When it comes to Halloween decorating, skeletons are featured favorites.
T-Rex Skeleton
Terrifying dragons and dinosaurs are a few of the latest décor entries.
Saber Tooth Tiger Skeleton
Wild dogs and Sabre Tooth tigers are sure to follow.
Close-Up Rooster Skeleton
What about ferocious chickens? Ferocious may be a bit of a stretch, but “cocky” is a well-earned title.
Confident & Cocky
At a farm near my home, I saw a defiant rooster face off against a slow-moving minivan. That bird crowed at the top of his lungs. I wonder if roosters use curse words. The bird won the battle of wills! Apparently, roosters always have the right of way. lol.
Unpainted Rooster Skeleton
There are many Halloween bird skeletons, including vultures, crows, ravens, and ducks. When I saw this rooster, I knew I had to do something to make him stand out in a crowd.
How to Paint a Rooster Skeleton:
Inspiration
A rooster’s crown and wattle tend to be red, but anything goes for the feathers.
Inspiration
Because my favorite color is blue, I chose inspirational photos accordingly, but you can choose whatever colors you prefer.
Supplies
Supplies:
Rooster Skeleton (12-1/2” high x 11-1/2” long x 7-1/2” wide) sold at JoAnn Crafts
Acrylic Paints – red, black, metallic sapphire blue, & metallic periwinkle blue
Paintbrushes
Painted Head Details
Brush red paint onto both sides of the two most recognizable traits of roosters, the comb and wattle. Darken the eye sockets with black paint.
Unpainted Rooster Tail
As you might imagine, roosters are very proud of their plumage. Those tail feathers should be bold and colorful to make their presence known and to impress the ladies!
Painted Tail – Option 1
Paint the tail black, which tends to be the most common tail feather color.
Painted Tail – Option 2
Paint the tail a combination of metallic green and metallic blue.
Painted Tail – Option 3
Paint the tail metallic blue. I love the iridescent blue feathers shown in the two inspirational photos. What bothered me about the skeleton was the five bones in the tail, which resemble a metallic hand.
Defining the Tail Feathers
Carefully apply a line of black paint down the length of each tail bone and angled short strokes to create a feathered appearance.
Side by Side
Minimally painted head details versus fully defined tail feathers. If you are satisfied with your results, you could stop at this point. Additional steps below will give the rooster a more frightening appearance.
Painted Eye Detail
Outline both eyes with red paint. This changes the entire expression with a few easy strokes.
Eerie Glow from Within
Paint the inside of the ribs with metallic periwinkle paint. Many Halloween skeletons come with LED lights hidden inside to illuminate the rib cage. This one did not come with lights, but the metallic paint produces a similar visual effect.
Joint Details
Add red on each of the ball joints for the wings and the knees.
Unpainted Rooster versus Completed Rooster
As you can see, this rooster has come a long way from its humble beginnings. At a distance, you can easily recognize it, and the extra painted details catch the light, drawing your attention to this demanding and amusing creature.
For more ideas, please click here to read last year’s post on skeleton painting.
Have you wondered what it would be like to be a superhero, a celebrity, or a movie monster? Halloween opens the door to adventure. The stage is set, the orchestra is warming up, and an audience of admirers eagerly awaits your arrival. Who or what will you be? Let us find out together…
Basic Costume Building Blocks:
Mask
Sometimes all you need is a great mask! Frankenstein’s Monster & the Wolfman are classics. Monster gloves would be nice additions to complete the look. The only downside is that masks can be hot to wear. Be sure to apply character-appropriate makeup to stay in character without it.
Makeup
Makeup tutorials make it easy to create any character. Be sure to read the makeup labels before you buy to avoid skin irritation. To elevate the creepiness factor, the man in the photo above is wearing white monster contacts in his eyes.
Costume
Whether you prefer DIY or readymade, the key to your success is a great costume. Like the idea of “one and done?” All you need is a one-piece dress to become Zena Warrior Princess. Confidence is an absolute necessity! The boots, wristbands, and a weapon are optional.
Accessories
When creating a character, never underestimate the importance of accessories. Can you imagine Indiana Jones without his hat and whip? Without fangs, Count Dracula is just a guy in a tuxedo. (lol)
Attitude
Musketeers cloak themselves in courage, honor, and dedication to their king. Think about how your character thinks, speaks, and acts and then exhibit those traits. Have fun with it!
Cast of Characters:
Mermaid
If you own a bikini top, you are halfway to a mermaid costume. All you need is the tail. Make sure you can comfortably walk and adjust the tail as needed.
Butterfly
This sexy ensemble requires a one-piece black swimsuit and butterfly wings. Antennae are optional. For a less revealing version, wear a black jumpsuit or top with leggings.
Scarecrow
The Scarecrow from the “Wizard of Oz” is a classic favorite. All this costume requires is a great hat and handfuls of straw. Any plaid shirt will work, and do not forget to smile and move as the actor did in the original movie.
The Joker
This is a perfect recreation of the 1960’s television version of the Joker, played by Cesar Romero. Although he is a criminal, this early version of the character is amusing and lighthearted compared to his diabolical present-day counterpart.
Game of Thrones
True to the “Game of Thrones” characters, this couple successfully combined, costumes, makeup, attitude, and accessories, including the little dragon looking over her shoulder.
Medieval Sorceress & Gothic Witch
In the Wizard of Oz, whose side are you on – Glenda the Good Witch or the Wicked Witch of the West? Actors enjoy playing the villain to break out of their comfort zones in favor of a walk on the wild side.
Fantasy Owl Woman
You might want to create a completely original character, such as this owl woman. Like a living sculpture, she is beautiful and intriguing.
Red Fox
Those mesmerizing green eyes draw you in for a closer look. The details are incredible. The mask blends seamlessly with the costume, and the eye openings are cleverly hidden in the corners of the fox’s eyes. It is utterly amazing workmanship.
Court Jester & Evil Clown
If you want to be a clown, you have a decision to make…Will you be an amusing entertainer like a court jester? Or terrifying like Pennywise in Stephen King’s “IT”?
Skeletons
There is an extraordinary level of anatomical detail in the skeleton makeup. Look at those teeth! And the half-masks are an illusion achieved through expertly applied makeup! The white contacts, worn by the skeleton on the right, produces a piercing cold stare that feels uncomfortable, even from the photo.
Steampunk & Plague Doctor
The secret to a steampunk costume is incorporating metallic details, such as studs, chains, gears, and anything else inspired by 19th century mechanization. The Plague Doctor on the right is terrifying! How could he be a medical professional? He does not appear to be human!
Anime
Every detail of this costume, from the bows in her pink hair to the tips of her knee-high boots, is a shining example of anime.
Fantasy Princess
This costume is so beautifully coordinated. The color of the faux fox stole matches the colors in her dress. Intricate gold patterns are repeated on her dress, her jewelry, and the beads in her hair.
Medusa
Medusa have never looked so fierce and fabulous. Wriggling snakes form the headpiece, topped by a golden crown. The python print dress has snakelike scroll design accents. Special effects snakeskin patterned makeup creates the illusion of snakes emerging from her cheeks and forehead. Yikes!
Reptilian Tree
What do you get when you combine a human, a reptile, and a tree? You get a fascinating creature covered in gnarly roots and raised scales, with a disturbing face and mysterious, unknown intentions.
Samurai Warrior
Psychological battles begin long before any physical confrontations. With this fear-inducing costume, potential opponents will choose to flee rather than trying their luck.
Day of the Dead
When it comes to Day of the Dead costumes, this man must be royalty. The elaborate feathered headdress, staff with life-size human skulls, and tricolor palette ensure he will stand out in a crowd.
Maleficent
This vengeful fairy has great magical powers and a commanding physical presence. The raven sitting atop her staff is a reminder of her connection to nature as protector of the moors. Is she thinking of something witty to say or deciding what to conjure up next? We are probably better off not knowing.
Lord of the Rings: Orc
Tolkien would be proud of this battle-ready orc. The distressed piecemeal garments, weapon in hand, hidden dagger in his boot, and defiant stance are hallmarks of this malevolent Lord of the Rings character.
Amazon Warrior
At first, the soft feminine garments and feathered headdress might lead you to believe she is a vulnerable native princess. But you would be wrong! The multi-pronged weapon, metal-studded glove, and cold calculating stare hint at the powerful fighting capabilities of this formidable Amazon Warrior.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, which means you need to get the details correct. Check out the tattooed fingers, the braided beard, and the weather-worn hat! All of Jack’s quirky mannerisms and facial expressions have been incorporated into this authentic performance. I wonder how often people request his autograph. Outstanding work!
Venetian Sun
In the “Masquerade” scene in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, the cast sings, “Look around there’s another mask behind you.” During the Venetian Carnival, just when you think you have seen the most exquisite costume ever made, a better one pops up behind it, leaving you awestruck.
Cosplay
Do you enjoy making your own costumes? Most of the extraordinary costumes shown in this post are from the world of Cosplay. There are competitions for best handmade costumes, and these people are incredibly talented. They take costumes to the ultimate level, often equally the wardrobes created for multimillion dollar films. It is fascinating to see, even if you are not into DIY. Enjoy!
For many, Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year. People go all out decorating their homes, and there is always something new to thrill and delight. Let’s look at some decorating ideas for designing the Halloween display of your dreams…or should I say nightmares?
Creatures of the Night:
Bats
Bats certainly have a way of making humans squirm. Keep your visitors on their toes by hanging bats upside down from tree branches, lightly swaying in the breeze on invisible fishing tackle.
Crows
A crow’s habit of feeding upon dead animals and loud calls are bound to cause a shiver or two. Mount a couple crows on tombstones or in a prominent spot, such as atop a wall or the edge of your roof.
Owls
This predator silently soars across the night sky, seeing all with his glowing eyes. There are some motion-activated owls that turn their heads and hoot.
Spiders
Most people instinctively shy away from spiders. The tarantula-sized spiders shown above are painted with glow-in-the-dark paints. Place them along porch railings or on the outer edge of steps. You also might want to have several crawling up a wall near the front door.
Dragons & Black Cats
Many people are superstitious about black cats. When lit from behind, cat silhouette yard stakes have an eerily realistic appearance. Inflatable dragons glisten and change colors, while animated dragons have glowing eyes, frightening sound effects and “breath fire” courtesy of a fog machine.
Rats
Sewer rats are bound to cause a few goosebumps. Just like the photo above, place a few rats on or around pumpkins to create a creepy atmosphere.
Witches
If you want to charm your guests, witches are sure to please. Life-size, motion-activated witches greet visitors with glowing eyes, casting spells, and stirring cauldrons. For a more humorous effect, a wall or tree-mounted crashing witch on a broom is sure to make everyone smile.
Headless Horseman
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a classic. Although you probably won’t have a horse on the lawn, you could create a dummy with a glowing pumpkin head. New this year is an animated life-size headless horseman holding an axe in one hand and a talking pumpkin in the other.
Legendary Movie Monsters
Wolfman, Frankenstein’s Monster, Count Dracula – so many possibilities. You could make a dummy by stuffing an old shirt and pair of slacks and buy a rubber mask to create your monster. If you or a family member are budding actors, dress up in costumes to unnerve visitors on Halloween night.
Zombies
“The Walking Dead” has been a popular television series for years, spawning a zombie craze in movies, merchandise, and Halloween décor. If horror is your goal, zombies are the go-to characters.
Ghosts
Ghosts can serve as props or as live action creatures. Halloween night, if you really want to keep trick or treaters on edge, place a life-size ghost among your yard decorations. Go outside several times wearing an identical costume to stir up chills and thrills as you move across the lawn. Kids love theatrics like this and will return every year to find out what you will do next.
Scary Props:
Carved Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a Halloween staple. Depending upon your preferences and skills, you can carve or paint designs to frighten or amuse your guests. If you have had trouble in the past with squirrels eating fresh pumpkins, buy craft pumpkins, which can be carved and displayed for years to come.
Tombstones
With tombstones, draped in spider webs, and scattered bones, this haunted cemetery is ready for visits from the living.
Coffin & Skeletons
If you like working with wood, you could build a coffin and reuse it with different monsters each year. If the weather cooperates, or if you have a covered porch, a cardboard coffin can be easily made. Skeletons and skulls can be frightening or funny. It’s all up to you.
Kid Friendly Scarecrow
Scarecrows are easy to make and inexpensive to buy. Secure them to tree trunks, or place a few on a bale of hay with pumpkins and a few crows for a bit of humor.
Frightening Scarecrow
This horrifying scarecrow will keep crows, as well as people, at a distance. The vicious teeth are an unexpected and unsettling detail.
Spider Webs
Our brains tell us that where there are webs, there are spiders. Drape webs over bushes and railings. A bag of plastic spiders has great impact or buy one large spider to instill fear.
Lighting:
Halloween String Lights
Pumpkins, Bats, Skulls, Witch Hats, and Ghosts are just a few of your string light options. Some are the plug-in variety, but for more flexibility there are also battery-operated versions.
Pumpkin Lamppost Cover
This lamppost cover is an easy way to show your Halloween spirit, and it acts like a beacon attracting Trick or Treaters like moths to a flame.
Luminaries
Luminaries are easy to make by simply drawing Halloween designs, such as cats and bats, with Sharpie markers on glass jars. For lighting, burn tealights or use battery-operated candles.
Special Effects:
Spooky Sounds & Fog
Sound is an often-overlooked element in Halloween displays. Howling wolves, dragging chains, maniacal laughter, growling monsters, and high-pitched shrieks are among the many scary soundtracks. Fog provides additional layers of Halloween ambiance.
Lightning & Thunder
Conjure up the perfect storm by using theatrical spotlights, which project lightning bolts upon your house, accompanied by claps of thunder.
Setting the Scene: Finished Halloween Displays
Witch’s Brew
Wondering what it would be like to have a close encounter with a witch? A cauldron, bubbling over with glowing fog, rests upon a flickering faux fire. With an ancient broom, a book of magic spells and a bottle of her latest potion in hand, this witch chills and thrills guests of all ages. Live action will astound visitors. All you need is a costume and have a few clever “incantations.”
Haunted Graveyard
How do you create a haunted graveyard? Start with tombstones, and then add a red-eyed skeleton climbing out of an open grave, bathed from below by an eerie yellow light, as ghostly apparitions take shape in wisps of fog. An orange moon in the nearby tree completes this otherworldly scene. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” would be the perfect theme song for this frightening display.
Comical Family Fun
Is it possible to celebrate Halloween in a kid-friendly way? A pumpkin family reunion is a good place to start. Trick or Treaters can pose for selfies with this cheerful, welcoming display. At night, the bright orange glow will intrigue everyone, drawing them nearer for a closer look.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Want to attract attention? Consider your desired theme and select a fascinating focal point, such as the gigantic cat in the above photo. With colors, shapes, textures, and proportions in mind, continue adding props and characters, creating a multi-layered composition to delight viewers. Viewers will discover something new each time they see it. Having a few characters spring to life would be the cherry on top of this theatrical masterpiece.
Trunk or Treat
Are you participating in a community trunk or treat event? Don’t forget to decorate your car. There are Halloween decorations made specifically for trunk or treating. If your furry best friend rides along, a pet costume would be adorable, and the kids will love it!
Halloween brings out the kid in all of us. Do you have a favorite decoration? Have any suggestions to share with readers? Please note your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Even on a gloomy midwinter’s day, sunlight filters through stained glass, dazzling the eyes and enlightening the mind with all its glorious colors. Stained glass windows can be found everywhere, from churches and hotels to cruise ships and homes. First and foremost, it is a beautiful art form, but there is more to this than meets the eye. Let’s dig a little deeper into the world of stained glass.
Traditional Stained Glass
There are two types of stained glass:
1. Traditional Stained Glass – Individual pieces of glass soldered together, as shown above. This labor-intensive process is well-worth the effort, but it also adds to the expense of the finished piece. Additional details may be painted by hand on the interior face of the glass.
Painted Glass (aka Enamelled Glass)
2. Painted Glass – Designs are painted on glass with special pigments containing ground glass, which must be fired in a kiln to permanently fuse the colors to complete the process.
With or Without
Minute details, such as this fish’s fins, scales, and lively expression, have been hand painted to create a one-of-a-kind aquatic treasure. With bold colors and thoughtful design, the lovely rose, shown above, can stand on its own without the need for hand-painted embellishments.
Close Encounters
This colorful contemporary glass reminds me of the musical light board in the movie, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The soft glowing colors and textured glass make you wonder what awaits inside.
Forever Yours
Delicately painted white blossoms, set against a bold red and green background, will flower for eternity.
A Rose by Any Other Name
Rose windows adorn many churches around the world. If you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a kaleidoscope, this is your chance to find out.
Stairway to Heaven
Stained glass panels entice the viewer to follow the spiral path upward toward the heavenly white light.
Tell Me a Story
Truly a picture is worth a thousand words. Today we take reading for granted, but in the past illiteracy was common. Story telling with pictures enabled everyone to learn. Some windows depicted detailed biblical scenes, while others were more abstract with easily understood symbolism.
On the Grid
A strong rectilinear grid, repetitious patterns, and a soft blue background unify this harmonious ceiling design. The free form, brilliant colors, and contrasting, copper architectural details provide an interesting focal point in this cruise ship lounge.
Heads Up
Glass dome decorative motifs are complimented by the plaster architectural ornamentation. The glass dome on the right is framed by metallic gold trim and adorned with metallic blue spheres, drawing the eye upward toward this playful stained glass focal point.
In the Eye of the Beholder
Context & symbolism go hand in hand. In a church, a white dove usually symbolizes the Holy Spirit, but in secular architecture it is a sign of peace or a celebration of nature. Stained glass in churches is often donated as memorials. Did you know the artist often painted the face of an angel or saint to resemble a deceased member of the donor’s family? You and I see an angel, but the family sees Grandma Agnes.
A Little Piece of History
Instead of painting on canvas or sculpture, historical figures and events have been honored in stained glass.
Eternal Spring
This beautiful Art Nouveau masterpiece includes a portrait as well as a very lush floral landscape in celebration of springtime.
“Building” an Addition
This window visually expands the architectural space, making the building and property feel stately and grand. It can also obscure an unsightly view, while providing scenic eye candy for the viewer.
It’s a Jungle Out There
Several artistic tricks are used to create this lively wild jungle, including perspective, overlapping images, and the shape of the individual glass pieces.
A Grand Illusion
Vibrant colors and clever design are the keys to this amazing stained-glass window. The play of light and shadow, three-dimensional rendering, and concealing most of the lead strips, creates the illusion of Christ standing in front of the window.
Let There Be Light
This may look like a painting in a frame, but it is all stained glass, including the “frame.” You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this “window” is on an interior wall! At this point, you probably have one question: How could the glass glow without sunlight? I’m glad you asked! A light fixture, either fluorescent or LED, is recessed into the wall. A sheet of white glass conceals the light bulbs or tubes. The stained-glass is the final layer. Turn on the light and you will have the full colorful effects without the sun!
I hope you enjoyed our little exploration and picked up a few ideas to incorporate stained glass into your life. Until next time…
It’s hard to believe the summer is over. Where did the time go? We pack away our beach toys and the kids go back to school. Autumn’s arrival signals the coming changes in nature. It’s time to change your décor and update your home with a few of your own handmade creations. Below are a few photos to inspire your next fall wreath project:
Silk leaves can be easily arranged from lightest to darkest. This decoration can be hung upon a door or used as a centerpiece on your dining table. Additional leaves can be sprinkled upon the table to enhance the autumn ambiance.
This wreath has a red, green and yellow color scheme. Coleus plants have the most beautiful leaves in blended shades of purple, burgundy, green, pink and red.
Orange peppers and berries bring bursts of color to this lush green leaf wreath. In cooler climates, genuine fruits and veggies will last from several days to several weeks depending upon the type. Warm locations will require the use of faux produce, which will last for years to come.
A straw or grapevine ring serves as a base for this festive wreath made from dried grasses and berries. Raffia ribbon and a simple wooden heart and nautilus seashell complete the look.
If you happen to have pine trees on your property, collect the pinecones to make this lovely wreath, with the addition of seedpods, and faux cherries and berries for pops of color.
This is a great beginner’s wreath and it’s easy to change for every season. Simply wrap a straw wreath with overlapping ribbon. The large bow also serves as a hanger.
Whether you live near the beach or near a forest, driftwood or twigs are available in abundance. A little Spanish moss finishes this decoration in a style suitable for Mother Nature herself.
This wreath is all about the abundant harvest, made with dried grasses, wheat, and a few silk flowers. If you have a wheat allergy, substitute corncobs or dried flowers.
Celebrate Autumn’s favorite color with orange flowers and berries, accented with touches of maroon and green.
Greet your guests at the door with a lovely fall wreath. To make one, start with a grapevine wreath base. Tie or glue on pumpkins, gourds, pinecones and berries. As an added burst of color, glue red and orange silk leaves on poster board and secure it to the back.
Mickey Mouse fans will love this festive decoration, which will adorn your home with a bit of whimsy from fall through Halloween.
Hydrangeas, berries, and dried fruit adorn an English ivy wreath. As Thanksgiving approaches, replace purple and blue flowers with more seasonal reds and oranges.
While you are gathering your wreath making supplies, consider including something unexpected, such as this mushroom.
How about this adorable little hedgehog? You could also use a squirrel, a baby fox or fawn, or any little woodland creature you can find at craft stores or online. In a place of honor, centered upon your front door, it’s sure to make your guests smile.
Who says fall wreaths must be particular colors? This gorgeous purple, blue, and green wreath would look amazing all year long. What is your favorite color? There are no rules, so go for it!
So many fall decorations can be made with found objects, such as pinecones, acorns, leaves, etc. It’s a nice time of year to take a walk and admire Nature’s changing colors. Why not get the whole family together to enjoy the fresh air and collect a few twigs or ornamental leaves along the way? Time spent with family is a precious gift, and the crafts you make will remind you of these shared adventures.
Dessert is a wonderful thing. Do you ever find yourself checking out the dessert menu before looking at the entrees? I do. In fact, I had a craving for something sweet while working on this post. You have been warned! Proceed if you dare! Below, you will find lots of desserts to tempt your willpower.
Baked Alaska
Wondering what Baked Alaska is? Start with a slice of angel or sponge cake, add ice cream, cover it with a thick layer of meringue and bake until it lightly browns.
Black Forest Cake
Chocolate, whipped cream and cherries – does anyone have a fork?
Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake, made with two layers of vanilla sponge cake, a custard filling, and topped with chocolate icing.
Cake Pops
Undecided whether to have chocolate or cake? Have both with chocolate cake pops.
Carrot Cake
Shredded carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple are the secrets to making this moist and delicious cake, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Cherry Cheese Tarts
Most people love cheesecake. These tarts have the delicious flavor, and they’re finger foods as well. You could purchase ready-made mini piecrusts and make your own filling. They can also be made in a cupcake pan. Line the pan with paper cupcake wrappers. Drop a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cupcake. Pour in your filling and bake. After they cool, top with cherries or strawberries and enjoy!
Chocolate Mousse
Who could resist the rich, creamy taste of chocolate mousse?
Chocolate Tarts
Most people love chocolate, and this dessert does not disappoint. Chocolate whipped cream is sandwiched between layers of cake and piped on top, garnished with chocolate shavings and raspberries.
Crème Brulee
Creamy egg custard topped with a crunchy, caramelized sugar crust is the perfect combination for this mouthwatering dessert.
Croissants
Butter croissants are finger licking good, but they also come with delicious fillings, such as chocolate, almond, or raspberry.
Fresh Fruit
As the seasons change, fresh fruits appear in abundance, courtesy of Mother Nature.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is an easy dessert to keep on hand for unexpected guests. Whether it is served in dishes, cones, or sundaes, you can’t go wrong with ice cream.
Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a popular treat for “kids” of all ages.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Sweet and tart are perfectly balanced in lemon meringue pie.
Napoleons
Napoleons consist of alternating layers of light as air puff pastry crust and vanilla cream, topped with powdered sugar icing swirled with chocolate.
Pecan Pie
If you like sweet and salty, this is the dessert for you. The filling is made with eggs, butter, brown sugar, and pecans. For a rich caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar.
Petits Fours
Petits Fours are the perfect marriage of cake and candy. Fondant icing covers bite-size cubes of yellow, sponge or pound cake. While the fondant is still wet, decorations can be applied using piped icing, or a sprinkling of either candy or nuts. As an added burst of flavor, jelly or butter cream can be spread over the cake prior to applying the fondant.
Popsicles
Fruit juice and popsicle molds are all you need to make whip up this cool treat.
Pumpkin Pie with Homemade Crust
Pumpkin pie has a delicious flaky crust. There are some great baking tools, such as fluted piecrust cutters for edging, and spring-loaded piecrust cutters to create cutouts like the leaf shown in the photo above.
Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Orange Cream Cheese Icing
A spiral design is the hallmark of this impressive dessert. Bake the cake in a jellyroll pan lined with parchment paper. After baking, lay the cake face down on a towel. If necessary, trim any ragged edges. Starting with a long side, roll the cake in the towel and cool completely on a wire rack. Unroll and remove the towel and lay cake flat. Spread the filling over the top within 1/2” of the edges. Suggested fillings include whipped cream, pie filling, and pudding. Carefully roll the cake and place it with the seam side down on a platter. Garnish as desired.
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding, fresh from the oven, is one of life’s great comfort foods.
Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh fruit garnishes and a little powdered sugar is all you need to top off this summertime favorite.
Tiramisu
Espresso, rum, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone filling make this dessert out of this world.
Hermione and Harry never go anywhere without their magic wands.
Logo/Sign at Ollivander’s Wand Store, Universal Studios
Every Hogwarts’ wizard goes to Ollivander’s to choose his or her magic wand.
Magic Wands at Ollivander’s Wand Store
While doing research, I was surprised to see that many of the wands in the Harry Potter series were rather lackluster. I expected wizards to have exquisite, highly personalized wands to express their personalities as well as their power.
Wooden Chopsticks
For this project, we will transform wooden chopsticks into magic wands for Hermione Grainger and Harry Potter. Use these techniques to create a wand for any character and add whatever embellishments feel right to you.
How to Make Hermione’s Magic Wand:
Inspiration
Hermione’s wand has a fairly simple design, consisting of English ivy wrapped around a monotone magic wand.
Supplies
Supplies: Wooden Chopstick (9” long x 3/8” thick) Acrylic Paint: yellow ochre Bottle fabric paint: glow-in-the-dark white Paintbrushes Clear Spray Paint: Matte Finish Optional 1) Faceted rhinestone & Acrylic Paint: metallic peridot. See “Advanced Painting” below.
Painting Chopstick
Step 1 – If the chopsticks are lacquer-coated, you may need to prime the surface first, and then apply two coats of acrylic paint. Puncture a hole in a box to hold the wand upright for drying, but don’t forget to paint the tip later. To prevent fingerprints and scratches, handle with a tissue.
Painting Vines & Leaves
Step 2 – Starting at the top, use three-dimensional paint to create an ivy vine wrapping around the wand. Add an interesting twist by using glow in the dark white paint, but if you prefer, you can use plain white. If you want to be true to Hermione’s original wand design, wait until the 3D paint dries, and then paint the vines with yellow ochre to match the rest of the wand.
Hermione’s Finished Wand
To seal the paints, spray the wand with clear spray paint. At this point, the wand is complete. If you have been following this blog for a while, you know there is usually an enhanced version, which is shown below in the “Advanced Painting” section.
How to Make Harry’s Magic Wand:
Inspiration
Harry’s wand has a textured, two-tone design. Rough “tree bark” at the top serves as a handgrip, and the rest is smooth wood.
Supplies
Supplies: Wooden Chopstick (9” long x 3/8” thick) Acrylic Paint – licorice black, coffee bean brown 1) Bottle fabric paint – brown Paintbrushes Clear Spray Paint: Matte Finish Optional – Glue gun & 1) Faceted rhinestone. See “Advanced Painting” below.
Creating Texture
Step 1 – Using three-dimensional paint, draw long lines at top to create the basic texture as shown above.
Adding More Texture
Step 2 – Fill in with more texture, to create a rough tree bark appearance, including pointed edges across the top of the wand. Allow paint to dry overnight.
Painting Black
Step 3 – Paint the entire wand with black acrylic.
Dry Brushing Brown
Step 4 – Dry brush the rough bark with brown acrylic paint, allowing the black recessed areas to show through, as they do with real bark. Seal the paints with clear spray paint.
Harry & Hermione’s Finished Wands
This photo shows the two completed wands side by side. I wanted to take this project to the next level by creating more texture on Harry’s wand and more visual interest for Hermione’s.
Advanced Painting:
Hermione’s Wand – Defining the Leaves
Step 1 – Make the leaves more prominent by applying a thicker coat of the same three-dimensional glow in the dark paint on each individual leaf.
Close-Up Vines & Rhinestone
Step 2 – Create a glowing cap on the end of the wand and place a rhinestone in the center as shown. In case you didn’t know, fabric paint can be used in place of glue.
Glowing Wand
Step 3 – After being exposed to light, the vines, and leaves glow in the dark. You can test the glow by holding the wand under a bright light for several seconds and then switch off the lamp. Adjust the paint as needed.
Accent Painting the Leaves
Step 4 – Something still needed to be added, but I didn’t know what it was. Finally, I decided to apply a soft pastel green to the leaves, providing color as well as a subtle shimmer. Seal paints with clear spray paint. By day or night, this wand has stylish and surprisingly powerful.
Harry’s Wand – Creating Thicker Tree Bark
Step 1 – Using a glue gun, add long lines for more texture upon the handgrip.
Roughening the Texture
Step 2 – Use brown three-dimensional paint to roughen up the smooth lines of glue, to resemble tree bark more closely.
Painting Black
Step 3 – Paint the entire wand with black acrylic.
Dry Brushing Brown
Step 4 – Dry brush only the rough bark handle with brown acrylic paint, allowing the black recessed areas to show through, as they do with real bark. Use glow in the dark fabric paint to attach a rhinestone to the end of the wand as shown above. Seal paints with clear spray paint.
Harry’s Finished Wand
The thickened “tree bark” looks better, and the sleek black wand is the perfect choice for a powerful wizard.
Harry & Hermione’s Finished Wands
These two wands work well together, just like Harry and Hermione.
Close-Up – Both Finished Wands
I hope you have found a few inspirational ideas to create your own wands. Do you have a favorite wizard, or a favorite magical literary character? What kind of magic wand do you think that character would choose? Please let me know in the comments section. Enjoy the creative process, and let your ideas run wild.
Mother Nature has an interesting way of mixing colors, which inspire our fashions, home furnishings, and interior design. Check out the wolf photo above. His fur is a perfect blend of black, brown, gray, and white. We typically contrast neutrals with more vibrant colors, but as you can see, they can stand on their own. Let’s explore the hidden meanings, common perceptions and our expectations of the neutral color palette.
Color: BLACK
Mystery & Superstition – What is it about black cats that inspires other-worldly tales of witches, monsters and things that go bump in the night? Everyone loves mystery and suspense, always wondering what is behind the curtain. Black piques the interest and keeps them guessing.
Fear of the Unknown & Protection – Ghost stories shared around campfires are a common summertime activity. The human mind can imagine all sorts of things hidden within the shadows. On the other hand, darkness offers protection, a type of shield, which is why black onyx was often carried by ancient travelers to ensure safe passage.
Formal & Luxurious – Even if it is only for one special night, black tuxedos and evening gowns are luxuries, making the wearer look and feel like fashion royalty.
Exotic & Sexy – The “little black dress,” a staple in most women’s wardrobes, is the perfect example of this color’s attention getting, seductive nature.
Color: BROWN
Comforting & Casual – The color brown invites you to come in, sit by the fire, and sip hot cocoa, while roasting marshmallows and enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Natural Beauty & Tranquility– The beauty and serenity found in nature fills us with feelings of awe and joy, inspiring new ideas and a fresh outlook.
Relaxing & Soothing – You work hard and often play hard too. Forget the world for a while. Relax, unwind, and restore your body, mind and spirit.
Down-to-Earth & Self-Confident – Be true to yourself, grounded, levelheaded, and practical.
Uncertainty & Ethereal – The warm grays, such as these trees, are earthy and grounding, while the cool gray fog produces a more ethereal quality.
Wisdom & Maturity – They say an elephant never forgets. Imagine the stories she could tell!
Timeless & Calming – Walking along the beach, we collect seashells formed eons ago, as we let the water wash our cares away.
Color: WHITE
Simplicity & New Beginnings – Life doesn’t have to be complicated. Feel footloose and carefree as the dawn brings new opportunities.
Peace & Clarity – White doves are symbols of peace and the spirit world.
Purity & Remembrance – White roses adorn bridal bouquets. For some cultures, white flowers are memorials for deceased family members.
Cool & Crisp – White clothing is commonly worn during the summertime because it not only looks cooler, but also reflects the heat of the sun, making you feel cooler too.
The Great Film Debate:
Black & White Film versus Full Color Film
Black and white film was the standard. The invention of color film was a real game changer. Everything came to life in “living” color, resulting in an interesting question: Should the old black and white films be colorized? The purists say no because black and white are an integral part of the story. Adventurous movie lovers say give us vibrant colors and don’t forget the “CGI” special effects! Do you have a preference? Please write your thoughts in the comments section.
In case you missed the two previous World of Color posts, Part One covers the warm color palette: red, orange, and yellow, and Part Two discusses the cool color palette: green, blue, and violet.
For some reason, I often find myself drawn to the wood crafts aisle at my local hobby store. Maybe it’s the quick reward for very little effort at an inexpensive cost. Who doesn’t enjoy a little instant gratification? There’s always something new to discover. New trends and seasonal favorites compete for your attention on the shelves.
The popularity of the television show, “Fixer Upper,” has brought farmhouse chic to the forefront of home design trends. As a result, oversize wood letters and words have become very popular wall art. If a particular word or phrase has special meaning for you, spell it out on a wall as a daily inspiration to share with your family and friends.
Looking for a quick and easy way to add some pizzazz to any flat wood surface? Apply contact paper or left over wallpaper for interesting colors and patterns.
For a distressed look, keep the color palette soft as if they faded over time, allow the paint to dry, and then use sandpaper to “age” the surface.
The base coat for decorative boxes can be painted using brushes or spray paint. Intricate details and complex designs can be applied using fine point paint pens in solid or metallic finishes. Rhinestones and beads will provide a touch of sparkle.
This adorable little owl has a painted face and the patterned wings were created with contact paper. For clean, crisp edges on the eyes and beak, use stencils.
Painted eggs are a tradition in many cultures. Applying wax in intricate patterns and dipping the exposed areas into dyes created these beautiful designs.
How to Paint a Wooden Flamingo
Now that you’ve seen several woodcraft examples, it’s time to try your hand at decorating. Craft stores and Dollar Tree stores have several freestanding wood animals, including a flamingo, rhino, hippo, stegosaurus, peacock, elephant and more.
As with all projects, it helps to have a little inspiration. Seeing live flamingos really helps with color and feather pattern decisions as well as basic biology.
As you can see, the thick wood has been cut out in the shape of a flamingo and has the advantage of strong, sturdy legs, making this a freestanding, three-dimensional piece. Both sides and all the edges will need to be painted. Due to the raw nature of the wood, it may require a little sanding, especially along the edges.
Supplies:
Wooden Flamingo (7-1/2” high x 4-1/2” wide x 1-3/8” thick)
Acrylic Paint – orange, black, & white (plus optional yellow for eyes)
1) Bottle fabric paint – orange
1) Bottle fabric paint – pink
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Step 1 – Paint the flamingo with orange acrylic paint, including both sides and all edges.
Step 2 – Apply a second coat of orange acrylic paint, and add details to the face. The legs have been painted gray.
Step 3 – Create a feathered texture by applying orange fabric paint. The paint on the head and neck was applied in a random dotted pattern because these areas are smoother than the lower body. Use long strokes on the torso, ensuring to go in the direction of the feathers. Refer to the inspiration photo as needed. Allow the paint to dry overnight. Using a small paintbrush, and orange acrylic paint, add the thin leg and feet details on the sides, front and back of each leg. This gives the illusion of thin legs like the live birds.
Step 4 – Create more texture by repeating the orange fabric paint process in Step 3. Add additional details with pink acrylic paint: Dot the pink over the head and neck, and create the wings on the torso. Refer to the inspiration photo as needed.
Step 5 – Apply a second coat of pink fabric paint, thickening the wings and increasing the pink highlights on the head and neck. Allow the paint to dry overnight. Using a paintbrush, give the beak a second coat of white and black acrylic paint. To give the eyes more dimension, add a large dot of yellow fabric paint. Remember to add a black dot in the center of each pupil.
This completes your flamingo project. He may not take flight, but the bright colors and cheerful expression are sure to make you smile. For more painted wood crafts, please click here.
There are times when the sky is so blue that you find yourself daydreaming every time you pass a window. And then there are days so gray and gloomy that it’s hard to believe the sun could be hiding behind those clouds. If you have ever flown on a rainy day, you know how amazing it is to see the sunlight burst across the sky as the plane reaches its cruising altitude, high above the cloud cover. The people on the ground have no idea what a gorgeous day it is. It’s all a matter of perspective.
Part One of this series covered the warm color palette: red, orange, and yellow. Those colors encourage taking action, family activities, celebrations, romance, and getting noticed. In Part Two, you will learn about the hidden meanings, common perceptions and our expectations associated with the cool color palette: green, blue, and violet. When it comes to psychology, there are no “neutral” colors.
Color: GREEN Good Fortune & Abundance – “Overnight” successes usually start as ideas, followed by a series of goal-driven steps, which culminate in bringing the dream to fruition. Maybe the luck of the Irish is in knowing when to take a leap of faith?
Wealth & Prosperity– Prosperity means different things to different people. For some, it’s shiny cars or expensive baubles. For others, it’s getting that big promotion at work. Perhaps one of the best ways to feel prosperous is to surround yourself with family and friends to accompany you on this journey called life.
Grounding & Rebalancing – Feeling out of sorts? Take a walk in the woods. The soft sensation of the grass beneath your feet and rustling leaves in the breeze will rebalance your mind and body.
Natural Beauty, Calming & Relaxing – Scenic landscapes have the magical ability of slowing down the hectic pace of our everyday lives, quieting our minds and relaxing our bodies. When a trip outdoors is not a possibility, viewing landscape paintings and photographs can have the same beneficial effects.
New Opportunities & Indulgence – Grapevines are the ultimate opportunity seekers. Birds scatter the seeds, and the vines grow wildly, climbing over any and all obstacles to reach the sun. At the end of the day, as you enjoy a glass of wine, remember we owe our thanks to the lowly grapevine’s hardy and tenacious nature.
Renewal, Refreshing & Personal Growth – Challenge yourself. Go hiking with friends. Take that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Make time to truly experience the beauty of the world around you. Let your cares melt away as you enjoy some very well-deserved “Me Time.”
Color: BLUE Fantasy & Inspiration – The most fertile ground in this world lies in your imagination. Always the explorer, you never know what wonders lie around the next bend, just waiting to be discovered. What comes next? You decide!
Dreams – In dreams, we’re all superheroes. Your feet never touch the earth, and you are free to fly whenever and wherever you please. There are no rules. Anything is possible. Keep on dreaming.
Refreshing & Relaxing – The gray days of winter are quickly forgotten with the arrival of the brilliant blue skies of spring. When it comes to our precious vacation days, most people are drawn to oceans, lakes, waterfalls, and even the hot tub in your backyard for the soothing, refreshing effects of water.
Mystery & Wonder –Our bodies, like our planet, are 70% water. We’re more alike than we are different. Seven billion people share this world and we’re changing it for the better, one person at a time.
Tranquility, Solitude & Self-Reflection – A swan, silently gliding across pond, is a portrait of grace and beauty. Meditation and personal reflection are enhanced when surrounded by nature. Find a quiet spot. Give yourself the gift of quiet reflection. You’ll be glad you did.
Playful – Charming and playful as ever, Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster has been entertaining and befriending kids of all ages for over fifty years. And he hasn’t aged a day! He reminds us to make time to laugh and play every day, and most importantly … eat more cookies!
Color: VIOLET Wishes, Dreams & the Future – We often look to the horizon, wondering what the future holds. Faced with uncertainty, ancient mapmakers used to write, “Beyond here there be dragons.” Turns out there were no dragons, only new friends yet to meet.
Exotic & Regal – The earth provides a multitude of beautiful gemstones, typically worn as personal adornments. It is believed Cleopatra had lapis lazuli and amethyst gemstones ground into powders to make eye shadows. And you thought your makeup was expensive?
Sleep Inducing & Mood Enhancing – Lavender is a wonder drug courtesy of Mother Nature. The color and delicate floral scent promote a restful, quiet state of mind and improved sleep.
Luxury, Passion & Royalty – There’s nothing like the luxurious feel of silk against your skin. The color violet was once reserved for royalty. Today we can treat ourselves to whatever fabrics and colors we choose.
Indulging, Pampering & Pleasurable – Day spas and fitness resorts understand the beneficial physical, psychological and emotional effects of color, fragrance, music, flavors, and simple human touch. By appealing to our five senses, we are transported, if only for a little while, to a place where pleasure reigns and the art of doing nothing is our only pursuit.
Powerful & Majestic – Have you ever watched a thunderstorm? It’s so powerful that you can feel the electricity in the air. The landscape changes from one second to the next as bolts of lightning pierce sky in a kaleidoscope of light and color. Mother Nature puts on quite a show and the admission is free.
The Great Ice Cream Color Debate: Green Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream versus White Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – one of the most popular flavors of all time. Have you ever considered the color? Should it be green or white? You’re probably asking yourself, “What difference could the color possibly make?” Right?
Here’s where it gets interesting: There’s an expression: “You eat with your eyes first.” You may not be aware of this, but color affects your perceptions of taste. For many people, if the ice cream isn’t green it’s not mint, but it’s not just a matter of color. They actually don’t taste the mint flavoring! For them, it’s vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips. Their sense of taste is overpowered by their visual expectations.
Have you ever been surprised by the flavor of a food based upon its color? What flavor were you expecting? Would changing the color improve the taste? Dr. Seuss once asked, “Would you eat green eggs and ham?”
