10/30/09

My Halloween Costume

229/365

Yeah, I went there. I dressed up as Octomom today for Halloween! I taped them all over my shirt and leg and in my back pocket. I even carried one on a ribbon on the ground. It's a pretty silly costume (and impersonation), but I had fun with it. I handed the babies off and said, "Here, you take care of it, you're the taxpayer." I also said wistfully, "I'm just waiting for my Jon Gosselin to come."

Anytime I dress up as an actual person, I really like to go all out and overexaggerate them. Pretty silly, but that's me after all.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Cirque Du Noel!

Cirque du Noel

OK, ok, I realize Halloween isn't over yet and I'm already moving on, but I'm kinda Halloweened out. Not to say I won't be participating in Halloween festivities (I plan on sharing my outfit for work tomorrow...it will make you laugh), I am just ready to delve into other holiday crafting!

Speaking of which, if you weren't aware already, I'm a member of an Etsy team... Fresno Etsy Especial. And we are putting on a show here in Fresno that is gonna rock your Holiday socks off. I'll admit, I was pretty stoked when I learned that Silvia and Alana (the head organizers of the event) were going to use the name I threw out on a whim for the show... "Cirque Du Noel". The goal of this show is to expose our community to our Etsy team, but also make them more aware of the handmade culture and the dynamic individuals in our community who love to express themselves through their own personal arts and crafts!

So, if you are from Fresno, please, please mark it on your calendars and if you know someone from Fresno, please forward this on. It would be much appreciated!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/28/09

Scrumptious Pumpkin Dip!

pumpkin-dip

So, with Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up, I have had a few requests for my pumpkin dip as shown above (Thanks Retta for letting me use your photo). At every party/get together I've attended, it has been a huge hit! And it is soooo super easy to make! I have to give credit where credit is due, I got this from user Tiera Lesley at All Recipes. I have a huge craving for pumpkin flavors this time of year...I really would like to make a pumpkin roll sometime, but for now, this is a recipe that I feel confident in making and satisfies my sweet tooth at the same time.

Pumpkin Fluff Dip

INGREDIENTS
– 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
– 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
– 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix together instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Here's a closeup of me mixing it together...

pumpkin dip -  mmmm fluffy

This makes about 30 servings. I recommend the generic (not Nabisco) gingersnaps to dip with it. The Nabisco are really hard and don't get chewy. The off-brands tend to be a little bit snappy/a little bit chewy and that is what I like. I also tried honey Teddy Grahams once and they were good in it too. I'm sure regular graham crackers would be swell as well!

Let me know if you end up making this dip and how it turns out. I promise, It's really good!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/26/09

Terrorific Tuesday 2009 Week 4

terrorifictuesday-week-4

Well, it's the last week of Terrorific Tuesday 2009! I appreciate everyone who have participated in this fun lil' roundup of craftiness! I think a lot of people enjoy looking through these projects and getting inspired...that's why I put it together :) Now without further fanfare, I bring you week 4 of Terrorific Tuesday 2009!

Trick or Treat!
Frame and post it note holder dressed for Halloween

Costumed Kokeshi Dolls
Try out a Halloween idea for a traditional Japanese doll with Crafterella

Halloween Mask
Phyllis Dobbs created a fun and easy Halloween mask - great for adults and kids!

Fun Halloween Lanterns
Stephenie Hamen accessorizes plain paper lanterns with her paper punches.

Black Widow & Bloody Necklaces
Pattie Wack uses 3-D paint to create chokers that will creep out your party guests!

Tutu Cute Halloween Wreath
Vanessa creates an inspired wreath made of tulle!

Mad Scientist Party
Amy of Living Locurto shares a slew of fun ideas to host your own Mad Scientist Party.

Halloween Zombie Dolls
Crafty Chica shows how to add some zombie love to your decor!

Halloweenies!
Boopsie Daisy shares some of the wonderful Halloween dollies that she dreams up!

Crafty Chica's Ghost Story!
Kathy Cano-Murillo shares a haunted crafty tale!

Halloween Cone Witches
Make these cute little paper cone witches for Halloween!

Halloween Leftovers
Mel takes the leftovers from last week's project and makes a cool Goth choker!

Brenda Pinnick Halloween Owls
Seasonal Owls for Scaring or Delighting Trick or Treaters

The Impatient Crafter
Margot creates another spooktacular mixed media necklace with a bite.

Halloween Batty Windchime
Heidi Borchers creates a super cute windchime with personality!

Kitschy Kitschy BOO
Add some Halloween flair to your day with this cute kitschy bracelet and earring combo!

Simple Halloween Gift Tags
Studio Mama makes a strong impact with these quick and easy tags!

Strands of Beads
Melissa once again gives some pretty flower beads a Gothic makeover with this simple earring design

Costume Fun
Sharron Westerfield shares her passion for costume-making and the joy it brings her grandchildren.

Return of the Birthday Zombie
Candace is cracking herself up with this ghoulish gift box idea

Doodle Pumpkin
Swelldesigner a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield shows you how to make a fun pumpkin on the fly!

Doodle Pumpkin

doodle pumpkin

So, if you are totally drained and don't feel like carving a pumpkin, why not attack it with a permanent marker? That's right, a pumpkin doesn't have to be carved or painted on, it can just be made totally cool with a Sharpie. Use a fine, wide or regular tip...whatever floats your boat!

I simple drew different designs like skulls and crossbones, words, a spooky tree, swirls, stars, tombstones, and more. Just use your natural doodling style and have fun! You will prob. want to spray it with some spray sealer so the designs don't rub off or get weathered.

Hope you enjoyed this super easy project!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Great Halloween links for you to devour!

jumping in the pumpkin patch
Photo by Universal Stopping Point

I know I share a lot of Halloween inspiration and get excited about the season (see photo above) here on my blog, but I thought I would share some fun links to some other web sites that will get your Halloween groove on!

Geek Crafts has been featuring lots of fun unique and clever costume and décor ideas.

The Dabbled Blog has TONS of compiled inspiration that you should check out. Everything from decorations to food crafts to costume ideas. You will love it!

Rachel at One Pretty Thing gives daily inspiration updates. Her recent updates have included "Where the Wild Things Are" and a "Pumpkin Carving Roundup". You will want to bookmark this page for sure!

Country Living has some of the best and most classic Halloween inspiration. I love these Homeade Halloween Crafts, Halloween Decor ideas, and Spirited Ideas.


Craftzine
has a slew of diverse crafts that are sure to inspire!

365 Halloween
has some great ideas for spooky décor, food, and costumes. Check it out!

Smashing Magazine
has some great Halloween desktop wallpapers and downloads!

Flickr has tons of inspiration in their Flickr groups. Check out the ideas on the Halloween - Edible, Handmade & other creative ideas pool, Pumpkin Art Group pool, and Halloween Crafts pool.

The Hostess Blog has lots of eerie edible ideas and creepy cocktails.

Hope you enjoy these fun links!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Costume Fun with Sharron!

my mom's entry for Terrorific Tuesday!

This is my mom's entry for this week's Terrorific Tuesday. Here's what she had to say about making these costumes...

"One of my favorite things about sewing is being able to make most any my grand children ask for. Often there is not a pattern for things they dream up and I have to wing it. Last year Taylor had her heart set on being a pink bunny for Halloween, fortunately McCalls pattern #8593 made my job easy."

Mom, you always make the best costumes. I know that it will be something they look back on that will make them smile!

Alexa

10/25/09

5 things I did this weekend

good enough to eat

1. Made cookies with Silvia and her husband Garrett. They were pretty darn tasty! We just used packaged sugar cookie roll and rolled it out. Then decorated with can icing mixed in with different colors. Good times, good times

channeling charlie
2. Bought Silvia's son, Joshua this little mustache from one of these toy vending machines. It was good for a photo opp. He is such an adorable ham-it-up boy. I love it.

ava
3. Got this adorable pic of my niece Ava that my sis Sophia took. How precious is she? She just turned 5 months. Since Phia has a snazzy camera like mine, she is always taking lots of great pics :)

new boots
4. Shopped til I dropped. I went shopping yesterday and today. I got several new clothes (including 2 dresses, 2 skirts, shirt, a belt and 2 pairs of earrings and a ring!) and this kick but pair of boots. Oh, I love them so. I have been more in a fashionista mood as of late.

total grossness
5. Visited the candy store and discovered the grossest candy I've ever seen. Seriously, someone eats these?

Hope everyone has a great week ahead! I bet a lot of you have some great Halloween festivities in the works :)

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/23/09

Blacklight Special!

spooky halloween decor

Just wanted to share a pic I took of some of my Halloween décor under blacklight! I love how colorful it turned out! Love the glow in the dark Pixie eyes! It was painted by my friend Donna Bush :)

Seriously, this only scratches the surface of my Halloween stuff.

Well, off to get ready for work!

Until next time Swellions!

10/22/09

Halloween This & That

halloween cupcakes

Last year, I took this photo on Halloween and do you know what kinda is bummy about Halloween? Right after it is over, it seems people are over it. I already kinda see it in the stores...stuff is already getting put on major sale or is already getting clearanced. I guess that is mass commercialism for ya! Anyway, I wanted to share this cupcake photos. I just love all the color!

In other random, random Halloween news, I bought this yesterday at Sephora:

Philosophy Trick or Treat Bath set

I also got out some of Halloween stuff to put out (I've been busy with blog stuff and all and haven't been able to decorate). I feel like I have too much stuff and not enough places to display it! :( I need more shelving area, cause I love it all so much and I already seriously downsized the stuff last year from 4 containers into 3. Here's a pic of a few of my things...

halloween decor

Also, check out these cool witch postcards from my friend Silvia. I love them.

halloween cards from silvia

Oh, and a while back I bought a whole slew of stickers. Inside I found these fabulous Halloween Lisa Frank ones!

lisa frank Halloween stickers

Oh, and here's my funny skull photo of the day!

220

Gotta get to bed. I have ceramics training tomorrow!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/20/09

Why didn't I buy this shirt?

Hot dog shirt

My friend Carey and I went to a really cool vintage store in L.A. last week and came upon this stunning shirt. Needless to say, if you wore this you WOULD get noticed. I think it is hilarious and definitely a conversation starter. How can you not love a skateboard riding hot dog? I'm pretty sure it was like $25 bucks. The thing about those vintage stores is that someone has to go out seeking the unusual/cool shirts from yard sales and Goodwill finds, so they can charge more for the uniqueness. In fact, I found this neon New Kids shirt that I totally bought at a flea mall back in '90/'91.

Shirt sleeve
And check out the sleeve. How random and very Mr. Potatohead!

Shirt back
The back is amazing too. I would have never thought to design a W out of hot dogs. Hmm, I think I see a great design in my future! Ha.

me and the weinermobile
Oh, and since I'm on the subject, I'm no stranger to Oscar Mayer, I met the Weinermobile a little more than a year ago!

10/19/09

Terrorific Tuesday 2009 Week 3

terrorific-tuesday-week-3

Another week, another fun roundup of Halloween craft ideas! I want to give a shoutout to everyone who has participated over the past few weeks! I can really tell that you guys have really enjoyed sharing and making your projects. I think there is something about Halloween that enlivens people and gets them excited about crafting throughout the holiday months! I know it puts some mojo in my holiday step!

Now onto the projects!

Spooky Spider House
Silvia creates a miniature haunted house that is spooky and oh-so fun!

Witchy Embroidered Postcard
Sharron Westerfield brews up a whimsical witch postcard

The Impatient Crafter
Vintage plastic owls become the focal point of a charming necklace you can wear for Halloween and all year round!

Pumpkin and cat felt treat bag
Felt bag that can also be made as a wall hanging or door hanger

Cheryl Ball's Halloween Door Hangers
Create these door hangers from inexpensive gloves for Trick of Treaters

My Big Mouth
Make a creepy wire tree just in time for Halloween!

Mel's Day of the Dead Necklace
Linked chain, skulls and spiderwebs for Dia de los Muertos

Crafty Chica's Matchbook Shrines
Adorable little folding shrines that fit in your pocket!

Paper Pumpkin
Make a plump paper pumpkin from some strips of paper plus a little Halloween craftiness!

Polymer Clay Zombie
Candace's diabolical plan to populate the world with zombies continues!

The Impatient Crafter for iLoveToCreate
Make a retro style styrofoam ornament into a fab Halloween Party centerpiece! Madge shows you how using iLoveToCreate products!

How to Make a Spooky Spice Rack
Come make a spooky spice rack with Crafterella, she's sharing her unique labels with everyone!

Halloween Treat Tote
Conjure up a quick Halloween cupcake basket using new ScoreBoard dies!

Brenda Pinnick's Halloween Banner
A little scary, a little fun, this delightful banner celebrates all things Halloween. Made using Brenda Pinnick Sizzix dies, glitter and ribbon.

Creepy Candlesticks
Pattie Wack turns mini pumpkins into a boo-tiful Halloween lighting idea!

Strands of Beads
Melissa explores the holiday possibilities in a black and white checkered bead

Glow in the Dork Wall Hanging
Turn off the lights and have a laugh with this goofy wall hanging from Alexa Westerfield!

Picture Perfect Pumpkin
Vanessa Coppola turns a traditional pumpkin into a decopauged masterpiece!

Glow in the Dork Wall Hanging

glow in the dork

Make a silly wall hanging from an old school photo! This is more for those people who like more fun and less scary Halloween decorations...very goofy and full of whimsy! I used a photo of myself from 4th grade. Geez, oh pete, cute hairstyle, huh? I think I am stylin' in my shirt and zipper necklace. Ha, I kinda wish I still had that necklace, but at least I still have the pic. Anyway, here's how you make this project!

Glow in the Dork Wall Hanging

What you need:
– wooden plaque (I purchased mine from Wal-mart for 97¢)
– Neon spray paint
– Tulip® Glow in the Dark dimensional paint
– B/W printout (pref. laser jet) of a goofy school photo
– Ribbon for hanging
– Aleene's Tacky Glue
– foam brush
– scissors
– Googly eyes
– glue gun with glue sticks
– small brush

What you need:
1. Spray paint plaque with neon spray paint. Let dry.
2. Print out black and white photo to scale of plaque. Cut to fit plaque and glue down using foam brush and Tacky Glue.
3. Cover any white areas of photo with Glo in the dark paint using small brush. Word to the wise...I used an inkjet printout and it the ink smeared slightly, so this is why I think it would be better to use an inkjet print.
4. Dot around entire plaque with dimensional paint. Let dry.
5. Cut ribbon to fit on back for hanger and glue in place with glue gun. I actually used two ribbons in black/white polka dot and orange.

I think this would be funny if you made several of these with different kids or different family members. Nostalgic photos would be great for this too! I can just picture some funny hairstyles and classic "senior portrait" poses.

I actually lit this up with my blacklight! I love, love the look of neon colors under a black light (I practically foamed at the mouth when I saw the blacklight section in Martha's Halloween mag last year). I totally want to have a party that is all blacklight one of these years! I love it. Oh, and on a random note, tie dye looks sooooo good under black light too. Looks very creepy and spider webbish.

Hope you have a great Tuesday! Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Witchy Embroidered Postcard

Halloween postcard

This is my mom's project for this week's Terrorific Tuesday! A cute, witchy embroidered postcard ready for mailing...here's what she had to say about it:

"My project for this week is a fabric postcard. This card is pieced in the hoop and was digitized by Hoopsisters. It can be purchased here.

After making the front of the card on the embroidery machine, a back that has been printed on fabric is put in place and the project is finished by stitching a satin stitch around the edges on a sewing machine."

Here's a pic of the back. Cute, huh?

Postcard back

This would be a sweet thing to recieve in snail mail, would it not?

Thanks Mom for submitting to Terrorific Tuesday!

Alexa

10/18/09

Enter to win a Witchy Prize Pack!

witchy-prize-pack

I have another fun prize pack to share with you guys! This one is of the witchy variety!

I have so much fun shopping for unique and fun Halloween steals, but truth is I can't keep them all (my whole house would be Halloween stuff all year long). So, I thought I would share some of my fun finds in contest form on my blog for one lucky Halloween-loving winner!

What's included in this prize pack?

– Witchy kitchen apron and mitt designed by Cheryl Ball
– Broom rides napkin pack
– Witchy finger lollipops
– Sandra Magsamen for Dept. 56 Witch pin
– Sandra Magsamen for Dept 56 Ceramic witch plaque
– Button ribbon bracelet designed by moi (featured on my 24 Halloween Crafts)

So what do you have to do???

In the comment form below, leave a comment telling me about a favorite Halloween event that you have attended in years past and what made it special!

For example, here is mine... "I remember totally loving the fall festivals held at my elementary school as a child. For me, being the Halloween lover that I am, the event just seemed so cool and larger than life, even though if I saw it now, I would prob. laugh. There were games like a pumpkin bean bag toss, and a cake walk. There was also a cool cardboard maze that was actually quite good and hard to get through. In my little world at that time of my life, Halloween festivities like this were the most magical things ever".

So, yeah, share your memories and the good times you have had! Anyone and everyone is encouraged to enter, just one entry per person please. Oh, and if you want to post as "anonymous", just be sure to include your e-mail! Also if you have a Blogger account, make sure your profile has an e-mail address I can contact you at!

Contest ends this Thursday...October 22nd at Midnight. Hopefully that will be enough time for you to enter and for me to get it out to the lucky winner by Halloween.

Good luck!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/15/09

I Sleevefaced myself!

Sleeveface

Last week, I went to L.A. and saw my friend Carey. She took the above pic of me when we went to Melrose Music. If you haven't seen this done before, it is called Sleeveface. I think you'll get a kick out of the site.

Hope you've been enjoying the Halloween crafts. I appreciate everyone who's been commenting and participating in Terrorific Tuesdays. I've been a super busy gal with my day job and and it's just so hard to stay on top of commenting and connecting with you guys. I hope you understand!

Well, off to bed. My eyes keep opening and closing...I'm getting super, super sleepy...doesn't help that I'm listening to NPR's This American Life. It can be pretty mellow sounding sometimes.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My 24 Halloween Crafts in 24 Hours Compiled!

All the 24 Halloween crafts I created

Well, I'm gonna pimp these 24 Halloween Crafts in 24 Hours for all they are worth, so I'm sharing them again...this time in compiled version for anyone who might have missed some :) Enjoy!

Hour 1 - Green Slime Lantern

Hour 2 - Easy Halloween Ribbon/Button Bracelet

Hour 3 - Spooktastic Halloween Pennants

Hour 4
Simple Halloween Button Earrings

Hour 5Decopauged Halloween Tissue Ornaments

Hour 6Deviled Egg Halloween Costume

Hour 7Glitter Boo Banner

Hour 8Mini Grim Reaper Glitter Trinket Box

Hour 9Bewitching Plaque

Hour 10Halloween Pennant Cupcake Picks

Hour 11The Easiest Halloween T-shirt you'll ever make

Hour 12A Halloween Costume Masterpiece

Hour 13Easy Stripe and Polka Dot Pumpkins

Hour 14 – Dark Shadows Photo Frame

Hour 15Vintage Halloween Character Ornaments

Hour 16Halloween Sticker Crafts

Hour 17 – Frightfully Funky Feather Wreath

Hour 18Polaroid Pumpkins

Hour 19Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins

Hour 20Halloween Swirly Doily Purse

Hour 21Halloween Spooky Swirl Vase

Hour 22Fun and Funky Halloween Doodle/Star Earrings

Hour 23Veggie Head Halloween Party Idea

Hour 24Halloween Composition Notebook

10/14/09

Crafty Blogger Links!

Check out what the Crafty Bloggers are up to this week!

About Family Crafts
It is never too early or too late to begin planning a Halloween party, and you are sure to find something creative here to help with your planning.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has not 1 but 2 giveaways for you. Enter her Fall giveaway and download a freebie background while your at it.

Cathie Filian
Kids will flip for this Halloween Punch and Witches Brew Punch Bowl.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has a bunch of tutorials and ideas for an eco friendly rib bone Halloween decoration, a quarter circle mini journal/Christmas ornament, painting spotted eggs, and how to make mail art while out for a walk.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Charity begins at homes, at least that's what Tammy's dogs reminded her about when they caught her making another crochet square.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch up some cute little traffic signs, including this warning sign design for your child's play set or to decorate a jacket.

Mixed Media Artist
Think you know polymer clay? Look what Layl McDill can do with this material!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I took a pattern from Drew Emborsky's Fun New book "All Washed Up" for a test spin Halloween Style!

The Artful Crafter
If you don't live in the southwest, you may not even know about this huge football homecoming tradition. Even so, you can still enjoy Eileen's tongue-in-cheek directions for making the most outrageous Homecoming Mum Corsage ever.

The Crochet Dude
Drew has a great free crochet pattern for a creepy-cute Halloween treat bag called "I Want My Mummy!"

10/13/09

And the winner Swell and Spooktastic prize pack is...

Pixie wasn't interested in picking a winner

So I held the drawing tonight for the contest winner of the Swell and Spooktastic Halloween Prize Pack!

I asked Pixie, our Terrorific Tuesday mascot to do the honors, but do you know what? She wasn't the least bit interested. She snubbed you guys! She just sniffed at the box then turned around and walked away and went in the bathroom to eat more cat food.

I told her, "Missy, you need to straighten up and participate!", but like most children, it goes in one ear and out the other. Same goes for when I tell her to clean out her own litter box. Kids these days.

So I did the honors for the contest myself and the winner was:


The winner

Cheryl!
(cebrown117 at yahoo dot com)

Here's what she had to say in her comment:

"Hi Alexa. I love your blog, I came across it a few days ago and I'm currently reading ALL of the old posts to get caught up. I know, totally crazy.

Anyway, here's my (food) craft.
Last year for my daughter's Halloween party I made a "Yummy Mummy" for dinner. The children loved it! I used a generic calzone recipe but instead of making the normal half-moon shaped calzones I made mine log shaped plus 1 oblong circle for the head. I baked them all until they were almost done then I formed them into the mummy shape and cover them with fillo dough. I dusted him with parmesan cheese to get rid of the gloss that comes from the egg wash and also gives it an "aged" look. I had to make recipe cards for the other mothers, it was a huge success."

I loved this idea as well as reading all your Halloween inspiration, stories, and ideas and links! I appreciate that you took the time out of your busy day to share! I totally suggest that you all go back in and read the comments section. There's some great inspiration to be found in there.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10/12/09

Terrorific Tuesday 2009 Week 2

terrorific tuesday week 2

Another week! Another helping of Halloween goodness. Check out what the fabulous crafters from all walks of life are up to this Terrorific Tuesday for the second week of October!

This little light
Light up the night with this cute pumpkin votive holder from Kat the Fearless Crafter.

Sugar Skull Bracelet & Bats in the Belfry Choker
Candace is having way too much fun with shrink plastc! Check out these fun and charming crafts on the Spirit Clay blog.

Dollar Tree Decorated Lights Tutorial
Come and decorate some Dollar Tree Skulls with Crafterella, don't forget your sharpie markers!

The Impatient Crafter for iLoveToCreate
Whip up a Halloween Invitation that's a real 'hoot' with Madge in this project for iLoveToCreate!

Spooky Halloween Coasters
Cheryl Ball of Still Crafty After 50 shares some fun, funky, and spirited coasters!

Halloween Treat Bowl
Create a fun and festive treat dish with Inspired at Home!

Strands of Beads
Melissa creates a whimsical seasonal necklace based on the theme "pushing up daisies".

Basic Black Box Meets Pumpkin Patch
Whip up Halloween favor boxes in minutes with brand new Sizzix ScoreBoard dies.

Mummy Mannequin
Create a mummy that will be a memorable accent at your Halloween party with Pattiewack!

Munchkin Mama's Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
Munchkin Mama has a great recipe for no bake peanut butter balls that the whole family will want to make!

Witch Parking!!
Make a "Witch Parking" sign on the Mucky Finger's blog!

Vintage-Inspired Halloween Tree Topper
Shannon shows off her new Halloween tree topper, inspired by vintage crepe paper crafts!

The Impatient Crafter
Make a whimsical and elegant Halloween necklace with Madge!

Jack-O-Lantern Waterfalls
Studio Mama shows you how to make some fun and festive earrings for the Halloween season.

Glow in the Dark Jewelry
Use glow in the dark polymer clay and rubber stamps to produce eerie Halloween jewerly.

Crafty Chica's Paint Drip Pumpkin!
A loca idea on the fly turned out muy fantastico!

Free Printable Halloween Cup Sleeves
You’ll be a hit with these labels for hot beverages at your Halloween party.

Scarecow Sweatshirt
Sharron Westerfield shares a cute scarecrow sweatshirt she made from a fun downloadable pattern from Janome!

Halloween Ribbon Brooches and Fascinators
Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner whips some quick and cute Halloween accessories!

R.I.P. Skeleton in Coffin
Guarantee a spooktacular Halloween Party with a skeleton in a coffin treat filled centerpiece!

Happy October Kewpies
Find inspiration in this colorful and cute candy corn Kewpie photo from Boopsie Daisy!

If you would like to join in the fun next week, e-mail Alexa at swelldesigner@yahoo.com and put in your subject line "Terrorific Tuesday". She'll get you added to the group!

Halloween Ribbon Fascinators and Brooches

brooch and fascinator

For my Terrorific Tuesday project this week, I wanted to feature my cute little ribbon creations. Making these is so (or should I say sew?) much fun. Here's how I made them:

What you need:
– various ribbons (I like all sizes, usually wide for the base rosette)
– needle and thread
– glue gun
– scissors
– Liquid Fusion Glue
– Buttons and rhinestones in various sizes
– pinbacks
– bobby pins
– felt in coordinating colors

What you do:
1. Cut approximately 1 foot of the wide 1.5" ribbon. Knot and thread your needle with thread (I used basic white thread, but if you have the coordinating color, I would use that).
2. At one end of the ribbon, start hand stitching at the bottom edge of your ribbon to the other side.
3. Gather into rosette shape and securely sew in place. Cut thread.
4. Cut 4 strips ribbon into approximately 6" strips. Fold over and glue gun into loops. Glue all loops together, evenly spacing them into a flower shape. Glue gun on top of other rosette shape you have made.
5. Layer stacks of buttons and/or rhinestones on top of each other. Glue together wiht Liquid Fusion Glue. Center and glue on top of rosettes.
6. Cut out a felt circle approximately 1.5" to 2" wide. Flip over layered creation and use glue gun to glue felt to ribbon. Glue on pin back or bobby pin. See below:

brooche and fascinator backs
7. Proudly wear your creation like I did below!

wearing rosette

You can also add these to hairbands or ponytail holders. Another way to accessorize with them would be to add them to a choker necklace, shoes, or make a cool wrist corsage!

Hope you enjoyed this Halloween accessory!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Scarecrow Sweatshirt

scarecrow sweatshirt

My mom made this project for Terrorific Tuesday!

Here's what she had to say:

"This is a free embroidery design from Janome that I put on a purchased sweatshirt for Alexa."

Download the pattern here.

Thanks Mom for the shirt and the inspiration!

Alexa

10/8/09

Halloween Composition Notebook

boo notebook

If you a Halloween nerd like me, then you'll love having a custom notebook to jot down ideas down in just for the Halloween season. Making it is a cinch. Here's how I did it...

Halloween Composition Notebook

What you need:
– composition notebook
Scribbles paint in silver glitter
– Scrapbook paper
– paper cutter
– corner rounder
– scissors
– ruler
– ribbon and buttons of your choice
– silver sparkle scrapbook letters
Aleene's Tacky Glue
Aleene's Tacky Glue Stick

What you do:
1. Measure the square on the front of the notebook and cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit it. Round the corners and apply paper to notebook with Tacky Glue stick.
2. Apply letters to the middle of the scrapbook paper area.
3. Measure, then cut and glue ribbons and buttons to frame scrapbook paper area. Measure and cut ribbon to go lengthwise down the side of the notebook and glue.
4. Decorate around edges of notebook with Scribbles paint. Let dry.

This would make a great little notebook for your Halloween party planning, lists, blog ideas, sketches, etc.! Or perhaps a sweet little gift for a Halloween party.

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Thanks for stopping by today for my 24 crafts in 24 hours! I will be sharing more Halloween crafts on Terrorific Tuesdays, so look for those posts in the weeks to come!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Veggie Head Halloween Party Idea

party idea

Looking for a fun way to present your veggies, fruit, or dip this Halloween season? Look no further than your local wig shop or Halloween supply store!

A few years back, I purchased this Styrofoam head for $5 at my local Halloween Express and it sure has come in handy at Halloween time ever since!

All you need is the head form and some toothpicks! Oh, and veggies or fruit of course! I though about how I wanted to arrange the different veggie shapes on my head and then went to town. I simply stuck them in place with the toothpicks. I tried to adorn certain areas like the neck with a radish necklace and the top of the head with red pepper bangs. You could also put radishes for eyes or peppers for funky-looking lips.

For mine, I also decided to scoop out part of the top with a knife so that I could insert a bowl full of dip at top. Be careful when working with the knife when scooping!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic craft!

Alexa

Fun and Funky Halloween Doodle/Star Earrings

halloween earrings

Looking for something a little bigger and bolder to wear this Halloween season? This super simple project is fun and easy to make and a project you might want to whip up for friends too! Here's how I did it!

Fun and Funky Halloween Doodle/Star Earrings

What you need:
– school folders in Halloween colors (I got mine for only 19¢ at Walmart)
– permanent marker
– pencil
Liquid Fusion Glue
– Scissors
– Round shapes to trace
– Rhinestone stars or other rhinestone shapes
– jump rings
– Earwires
– Pin or needle
– Round-nosed pliers

What you do:
1. Lay out onto your file folder 2 round shapes (I used a small lid and Woodsie shape to trace for mine). Use pencil to trace the shapes onto file folders in alternating colors. Cut out shapes with scissors. Optional idea: Use custom circle punches or a circle cutter to make your shapes.
2. Go around edges of both cutout shapes with permanent marker. Lay shapes on top of each other and determine what design you want to doodle on them. I chose to do stripes and dashes. Once my design was finished, I glued the shapes together with Liquid Fusion Glue.
3. Adorn with star rhinestone or rhinestone of your choice. Glue on with Liquid Fusion glue.
4. Poke hole at top of circles with pin. Open up jump ring and insert into hole. Hook earwire loop onto jump ring and close.

Since this is so fast and easy to do, you may want to make more for charms or to possibly make a long necklace or short choker design. Would make a super cute accessory for your Halloween outfit...esp. if you'd rather look Halloween-y than dress up in a costume!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween craft!

Alexa

Halloween Spooky Swirl Vase

swirly vase

Make a sophisticated and spooky vase on the cheap! It will be the perfect accent for your Halloween dinner table. Here's how I did it!

Halloween Spooky Swirl Vase

What you need:
– tall cylinder vase
– orange 12x12 cardstock
– black diecut swirl cardstock (I purchased mine at Joann)
Aleene's Tacky Spray
– paper cutter
– ruler
– double-sided tape

What you do:<
1. Spray the back of your diecut cardstock and place on top of orange cardstock.
2. Measure the height of your cylinder vase. Cut paper to that height using paper cutter.
3. Wrap around cylinder vase and secure in place with double-sided tape.

Fill with your favorite floral arrangement. I chose flowers in fuchsias and orange; however you may want to use faux flowers or black roses.

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween idea!

Alexa

Halloween Swirly Doily Purse

Halloween Swirl Purse

Looking for a sweet little purse for the Fall season? This cute little creation is sophisticated, fun, and oh-so sassy. Perfect for young and old, it's a great alternative to that busting at the seams purse you've been toting around!

Halloween Swirl Doily Purse

What you need:
– Cigar box purse (I purchased mine at Michaels)
– black and orange acrylic paint
Black glitter Tulip 3-D Fashion Paint
– Foam brush
– Spray sealer
– Liquid Fusion glue
– small crocheted doilies (I would give you a tutorial, but I don't know how to crochet! My friend Katie made me a handful of these crocheted creations!)
– buttons, rhinestones, and small embellishments for centers of doilies

What you do:
1. Paint entire base of purse with black acrylic paint using foam brush. Paint handle with orange acrylic paint. Let dry.
2. Squeeze Tulip 3-D Fashion Paint out onto paint and use foam brush to apply it all over base of purse.
3. Once dry, create a freehand swirl design all over front of purse with 3-D Fashion Paint. Let dry.
4. Lay out what you want and play around with design for doily centers. Glue elements like buttons together using Liquid Fusion. Let dry and then glue your elements to the the middle of your doilies.
5. Adhere doilies to purse front with Liquid Fusion. Let dry.

I think this purse would look cute dressed up or down. It's perfect those who love a little Halloween fashion accent, but don't like to dress up in costume!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another Spooktastic craft idea!

Alexa

Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins

breast cancer awareness pumpkins

This is the ultimate combo craft for Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness month. These little pumpkins would be great to give to a friend or family member who is a breast cancer survivor or someone who still isn't giving up hope! Because its made from the heart and is the perfect seasonal accent - the pumpkin - they'll love it! Here's what I did!

Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins

What you need:
– orange and white pumpkins
– Pink and fuschia acrylic paints
Scribbles Paint in Iridescent Watermelon
– Multi-Purpose Sealer
– 1" paint brush or foam brush
– fine liner paintbrush
– cleaning wipes

What you do:

1. Use cleaning wipe to wipe off dirt and debris from pumpkin. Brush pumpkin with multi-purpose sealer to prepare your painting surface.
2. For pink pumpkin with pink ribbon, paint entire pumpkin pink using foam brush. Paint stem Fuchsia with liner brush. Let dry and apply another coat if needed. Once dry, freehand a ribbon on the front of the pumpkin with Fuchsia Paint. Let dry.
3. For striped pumpkin, paint alternating sections of the white pumpkin with Pink. Also paint stem pink. Let dry. Now using Fuchsia paint and liner brush, outline each pink section. Once dry, make evenly spaced dots down each white section using Scribbles paint. Let dry.

Alternative ideas:
– Paint your pumpkin all one color of pink and then create a poured/drip look by pouring another shade of pink around stem as shown here.
– Write words like Peace. Hope. Cure. around pumpkin. These would make perfect accents for October Relay for Life events
– Create "In Memory of" or "Survivor" pumpkins for your friends or loved ones.
– Put a special message promoting awareness like "Save the Tatas", "Think Pink", or you could do a punny take on the word "Boo!" I think you get where I'm going with this.

If you have additional ideas, please share you thoughts below in the comments section!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic craft!

Do you have any additional cr

Polaroid Pumpkins

polaroid pumpkins

Just because Polaroids aren't officially sold anymore, doesn't mean you can't still can't relive their glory days! With the slew of downloadable faux Polaroid templates on the web, you can recreate the classic look of a Polaroid. Here's how!

Polaroid Pumpkins

What you need:
– Polaroid template (I downloaded mine here)
– Photo editing program like Photoshop
– printer
– scissors or cutting tools
– white cardstock
– digital photos or scanned in photos
– Adhesive dots
– and of course...Pumpkins!

What you do:
1. Download the Polaroid template to your computer and open it up in your photo editing software.
2. Open up your digital or scanned photos. Select blank black area with selector tool and paste photo into that area (for Photoshop users select Edit>Paste into. Enlarge photo as needed.
3. Lay two up on piece of white cardstock and print out.
4. Cut out and adhere to pumpkin with adhesive dots.

Admittedly, the faux Polaroids look better on a large pumpkin. As you can see, my pumpkins were on the medium/small scale.

And of course, if you have actual Polaroid photos, totally go for it!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween project!

Alexa

Frightfully Funky Feather Wreath

black wreath detail


I have always wanted to make a feather wreath and I wanted something that was going to make me smile as soon as I see my door. It's light, airy, fun, funky and I think that's more my approach to Halloween. I heart Glitterville and kinda took a page from that book in creating this. I think there are options out there for crafters to get that high end look, but for a reasonable price (this cost me about $16 bucks to make) rather than paying an arm and a leg for something storebought. It's worth it...you just have to know what you are looking for and watch out for sales (oh, and 40% off coupons help too).

Frightfully Funky Feather Wreath

What you need:
Medium sized styrofoam wreath blank
2 long black feather boas
3 small silver glitter plastic ornaments
3 sm/medium purple glitter plastic ornaments
3 large round glass orange ornaments
25-30 small padded protectors (they keep lamp bases, frames, etc. from scuffing hardwood)
Black Tulip 3-D Fashion Paint
Black spray paint
1 permanent marker
Glue gun with glue sticks

What you do:
1. Glue gun end of feather boa to styrofoam wreath. Wrap around half of wreath and glue other end in place. Glue gun and wrap second boa around wreath blank until entire wreath is covered in feathers.

2. Spray paint sheet of padded protectors. Once dry, randomly stick on orange ornaments for "flocked" look.

3. Create large swirls on purple sparkle ornaments with black 3-D paint. Set upright in small container or on an ornament hanger and let dry.

4. Draw stripes on small silver balls with sharpie marker.

5. Once all ornaments are dry, adhere ornaments to styrofoam part of wreath with glue gun. Fluff feathers around each ornament after glue is applied to make styrofoam area unnoticeable. Let dry.

Helpful hint: Store wreath in an ornament wreath keeper to prevent loose feathers or damage to ornaments. Since the orange ornaments are glass, they should be handled with care and stored accordingly.

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween craft!

Alexa

Halloween Sticker Crafts


Everyone loves stickers! How can you not? I created a sheet of them above that you can download and use in your own crafts. Rather than do a specific craft with them, I wanted to share a variety of ways that you can use Halloween stickers to create your own cool crafts! Check them out:

– Add a sticker to the front of a gift bag and accompany it with a funny phrase. For example:

Witch sticker - "For my favorite Witchy Woman"
Ghost sticker - "You're Boo-tiful, it's true"
Eyeball - "I only have eye for you"
Candy - "Sweets for my sweet"

– Also use stickers plus a fun phrase for custom party invitations. Mix it up and send everyone a different sticker with a different phrase.

– Add a sticker to a little foldover card and write out a guests name for a custom placecard.

– Scan in stickers or Halloween images and print them out to make magnets, custom iron ons, or labels.

– Stickers can be applied to wooden discs for custom charm bracelets, pendants, and rings. Seal with decopauge medium!

– Also scan and print out stickers for custom shrinky dink designs

– Use stickers for cupcake toppers!

– Personalize mini pumpkins with letter or phrase stickers. Makes a cute little gift too!

Hope these were some inspiring sticker ideas!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween craft!

Alexa

Vintage Halloween Character Ornaments

vintage-inspired halloween ornaments

This is one of my top favorite crafts I've ever made. I guess I just like their little expressions and I love the idea of having a big black Halloween tree filled with fun little ornaments with personality like these. I'm going to share the very basics of creating them. To have to sort the colors out for each exactly is a little daunting of a task that frankly, I just don't want to do. So use your own discretion and whip up your own in every color of the rainbow!

Vintage-Inspired Halloween Ornaments

What you need:
– Clear round glass ornaments
– Acrylic paint in a variety of colors
– Multi-Purpose sealer
– Craft Twinkles paint in a variety of colors
– Glow in the dark dimensional paint (optional)
– ornament hanger
– ribbon in various colors and textures
– styrofoam plate
– liner brush and flat brush
– paper towels
– plastic disposable drinking cup

What you do:
1. Bend the ornament cap ends upward and hang ornament on ornament stand over styrofoam plate.
2. In cup mix 2 parts Americana Acrylics with 1 part Multi-Purpose sealer in cup. This will make the paint run easier down the sides of ornament. Pour over ornament, making sure to cover entire ornament. The paint should drip down the sides and create a small dip at the very base of ornament. This is ok. Let dry completely (this could take several hours).
3. Using flat brush and liner brush and desired colors, paint on your face. FYI: Paint pots come in handy in this case, cause you get several colors to use for a lower price. I referred to vintage Halloween faces and made up my own. Let dry.
4. Once dry, take off ornament hanger and use flat brush to brush on a coat of Craft Twinkles. Craft Twinkles and the paint look great together when they are the same coordinating color, but mix it up. The little green goblin of mine was coated with Gold Craft Twinkles. Put back on ornament stand and let dry.
5. Optional step: Fill in teeth and eyes with Glow in the Dark Writer for a fun touch. Let dry.
6. Seal with Multi Purpose sealer and let dry.
7. Bend down ornament ends and add funky ribbon for hanging.

Helpful hint:
When storing, place wax paper around them. I had one of them rip off paint on the side. It actually looked kinda like a scar, so it gave it more character, but in most cases, you don't want to ruin your ornament this way!

Additional ideas:
– Instead of faces, make polka dot and stripe ornaments
– Hang them from the ceiling or from a chandelier for instant décor!
– Place on top of varying height candlesticks for an instant display.
– Create other fun characters like zombies, witches, scarecrows, etc. Further embellish them with other craft supplies like rhinestones, felt, foam, or doll hair.You could even create character ones like the characters from Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, etc.

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic Halloween craft!

Alexa

Dark Shadows Photo Frame

dark shadows frame

Looking for a unique Halloween frame idea? This is a great one, esp. for someone who loves a good scary comic like Dark Shadows! I saw some great scary comics at a local thrift store and thought the imagery was perfect for a custom frame. Here's what I did!

Dark Shadows Photo Frame

What you need:
– Horror-themed comic book
– Scissors
– unfinished wood frame
– black craft paint
– Collage Pauge Matte decopauge medium
– foam brush(s)

What you do:
1. Using foam brush, paint frame with black craft paint. Let dry.
2. Cut out imagery from comic book. I cut out scary character expressions and creepy imagery.Lay out cutouts on frame and arrange or just decopauge as you go.
3. Using foam brush, brush Collage Pauge onto front and back of clippings and apply to frame. Once everything has been decopauged on, cover frame again with a coat of Collage Pauge. Let dry.

I chose to put an equally spooky photo in my frame (yes, that's me), but you could also put a creepy costume photo or silly expression photo in the frame. I could see someone doing a faux vampire pose. That would be fun.

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next hour for another spooktastic craft idea!

Alexa

Easy Stripe and Polka Dot Pumpkins

pumpkins

I just love mini pumpkins and I love how a little pumpkin can spice up décor! So I thought I would share a few simple tips for creating super cute pumpkins in a flash! I created all these pumpkins...each about 15 minutes apiece. Here's a few quick tips for making easy stripe and polka dot pumpkins!

– A black permanent marker is a great way to draw lines, doodle, and personalize. It's also dries super fast. On the white pumpkin above, I drew the lines on, but then went back in with a fine liner brush and black acrylic paint to paint in the squares.

– Use the veins of the pumpkin as natural striped guides to paint your stripes. That's what I did for the orange and black pumpkin above.

– Also on the orange and black pumpkin above, I added dot details with white acrylic paint. For dots, simply dip the end of your brush into white paint and dab onto your pumpkin. Reload as needed.

– Get perfect large polka dots by using a sponge pouncer dipped in paint. Sponge pouncers come in various sizes. For a sparkly look, sprinkle glitter onto your paint while it is still wet and let dry. Dust any sparkle residue left around the paint after the paint has dried.

– Think about other ways you can make a simple pumpkin design...play with zigzag, diagonal, swirl, patterns and more.

So be sure to stock up on lots of mini pumpkins this season and go to town making these simple pumpkins. I really think you'll be happy with the simple, yet stunning results!

In honor of my 24 Halloween crafts in 24 hours, I'm giving away a Swell & Spooktastic Halloween prize pack. Click here to check it out and enter!

Check back next time for another Spooktastic Halloween craft!

Alexa
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