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!

Halloween: Grins, Chills or Screams? Part 2

Black Cat & Haunted House

When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made:

1. Choose a Theme.  2. Choose a Fear Factor.

What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 2 is Creepy.  Halloween themes at this level are eerie and unsettling, resulting in spine-tingling chills & goosebumps. Let’s see how the desired emotional reactions affect our choices in Halloween décor.

Creepy Themes:

Jack-O-Lanterns

Creepy Pumpkins & Spiders

Black Cats

Creepy Black Cat

Mummies

Creepy Mummy

Spiders

Creepy Spider

Ghosts

Creepy Ghost

Clowns

Creepy Clown

Scarecrows

Creepy Scarecrow

Monsters

Creepy Pumpkin Monster

Witches

Creepy Witch

Haunted House

Creepy Haunted House

Pumpkin Patch

Creepy Pumpkin Patch

Skeletons

Creepy Skeleton

Graveyard

Creepy Graveyard

Werewolves

Creepy Werewolves

Bats

Creepy Bat

Day of the Dead (Extra credit for being fashionably frightening. lol)

Creepy Day of Dead

Vampires (Looks like Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire)

Creepy Vampire

Twisted Fairy Tales

Creepy Twisted Cinderella

Dolls (Reminds me of the little girls in Stephen King’s The Shining)

Creepy Doll Head Vase

Creepy Themed Foods:

Beverages

Creepy Coffee Art

Cakes

Creepy Wedding Cake

Candy

Creepy Candy

Serving Dishes

Creepy Food Display

Guests, craving the thrills of amusement parks, will appreciate the chilling surprises discovered around every corner with these Halloween Creepy themes. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.

Stay tuned for the third and fourth posts in this series for ideas on Halloween Nightmares themes and a comparison of all three. In case you missed it, please be sure to read part 1 for Kid Friendly inspiration.

Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Halloween: Grins, Chills or Screams? Part 1

Kid Friendly Witch & Full Moon

When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made:

1. Choose a Theme.  2. Choose a Fear Factor.

What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 1 is Kid Friendly. Halloween themes at this level are cute or funny, resulting in widespread grins. In this four-part series, let’s see how the desired emotional reactions affect our choices in Halloween décor.

Kid Friendly Themes:

Jack-O-Lanterns

Kid Friendly Pumpkin Witch

Black Cats

Kid Friendly Black Cat

Mummies

Kid Friendly Mummy

Spiders

Kid Friendly Spiders

Ghosts

Kid Friendly Ghost

Clowns

Kid Friendly Clown

Scarecrows

Kid Friendly Scarecrow

Monsters

Kid Friendly Monster Boo

Witches

Kid Friendly Witch

Haunted House

Kid Friendly Haunted House

Pumpkin Patch

Kid Friendly Pumpkin Patch

Skeletons

Kid Friendly Skeletons

Graveyard

Kid Friendly Graveyard

Werewolves

Kid Friendly Werewolf

Bats

Kid Friendly Bat

Day of the Dead

Kid Friendly Day of Dead

Vampires

Kid Friendly Vampire

Kid Friendly Themed Foods:

Candy/White Chocolate Marshmallows

Kid Friendly Dessert

Cupcakes

Kid Friendly Cupcakes

Cakes

Kid Friendly Cake

Cookies

Kid Friendly Cookies

Donuts

Kid Friendly Donuts

Guests of all ages will appreciate the playful, festive atmosphere created by these Kid Friendly decorations. Stay tuned for the next three posts in this series, exploring Creepy themes, Nightmare themes, and a comparison of all three. Please let me know your favorite Halloween themes and if you prefer amusing or frightening decor.

Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Top Ten Posts 2018-2023

Hourglass

Time flies. It’s hard to believe I launched this blog in 2018. Today I thought it might be interesting to find out the most popular posts as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top 10 posts in ascending order:

Number 10: Decorating Easter Eggs

Hand Painted Eggs

Dyed eggs are a staple of any Easter celebration.  To read more, please click here.

Number 9: Collages: Old School vs. High Tech

Undersea Collage

Collages can be created by two different methods: 1) “Old School” Traditional, or 2) High Tech.  To read more, please click here.

Number 8: Table Décor – Designs for All Occasions

Contemporary Table Decor

Welcome to part two of table décor. Last week we reviewed the basic elements used in decorating tables. Today, we will see table designs for most occasions celebrated throughout the year.  To read more, please click here.

Number 7: Fun with Photo Editing

Photo Editing

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could simply change a gloomy sky to a gorgeous day with a wave of your arm?  We might not have that ability now, but we can certainly achieve this monumental task through the power of photo editing.  To read more, please click here.

Number 6: Inspiring Cake Design

Sewing Machine Cake

A well-designed cake sets the tone (e.g., romantic, playful, humorous), or complements the theme (e.g., fairytales, natural wonders, hobbies, holidays) for every celebration.  To read more, please click here.

Number 5: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Oven Roasted Vegetables

In Autumn, as the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin flavored items begin popping up everywhere, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants and even the local pub.  To read more, please click here.

Number 4: Halloween: Naughty or Nice?

Pumpkin Pals

There are all sorts of Halloween themes and characters to help us celebrate this imaginative holiday.  To read more, please click here.

Number 3: One Craft Leads to Another

Colorful Sunset

Because we live in such a beautiful world, it comes as no surprise that we are inspired to create using every color of the rainbow. To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Inspiration: Lost & Found – Part 1

Ocean Wreath & Fish Pillow

Sometimes it feels like inspiration is impossible to find.  It hides in plain sight, masquerading as mundane items in our daily lives.  To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Blogging Vacation

Woman in Kayak

Throughout the summer, I usually take a break, by posting every other week.  This year there were so many inspirations to share I simply kept going.  To read more, please click here.

3D Painting

And there we have it – the top 10 posts from 2018 through 2023.  There are always new ideas to explore, and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites.  Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more in the future.  If you have any suggestions for posts, please let me know. 

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting! 

Crafting Day & Night

Eiffel Tower Day & Night

“As different as day and night” is a common expression. When we find ourselves stuck inside, we’re often looking for ways to be entertained. For many, crafting is the answer. A little effort goes a long way, and everyone loves seeing “Before” and “After” photos. These crafts will surprise and hopefully inspire you to create a little crafting magic of your own.

Sledding Centerpiece

Before:  Wooden Sled Wall Art.   After:  Snowman & Friends Centerpiece.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Foxy Santa

Before:  Misfit Christmas Decoration.   After:  Foxy Santa with new hat and tail.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Seashell Plaque

Before:  Drab Wall Art Print.   After:  Seashells, Sea Urchin & Starfish Framed Art.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Piggy Before and After

Before:  Colorless Pig Statue.   After:  Pink Pig with lots of personality.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Before & After Pumpkins

Before:  Faded Lawn Decoration.   After:  Bold Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns
(Click here for how to instructions)

Headless Dog Before & After

Before:  Snowman with Headless Dog.   After:  Restored Dog.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Light House Before & After

Before:  Incomplete Candleholder.   After:  New Lighthouse Roof & “Light.”
(Click here for how to instructions)

Octopus Before & After

Before:  Monochromatic Candleholder.   After:  Blue Ringed Octopus Sculpture.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Candlestick Before & After

Before:  Difficult Candle Size.   After:  Candleholder for Taper Candles.
(Click here for how to instructions)

Leaves Before & After

Before:  Dull, “Muddy” Wall Sconces.   After:  Vibrant Tropical Leaves & Candles.
(Click here for how to instructions)

I hope you enjoyed these projects. Take a look around your home for any items that could use a little refreshing. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. Good Luck!

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Cosplay – Playtime for Adults

Kids in Costumes

When I was a kid, I loved dressing up in costumes, imagining who or what I could be. If that wasn’t an option, I would wait until Saturday morning when my mom changed the beds. Why? Because a flat sheet transformed into a gorgeous gown, and the fitted sheet became a hooded cape.

Cosplayers

Today, there are so many options for readymade costumes and accessories. Want to take your costume to the next level? Cosplayers design and make their own costumes to participate year-round in worldwide conventions and competitions. Let’s explore the world of cosplay…

Knight in Shining Armor

Armored Knight

Designing and building cosplay costumes requires a multitude of skills, including fashion design, industrial design, leather & metal working, hair, makeup, & accessories, wiring, robotics, special effects, and many others.

Industrial Science Fiction

Industrial Sci-Fi

The shapes, colors, and textures work together to create a story. Who is this man? Why does he wear a mask? Pale blue contacts provide another layer as his watchful eyes dare you to come closer.

Vikings – Father & Son

Vikings Father & Son

Period appropriate clothing made from hand-tooled leather with leather ties, chain mail, hairstyles, and facial hair are all important elements for these successful characters.

The Good Witch

Bewitching Beauty

This is not your typical witch. The neon orange against the black creates an eye-catching look. Blue highlights in her hair perfectly frame her face with its unusual makeup palette, which manages to be macabre and beautiful at the same time.

Body Painting

Body Painting

Body painting is a full commitment from head to toe and really makes a statement.

Every Little Detail Counts

Femme Fatale

When you create a well-known costume, you must get the details correct. Character recognition and countless competition prizes depend upon it. 

Deadpool

Deadpool

Star Wars

Star Wars

Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy

Elsa from Disney’s Frozen

Elsa from Disney's Frozen

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

Wednesday from the Addams Family

Wednesday Addams

Anime (retains human qualities)

Anime

Anime (doll-like qualities)

Anime

Woodland Fairy

Woodland Fairy

Goddess Warrior

Fantasy Goddess

Mother Nature

Sorceress

Steampunk Man

Steampunk Man

Steampunk Dog

Steampunk Dog

Warrior Samurai

Warrior Samurai

Warrior Gaming

Warrior Gaming

Warrior League of Legends

Warrior League of Legends

This is my favorite. Each intricate design coordinates with the others, from her costume to the swords and even the tattoos upon her sides. A healthy dose of attitude completes this warrior’s fierce appearance.

Costume design doesn’t have to end with Halloween. In fact, it’s only the beginning. Dare to dream and inspiration will carry you wherever you wish to go.

Thanks for Reading!

Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Pick Your Poison

Cocktails on a Bar

Regardless of whether you call it a bar, pub or saloon, bartenders frequently say to customers, “Pick Your Poison.”  If you are unfamiliar with this expression, it means what kind of alcohol do you want.  I found a “Pick Your Poison” sign, which will make a great addition to my brother’s bar. Let’s get started.

Unfinished Sign

Unfinished Sign

I purchased this sign at Michaels Arts & Crafts from their Halloween collection. Experiment with color schemes on scrap paper and then choose your supplies. Later in this post, you will see further experimentation using photo editing software.

Supplies

Markers & Paint

Supplies:
“Pick Your Poison” Sign (14” wide x 1” deep x 8” high)
Acrylic Paints – black
Magic Markers – green, black
Paintbrushes

First Line Colored Black

Letters Colored Black

Using a black marker, color the top line of text. It may require a few coats.

Second Line Colored Green

Letters Colored Green

Color the next line of text green. It may require a few coats.

Top & Bottom Trim Painted Black

Top & Bottom Painted Black

Paint the trim black. I wanted the word poison to really stand out but the marker just wasn’t enough. I switched to paints as you will see below.

Revised Supplies

Paints

Revised Supplies:
Acrylic Paints – black, metallic green
Paintbrushes

Painted Letters

Painted Letters

Paint the word Poison with several coats of metallic green. I considered adding drips of 3D paint to make the green letters appear to be bubbling or oozing but decided against it. You could stop at this point if you like the wood grain background.

Photo Editing – Experiment 1

Photo Editing Test 1

Using photo editing software, I experimented with different background colors. I was just dabbling so I apologize for the sloppy lettering. It was just what I needed to decide how to proceed.

Photo Editing – Experiment 2

Photo Editing Test 2

I also tested different color combos for the text against the new backgrounds.

Photo Editing – Experiment 3

Photo Editing Test 3

Because I liked the high contrast and implied sense of danger, I chose red as the background color.

Finalized Supplies

Paints

Finalized Supplies:
Acrylic Paints – black, metallic green, red
Paintbrushes

Painted Background Red

Background Painted Red

Paint the background red. Due to streaking, which did not appear until after the paint had dried, it took several coats of paint.

Finished Sign

Finished Sign

Here is the finished sign, ready to be hung above the bar.

I hope you enjoyed this quick & easy project as much as I did. Sitting here at the bar, I drink a toast to my readers. I’ll save the seat next to me in case you decide to join me.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Countdown – Top Six Posts 2022

It seems we are always keeping an eye on the time.  Busy schedules and ever-growing “To-Do” lists often prevent us from stopping to review our accomplishments.  Let us take a few minutes to look back at the highest ranked posts, as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top Six posts of 2022, in ascending order:

Number 6: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

In Autumn, as the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin flavored items begin popping up everywhere, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants and even the local pub.  To read more, please click here. 

Number 5: Decorating Easter Eggs

Dyed eggs are a staple of any Easter celebration.  To read more, please click here.

Number 4: Collages: Old School vs. High Tech

Collages can be created by two different methods: 1) “Old School” Traditional, or 2) High Tech.  To read more, please click here.

Number 3: Inspiration: Lost & Found – Part 1

Sometimes it feels like inspiration is impossible to find. It hides in plain sight, masquerading as mundane items in our daily lives. To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Halloween: Naughty or Nice?

There are all sorts of Halloween themes and characters to help us celebrate this imaginative holiday.  To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Blogging Vacation

Throughout the summer, I usually take a break, by posting every other week.  This year there were so many inspirations to share I simply kept going. To read more, please click here.

And there we have it – the top 6 posts of 2022.  We have a new year to explore the world of creativity.  There are always new ideas and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites.  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 2023 and Happy Crafting!