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Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
The Elegantly Haunted Top 10 DIY Halloween Props & Decorations
If you are like me, you are a little disappointed with most of the cheap Halloween props on the market. I admit that every season I hope for a true wow factor and more
and more I am sorely let down.
I feel like the Halloween
super stores are dropping the disembodied head when it comes to really amazing Halloween
props and decorations. Even Grandin Road seems to be moving toward the cheaper
looking and made items.
This has led me to create my own props to complete my
Halloween decorating themes. If you feel the same, then this is a
fabulous place to be.
Below are my top ten picks for Halloween DIY projects. The
blogs and sites I feature below have impressed me with their creativity and ingenuity.
A few have even taken ideas I have used for YEARS and made them better.
If you have the time and the energy to create these wonderful
props and decorations it will be well worth the effort.
Happy Halloween!!!
10. Halloween Bats
– Every year we makes something like
these bat and stick them all over the place. I love the mobile idea and I am
thinking of some great ways to incorporate this into my own spooky forest
theme.
9. Spell Bottle Labels
– Halloween is not complete without Witches and all their magical components.
Here is a great tutorial on how to make your own spell bottles & labels using
glass you might have around the home.
8. Paranormal
Portraits - Of course the big magazines like Country Living give us great
ideas. We should expect nothing less. Here is one idea I really like.
7. Soiled Jars – “What
the heck?” Yes! That was my first though too, but when I saw these I changed my
tune. They offer a very cool look without a lot of expense or effort. Check it
out…
6. Cheese Cloth
Spirits – I did something similar to this many years ago. It involved a
balloon, cheese cloth, and lots of white glue. This seems to be a better
version. Thank you Martha!!
5. Glowing Drinks –
To add to the ambience of any Halloween party or costume, you need a cool
drink. Here is a very good idea you can create. http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-glow-in-the-dark-food-magic-colors-and-giant-bubbles/
4. Monster Mud Reaper –
This is a project where you can create a large life size grim reaper holding a
lantern. Add some seriously spooky atmosphere to your party or general décor. The
tutorial has great set by step photos and instruction to help you construct
your reaper.
3. DIY Gravestones –
If you have seen the prices of the foam gravestone in stores you will
understand why I started making my own. This method is really easy. You can get
very intricate or remain basic with foam. It is all about the look you desire. I
also found that I can get dozens of gravestones for less than it would cost me
to buy one at the store.
2. Chicken Wire Ghosts
– I am sure you have seen the ghost dresses made of chicken wire, but I
think this one takes the cake! The photo alone spooked me! It is so creepy
cool!!! Check it out!
1. Crashed Witch –
To be honest I hated the crashed witch you normally see pasted to trees and front
doors. Don’t get me wrong the concept is FABULOUS. I give 10 out of 10 for creativity,
BUT the execution needed work. Dave Lowe, has taken this idea and made it phenomenal!!!
You have to click this link to see.
Well there they are… my top 10 DIY props and decorations!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Distressed Leaf Tutorial
As promised The distressed leaf tutorial is HERE!!! Hooray!
I am a tutorial NUT! I love to watch how other creative
people create!!! It inspires me and encourages me to make beautiful keepsakes.
I like to keep things short and simple, and there really isn't a whole
lot to distressing leaves. The real challenge is deciding what to do once you have several dozen leaves distressed. Its like they are all dressed up and no where to go.
I know all you DIY fanatics out there will create some marvelous
things with this technique! Birds of a feather....
READY? SET? Here we go!
Materials you will
need:
- Heavy card stock in various fall colors
- Leaf template or punch
- Embossing Stylus, fine tip
- Distress Ink and applicator
- Distress Ink in your favorite shades
- Embossing pad (I use and old mouse pad)
- A Craft Mat
Directions:
1. Select your desired colors of
card stock and cut leaf shapes using your preferred method.
2. Emboss (draw) leaf ribs into
each leaf using your stylus and embossing mat. Be careful not to puncture your
leaf with the stylus. You will want to do several dozen leaves.
3. Remove embossing mat and stylus.
4. Lay your craft mat down on your
work surface.
5. Place your embossed leaf on the
Craft Mat and prime your ink applicator with your distress ink.
6. Work your way around the edge
of each leaf in a circular motion inking the edges of each leaf.
8. Lightly rub the applicator on
the center of the leaf, over the embossed ribs of your leaf to give them
definition.
9. Repeat this process for all
your leaves changing the color of your distress ink as necessary. DONE!!
Depending on what project you decide on, you might be distressing leaves for a while. Make this an afternoon project complete with your favorite music and a glass of wine!
The leaves you see in this tutorial went toward the creation of one of my fall wreaths, as well as some greeting card embellishments.
An assortment of complete leaves and flowers
Distressed Fall Wreath with Flowers
2nd Distressed Fall Wreath with Flowers
I showed you mine now you show me yours!
I would love to see your projects!
If I get enough of you sharing your creativity, I will create an entire blog post of all your
beautiful work!
CHEERS!!
Brandy
Artist & Owner, Elegantly
Haunted
©2013 Elegantly Haunted, All Rights
Reserved
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
New Items for Fall & Halloween!!!
Oh my!
It has been a while since my last post. After some computer
trouble and some amazing activity through our new website, things have gotten
away from me.
I will make this post brief to save you and me both a little
time.
We have mailed over 50 cards to Operation Write Home. We are on our way to meeting our goal. I have mailed in
Halloween cards and some fall themed designs. Next, I will work on Christmas/winter designs as well as more fall themes. Our troops will have a fabulous variety of cards to browse and send.
We still have a way to go to reach our goal of 500 cards,
but I think it is possible. I am making new cards for you to browse each week.
Watch for Vintage, Victorian, Gothic, and Steampunk designs coming very soon!
Also, I have been busy painting new glass items for the fall
and Halloween season. We have pumpkins, owls, floral accented skulls and
more!!! When you follow us on the usual social media.... Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy, and/or Twitter you will get first look at what is new. As usual every week there is something unique and wonderful to post.
This will be the best season yet!! Don’t miss out on all we
have to offer.
CHEERS!!
Brandy
Artist & Owner, Elegantly Haunted
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