Tag Archives: crafting

Creative Stress Relief II

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Stressed Woman
With so many chaotic events occurring in the world and constant demands on our time, it’s more important than ever to find enjoyable ways to relieve the stress through creativity.  Let’s take a look at a few crafts and hobbies for inspiration:

Fabric Painting: – hand painting, 3-D painting, tie dye, silk screening
Hand Painting
Fabric Painting

3-D Painted & Appliqued
3D Painted Fabric

Tie Die
Tie Dye TShirts

Craft Kits: – stepping stones, latch hooks, ornaments, suncatchers, soap, needlepoint
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stone Dragon Fly

Christmas Ornaments
Rainbow Sequin Ornament

Suncatchers
Suncatchers

Homemade Soap Bars
Soap Bars

DIY Holiday Decorations: – ornaments, wreaths, home décor, wall art, centerpieces
St. Patrick’s Day
Ceramic Irish Bear

Easter
Easter Duck & Bunny

Halloween
Finished Painted Pumpkins

Thanksgiving
Gourds Pumpkins Wreath

Christmas
Traditional Style Meets Contemporary Flair

Papier-mâché: – sculpture, figurines, masks, piñatas
Sculpture
Papier Mache Tiger

Piñatas
Dragon Pinata

Hair Accessories: – headbands, barrettes, floral crowns, scrunchies
Beaded Headbands
Beaded Headbands

Floral Crowns
Wild Flowers Crown

Photo display: – decorative frames, albums/scrapbooks, vision boards/collages, plaques
Decorative Picture Frame
Sea Shell Plaque

Photo Albums/Scrapbooks
Photo Album

Vision Board/Collage
Travel Collage

Decoupage Plaque
Finished Plaque

Still haven’t found the right craft for you?
Please read parts one and three in this series, “Creative Stress Relief,” and “Creative Stress Relief III.”

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Spring Wreath Making 101

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Snow Daffodil
Ah, the first blooms of spring! It’s that time of year again when Old Man Winter steps aside to make way for an abundance of beautiful flowers. Our thoughts turn to backyard barbecues and fabulous days in the sun. Spring is a popular time for cleaning the house and updating our décor. Making a new wreath for the front door is a nice way to celebrate the warmer weather.

Pink & Fuchsia Floral Spring Wreath
Pink Spring Floral Wreath

Periwinkle Blue Floral Spring Wreath
Blue Floral Wreath

Pink & Blue Floral Spring Wreath
Pink Blue Wreath

Pink Berries Wreath
Pink Berry Wreath

Orange & Yellow Floral Wreath
Orange & Yellow Wreath

How To Make A Multi-Color Butterfly Spring Wreath:
Detail Butterfly Wreath
Butterflies are a hot trend this year, and you can easily incorporate their brilliant colors in many ways around your home on tablecloths, napkins, pillows, and floral arrangements. This wreath was not only fun and easy to make, but it was also inexpensive. Similar ready made wreaths sell for $60, and even when there is a sale or discount coupon, it can still cost $24 to $30. The project described below cost approximately $12, and it’s just as pretty as the more expensive versions.

Supplies:
Grapevine Wreath, 18” diameter
Floral Butterfly Garland, 6’ long
Scissors
Brown Twine

Grapevine Wreath
Grapevine Wreath

Choosing a base is the first step in wreath making. There are multiple options, including wreaths made from foam, standard or wispy grapevines, metal wire, and straw.

Butterfly Floral Garland – (sample)
Butterfly Floral Garland
In terms of ornamentation, you can use flowers, berries, seashells, or leaves. A flower garland with attached butterflies makes this project quick and easy to assemble.

Detail of Tying Garland
Detail Tying Garland
This garland has large plastic chain links. Choose a starting point on the front and tie the garland to the grapevine, arranging the flowers and hiding the ties with leaves as you go. Repeat this process until the entire grapevine base is covered. Stand back to look at the wreath, and then make any adjustments by shifting the garland and adding ties.

Back of the Wreath
Back of Wreath
As you can see from the above photo, only the ties are visible from the back, while all the flowers have been placed on the front of the wreath. This makes the most of your garland by creating thick layers of flowers where they will be most appreciated.

Finished Butterfly Spring Wreath
Finished Butterfly Wreath
A piece of twine or ribbon can be used to hang this wreath on the door. Compliments are sure to follow.

Tip: You could use a glue gun, in lieu of twine, but I would advise against it. Glue can be messy and stringy, which can create havoc with the vines. By using twine, there’s no mess, it is easily adjustable, and best of all, if you decide want to make something new, simply cut the ties, remove the garland and reuse the grapevine wreath. You could also reuse the garland for another project.

Even on a cloudy day, this finished wreath is a colorful way to welcome spring with pretty blooms and butterflies.

Welcome Spring & Happy Crafting!

Countdown – Top Six Posts of 2019

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Clock
Where does the time go? There’s always another post to be written, another project to develop, and another inspiration to explore. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the 2019 Top Six posts, in ascending order, based upon Likes. Without further ado, here are your favorites:

Number 6: Daily Dose of Color
Beautiful Sunset
Color plays an integral role in our daily lives. It affects our moods, decisions and actions. Let’s take a look at our activities on a typical day to observe how influential color can be. To read more, please click here.

Number 5: Walk on the Wild Side
Stegosaurus
We love dinosaurs. Want proof? Look at all the books, movies, television shows, and merchandise. At some point, every kid draws and colors his or her favorite dinosaur. Here’s your chance to feel like a kid again. Grab some paints and brushes and let’s go! To read more, please click here.

Number 4: The Beauty of Yarn Crafts
Yarn Crafts
Yarn has come a long way over the years, from single color wool skeins to multicolored, textured fibers, made from manmade and natural sources, suitable for clothing, home décor and accessories. Let’s look at a few of the types of crafts made with yarn. To read more, please click here.

Number 3: Baking for the Holidays
Holiday Baking
Santa Claus isn’t the only one hoping for some holiday goodies. We all love dessert. If you get a head start on your baking, you’ll have plenty to share with your family and friends throughout the long holiday season. Baked goods make great gifts too. To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Birds of a Feather
Flamingo
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. Learn how to make this adorable flamingo. He may not take flight, but the bright colors and cheerful expression are sure to make you smile. To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Creative Stress Relief
Computer Stress
With such fast-paced lives, we all need a break from our daily stresses. These demands have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects. The best solution is a vacation, but that may not be possible. Instead, indulge in a hobby or two to take your mind and body to a happy place. Every day you do things for everyone else. It’s time to put yourself first! You’ll be so glad you did, and you’ll have a lot of fun while doing it. To read more, please click here.

Word Press Blogging
Upcoming posts will include new projects and crafting inspirations. I’ll be sure to include additional articles based upon the above interests, as voted by you, the readers. Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year. If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know? Thanks for reading!

All the best in 2020 and Happy Crafting!

Crafts of Love – Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Frogs in Love
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the people you love.

Valentine's Cake
Celebrate with a Lady Finger Torte, Layer Cake, Cherry Cheesecake, Cupcakes, or Cake pops. Anything homemade is always appreciated. And if baking is not your specialty, buy one at the bakery, put it on your own serving dish and it will be our little secret! (lol)

Homemade Candy
Candy making is an easy process for everyone, even beginners. Start by melting chocolate wafers, called candy melts, which come in a variety of colors and flavors. Pour the chocolate into molds and refrigerate according to directions. You might also consider chocolate covering strawberries, nuts, graham crackers, or marshmallows. Present the finished pieces in a heart-shaped box or container.

Decorated Valentine's Cookies
Decorated cookies are eye-catching as well as delicious. Whether you choose homemade cookies or plain store-bought, add icing details, candy, or sprinkles to complete your festive designs.

Roses
Fresh-cut or silk flowers can be arranged in a bouquet, vase, or heart-shaped wreath. You don’t have to go to the expense of buying roses because any type of flowers will be appreciated.

Bleeding Hearts Flowers
Live flowers in a hanging basket or pot are not only beautiful, but long lasting as well. The flowers shown have not been photo shopped. They really are heart shaped, hence the name “bleeding hearts.”

Glass Heart
A glass paperweight, suncatcher, or pendant is a beautiful option.

Heart Charm
You could also paint a wooden heart to be hung on a wall, included on a wreath, or as a charm on a gift package or handbag.

Jewelry
Beaded jewelry is easy to create. If you don’t have those skills, you can buy a readymade chain or cord and string over-size beads without the need for any tools.

Winged Heart
You could also buy a heart-shaped pendant and add it to an existing chain or choose a new one.

Love Song or Poem
If you have a gift with words, write a song or poem on specialty paper to suit the occasion.

Painting
Artwork, such as painting, drawing, and photography, is a personal way to share your talent and show your affection at the same time.

Photo Album
A scrapbook is a thoughtful way to commemorate family memories and special events.

Vision Board
Create a vision board or photo album with inspirational travel brochures, activities and scenic pictures to build excitement for an upcoming vacation.

Candle Making
Candle making is simplified using a kit. There are multiple options including colors, shapes, sizes, and essential oils scents.

Romantic Dinner
You can’t go wrong with dinner for two. This is the perfect venue for candles, printed napkins on a pink or red tablecloth, and creative place settings to set the mood for a romantic evening.

Heart Pillow
Sewing a pillow is a quick colorful project to coordinate with any décor.

Knitting
A knitted scarf, hat, gloves, or sweater will keep that special someone warm and cozy on a cold winter day, and it will be enjoyed for years to come.

Stuffed Animals
Who doesn’t love cuddly stuffed animals, especially teddy bears? If you are skilled with a needle and thread, you could make a bear with faux fur or buy one. There’s nothing like a big bear hug to brighten your day and chase away the blues.

Sunset at the Beach
It is said, “The best things in life are free.” Go to the beach, the mountains, a nearby park, or your own backyard. Any place will do to spend time together watching the sunset, enjoying a picnic or barbecue, or simply going for a walk hand in hand. Expressions of love don’t need to cost a lot, just a little creativity and a heartfelt message.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Crafting!

How to Make a Painted Wooden Snowman

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Snowman Closeup Photo

The solstice officially marked the start of winter. The long range forecast here in the northeastern U.S. calls for cold temperatures, but less snow. That could be a problem for those outdoor-enthusiasts, who love cross-country skiing, ice skating or simply building a snow fort in the backyard. It wouldn’t be winter without a snowman or two. Why not build a snowman that will never melt? This is a simple, inexpensive project for the whole family. I made two snowmen to display in my living room windows.

Unfinished Wood
It all starts with unfinished wood snowmen, purchased at AC Moore.  The perimeter holes are for lights in a later step.

Snowmen Painted White
Spray paint all sides, edges and base with white paint.

Painted Details
With an artist’s paintbrush, add the details (buttons, eyes, and a smile) with black paint.  Instead of painting the details, you could hot glue round and square plastic buttons, and draw the smile with a Sharpie marker.

Hats Scarves & Carrots
Accessorize with hats and scarves. If you enjoy crocheting, you can quickly create this fashionable look with whatever color yarn you have on hand. Bright red is a great seasonal color, and reads well from a distance. If needlework is not your thing, craft stores have snowman building kits and accessories. For the nose, I created the look of a carrot by squeezing a foam, packing peanut into the correct shape, and painting it with bright orange acrylic paint.  Use hot glue to attach carrot nose.

Stick Arms
Making the arms is as easy as collecting a few sticks from your yard, and attaching them to the sides. You could glue them in place. I decided to use self-stick Velcro instead, because I wanted the arms to be removable for easy storage.

White Lights
Those pre-drilled holes around the perimeter were made to hold a strand of twenty white lights, also available at AC Moore. Crafter Tip: The lights can only be pushed through from one side of the wood frame. You may need to secure the last light at the bottom with a piece of tape to keep it from pulling out from the weight of the electrical cord.

Lights at night
I turned off the flash on my camera to give you an idea of how these cute little snowmen look when lit at night. When the holidays are over, these snowmen can remain on display throughout the winter to bring a little whimsy to your home’s decor. The lights are very bright, and can be easily seen by passersby.

As an additional aside, I made these snowmen two-sided. Because they are standing on a windowsill, they can be seen from inside and outside. The lights can only be seen from the front, but seeing that smiling face when I walk by the window makes me smile too.

Happy Crafting!

Thank You One And All

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Fireworks
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe an entire year has gone by. They seem to come and go more quickly than the last. I just wanted to pause for a moment to say “Thanks” to all my readers and followers for taking the time to read, like, and comment. I realize how precious your time is and appreciate your feedback.

Sparkler Light Bulb
The New Year will be filled with projects and topics to spark your creativity and inspire arts and crafts to share with friends and family.

New Year's Snowman
May 2020 bring you Happiness and Love. May all your dreams come true!

Happy New Year & Happy Crafting!

Pumpkin – Baking with Seasonal Flavor

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Pumpkins
After Halloween has come and gone, you might be wondering what to do with all those leftover pumpkins. Whether you prefer fresh or canned pumpkin, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite. There’s nothing like the mouth-watering aromas of homemade cookies and pastries, straight from the oven. It may be a cold fall and winter, but you can warm hearts and bellies with a lot of love and a few easy recipes.

Iced Pumpkin Donuts
Iced Donuts
To save you time and ensure success, the baking section of your local craft store has a large selection of pans, including bundt cake, cupcakes, muffins, jelly roll, etc. One of the more unusual pans is for baking donuts. Since no deep fryer is required, anyone can bake donuts at home, and the same pan can be used to make bagels too.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Vanilla Frosting
Bundt Cake
A fluted pan is the secret to the bundt cake. This photo shows the standard version of a bundt cake with icing drizzled over the top. If you really want to impress your guests, prepare an unexpected surprise by adding filling. To do this, pour half the batter into the pan. Spread the filling around the pan, ensuring it does not touch the inner or outer edges of the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top and bake. When the cake is sliced, the unusual profile of the slice will be enhanced by a colorful creamy center.

Homemade Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread needs to cool before slicing. By refrigerating the loaf, the bread becomes moist like a cake. Toasted pumpkin bread is delicious with melted peanut butter. Metal pans are fine, but for baking bread I prefer a ceramic loaf pan. I don’t know about you, but the sound of metal scraping makes my skin crawl. Ceramic cleans up easier too.

Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Orange Cream Cheese Icing
Pumpkin Roll
A spiral design is the hallmark of this impressive dessert, but it’s easy to make, and will melt in your mouth. 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.

Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin muffins are delicious as is, or shake a little powdered sugar over the top. Sometimes the simplest version is the best.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Whipped Cream & Graham Cracker Crust
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a dessert menu staple. The only bad thing about pumpkin cheesecake is that it’s only available from October through January, or February if you’re lucky. Beyond that you’ll have to wait until the next pumpkin season.

Walnut Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Walnut Pumpkin Pie
A pastry bag and fresh whipped cream will dress up any baked goods, but it’s just as easy to use a can of whipped cream. For best results, practice a few floral shapes first before tackling the final product.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie with Homemade Crust
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie typically has a delicious flaky crust. This baker created a pretty undulating pattern with the crust and garnished the top with a leaf cut from the same pastry crust. There are some really cool baking tools, such as fluted piecrust cutters for edging, and spring-loaded piecrust cutters to create cutouts or appliqués, like the leaf shown in the photo above.

Chocolate Drizzled Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Crust
Pumpkin Tart
This contemporary pumpkin pie has a chocolate graham cracker bottom crust, and a pumpkin cream cheese filling. For a no-bake version, buy a ready-to-use crust.

Savory Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Soup
Like butternut squash, pumpkin soup gets its savory flavor from rich heavy cream and just the right amount of seasoning from ginger, cinnamon, onion and celery.

Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin Pancakes
Do you love pancakes but are bored with the same old taste? Boost the flavor and your taste buds by adding 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin for every 2 cups of batter.

Homemade Pumpkin Pudding
Pumpkin Pudding
Deep-dish pumpkin pudding tastes delicious while still warm from the oven, or chilled and served with fresh whipped cream. If you’ve never had it, the top and edges have a cake-like texture, but the rest is creamy pudding with that awesome pumpkin flavor. If your favorite part of a pumpkin pie is the filling, this pudding will be your new go-to dessert.

Baking is a fun and rewarding activity to be shared with the whole family. Enjoy the process and remember you can always eat your mistakes.

Happy Crafting!

Pets Celebrate Halloween Too!

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Ghost Dogs
Every Halloween, you decorate your home and dress in costume, but don’t forget to include your furry friends. You could make the costume yourself. Scissors and some old sheets will do the trick. Or it may be easier to buy from crafts stores, Halloween stores and of course online too. Below are several pets “hamming” it up for the camera in their Halloween’s finest costumes. Enjoy!

Cowboy Dog
Leading a parade in a covered wagon is a tough job, but this cowboy is up to the task.

Bear Cat
What a difference the right hat can make!

Princess Dog
This cute poodle will be the belle of the ball in her elegant evening gown.

Pumpkin Dog
The best pumpkin in the patch has a very cheerful personality.

Bunny Cat
It may be Halloween but you can still dress up as the Easter Bunny.

Pumpkin Dog
Larger dogs like to celebrate too.

Sailor Cat
Who says cats don’t like water? This handsome boy is ready to sail the seven seas.

Spider Cat
Arachnophobia is a very common fear, but this little guy is just adorable.

Bewitching Dog
Something magical is always brewing with this bewitching little lady.

Pirate Bear
Don’t have a pet? No problem! Put a costume on your favorite stuffed animal. This Vermont Teddy Bear is wearing a Build A Bear pirate costume, which included the eye patch, sword and parrot. How cute is that? These costumes will fit any 10” to 14” plush animal of your choice.

The family that plays together stays together, including our pets. With everyone in costume, you won’t be able to resist taking pictures to commemorate the occasion.

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Glowing Eyes in the Darkness: Jack-O-Lanterns

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Spooky Pumpkin
It just wouldn’t be Halloween without a few carved pumpkins, also known as Jack-O-Lanterns. Patterns are readily available online, or you can flex your creative muscles by coming up with your own designs. What does your pumpkin say about you? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Carved Pumpkins
From the goofy to the spooky, there’s something for everyone.

Pumpkin Trio
There are numerous options for lighting your pumpkins: Lit candles flicker in the breeze. LEDs produce high intensity and sometimes color-changing light. Glow sticks give off softer, otherworldly light. Spotlights and flashlights light up the face while also creating some eerie dark shadows inside the pumpkin.

Awestruck Pumpkin
Even pumpkins have moments of surprise and awe. I wonder what he sees?

Monster Pumpkin
Little details make all the difference. This carved pumpkin owes its devilishly good looks to the absence of a nose. That one little detail, plus the intensity of the light within, gives him a more ghoulish appeal.

Jaws Pumpkin
This one brings a whole new meaning to the name “Jaws.” After carving the teeth, the orange skin around the perimeter of the mouth was removed to reveal the white flesh beneath. If that seems like too much work, you could use a white Sharpie marker to define the mouth.

Jack Skelleton Pumpkin
Nightmare Before Christmas is a very popular Halloween movie and decorating theme, and this pumpkin doesn’t disappoint. A little dry ice, or a fog machine takes the spooky vibe to a whole new level.

Cat & Spider Pumpkin
Cat lovers will appreciate this creative design. Black cats and spiders are staples in Halloween décor.

Scary Pumpkin
This frightening character has menacing eyes surrounded by flames above and below.

Scary Ghost Pumpkin
This ghoulish ghost is another Tim Burton inspired design from his nightmare movie.

Pumpkin Happy Hour
It’s Happy Hour for Jack-O-Lanterns only! Honestly, if I saw a gathering like this in my backyard, I would probably run away! It looks like a scene from a Steven King movie.

Pumpkin carving isn’t for everyone. There’s also nothing wrong with displaying your pumpkins “as is” with the added bonus of being able to keep them on display for Thanksgiving too.

Painted Pumpkins
If you like to paint, you could paint designs on real or artificial pumpkins. These decorated pumpkins can be accomplished with a few Sharpie markers, and they will last longer than the carved variety.

Lamppost Pumpkins
Another great option is painting a wooden plaque like the one shown above. It can be used for years and is very inexpensive to make. Over time, the sun, wind and weather can take their toll. Whether you are painting a brand new pumpkin, or giving a makeover to an existing one, the steps are the same.

How to Paint and /or Repaint a Wooden Outdoor Halloween Decoration:

Supplies:
Wooden Pumpkin Decoration (30” high x 22” wide x 1/2” thick)
Orange Outdoor Spray Paint – OR – Orange Outdoor Acrylic Paint (See Step 2)
Outdoor Acrylic Paint – black, green & brown
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Black Sharpie Marker

Faded Original Pumpkins
Step 1 – First you will need to clean off the dirt and debris, and lightly sand the surface and edges in preparation for paint.

Orange Spray Paint
Step 2 – You have two painting options here: Spray Painting versus Brush on Painting.
For Spray Painting: Apply multiple coats of orange outdoor spray paint. To be honest, I’m not a fan of spray paint due to the toxic fumes.  I also was not satisfied with the paint coverage. I’m not sure why, but the consistency was very thin like water.

Three Coats Acrylic
For Brush on Painting: – Apply 3 coats of orange outdoor acrylic paint with a brush. Be sure to coat all the edges and the back of the plaque as well to protect and seal the wood from water damage.

Green & Brown Details
Step 3 – Add details such as stems, leaves, and the surrounding ground at the edges. You may want to outline the details first with a Sharpie marker.

Black Lines
Step 4 – Draw the faces and add curved lines to give the pumpkins a three-dimensional effect. Outline the leaves and stems in black to make them stand out better.

Black Paint
Step 5 – Fill in the faces with black paint.

Before & After Pumpkins
After spending a day at the spa, these pumpkins have been renewed, rejuvenated, and are ready to greet your guests at the door. The choice of pumpkins is up to you. Whether you decide to use real, artificial, or any other material, the enjoyment and celebration of the holiday will always come through in festive style.

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Halloween Decorating Tips – Part 2

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Jack-O-Lanterns
Spooky story telling around the campfire, frightful decorations haunting the yard, and fanciful costumes excite and delight, as bags are filled with candy and laughter drifts upon the air. Halloween will soon be here. Celebrate this popular holiday and dance like nobody’s watching! First you’ll need a few decorative ideas to set the stage for your celebration. Let’s get started…

Lantern
Many people enjoy the warm summer nights by candlelight. With Halloween approaching, transform your lanterns into Halloween décor by adding a few decals to the glass.

Moody Lighting
Lighting is so important to setting the mood. Carved pumpkins can be lit with standard candles or opt for the battery operated flameless variety. Luminaries can be made from glass jars and decals or simply draw a design with Sharpie markers.

Skeleton
Tombstones and skeletons are a Halloween classic. This one has a more menacing appearance with its glowing red eyes and the bright light from below, giving the impression he’s climbing out of his grave.

Alien Pumpkins
If elaborate carving seems a bit too daunting, these mini pumpkins will make you smile.   Cut out a rectangle in the front, large enough to fit plastic teeth as shown above. Draw eyeballs or use olives as an alternative. Attach the eyes with toothpicks and you have silly extraterrestrial pumpkins to delight your guests. Green pumpkins would be even better!

Caged Pumpkin
Do you have an old cage in your garage? People can’t resist looking, wondering what’s hidden inside. A glowing pumpkin in a dark cage will certainly keep them guessing. To kick the fear factor up, you could carve a big bite mark in the side or add some jagged claw marks.

String Lights
Strings of orange lights are perfect accents on decks and patios for railings, pergolas, and arbors. There is a wide variety of bulb shapes and sizes, and the LED strands will last a long time.

Bat Silhouette
Silhouettes of bats, crows, spiders and more are readily available online. Print out several, cut them out and tape them inside your front windows. The lights in your home will provide the eerie glow they need to be seen every evening.

Castle
Having a party? Create a castle using a roll of pre-printed blocks. This one was “built” along walls and around a china closet. Crenulations were cut in the top for the true castle experience. Owls and other figures were perched on top.

Castle Gate
It wouldn’t be a castle without a menacing gate. To make one, cardboard toilet paper tubes and a long box lid were shaped, assembled, and painted black.

Mirrored Snakes
Seeing double? A rubber snake dangles from atop this mirror. At times it’s a little difficult to tell which one is the reflection.

Spider & Gourds
Strange gourds make their debut in the fall. Combine a few with rubber spiders, snakes, rats or any other creepy crawlers you care to include. Be sure to include a few critters on your food table as well. It will keep your guests on their toes.

Pumpkin Cookies
There are plenty of opportunities for Halloween themed food at your party.

Pumpkin Glasses
Beverages can be served in cups and glasses decorated with festive faces, created with Sharpie markers or Halloween decals.

Spider Web Cupcakes
Spiders appear to have spun webs across this tabletop and over the cupcakes on this dessert table.

Witch Pumpkin
A simple pumpkin becomes a bewitching character with the perfect hat. A glow in the dark tablecloth can be used as a wall hanging.

Funny Skeletons
Not all skeletons are scary. This clever homeowner has a wonderful sense of humor with this updated version of “Hear no evil – Speak no evil – See no evil.”

From kid-friendly Casper the Ghost to a nightmare on Elm Street, there’s Halloween décor for every party, home, or office. Over time you will collect an interesting collection of favorites. Decorating for Halloween is fun for the whole family, and you will enjoy your handiwork all month long.

Be sure to check out part 1 of this article for more Halloween Decorating tips.

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!