

Ghosts

Nightmares Ghost

Clowns

Nightmares Clown

Scarecrows

Nightmares Scarecrow

Monsters

Nightmares Monster

Witches

Nightmares Witch

Haunted House

Nightmares Haunted House

Pumpkin Patch

Nightmares Pumpkin Patch

Skeletons

Nightmares Skeleton

Graveyard & Zombie

Nightmares Graveyard

Werewolves

Nightmares Werewolf

Bats

Nightmares Bat

Day of the Dead

Nightmares Day of Dead

Vampires

Nightmares Vampire

Haunted Corn Maze

Nightmares Haunted Maze

Haunted Village

Nightmares Haunted Village

Haunted Bog

Nightmares Haunted Bog

Onion Monster

Nightmares Onion Monster

Insects

Nightmares Insect

Headless Horseman

Nightmares Headless Horseman

Vampires & Werewolves (Extra Credit for Living Chess Pieces. lol)

Nightmares Vampire & Werewolves

Gremlins

Nightmares Gremlin

Nightmare Themed Foods:

Beverages

Nightmares Hot Beverage

Cakes

Nightmares Cake

Desserts

Nightmares Desserts

Pastries

Nightmares Breakfast Pastries

Let’s Toast to Halloween

Nightmares Skeleton at Bar

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!