Halloween Costume 2008

So usually I like to do a somewhat detailed and involved Halloween costume, but this year--for many reasons that just wasn't possible. I needed something simple and quick. It doesn't get much simpler than stick figure drawings, right? Here's the execution of the idea.

For more fun photos and video's (Thriller renactment) of Halloween at Stampin' Up, check out Kristina's blog--and get some card making inspiration while your there too!

Paperback Pumpkin

Next year I think I'll try carving this kind of pumpkin. You can find a tutorial here.

My Pumpkin Carving

I finally carved my pumpkin tonight. I've got 2 photos side by side because they each show a little part of what's inside-- a crow on a hanging trapeze bar (or whatever those things are called).

Halloween Goodies

How fun are these?A decoration DIY using fun patterned nylon stockings and candle cylinders. Found on Hostess with the Mostess.

And a fun kids craft from Parents.com:


Gingerbread man skeletons:

Getting started

I have a bunch of picture frames from thrift stores that I'm going to paint all the same color. I plan to hang them in a bedroom with either a satin or a velvet ribbon. Most have to be sanded and stripped a little, but this one was plastic so he was the first to get tested.

The color may appear different on each monitor, but it's a light, soft apple green color. Unfortunately there aren't a whole lot of great colors in spray paint at the local stores, so choices are limited.

J.Crew Warehouse Sale

Don't miss the Down East Outfitters J.Crew warehouse sale! It's at Thanksgiving Point (the red barn) until 7:00 tonight (Thursday). All the signs say Down East, but everything I looked at inside was J.Crew clothing.
I was only able to spend about 10 minutes there, but I got a dress for $15 that I'm guessing originally cost at least $150. I couldn't find the exact dress online, but it looks a little bit like this:

$9.99 and up

I just had to share this. There are some really great deals on swimwear right now from J. Crew. Stock up now while they're cheap, especially if you are open to mix and matching! They even carry long torso suits.

DIY: Armwarmers

With all the cropped sleeve coats and jackets, these arm warmers are finding a place in the world. This tutorial, courtesy of Orange Juicy Journal, shows how to make some from a pair of long socks. Long socks like these ones I posted on recently!

How-to: Water Balloon Luminaries

I can't believe how beautiful these are. And pretty simple too. Find the tutorial here.

Fabric earrings

Today was boss's day. Or is it boss' day? Anyway, I have a wonderful boss who also loves to sew and craft, so I made these earrings as a gift for her. They were pretty simple and fun to make. They are stuffed with filling (the photo doesn't quite capture the dimension). Inspired by a darling pair of earrings that my sister-in-law Kat's sister got for her in India.

A prettier helmet

I love biking. And now it can be done oh so fashionably. I also wonder if these would fit over a scooter helmet....

Here is a tutorial for a fall/Thanksgiving leaf garland made from fabric. Since I have very little fall decor, I think I might just make one... after I finish my T-shirt mat (which I started last night).

DIY recycled matt

This morning as I put on an old T-shirt for a run, I thought to myself, "There's got to be a good way to recycle these oversized old T-shirts" (you know the kind you get at races and any other function). And then I stumbled upon this today! You can also use old towels. Brilliant!

Already?

This is what I woke up to this morning.


My footprints on the deck reveal how much there was (2-3 inches)

And what about you?

I could survive for 35 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Created by Bunk Beds Pedia

Stripes and Stockings

Jumping ahead in the holidays, I'm still about a year behind on this, since this was in last December's Blueprint Magazine. But it's still a great idea. I love stripes, and I love fun stockings. And here they are together. These mega long socks are from Sock Dreams. They have nearly turned socks into an art form, with many wonderful styles and colors.

Halloween ideas

So I'm working on Holiday stuff right now and I keep coming across so many great ideas that I want to share a few this month. I hope you'll enjoy them, even if they are too ambitious to do yourself.

I plan to try this one. Mini pumpkin bread bunt cakes, with cream cheese frosting in the middle, and dressed with black licorice.


Paper mache candy balloons from Martha Stewart:

Also from Martha:


Treats from Bakerella:

Making a list, checking it twice

I know it's only October, but I'll be adding this to my Christmas wish list (from Urban Outfitters). I may paint it orange. Or blue. Or black. No--green.

I like it because it holds hooked earrings, stud earrings (easily), bracelets and necklaces. It's the most functional one I've seen, and at a reasonable price.

A peek inside my brain

Did you ever look at clouds and find shapes when you were a kid? I must have done a lot of this because I still see shapes. I see shapes in all kinds of places. I don't try to see shapes, they just jump out at me. And p.s.--I know this is wierd.

See Exhibit A:

Exhibit A is a (low res) photo of a travertine bathroom tile I see regularly. Do you see what I see in this tile?

See Exhibit B:

And now, Exhibit C:
Good thing I just drew it from my memory instead of getting too literal. Exhibit C is a little scary. And by the way, there is a fat fish wearing goggles and a crown in the neighboring tile.