Kitty wants a bat

Silhouettes make great Halloween decorations – easy to cut out and tape to windows, walls and doors.  I’ve even used those removable glue dots that are readily available at craft stores (in the scrapbooking section). Bats are especially easy to cut out in different sizes – simple and elegant.

Use black construction paper, black poster board or re-use paper grocery bags. You can spray paint big sections of the bag before you cut it up.

Download Images: Click here for a 5 page PDF of the silhouettes above: Witch, skull, bats, pumpkin art. These are on letter size paper and may be cut out as is or used as a template to enlarge or reduce to cut out multiples on black paper. Link opens a new window.

Halloween Party Ideas:

1.These cut outs will also make easy Halloween accessories for your party decorations. You can lay them right on the tables – you can even add them to a plate of cookies. A round plate with the pumpkin in the middle and cookies arranged around it and you have instant, easy table decor!

2. Consider having a Pre-Halloween Party. You and your friends can get together to make Halloween decorations, halloween masks and costumes and props for the school play! Everyone brings their craft supplies – have one big “mess-up-the-house-craft-day”. Get lots done and everyone helps clean up.

Happy Haunting!

Here is a very interesting and creative blog: Skull-a-Day

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Every year consumers spend more and more on Halloween. It’s over 5 billion annually now! Obviously its the merchandising that drives that purchasing frenzy. I’ve never seen so many different kinds of product for Halloween than I have this year.

I love Halloween, I love the fall weather, the memories of fall colors as a kid in Colorado, the trick-or-treating. While I love looking at all the goodies out there to buy, I miss the days when the merchandising wasn’t so big. I miss being able to find something unique and different, like a Halloween tree ornament – now they are everywhere.

So this year I decided not to add to that 5 billion dollars and make some of my own Halloween crafts and decorations. And I gave myself a guideline – spend no money! Use what I have in the house. I know you crafters out there have piles of supplies that need to be used! It’s a good assignment to give yourself anytime – “Use what you have.”

I noticed that colored glitter is big this Halloween. Being a facepainter, I always have lots of glitter. I decided to glitter up a plain glass vase I wasn’t using for anything.

Here is how to make the Glittered Halloween Vase: Cover your work area with a big piece of paper or newspaper. With a black marker draw a Halloween scene around the vase. (Old tree, ghosts, moon, stars, grave stones, witch and cauldron, bats etc.)  Squirt a little mound of water soluble glue on the paper – (look for glue that dries clear and can be used on glass) and dipping a paint brush in water carefully paint glue on what you want glittered. Then pour glitter all over the glued area.

Tip on glitter: Don’t buy flakes too big they fall off and don’t get glitter too small it doesn’t sparkle. Have a piece of paper under the object being glittered. When you knock off the excess glitter, you can use the paper as a slight funnel to dump the glitter back into your bottle.

Little by little, paint a small area and glitter it up. Knock of excess each time and replace it in the glittler bottle. Don’t worry about being too perfect and detailed – we are going to outline it with paint. Finally, let it dry about 10 minutes and use a soft fluffy brush – over a trash can – to lightly dust off the vase. The glitter adhears to the glass with static – the brush will clean this up nicely. Let it dry another 10 minutes or more.

Above is a close up of it before it’s outlined with paint. And a photo of the Tulip brand dimensional paint I used. Regular acrylics would have been too transparent on the glass. This has a skinny applicator, so you basically use it like a pen to outline everything. It’s made for fabric, but works well for this application. Instructions on the bottle say let it dry for 4 hours. But it is dry to the touch in about 20 minutes. Outline everything and let it dry a few hours before you handle it too much or get it wet.

See the finished product below. I love this glue – I think I will try decorating clear glass votive holders next!

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I love all the creative Halloween signs that are at the stores right now. Even the dollar stores have spooky Halloween signs. “Beware – Turn Back!” “Booooo” “Happy Halloween!”

I wanted some signs and thought I’d make my own. So “using what I have” I looked around for something to paint on, an old tray, scrap boards, I even considered the top of an old cigar box – too small for what I needed (but that would be good for a tabletop sign).

I had some old thin wood signs from facepainting that I never really used. So I painted them black to cover up the old stuff. While they dried I looked for some interesting fonts for “Happy Halloween.” I printed out a page with some fonts. As well as some clip art of some images to inspire me. I’m using water based paints – acrylics -easy clean up, dries fast.

I used chalk on the dried painted boards – easy to rub off if I mess up. There are a few ways to transfer your text on to the board:

1. Rub chalk on the back of the paper. Trace the letters on your sign to transfer the chalk, or…
2. Use one of those transfer projectors…or
3. Hand draw it.

I don’t have a transfer projector. And I didn’t have a planned out design yet. So I just started drawing. But using the chalk on the back transfer method would work well if you have a collage constructed of your images. 

I picked a font. I drew a straight line on the board to keep the text lined up and started drawing – just “blocking it in.” I’ll get more detailed as I paint. I drew some other designs and started painting.

I started outlining the letters in another color and decided that it made it too hard to read, so I outlined it in black. Probably using a black marker would work, or that Tulip Paint with the skinny applicator used on the Halloween Vase.  Here are some close ups where you can see how I added extra color and details – and it’s not perfect edges – the imperfections adds to the style. Take your time, have fun, experiment – paint both sides! If you will be using the sign outdoors – a coat or two of satin finish sealant will help it be weatherproof.

I made another sign the same way. Using a light color chalk works great to transfer image like carbon paper. But if you have a light color background – use carbon paper. I wrote a poem to put on this sign and instead of trying to hand write all the letters and hope they fit – I picked a “handwriting” type font and typed the poem on the computer and printed it out. Then put a piece of carbon paper under it and carefully, firmly traced over all the letters.

The first photo below shows the carbon paper result and the center photo shows the letters painted black. Tip: I used water based Createx Airbrush paint with a skinny brush. I used this because it flows evenly. If I used regular black acrylic I would have to water it down too much to make it flow and then it wouldn’t be opaque. Createx can be found at any craft store – look in the airbrush supply section, not the usual paint section.

Here is the finished sign. Even though the text is obviously hand painted and a bit messy, choosing to use a font instead of just regular handwriting gives it a finished, designed look.

You can see some of the carbon paper lines on my painted text – I waited for it to dry completely and used an eraser to remove them.

Also using the Createx paint, I painted black lines all going the same direction on a few spots. This give is that “block print” look.

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In the spirit of “using the supplies you have on hand” – here are some Beaded, Glittered Votive Holders. I would have liked to have some orange and black bugle beads for Halloween, but had to use what I had! It was a fun easy project and I can see making more with different size votive holders would make nice gifts. Especially after practicing more and doing a better job!

I used the same glue as the Halloween Vase project – (look for ‘dries clear, adheres to glass’ on the label). Simply put – spread glue on surface, sprinkle glitter, let dry. Add more glue and beads. Let dry. (These flat votive holders were from Ikea.)

Above I have a folded piece of paper that I used to pour lines of glitter out. You have to tap it a little to make it pour. On the right is 2 colors poured – excess glitter is not knocked off yet. Don’t worry about being too perfect with glitter – we’re going to glue beads over it – I use the glitter as a backdrop to the beads. Knock of excess and let dry completely.

I tried a few ways to get the glue on the glitter to lay beads down – ended up squirting a mound of glue on paper and using a toothpick to apply glue to the bugle beads. Then arrange them on the votive. Below is a close up. Experiment, glue all kinds of stuff. I have a bag of Costa Rican coins (1 and 2 colones – less than a penny) I’d like to glue those to something! If you have colored glass, or those colored glass drops – using this glue is perfect to glue on clear glass vases, plates, glasses etc – since the glue dries crystal clear.

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I needed a small net to skim leaves off of my small bog pond. And being the frugal, recycling, do-it-myself fan that I am, I came up with a way to make my own. And it’s made using materials on hand, so I didn’t have spend the money on a new product or use the gas to go find it. And for this particular item – handmade was fine.

	Materials: Wire clothes hanger or lighter gauge wire, gauze, netting or a pair of pantyhose, needle, thread or embroidery thread and some sort of handle – use a chopstick, old paint brush handle, or something like that. And a smooth glass or jar to use as a form for the wire ring.
	1. Cut a length of wire. Enough to wrap around your form and extra that will wrap around your handle to secure them together. Wrap around the form. With pliers, grab firmly the wire and twist together until the wire is tight against the form. Give it 3 or 4 good twists.
	2. Slide it off of the form – this is why we don’t use something that may have a lip or edge to it.
	3. Wrap the short end around the tip of your handle. Be careful not to disturb your perfect circle.
	4. With one hand firmly hold the handle with pliers. With the other hand start wrapping the long end of the wire down the handle. I ended up using a second pair of pliers and twisted my hands opposite of each other to make it really tight.
	5. Cut a piece of pantyhose or netting. Doesn’t have to be perfect, just bigger than your circle, we’ll trim it later. 6. Cut a length of embroidery thread and thread your needle. Thread it through the net and tie half a knot in 4 places just to get it positioned and started. Trim off some of the excess net.
	7. Then start looping your needle and thread around the wire, starting at the twisted wire end. When you reach the end, tie it off firmly and remove or trim the first 4 threads. I found it easier to sew with the net on top of the wire, spreading the net tight between 2 fingers (and sewing between them) spacing the loops about a quarter inch apart.Pull tight as you go and pull out the “tie-down” threads as you go. When you get to the end, tie the end threads together and trim some more of the net.

And there you have it. Works great and my fish don’t mind that its not super beautiful – they just are thankful that the leaves are picked up and not decaying at the bottom of their pond.

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Metal punching or tin punching is a practice that has been used for generations by metal smiths. You can easily create your own metal punched craft by hammering a nail into a can – with a little time and recycled metal cans you will have a beautiful lantern to enjoy. All your friends are going to want one!

Materials: Metal cans, hammer, strong nails (a couple of sizes if desired), pliers, wire, tea lights or candles.

1. Collect a variety of sizes of empty metal cans. Smooth sides are preferable. Wash them and remove any labels. If there are any sharp edges around the rim, use some needle nose pliers to flatten edges or file them down with a metal file.

2. We are going to punch holes in the cans with a nail or awl – but we don’t want to smash the can in the process. So, here is a fun part – fill the cans with water and set level in a freezer and wait until they freeze solid.

3. Designs: While you are waiting for it to freeze, come up with some designs. Research old fashioned tin punching folk art for ideas or come up with your own theme.

You can draw right on the can with a marker or crayon before you freeze the can. Or cut a piece of paper to fit around the can and draw on that. Then tape it to the can to start punching holes thorough the design. Or if you are a really free spirit – just start punching holes. It’s still going to look cool with candle light shining out of haphazard holes!

4. Punching: If you have more than one can, punch one at a time, leaving the rest in the freezer until you are ready for them. Put the can on a firm surface, firmly hold a very strong nail against the design and give it a couple of taps  with the hammer until it pierces the can. Move the nail and repeat. Regular metal cans pierce very easily, just a couple of taps will make a hole.  Experiment with different sized nails for large and small holes.

Punch 2 or 3 holes evenly spaced around the top of the can if you would like to put wire through it to create a holder. This is really cool to hang from a shepherds hook or tree limbs.

5. After you’ve completed your design, set cans in sink and allow the ice to melt. Dry them, put a tea lite or candle inside, wait for the evening to roll around so you can sit and enjoy your handiwork.

Optional: Spray paint inside and out with rust-oleum. Use nail polish and draw some funky designs, or use stencils and spray paint decorations.  I also like to leave the cans natural and let them rust outdoors. Rust has its own kind of beauty.

Notes: I made some designs on the computer and cut them out. I taped them on but with the condensation on the cold can, they didn’t stick too well. I sat on the floor and placed the can on a cushy throw rug to keep the can steady while I hammered. The starburst or freeform design was just pierced without any pre-design.

Point the opening of the can away from you – some of the ice chipped off and flew out sometimes. If your design is taking a long time to punch holes in – return the can to the freezer if the ice is getting melted too quickly.

Add some beads and bells using light weight wire. This wire is 16 gauge – that’s thinner and more bendable than a wire clothes hanger.

These are “common bright” nails. If you have to purchase nails, try visiting one of the smaller hardware stores like a True Value. You won’t have to buy a whole box of nails – you can just buy a few and the service is always friendly and helpful.

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I found these compartment food trays inside a picnic basket purchased at a thrift store.  When I’m working on bead projects, I may have several going on at the same time. Turning these trays into bead trays help keep the projects organized. (I’ve seen these hard plastic compartment trays available different sizes.) What I like about them is that they are sturdier than the traditional light weight plastic grey flocked bead boards you find at craft stores. So I can carry it around and hold it in my lap where ever I’m sitting.

Using felt or some type of textured fabric on the tray helps hold beads when you are working with them. Cut your felt (or fabric) and keep positioning and trimming until it fits. Don’t worry how it will fit around curves – it will stretch a little to fit.

I use 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive. (Visit their website for tips and projects 3Msuper77.com )

Here is how I spray: I save scrap paper and lay it in a trash can. I place my felt upside down on the paper and spray. When I have to spray another piece, I lay a new piece of scrap paper on top of the sticky one. That way each new item to be sprayed will not get sticky from the piece before. (I use this technique for small spray paint projects also.)

Then gently pick up your felt and carefully place it in your compartment. Next I recycled a promotional magnet I didn’t want. I glued it upside down in one of the compartments to hold beading needles secure when not in use. You can also use those adhesive magnets. The kind where one side has paper to peel off and you adhere your business card.

If you like, you can use a marker and mark off 1″ increments on one edge of your tray for help in measuring lengths of bead projects.

Happy Beading!

Jules

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A nice Saturday project. I took it apart and scrubbed it down with some steel wool and a wire brush. Also washed parts of it with  CLR, washed it and let it dry. 

I sprayed it with a coat of Rust-oleum Professional Primer. I used the grey primer, very fast drying! Using a primer gives added protection for the rust as well as enabling the final color to be as brilliant as possible. Then I chose a sharp contrast of Chinese Red Rust-oleum and Black to finish it off. Oooh, just like a little red wagon!

I’d like to add a nicer piece of wood some time, but for now a coat of polyurethane on some sanded plywood works for right now. I’m using it next to my painting easel – paint can be stored in the desk while palette and brushes sit unencumbered on the top. The once forlorn desk seems very happy now! Is there something you’ve found that needs a face lift? Reclaiming old rusty stuff is easy and fun!

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I first saw a how-to on recycled sweater hats on CraftStylish.com

If you have a sweater that you shrunk in the wash – this is a fun project to recycle that sweater!

Dog Sweater – another recycle sweater project!

more to come on this how-to

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