The Swell Life

I'm a part of the iLoveToCreate Bloggers' Lounge!

2012-01-25T21:36:00.000-08:00

From Sunday of this week til Wednesday of next week, I'll be a part of the iLoveToCreate® Bloggers' Lounge at the 2012 Craft and Hobby Association Show in Anaheim, California! I'm really excited, because I've been working for the past 3 months at bringing this lounge to life...everything from recruiting the bloggers and connecting with them to making the graphics (I did the one above) and working on the little details.The Bloggers' Lounge (booth #1818) is going to be the coolest spot at the show...we are offering up a fun and crafty badge make and take with some of the hottest bloggers in the craft and DIY industry! I'll be there as mainly as host, making sure everything is running smoothly! There will also be super crafty refreshments (with super quote cute straws, I might add) and recharging stations for attendees to charge up their phones and tech gadgets! I'll be sure to share some pics next week after my return!

Here's the lineup of the bloggers who are attending!

Sunday, January 29th
10:30AM - 12PM Alisa Burke, Reinvent Creativity
12PM – 1:30 PM Heather Mann of Dollar Store Crafts, Crafterminds
1:30PM – 3PM Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter, Craft.You.
3 PM – 4:30PM Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica
4:30PM – 6PM Corinne Leigh, Threadbanger, Craftovision

Monday, January 30th
10:30AM - 12PM Ashley Hackshaw, Lil Blue Boo
12PM – 1:30PM Angela Daniels, Guilty Crafter
1:30PM – 3PM Kristen Turner, Glitter ‘N Glue
3PM – 4:30PM Traci Bautista, Creativity Unleashed

Tuesday, January 30th
10:30AM - 12 PM Jennifer Hadfield, TaterTots & Jello
12PM – 1:30PM Tiffany Windsor, Cool2Craft
1:30PM – 3PM Pattie Wilkinson, Pattiewack blog
3:30PM – 4:30 PM Valerie Marderosian, iLoveToCreate Senior Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, iLoveToCreate®, a Duncan Enterprises Company
4:30PM – 6 PM Alexa Westerfield, The Swell Life, FontCrafts

I'll be working for iLoveToCreate during the show, so look for the fun updates on the iLoveToCreate blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and Youtube pages throughout the show so you can stay connected with what I'm up to even if you're not physically at the show.

I hope you will check it out!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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Adventures in Smoothiemaking

2012-01-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

For those who know me, you know that I'm a sweetaholic! I know I don't always make the healthiest choices and that's not good at all. I just have to figure out solutions that work for me and my lifestyle...the lifestyle of wanting something fast and easy!!

So today, I was inspired by an Instagram by Elsie Larson (@elsiecake on Instagram) of a Beautiful Mess. She shared a photo of fresh veggies and goodies going into a blender, and asked for suggestions from her fans for making other smoothies. There were so many ideas on the comments of her blog...everything from blackberry and blueberry smoothies to kale and carrot smoothies! I thought I'd give it a go too and I infused some super healthy ingredients. I'm really proud of myself and I felt good about my dinner choice!

Here's what I put in my smoothie (it made 2 servings)...

– 1 cup fresh kale
– 1 banana
– 1/2 mango
– 4 ice cubes
– 1/2 cup Almond milk
– 1 whole apple

I blended it up (with William's help), my 1970's olive-colored blender didn't take to the apples very well!The result was delicious! YAY! I'm so excited about having a healthier dinner and breakfast option. I'm going to try my hand at other creations too. I can't wait. I might even try to get up early enough to make them before work. Smoothies really do fill you up for a while!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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I'm a homeowner now!

2012-01-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging for a while as you've probably noticed. The main reason? I bought a house! I moved in last weekend. I currently don't have internet, so no blogging/online action has been taking place. It's probably best, since I have been busy unpacking and don't need the distraction. I'm going to have a lot of projects to work on to make it a home. I can't wait to share with you what I have up my sleeve. It has a lot of cute character! I love all the little details. Check back in the next few days and I'll show some "before" photos of what it looked like before we moved in. I It reminds me a lot of my grandmothers home and that makes me very happy. I miss her very much and think about her often now.

Oh, and I totally know the yard is a sight for sore eyes!! It needs some major work and William has already started killing off the weeds. He plans to roto-till soon. I know it will be looking much better for spring!

Anyway, hope you are having a great January so far. I'll try to keep better in touch in bloglandia!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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I'm kinda addicted to Instagram

2011-12-29T23:27:00.001-08:00

Lately, I've been taking a lot of photos on Instagram and am starting to become a little bit obsessive! I wanted to share with you a few of my photos that I've altered. In Instagram, you can shoot using your iPhone or you can import your photos from your professional camera and add vintagy old-time effects (like I did with my super cute niece Ava above). I love what you can do with it. It's a fun little place to gather and mingle on your iPhone too...you can like and comment on other photos from Instagram users too! Unfortunately, you must have an iPhone to join in on the fun. Sorry Android users.

The ceramic circles on the facade outside my work by Stan Bitters.

Thread from my mom's collection.

Wear your slippers to work day at iLoveToCreate.

William after a long plane trip home; waiting to be picked up at the Fresno airport.

Cute soda mugs from Street Scene in Lexington.

Carey's curls.

If you're on Instagram, let's connect. My user name is @swelldesigner. I'll follow you back if you follow me :)

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Fun at the Wig Wam Village - Cave City, KY

2011-12-28T23:35:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a fun experience on my recent trip home to Kentucky with my boyfriend William! We were driving back from Louisville, and since I was in the vicinity off of Interstate 65, I had to stop for a peek at the Wig Wam Village in Cave City, KY! Now, you would think that I had been there before, considering I lived about an hour away from it for 30 years of my life, but I hadn't. I had to move all the way to California to enjoy Kentucky, who would have thought? Anyway here are some cute pics of our time there. I enjoyed visiting, but I don't know that I would be up for staying in one. I hear that they aren't the fanciest digs, but hey, they might just be the kitschiest!

So if you're looking for a little slice of 50's Americana and your in the Cave City, KY area, I suggest you stop by and take a peek. They are pretty amazing little time capsules from our recent past!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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All I want for Christmas Pinterest printable

2011-12-09T22:10:00.001-08:00

Hop on over to my FontCrafts site to download this cute Pinterest printable for the holidays. It's an easy way to say what you want for Christmas without having to say a word!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Random Tutorial Generator to the rescue

2011-12-06T22:53:00.001-08:00

Wanted to share with you a really fun new site for folks out there who are looking for some fun new crafting ideas! The site Random Tutorial Generator is really fun and filled with all kinds of great blogs and sites that will help you discover new crafters and projects you'll want to try.

It's similar in nature to StumbleUpon; however, it only searches crafts and DIY tutorials. You're just getting the crafty goods and that is particularly helpful when you have some time to kill or want to waste even more time on the internet! Admit it, it's true, how many times does an hour or two go by and we really can't account anything for it. Pinterest may have just met its match.

Hop over and show the Tute-Bot some love!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Very "Good" photo wall art

2011-12-05T23:43:00.001-08:00

I was looking back through some old photos on my iPhoto and I came upon this great project that is screaming DIY all the way. It's of a window blind shade that was in my hotel room with my friend Chris and Kristy during a San Francisco trip a couple of years ago! We were staying at the eco-friendly Good Hotel in the Soma District. They had all kinds of artful touches like this that made it a really cool place to stay.

Now, I don't know exactly how this piece was made, but my bet would be a large photo print out, spray adhesive, a ruler, and an exacto. And vertical blinds of course. I think this would be so cool to display in your home. Such a fun, engaging piece. And of course, it's made much more fun with Chris doing his best Vanna impression.

By the way, I miss my photo buddy Chris!! He's been teaching the past 2 years in Saudi Arabia, so our paths haven't been able to cross. Chris, if you see this, just want to send a smile and thought your way!!

And for kicks, here's some more photos I took of the Good Hotel. Their décor and DIY style was totally rad!

Pretty cool, huh? Don't you totally wanna make one of those blind flip-a-roos?Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Pee Wee - He's in the bag!

2011-12-04T23:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I stopped by a cute thrift store here in Fresno called Vintage Curiosities. I was going to pick up a couple of vintage buttons, that's all, but then I spotted PeeWee on a shelf behind the shopowner. I asked how much he was and he said, "$10 bucks." For me, $10 bucks is nothing when it comes to something that connects me with my childhood. I scooped PeeWee right up and was on my way.

I don't know if you've ever seen these dolls or not, but they have a string in the back where you can pull it to say things. Well, mine is broken and only plays a loud screeching sound. That's why he was so cheap. The shopowner said if he worked, that he would have sold it for $25. It's ok, just the idea of having Pee Wee sitting on my shelf makes me giddy. I can always watch old Youtube clips if I need to hear his laugh.

In fact, his Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special is on Youtube! If you want a little holiday nostalgia, I suggest you check it out.

More than anything, what I have always taken away from Pee-wee is to not to take yourself too seriously! I'm from the school of thought that you should always make some time to let loose and be silly. Thanks Pee Wee for helping instill this value in me!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Googly Eye Ornament DIY

2011-12-02T00:13:00.001-08:00

I wanted to create an ornament that captured my sense of silliness and fun. Nothing says that more than googly eyes! I'm a big googly eye girl (if you've seen my googly eye Halloween creations, you'll see why). Anyway, I know this project won't be for everyone, but for those with kitsch and quirk in our hearts, it's the perfect funny holiday accent to add to the tinsel tree!

Here's how you make it!

Googly Eye Ornament

Supplies:
– Tissue paper
– Styrofoam ball ornament
– Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
– Scissors
– Ribbon
– Straight pin

How you do it:
1. Rip up little strips of tissue paper and glue onto the ball. I was fortunate enough to have the one and only Mr. Tacky Glue to help me! Swoon! I do this so the pourous parts of the ball don't pop up through the googly eyes. I think that's kinda ugly and the tissue paper gives it a smoother finish. Thanks Pattiewack for this tip!

2. Around the center of the ball, line the larger eyes. Do a smaller size googly eye above and below the large eyes. Then finish up the top and bottom with the smallest-sized eyes.

3. Tie with a double bow for the top. Pin in place. Add a loop ribbon for hanging if desired.

So how about you? Are you googly for googly eyes?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

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P.S. I linked this post up at TaterTots and Jello's Weekend Wrapup Party!

12 Non-Traditional Holiday Wreath Ideas

2011-12-01T00:03:00.001-08:00

I love making wreaths. It's one of my favorite crafts! I scoured the web to find some more non-traditional versions for the holidays (admittedly, I'm a sucker for pink and red combos). I think I found some with a few twists! I love that most of them could be executed for under $20 bucks! I always love a bargain, don't you? Enjoy!

PVC Pipe Wreath from Today's Nest

Pink Sweater Wreath from MidWest Living

Green and Red Felt Rosette Wreath from JoAnn

Lighted Doily Wreath from Martha Stewart

Wine Cork Wreath from Good Housekeeping

Photo and Ribbon Wreath from Parents.com

Toilet Tissue Tube Wreath from Bonnin Design

Gumdrop Wreath from Sweet and Lovely Crafts

Mirror Wreath from A Blondes DIY Life

Candy Cane Wreath from I Heart Naptime

Felted Ball Wreath from Pickles
Gold Mini Bow Wreath from Real Simple

Which one is your favorite?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

I want this: Printstagr.am Poster

2011-11-30T00:51:00.001-08:00

I'm totally an Instagram photo addict. I take photos all the time anywhere and everywhere using my iPhone, so it should really be no surprise that I love this Printstagr.am print so much! I would put it in on a Christmas list, but it would be pretty obvious someone was getting it for me, cause I would have to send them ALL my photos. Too much work. Maybe it will be my Christmas present to myself.

And I guess if I were so inclined, I could do a DIY version, but then it becomes my time vs. just paying to have it done, ya know? I personally admit hate being one of those, "I can make that" people, so I try to not to throw it around too often.

If you are in the mood; however, to make an ornament in this style, I suggest this cool mosaic ornament project I made 3 or 4 years back for the holidays. They are in this mod mosaic style and can be super personalized! Perfect if you want that "Wow, I can't believe you actually made this for me" moment at the holidays!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

There's no method to this madness

2011-11-28T23:46:00.001-08:00

I've been busy tonight working on my blog revamp. It usually takes me a little while to find a look I like and that I feel is authentically "me". It's hard to find your own voice when there are so many blogs out there with cool looks that stand out. I just stayed with a fun and bright color palette and some funky fonts. I couldn't go wrong!

So, in the process of my revamp, this is what my homepage looks like on my computer. It's about as bad as showing you my dirty craft room! Yikes. So unorganized and messy. As you can see on the right, almost a 3rd of it is the redesign of my blog. I am guilty of dragging and saving a lot of crap to my desktop without putting it in a folder. I think if you want a little slice of how my mind works, you can see it right here on my screen.

My work computer is admittedly much cleaner, but it does need some remodeling from time to time. I'm better there because there is more of a process to follow. At home; however, I am seriously lacking. If I ever were to have a business venture on the side, I need to call the organization doctor STAT and get this under control!!

Also, you'd think I'd have a funky backdrop, but I don't really mess with that. I find that the backgrounds they provide with the computer are easy to navigate and find stuff. Blues and purples are pretty easy on the eyes too. I keep it simple.

Do you ever do this on your desktop? Or is this more a Mac thing?
Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Glittery Toenails and more weekend fun!

2011-11-27T23:05:00.001-08:00

Wanted to share with you my sparkle nails I got fo the holidays! It is basically a red basecoat with holiday sparkly colors over top. I think it looks fun and super festive. I am happy with it. Hope it lasts till Christmas!

Here's some other fun updates from my weekend activities...

– Had lots of turkey and pumpkin pie (my fave) over this weekend. Both William and myself made the pie (me the crust, him the filling). It turned out soooo delicious! I even made homeade whipping cream for the top!

– Got to see William's niece Sofie above. She didn't want me to take her picture at first, but then she loosened up and let me. I have to get my kid pics in when I can! In the photo above, the lighting on her face was reflected from a yellow book. Cool, huh?

– Dexter is up to his usual tricks. This weekend he started meowing deeper and he is looking much bigger. I can't believe we've only had him 2 months!

Got this cool vintage #5 from a local Thrift store. I went thrifting with William a while yesterday. This is all I came home with. It's for the best, though. Better to come home with too little than too much. I have no place to store it!

– As you can tell, I've been playing around with my blog look and truncating my posts. I want it to be easier to search through for content and to be fresher looking. That's why I opted for white. I have a lot of work to make it look nicer still yet to come, so stay tuned.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Raines Family Photo Shoot

2011-11-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to photograph my friend and co-worker Victoria Raines and her family (Husband William, and sons Spencer and Malcom). I wanted to share with you the fun photos. They were super comfortable in front of the camera and they were willing to play around and have fun. Cool and casual and authentic...totally my style!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Swell Smells for the holidays

2011-11-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Do you want your home to smell AMAZING this holiday season? Forget candles or incense, this is the best way to make the smell go all over your entire house in minutes. And it takes less than 5 minutes!

You simply start by cutting up an orange into slices. Next, drop them into a pan filled with water.

Add a handful of mulling spices, cinnamon sticks, and a dash of holiday spices like ginger and cloves.

Bring the oranges and spices to a boil, then let simmer on low on your stovetop. Remember to check in after a while. You don't want for all your water to boil away and have burnt oranges. That would not be a swell smell!

I absolutely love the way this makes the house smell and it's great to put on right before visitors arrive. It's a great way to make your house smell like a home!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

5 Ways to beat the Creative Blues

2011-11-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

I go through all kinds of highs and lows being a creative being and sometimes I hit a roadblock. My emotions sometimes feel like a roller coaster. Didn't I get enough as a teenager? It's so not fun sometimes!

With this in mind, I thought I'd share some tips/realities/and coping mechanisms for dealing with the moments when you are feeling less than creative and how to hopefully overcome those feelings!

5 Ways to deal with the Creative Blues:

1. Channel your feelings First and foremost, don't get upset and out of sorts cause you lost your creative mojo. Adding stress to the situation only makes you more blue! Look at creativity kinda like your life, there are definite highs and lows and a lot of in betweens. You have to go through the bad to appreciate the good. Own the moment and accept it for what it is. If you are feeling low, maybe it is the best time to channel them into your art. The pain can lead to a new discovery, even if it is atypical of what you normally do. A perfect example of this is the sad love song, from pain comes beauty!

2. Look outside yourself When you focus so heavily on your creative emotions, it can really weigh you down. Sometimes it is best to let go of them and step outside yourself! You can achieve this in a variety of ways. Read a book or watch a movie and empathize and become engrossed in the storytelling and characters. Volunteer your time locally and get to know the lives' of others and their stories. When you build a connection with others and think beyond your walls, you are opening your mind and ultimately learning more about yourself! You'll be able to have fresher perspectives that you can use to freshen up your creative spirit!

3. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate With our busy schedules, personal lives, and time spent in front of a computer screen day by day, it's easy to get in bad habits of staying up late and making unhealthy food choices for the sake of time. BTW, I am VERY guilty of doing this. When you find yourself doing this, step awayd from your craft for a bit and focus solely on your health and well-being. Go to be earlier, make a healthy dinner for yourself, exercise, meditate, etc. This is the best way to get in a good frame of mind for amping up your creativity!

4. Moderate how much time you spend on outside inspiration If you are on Pinterest, you should know exactly what I mean by this! I am seeing a lot more people these days scanning Pinterest and other popular sites and blogs for inspiration. The internet is a wealth of inspiration, but don't fall into the trap of letting others' wonderful creations stifle your own. You can easily be sucked into this inspiration and you find yourself comparing yourself to others or getting so bombarded by ideas that it leaves no time for you to create! Give yourself a set amount of time that works for you to browse for inspiration, but remember to step away from the computer to discover and develop your own ideas.

5. Record everything! Make a point in your daily life to capture things that engage your senses. For example, snap a camera phone photo of a color combo you like at the store or write a funny quip or quote you overhear while getting coffee. Sometimes the smallest everyday moments lead to the biggest discoveries. I can't tell you how many times I've looked back on my photo library and was reinspired by a photo I had forgotten about! The same goes with doodling or writing in a journal. Start recording those daily moments and spur of the moment thoughts and review them every week or month. You'll start finding missed connections in your doodles or writings that you didn't notice before!

I hope this has helped you get over the creative doldrums. I have been suffering myself from a creative rut over the past few weeks and I'm doing my best to take my own advice! Do you have a favorite from above?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. Linked up at TaterTots and Jello!

The Fresno Necklace

2011-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed, I've taken a mini break from blogging these past couple weeks. I've lacked motivation to write or be inspired in blogland. I have; however, had other things up my sleeve. One such project is the making of these Fresno necklaces that I am selling locally for $22 at Twee Boutique.

I designed the Fresno phrase and had it manufactured. I also put together the necklace using gunmetal components. I added the finishing touches with the card it sits on! It's the sign that greets people on Van Ness Avenue on their way into town. I don't know if these signs are a California thing (I've never seen them outside of Cali) or what, but they are really cute and nice welcoming spots. I altered the background a bit to make it more fun! I'm happy with the way it turned out!

Here's some more pics!

I'm thinking about starting up my Etsy shop and selling some there for the holidays. Please give me feedback in the comments if you have any interest and don't live in these parts! I may do some other cities as well, but I gotta get on it! Just wanted to catch you up on my fun little "Fresno" side project!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Swell stuff I'm loving right now

2011-11-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Pretty paper straws in orange and blue. I want to use them this holiday season!

Typographic Tape from Michaels

Christmas and fall inspiration - at the same time

Good smells in cool packaging.

Pretty yarns in fall colors. A certain little guy in my life got ahold of the purple yarn.

What swell stuff are you loving right now?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

How to De-seed a Pomegranate

2011-11-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

I've just recently gotten into eating pomegranates. It's a little bit by default; my boyfriend grows pomegranates and it is his very favorite fruit! During Thanksgiving of last year, I asked William if I could take some tutorial photos of him showing how to super-fast de-seed a pomegranate. After reading this tutorial, there's no excuse for you to say that it's hard to get the seeds (arils) out of a pomegranate, so you'd rather not waste the time.

The photos of William below show him not wearing gloves. I recommend that you wear rubber gloves if you want to prevent staining of any kind on your hands.

Cut around the pomegranate's equator with a knife. Only cut abou 1/4" deep. Put knife down and twist pomegranate to pry it open. If you can't open it immediately, carefully use knife to cut deeper around the equator.

When you open up your pomegranate, it should look like this (this is the pretty and less messy way to open it)! If you slice right through the middle with the knife, you'll get all the blood red juices flowing and likely a mess on your hands!

Fill your sink or a big pan up with with water. You can also place a collander in the sink if you'd like to make an easier retrieve the arils. Now cup the pomegranate in your hand. Note: don't put the seeds (arils) face down in your hand. Leave a slight cupped gap for the to fall out and through your fingers while you slap the back of it forcefully and continuously with a wooden spoon.

The pomegranate arils will drop to the bottom of the water, while the white interior of the pomegranate (also known as pith) with float to the top.

As you can see, the spoon method works quite well. Almost all the arils fell out! Fish out the arils, throw away the pith, and enjoy your tasty pomegranate seeds!

Naturally, they taste best when you share them with others! They also probably taste better knowing they are a Superfruit!

Sofie (William's niece) loves this time of year, cause she loves getting to eat pomegranates! They are generally in season from October to early January!

Do you think you'll give one a try?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Oh Crap! Now what do I do?

2011-11-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

My dining room table is filled with Halloween "leftovers".

Around this time of year, I get a case of the blogger blues. Yep, that's right, I get depressed about blogging and keeping "The Swell Life" I have together. The reason? As you see above, I obviously LOVE Halloween. October and the witching season is the time of year where I have my most creative mojo. The fall/Halloween season appeals to me cause it is whimsical, playful, loud, colorful, and creepy. I love all those things mixed together. I don't really get that fulfillment out of any other time of the year.

I also get kinda sad, cause I work really hard at keeping my blog fresh, updated and brimming with fun ideas. This brings me a lot of new fans, followers, and pretty big numbers to my blog. It is very rewarding. My content throughout the rest of the year, while creative, doesn't get me the same reaction or attention. Side note: I'm the youngest of 5 kids, so I have always been one to crave attention. LOL. Not in an unhealthy way or anything, I just am easily excitable and more motivated by it.

So, that leaves me in a weird spot. I've thought about a few things I could do. I would love your feedback and supportive ideas. I really would like to keep my passion alive and not have it fizzle out, just because my favorite season has passed by!

1) Create a new site devoted to year round Halloween ideas. It would be something in a same/similar format as my FontCrafts site (please check it out if you haven't done so already - I'd love your feedback!) I would post a lot of my existing Halloween projects on there and add new ones from time to time too! At Halloween, though, it would be my main spot for Halloween action.

2) Keep my Swelldesigner blog for occasional sharing of photos/DIYs when the mood strikes, but mainly focus on my sister site FontCrafts. Revive this blog mostly around Halloween season.

I really feel like Halloween and FontCrafts are my two major interests and strong niches in the crafty realm at the moment and I'd like to nurture them more. I'm just not sure what step to take next and I'd love your insight!

And full disclosure: I'm totally writing this post tonight cause I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to post about. I feel it's too soon to focus on Christmas Crafts and I'm not as excited about Thanksgiving all that much, even though I do think it's a beautiful holiday!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Meet Dexter!

2011-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

I got a little carried away with all my Halloween posts, that I totally forgot to formally introduce you to my new Kitten Dexter. He's super stinkin' cute and really feisty! Almost a little too feisty. He likes to claw up my pant leg and eat from my food bowl! Bad kitty! Definitely a handful this one is!

He really likes Pixie! So much, in fact, that he pounces her at any given moment. She's actually reacted surprisingly well to it and because of his annoying attacks, she's become a lot less skiddish around us. Hmm, maybe a kitten was all she needed all along! I sometimes catch her chasing him and them snuggling up to one another, so I think it is a love/hate thing! If they were married, I don't think it would end after 72 days...just sayin'! Haha!

I wanted to share with you some cute photos. He's so darn cute at this Kitten stage that I can't help but take pictures of him every day! I'm such a mom. They grow up so fast, I tell ya!!

And as you probably can tell, in addition to my cute cat photos, I also love the color red. I think he sees red everytime he plays, so it seems only appropriate!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10 Day of the Dead Inspirations

2011-10-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween has come and gone, but I'm so excited that the color and beauty of the holiday moves onto Dia De Los Muertos! I thought it would be fun to scour the web for some incredible Day of the Dead Eye Candy. I'm so inspired by the amazing imagery, DIY's, and products you can find that fill my brain with all kinds of creative ideas!

From the top, left to right, here's some inspiration to get you in the festive Dia De Los Muertos spirit!

Sugar Skull Coloring Pages from Etsy seller Thaneeya McArdle

Sugar Skull Popsicle Soaps from SoapyLove on Flickr

Sugar Skull Nails by Pixie Polish from the Scene Core blog (includes video tute too!)

Papel Picado Street photo via Zamorano Arts

Calavera Sandwich via Croqzine

Dia De Los Muertos cake from Mahogany Images

Day of the Dead Jewelry by Viva Gail Beads

Amazing Sugar Skull Face Paint Photography by Peter Holliday on Flickr

Sugar Skull Embroidery by Craftster user Love and a Sandwich

Papel Picado Throw Pillow by Shop Sugarsnap on Etsy

Do you have a favorite?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My Duncan Ceramics Halloween costume

2011-10-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the big reveal of this year's costume! I am a Duncan® Ceramics lollipop/sunburst/cool ceramic wheels in front of the iLoveToCreate headquarters! Here's a great blog post from Mid Centuria featuring more photos of the cool Duncan® Ceramics facade by Stan Bitters.

I took a picture of it, enlarged and tiled it, and put it on a cardboard with some of my favorite Tacky Spray. I then used some Tulip® Body Art paint on my face to replicate the center. While I don't think I look exactly like the wheel, I think it's pretty darn close.

What did you dress up as this year for Halloween??

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Great Last Minute Costume Ideas

2011-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm all about the last-minute costume...something super easy to execute, but way clever! Since today is the last day to celebrate Halloween, if you're still hankering for a costume idea, might I suggest one of these? They will take you all of 15 minutes to an hour to execute and they are super funny!

Psycho Shower costume from College Humor
Rosie The Riveter from What I Wore
Price is Right Costume from a Million Things I Love
Lego Costume via Craftzine

And here's a deviled egg costume I did a few years back that's also super easy to execute...check it out!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Sugar Skull Pumpkin & Crafts for Dia De Los Muertos

2011-10-29T00:11:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I'm asked to create projects for my work. It's not too, too often, but usually it is in association with my favorite holiday...you guessed it Halloween! Anyway, here's one of the cute projects I created using Puffy Paint that's a hybrid Day of the Dead/Halloween creation I wanted to share. We make TONS of projects for everything from packaging, tradeshows, presentations, and more and not everything moves forward. This was one such project, but it was too adorable not to share!

It blends together my love for Halloween and the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead or Dia De Los Muertos as it is known in Mexico. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd and honors family members who have died, while celebrating their life in a fun, colorful way! Here's a video by my friend Kathy Cano-Murillo, a.k.a. The Crafty Chica, explaining the celebration.

She also shows a lot of fun Sugar Skull Ideas! I love how crafty Dia De Los Muertos is.

Here's some of my fave Sugar skulls I've seen!!!

Sugar Skull Cookies from Children Playing with Fire

Sugar Skull Face Paint from Anna Marie

Sugar Skull Chair from RainbowNSkulls on Craftsy

Soft Sculpture Sugar Skull from Crafty Chica

Do you celebrate Dia De Los Muertos each year? Last year was the first time that I participated in any festivities (at a local coffee shop here in Fresno) . It was really cool!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Halloween Candy Overload

2011-10-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I've been eating WAY too much Halloween candy. These last three months of the year should be called the "Most gluttonous time of year". Ack! I gotta get it together!

I spotted tonight the Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses at WalGreen's. I totally resisted, but they were quite a steal at 99¢ for a bag. I love these things. I find that they are those LOVE/HATE candies. I personally love them, what about you? I love them so much, in fact, that I made a Mary Jane wreath last year out of them...see?

The other day while at Winco, the had so much cute bulk Halloween candy. It was the cheapo chocolates, but the packaging was totally spooky, creepy, and adorable!

Icky body party candy wrappers!

Cute and goofy wrappers!

Foil Jack-o-lanterns!

I like TURTLES, I mean ZOMBIES!

And I made an observation at the store...do you really think you'll need energy shots after eating all this candy? I don't think so.

Overall, my favorite candy at Halloween time is anything Chocolate! I love peanut buttery stuff and Mr. Goodbars! Yum!

What is your favorite?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My Halloween Curio/Display

2011-10-26T21:43:00.001-07:00

A while back William's mom gave me this really fabulous shelf/curio. It was really dirty and a dirty brown. I spiffed it up with some black paint and decided to display some of my cute Halloween accents in it! I really love the way it looks and I think it will be fun to decorate with other non-seasonal accents.

Here's a few detail photos of my seasonal décor and pumpkins!

This is a fun accent I won from a contest on Amy Locurto's site a few years ago. It was supposed to plug into a USB port, but it didn't work. It makes a super cute decoration even though it doesn't light up.

I bought these frames for a $1 last year at Michaels. I put in some spooky illustrations by Andrew of Ogner Stump. I think they are pretty darn fantastic.

You may remember this pumpkin from my colorful pumpkin blog post a few days ago. I accented it with some plastic spider rings.

Here's another detail. I used Collage Pauge on that pumpkin with candy corn tissue paper by Hallmark. I also accented with tiny mirror balls - I love them!

My friend Diane got me this cute cat figurine a few years back. He's so goofy.

This was a thrift store find from a few weeks ago. It was only a $1. I love thrift store scores!

Everything is better with eyeballs, don't you think?

Next year, I'm going to have to get my display up sooner, so I can enjoy it longer! I get so busy with my Halloween projects, that I never have time to put up all my décor. Hopefully next year, I'll have a house and can have a party!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Linking up at:
Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Feature Friday

Forged Foil Pumpkins

2011-10-26T01:12:00.000-07:00

Want something sparkly and fun for Halloween, that will take you into the Thanksgiving season? Here's a pretty and rustic way to add some flash to your pumpkins in just minutes and it's using my fave craft supply...Tacky Glue! This is actually a classic Tacky Glue technique created by Aleene in the 50's or 60's. I got to use up some cute little candy wrappers that I bought at Sur La Table a while back. I was excited to have the perfect project to use them on! OK, let's get started!

Supplies
– mini pumpkins
– foil squares (buy them in the candy aisle or use save your candy foil wrappers)
– Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
– black paint (I used Tulip® Fabric Spray Paint and it worked perfect!)
– foam brush

Instructions
1. Crinkle the little foil squares. Don't roll it into a ball, just gently crinkle and reflatten out.

2. Generously apply Tacky Glue and glue to pumpkin. Cover entire pumpkin area except stem.

3. Give the pumpkin an aged look by applying a bit of paint (add paint to random areas all over of pumpkin)

4. Use a paper towel to rub off paint.

There you have it! Simple and pretty pumpkins in minutes.

It will make such a pretty mantel display or be the perfect fall accent for your table centerpiece!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

I linked up at the following parties!

Weekend Wrapup at TaterTots and Jello

Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop Time!

2011-10-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop party! Can you believe October is almost over? It makes me really, really sad since it is both my birthday month and spooky, fun Halloween month! I guess I'll just have to file all the wonderful ideas shared on Terrorific Tuesdays away for next year, huh?

For this last edition of Terrorific Tuesdays, I want to leave you with a very special Halloween bout presented to you by my kitten Dexter, and Vlad, the lovable vampire (he's so ugly he's cute).

Here's all you have to do to join the blog hop fun!

– Post your projects relating to Halloween or Fall; Use the Linky Tool below and add your blog link (this is a Halloween blog hop, so please don't post unrelated projects)

– Add the Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop button to the post on your blog (a text link is ok too):

– Click the "Get Code" button below and add the code to the end of your project that you are featuring this week. This will generate more readership and linkage back to all our bloggers.

– Please comment on atleast two blog posts. Let's support other crafters and creators out there!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Bright, Colorful, and Messy pumpkins

2011-10-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I wanted to make some fun, colorful pumpkins. I think I succeeded, but my craftsmanship is less than I desired. I have a really bad problem of not waiting until everything is dry and I touch my puffy paint pumpkins way too soon! Bad, bad idea. I must get better at this.

They're still bright and lively and will make for some fun eye candy. Maybe next time, I'll be a little bit more patient! On the ones you see, I did a basecoat of acrylic paint first, then went back in with puffy paint (you can use Scribbles or Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint) and drew lines, swirls, and dots with the back end of my brush.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this project up here:

Skip to my Lou's Made by You Mondays

Spooky Halloween Pillows

2011-10-23T21:48:00.001-07:00

I'm one lucky gal! Last week, my parents were in town and my mom (the most talented seamstress I know) and I were on a mission to craft it up! While I worked on the candy corn onesie, she whipped up these wonderful and whimsical pillows for me! We had made a trip to our local quilting shop, Quilters Paradise in Clovis, CA. I instantly fell in love with this print called "Haunted House" by Alexander Henry. I love the illustrations and they have a very funky/cool retro vibe! In fact, all of the Alexander Henry Halloween fabrics were just divine. It was so hard to choose! I paired this pattern up with the "Spooktakular Too" polka dot print by Debbie Taylor Kerman for Henry Glass Fabrics. Sewed up with pom pom trims in black and orange, I think they turned out absolutely darling.

Here's some more cute details!

Everytime I see a black cat, I'm drawn. I have a warm spot because of my black cat Pixie.

It's true, pom poms make everything better. My new kitten agrees. Let's hope he doesn't tear these up!

I love the detail of the illustration down to her striped sleeves and wart on her chin!

Here's another view! I paired it up with my font tablecloth/makeshift slipcover. Last year, my friend Silvia helped me decorate my living room (blogged here)and gave me the idea to use the tablecloth this way. I think it's genius!

Thanks Mom for the darling pillows. I absolutely love and cherish them!!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Terrorific Tuesday Picks of the Week

2011-10-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

Another week, another great set of Halloween ideas! People are so clever and creative this time of year. I think we all get a little colder and more nesting-like and want to just create, don't you? I just love the spooky mantle (above) from A We Meenit. I can't wait till I have my own mantle and can decorate like this!

How adorable is this polka dot pumpkin in an embroidery hoop from Little Lulu's nest? It's soooo sweet!

Yeah, I gotta thing for polka dots! That's why this cute polka dot printable from Oceans of Notions caught my eye!

This spooky tree by Freaking Craft is, well, uh, SPOOKY! She shares the easy, quick revamp on her blog! She made it for pennies!!

Musings from Kim K has fun potion ideas and cute ephemera decorating ideas. I just love this little Halloween party hat. She used a hat from the dollar store as her template!

Join me next week, Wednesday, October 25th all day for the last installment of the Terrorific Tuesday blog hop. I hope you'll link up and add your project. It might just get featured like these did!

If you were featured above, get your button to add to your blog here:

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My first Libby's Pumpkin Roll

2011-10-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight, for the first time in my life, I successfully executed my first pumpkin roll. I followed the Libby's pumpkin pie roll recipe. I saw excellent reviews for it and figured that I couldn't go wrong. I've always been a little nervous about making one. I wasn't quite sure how it would go together and if I'd actually be able to roll it up, but I did, and it was an excellent treat that I'd make again. I kinda think my walnuts should have been facing in towards the center of the cream cheese, but in the big scheme of things, I think it is a-ok. It would taste the same, either way!

Here's the Libby's Pumpkin Roll Recipe I followed (via AllRecipes.com)...

Libby's® Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Cook Time:
15 Min
Ready In:
15 Min

Original Recipe Yield 10 servings

Ingredients
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
– 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
– 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
– 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Directions
1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
4. BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

And a word to the wise, you can totally use a cookie sheet for this (the kind with a lip all the way around the pan). It is essentially the same thing as a jelly roll.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Halloween projects that I would LOVE to create!

2011-10-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share with you some super cute and funky projects made at my work iLoveToCreate! Now, while I craft at home on my own time, at work, I'm a graphic designer and social media coordinator. So, I don't craft much on the job. We do; however, have a slew of cool craft designers and bloggers that make wonderful, fabulous projects that are all kinds of fun! The shoes, above, for example were by my co-worker and fab friend PattieWack. I just LOVE them. It really want to make my own pair for Halloween!! Check out the polka dot glitter shoe tutorial on the blog.

I just LOVE this Glow-in-the-Dark corset iLoveToCreate blogger Maya Murillo made from a t-shirt! Actually it is a t-shirt, but when the lights are off it looks like a glowing corset. Cool huh?

I have always been amazed by Alisa Burke's artistry and these pretty pumpkins have always been one of my fave pumpkin projects! So sophisticated for someone who isn't a big Halloween person (I'm not sure how that would actually be possible, but I'm thinking there might be people out there).

And there's so many adorable projects on iLoveToCreate.com! I just love this Skeleton Love bag by Allee Marderosian and Mummy Mania Water Bottle Wraps Here's some more fun Halloween projects to add to your list before it's too late to make them!

What projects have you been making leading up to the big day?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Candy Corn Button Pumpkin

2011-10-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

I'm quickly regretting not just doing a special series this week called "Candy Corn Crafts" and coming up with a corny and candy sweet graphic to along with it! Haha. Here's my latest addition, the Candy Corn Button Pumpkin!

This is perhaps the easiest craft you can do (much like my sparkly sequin pumpkins last year)! All it requires are some small buttons in orange, yellow, and white, a small pumpkin (mine was white), and a bottle of Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®! Glue those itty bitty buttons on in the white, orange, yellow color order (the true color order of real candy corn) and you've got an adorable little pumpkin to display on your mantle or give away as a treat to a friend!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Make a Candy Corn Feather Wreath

2011-10-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog this Halloween season, you know one thing is certain... I LOVE CANDY CORN! I thought I'd make candy corn a bit more sophisticated and make a fun wreath to display as part of my Halloween décor. It only took a few supplies and the finished result that took all of 10 minutes to make is full, feathery, fluffy, and amazing! YAY!

Supplies:
– Write styrofoam wreath form (mine was 12")
– Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
– 3 Zucker Feather Boas in orange, white, and yellow (I got mine 40% off at Hancock)
– Scissors

What you do:
1. Wrap the first boa using Tacky Glue to hold in place as you go. You want the boa to cover 1/3 the circumference of the wreath.

2. Cut the orange boa in half. Wrap it around the sides of the wreath, gluing in place as you go. This glue works really great and tacks on immediately! Finish off the last 1/3 of the wreath using the yellow boa. Let dry.

3. VERY IMPORTANT STEP! Have a cute kitten inspect your wreath for accuracy and fluffability. Once kitten-certified, it is ready to hang!

Proudly display your new candy corn feather wreath. I hung mine in between a set of square frames in my dining room. I thought it would make for an eye-catching display!

Add some ornament baubles in a fun grouping or candy corn woodsie shapes if you want to dress it up even more!

You can also use your wreath as a fun centerpiece. Put a big pumpkin or bowl of Halloween ornaments inside. It makes a bright, festive, and funky display!

Hope you enjoyed this wreath! If you liked it, you might enjoy some of my other candy corn crafts!!

– Candy Corn Bottle Vases
– Candy Corn Cupcake Stand
– Candy Corn Onesie
– Candy Corn Cupcakes
– Candy Corn Roundup of Crafts, Recipes, and Inspiration

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this up to the following parties!

Sew Much Ado We Did it Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design Show and Tell Linky Party

Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop Time!

2011-10-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop party! This week's blog hop is brought to you by my new kitten Dexter (affectionately named after this iconic TV character...it's one of William's favorite shows!) He puts the Terror in Terrorific! He is very much getting ready for Halloween. His preparation includes batting around all the Halloween decorations in the house, taste testing attempts of yummy Halloween food while sitting in my lap, and annoying the skiddish Terrorific Tuesday mascot Pixie (the black cat you see in my header). He is one frightening, but super cute kitten! OK, onto the show!

Here's all you have to do to join the blog hop fun!

– Post your projects relating to Halloween or Fall; Use the Linky Tool below and add your blog link (this is a Halloween blog hop, so please don't post unrelated projects)

– Add the Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop button to the post on your blog (a text link is ok too):

Alexa

Make a Candy Corn Tie Dye Onesie

2011-10-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a super cute costume idea for a babe, you can't get much cuter than a Candy Corn! This is a simple, simple project that will take minutes for you to make but will get lots of oohs and ahhs over how great it looks! And if you're so inclined, make your own version using an adult shirt or tank top. It's a great alternative to wear to a party and still look super festive! Here's how you do it!

Supplies
– White 100% Cotton onesies (I used Gerber brand)
– Tulip® One-step Tie Dye colors in orange and yellow
– Surface covers or plastic bags, craft gloves, and a plastic apron (recommended)

How to make it
1. Rinse out your onesie in your sink, squeeze out water. You want it very damp, but not soaking wet. This is so that the dye takes better to the fabric!

2. Prepare your work area with plastic bags. Tulip actually makes a great surface cover, craft gloves, and apron that you can get at the store when you are picking up your tie dye! It makes the process much easier and neater!

3. Get out your Tulip® One-Step Tie Dye in orange and yellow. Fill them to the top with water, shake and mix up, and you are ready to go!!

4. It's best to start with the middle orange section first. I found that it was easier to control the dye this way and the colors bled together best. I also have a crazy hand for dye so on another onesie I attempted I went to far up and left very little white. By doing the middle orange section, this was a little "safety" for me so I wouldn't get too crazy with the dye!

5. Now fill in the yellow section and saturate that area. The dye will very much soak through the fabric and onto the back so no need to flip over to cover up spots.

6. Let the dye sit for 4-6 hours. You will want to cover it up with a plastic bag or surface cover. I found that the results were better if you could let your dye set on the table and cover it rather than having to transport it or move it to another bag to set.

7. Wash the dye out in the sink until the water from the onesie runs clear. You will want to make sure to wash it from the white top with the water flowing down; otherwise some of your orange and yellow colors could flow onto your bright white section, and that would be crappy!

8. Wash by itself on a small load setting with a little detergent. Dry as you normally do!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked my project up to the following linky parties!

Skip To My Lou's Made by You Monday

Under the Table and Dreaming

Making the World Cuter Monday
Today's Creative Blog Get Your Craft On
Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie

Terrorific Tuesday Picks of the Week

2011-10-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

It was so hard picking from all the Terrorific Tuesday entries. You guys made such awesome projects. I'm so glad you linked up to my little party and I hope you'll join me again next week for the fun!

Sew Woodsy got all "Carrie" on us and made these creepy Zombie Hand Planters (above). What an awesome concept and perfect dollar store craft!

The Dies Have It amazes me with this fall paper craft "Ghoul Garden" artwork!

I'm mad for Hillary Courson's super cute Halloween décor. I could look at Halloween stuff for days, I tell ya. DAYS!

These little argyle sweater cookies by The Enchanted Oven are about the cutest thing I have ever seen!! How perfect for Fall!

This spooky mirror art eyes by My Life in Black and White is super cool! I love the personality in the eyes!!

I'm also a sucker for a classic Halloween craft. These stiffened ghosts by Over the Big Moon are so fun! I want to do a whole ceiling of them!!!!

Join me next week, Wednesday, October 18th all day for the next installment of the Terrorific Tuesday blog hop. I hope you'll link up and add your project. It might just get featured like these did!

If you were featured above, get your button to add to your blog here:

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop Time!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop party!

Before I begin the blog hop, I wanted to share with an Halloween awesome show I did for Get a Little Creative for My Craft Channel! I filmed this this past July in Salt Lake City. It was really exciting cause this is the first time I've filmed a professional video segment for a craft show and it was a LOT of fun! The first part is a View-like setting where we talk Halloween crafts, then in the next segment I share how to make a Frightfully Funky Feather Wreath! Tomorrow, I'll bring you some fun photos from the set, but for now, it's all about Terrorific Tuesday, so let's get this party started!

Here's all you have to do to join the blog hop fun!

– Post your projects relating to Halloween or Fall; Use the Linky Tool below and add your blog link (this is a Halloween blog hop, so please don't post unrelated projects)

– Add the Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop button to the post on your blog (a text link is ok too):

My Halloween UFO sighting

2011-10-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

I was painting a little project tonight and poured some of my paint out. When I looked down, I saw this crazy UFO formation in the paint! Isn't it sooo weird? I thought it was actually appropriate for my project...a Halloween curio! Here's my painting in progress.

I can't wait till it is finished. I'm not a big fan of painting. Spray painting is pretty much out of the question, cause my space is WAY to small to do big projects in. When it's done, I'm pretty sure it will look pretty swell!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Make your own Justin Bieber Pumpkin!

2011-10-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

If you know someone who has Bieber Fever or you want a "pumpkin to love", this Justin Bieber pumpkin might be just the ticket! I am on a celebrity pumpkin roll (Pumpkin roll...ha!) and this is the second year in a row that I've fixated on a celebrity custom pumpkin. Last year, as you may recall, I made a Snooki pumpkin! Anyway, I decided to make a Biebs pumpkin this year! I think it turned out really funny!!! Here's how you make it!

What you need:
– small pumpkin
– mini light brown or brown wig (try the doll section)
– Aleene's Tacky Dot Roll (available at Michaels)
– Scissors
– Justin Bieber photo printout from the internet
– Permanent marker

What you do:

1. Clean pumpkin. Pull off stem.

2. Cut out the eyes, eyebrows, and lips from the photo.

3. Adhere clipped out features and use Tacky Dots to adhere. Reposition if needed. Draw on nose with permanent marker.

4. Put wig on top off pumpkin and brush all the hair toward the front. Brush the front bang area to the extreme left or right.

That's it! Enjoy your Bieberfied Pumpkin! Create a Selena Gomez version to match if you like. Also adorn him with a mini baseball cap or hoodie if you happen to have one (I'm fresh out...haha)

So, what do you think, do you have the Bieber Pumpkin Fever??

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Halloween This & That

2011-10-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Check out a few fun finds and gifts in my world! My friend Pattiewack bought me 2 cute candy corn candy dishes. I decided to glitz and glam it with some ornament accents!

I couldn't resist these Mission Halloween Chips that I picked up at the supermarket. I'm can't resist cool spooky foods like this! I'm a Halloween marketer's dream! Oh and don't you just love my polka dot $1 plate that I got a few years back!

Here's 3 more pumpkins for me to decorate! I have a few exciting ideas up my sleeve still to come so stay tuned!

Anything new in your Halloween world?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Terrorific Tuesday Picks of the Week

2011-10-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

This week, I wanted to highlight some of my fave projects from the Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop. If I've featured your project, please copy the code at the bottom of your post and add to your blog sidebar if you wish! The project above was by Leah at Zombies Wearing Helmets. She found this spooky spider craft in the The Complete Encyclopedia of Crafts, a craft book from 1975. I love how this project turned out and the photography own orange. Swoon!

I love the simplicity of this UnWelcome mat from blogger Freaking Craft. So eerie!

Stefanie Girard of Sweater Surgery made this awesome crocheted spider web skirt. She knows how to rock it with her striped accessories!

I love this Halloween tassel idea from Happier than a Pig in Mud. I can envision putting it on a dowel rod and making a fun staff/walking stick to take around trick or treating or to a party.

I'm in awe of this black feather pumpkin from Closet Crafter Ohio. It looks so fancy and sophisticated!

And I love the detail of this little mini Halloween fascinator by Crafterella. I love pretty touches of roses and buttons at Halloween!

Join me next week, Wednesday, October 12th all day for the next installment of the Terrorific Tuesday blog hop. I hope you'll link up and add your project. It might just get featured like these did!

If you were featured above, get your button to add to your blog here:

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

12 SWELL ways to decorate a pumpkin

2011-10-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

I guess I've been at this blogging thing for several years now. Sometimes it is weird cause you don't realize the vast amount of blogging you do until you start to compile it. Tonight I share with you 12 of my past and present pumpkin designs! They are all super easy to make. I don't do complicated!

Typographic Pumpkin

Rainbow Glitter Pumpkin

Simple Sparkle Button Pumpkins

Doodle Pumpkin

Thankful Word Pumpkin

Blackbird Swirl Pumpkin

Pumpkin Man Box

Polaroid Pumpkin

Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins

Simple Sparkly Pumpkin

Snooki Pumpkin

Pumpkin Jewels (Stem Accents)

My favorites to make were the Pumpkin man and Simple Sparkly Pumpkins. I loved giving the little guy life and doing a modern take on a vintage project. For the sparkly pumpkin, I loved how much of a big impact it made for very little effort!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop Time!

2011-10-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Each week during the month of October, I am having a fun Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop!

Here's all you have to do:

– Post your projects relating to Halloween or Fall; Use the Linky Tool below and add your blog link (this is a Halloween blog hop, so please don't post unrelated projects)

– Add the Terrorific Tuesday Blog Hop button to the post on your blog (a text link is ok too):

Alexa

How to make a Rainbow Glitter Pumpkin!

2011-10-03T23:21:00.001-07:00

I am a big COLOR girl, I love everything bright, colorful, and fun. Just because the traditional Halloween pumpkin may be orange, doesn't mean it has to be! I whipped out my glitter, paint, and paintbrushes and decided to transform my pumpkin into a Rainbow glitter pumpkin!

Rainbow Glitter Pumpkin

What you need:
–Pumpkin (mine was a medium-sized one)
– Tulip 3D Paints or Scribble 3D paints in ROYGBIV colors (7 in all)
– rainbow glitter (I used Tulip® Fashion Glitter)
– paintbrush
– foam brushes
– water bin
– paper towels
– box top or surface for catching glitter
– paper plate or palette

What you do:

1. Squeeze out your paints onto palette. Use foam brush to form first stripe on pumpkin. Paint from top to bottom of pumpkin. I even painted the stem! If you feel uncomfortable about making your rainbow rays even, mark off 7 sections with a pencil.

2. Immediately sprinkle on corresponding glitter color. Shake off excess into your box top.

3. Brush off excess glitter with clean paintbrush. That way you can move onto your next paint basecoat and glitter color.

4. Let dry. Spray with acrylic sealer if desired!

Here's another fun shot! If you paired two pumpkins together, you'd have Double Rainbow pumpkins!

Hope you liked this bright and cheery project. Check out some of my other fun Halloween crafts in my sidebar features!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this up to the following linky parties:
Weekend Wrapup at Tatertots&Jello
Tip Junkie Tip Me Tuesday

The Return of Terrorific Tuesdays!

2011-09-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 years in October, I've created a blog circle during the month that focuses on Halloween crafts and ideas called Terrorific Tuesdays. Tons of people are looking for clever ideas during this season in every shape and form and I wanted to create a positive, happy network of crafters for that!

This year is a bit different. I am doing Terrorific Tuesdays as a BLOG HOP. I will be Using Linky Tools® for the hop. For those of you unfamiliar with the blog hop, here's the summary from the Linky Tools page:

A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS.
When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the
exact same list appears on each blog.

Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list.
The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.

Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog
to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!

I am going with this option because it is a lot easier to coordinate this way. It takes a lot of stress away from me having to do a mosaic each week.
_________________________________________________________________

Here's some more FAQ's about Terrorific Tuesdays this October:

When and where do I post my project?
Post your projects to MY blog, The Swell Life on the following dates:

October 4th
October 11th
October 18th
October 25th

You can post all day on those Tuesdays from 12:01AM (PST) to 11:59PM (PST).

Do I have to post each week?
No. You can choose as little or as much as you want to participate during the 4 Tuesdays of Halloween. I don’t want this to be something you stress over! Halloween is supposed to be FUN after all!

What kinds of projects/inspiration can I post?
Your project can be a new or old idea. There will be no set theme from week to week. You can choose to include or not include instructions in your blog post, but I do ask that you post a photo and a brief description or explanation as to why you were inspired to make that particular project.

Consider one of the following ideas for your post:
- home décor
- jewelry/accessories
- spooky food and drink recipes
- party and table decor
- clever costumes
- cards and paper crafts
- invitations
- outdoor décor
- pumpkin carving/painting

Do I need to e-mail you to let you know I'm participating? No, just submit your link to the site that day, no reason to e-mail me like in previous years!

How do I add the List to my blog so I can share it with my readers? There's a little text box that says "Get the Code Here" below the Photo List on my blog. You click on it and it will take you to the Linky Tool page to get the code to add in a blog post on your blog!

If you have any questions, leave a comment below or shoot me an e-mail at swelldesigner (@) gmail (dot) com.

Any final info will be coming with the first Terrorific Tuesday post on October 4th!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My new Halloween/Everyday Bowls

2011-09-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

It's a major rarity that I actually buy something from Anthropologie, but last night I spotted these little numbers on sale for $4 each and I scooped them up! They have an almost Asian pattern on them, but I just think it looks like cool linework...very artsy!

I'm a big sucker for linework and swirls so the inside and edge make me very happy!

Here's a detail of the patterns.

I got 2 orange and 2 yellow. They didn't have enough for a 4 set. It's cool. I really needed cool new bowls anyway.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Cute as a Sparkle Button Pumpkins

2011-09-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween pumpkins, especially the miniature variety. Today I bring to you a little pumpkin idea that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less! The results are super fun and whimsical and will take you from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Here's how you make them!

Cute as a Sparkle Button Pumpkins

Supplies:
– Mini pumpkins
– Buttons in various sizes and shapes (I used ones with sparkle)
– Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue™
– Black Spray Paint
– mini rhinestones (optional)

How you do it:
1. Clean and remove stems from your pumpkins.
2. Play around with different stacks buttons, mini rhinestones, and other embellishments if you so do choose. Put them on top of your pumpkins and snap a quick photo. It helps you remember how you you arranged them.
3. Use Tacky Glue to glue the stacks together. Glue onto pumpkin. Let dry.

Bonus Tips:
– Arrange your buttons into a faux stem for a fun look!
– You can also further decorate the pumpkins with dimensional paint (I like Scribbles) by making dots and stripes down the veins of the pumpkin.

Do you think you'll be making this fun little pumpkin project?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this project up to the following linky parties!
Get your Craft on Tuesdays at Today's Creative Blog
Tip Junkie's Tip Me Tuesday
Sew Much Ado "We Did it Wednesdays!"
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking

Cool, Creative & Crafty Halloween Blogs!

2011-09-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween so, so much and if you follow my blog often, I'm betting you do too. I thought I'd share the craft Halloween love and tell you about some other great creative Halloween blogs and sites that I think you'll love checking out too! They share all things Halloween, decorations, recipes, inspiration, and more this time of year!

Nancy Dorsner's Dabbled blog has some of the most clever costumes, cocktails, general crafts food ideas on the net. She just launched her exclusive Dabbled Halloween section loaded with hundreds of ideas. If you are looking for something creative and unique for the season, this is the spot.

I met Amy Locurto of Living Locurto and iHeartFaces fame about 4 years ago, when she linked up to my Terrorific Tuesday Halloween blog roundup. We definitely share a kindred spirit for all things Halloween and she always comes up with the best free printables, food crafts, costumes, and décor (my fave has to be her pretty Halloween table décor).

Blogger Creepy Cupcakes shares her décor, recipes, craft projects, and fun finds around the web. She features all things Halloween and serves up a whole lotta Harry Potter fun!

The Skull-A-Day Blog by artist and author Noah Scalin is, if you haven't guessed it already, all about SKULLS! I love it cause it contains everything from cool face painting to found objects in everyday life to cool crafts and illustrations! It's a must if you need your spooky fix and he's been featuring a Skull-a-Day since 2007, so there's a LOT to see.

Since I do social media part-time by day and my own blog by night, I honestly, don't get to scout out blogs and really read them like you might think. The one that I do visit religiously for the best of craft on the web is CraftZine! Craftzine compiles and features the best crafts from the web. If it's hip, unusual, or just plain cool, you'll find it on Craft, and their Halloween Crafts are no exception. Check out their picks, you'll be glad you did :)

Are you throwing a Halloween party? Then the Hostess with the Mostess blog will be right up your alley! There are so many bewitching ideas to be found on this site. All the little details that makes a Halloween party so much fun! I love their unique take on Halloween, including decorating in pink and black for a Ghouls Night Out and throwing a "Monsterfest" for Kids. The photography is a real treat too!

A Nostalgic Halloween is a feast for the eyes! Kris Dickinson shares her beautiful artist trading cards, vintage illustrations, Halloween pinups and retro finds. I can get inspired for hours there!

Here's some others I think you might like too:

My Busy Craft Life If you love detailed sewn costumes, Halloween faires, you'll love seeing the wonderful creations featured here!

Langes Fädchen, faules Mädchen blog Lena at the Langes Fädchen, faules Mädchen blog, shares some up some fun Halloween treats, inspiration, and photos. Her photos (I love this one) and projects are perfectly spooky for Halloween.

Spooky Vegan offers up gothic goodness and shares a lot of cool finds she spots out and about!

Dollar Store Crafts has so many projects all for a fistful of cash. Check out Heather's great costume roundups and fun (and cheap) food ideas!

Craft Gossip also brings the Halloween goods this time of year. I'm in love with this Edgar Allen Poe Red Velvet Cake that they featured!

Pumpkin Rot shares some super scary ideas, art, fun finds and inspiration and inspiration on their blog.

Is there any I missed? Please share and I'll add them to the list! I may just not know about them!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Make a Halloween Boo Pennant

2011-09-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute Halloween pennant project you can whip up in an afternoon that will get you spirited for Halloween. And it's in my favorite colors...black, white, orange, and purple! Here's how you make it!

Halloween Boo Pennant
Supplies:
– Scribbles 3D Paint in orange, purple and black
– Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
– Aleene’s Crystal Clear Tacky Spray
– white adult t-shirt or white cotton material
– large piece of paper (11x17) and pencil
– large piece of foam core
– X-acto knife
– Scissors
– Pinking shears
– Ruler
– Coordinating 3/8" ribbon spools in colors of your choice
– Eyelet ribbon in orange
– pouncer
– paper plate
– felt in black and white
– 3/8" dowel rod

How to do it:

1) On a large piece of paper, draw a triangular pennant shape with your pencil and ruler. Cut out the pattern.
2) Trace the pattern lightly with pencil onto your cotton t-shirt material.
3) Spray the back of your material with Tacky Spray in a well-ventilated area. Press onto the foam core and smooth out any air bubbles.
4) Using X-acto, cut out mounted material on foam core following the pattern you lightly sketched on.
5) On your paper plate, squeeze out orange Scribbles paint. Load pouncer and dab a couple of times on paper plate to remove excess. Randomly dot polka dots all over pennant. Let dry.
6) Cut out 3 3" circles using pinking shears from black felt. Cut out 3 2" circles from white felt. Use Tacky Glue to mount the two pieces to each other.
7) Draw dots and lines on the black felt as shown using the orange and purple Scribbles paints as shown. On the white felt, draw the letters B - O – O in a swirly fashion with Black Scribbles paint. Once dry, glue these three pieces onto the pennant.
8) Run the orange eyelet ribbon around the edge of the pennant with Tacky Glue.
9) Run the orange eyelet ribbon around the edge of the pennant with Tacky Glue.
10) Using Tacky Glue wrap ribbon around dowel rod. I first used purple up and sown the dowel, then wrapped orange around the dowel to create a fun barber shop pole effect.
11) Cut 3 different ribbons in 1 foot strips. Tie in a knot in the middle. Glue on top of dowel rod with Tacky Glue.
12) Using glue, attach ribbon-wrapped dowel to pennant. Let dry.

Now you have a fun and festive accent to take with you trick or treating or to display on your porch or by your pumpkin! Here's a fun detail! I love how vibrant and funky the colors turned out!!

Hope you enjoyed this little project!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this up at the following Linky parties!

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrapup

6 Polka Dot Pumpkin Craft Ideas!

2011-09-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite ways to decorate a pumpkin is to stick with a simple polka dot design. I personally believe you can never go wrong with polka dots or stripes! Here's some fun ideas to get you inspired and mix up your polka dot pumpkin crafts this year!

1) Add a fancy monogram and swirls to mix up your pounced polka dot look with Half Full Martini!

2) Add glitter dots to your pumpkin with Better Homes and Gardens

3) A little spray paint and circle labels make this little faux pumpkin by Darling Doodles shine.

4) How cool are these tack and nail pumpkins from Jaimee Rose at AZCentral?

5) Use an apple corer and mallet to make these multicolor gourds from Midwest Living!

6) Leave the holes unplugged for this pretty luminary look by Eddie Ross.

So are you going to make a polka dot pumpkin this year?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Vintage Halloween photos make me happy

2011-09-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

Photo by Shane Woodall via Flickr

Everytime I see a little kid wearing a plastic costumee or an uncomfortable plastic mask, I get a little giddy. I guess part of it is because it was a much simpler time where people didn't spend boatloads of money. A plastic costume from the local department store was like gold and would make you feel super special!

I think why I love this time is the imperfection. I love that the photos were blurry, off center and posed. We are so about getting the "perfect" photo these days with our digital camera. I love that these are awkward. You know Mom or Dad only took a couple of photos that night and didn't process the photos till after Christmas!

Here's some super cutes ones I found that I think you'll like too!

Photo by GrimAlkin via Flickr

Photo by The Small Cat Club via Flickr

Photo by Dig Doug via Flickr

Photo by Star Berry Shyne via Flickr

Were you a kid of 70's or 80's and totally can relate to these photos? I was! I can't remember too many of my costumes of yesteryear, but I do remember being a ballerina wearing a green sequined tutu in first grade. In 5th grade, I remember being a mouse and wearing a grey sweatsuit with a plastic mouse snout. What were you for Halloween when you were a kid?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

My boy loves his glowing toys

2011-09-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, my boyfriend William pulled this electrical orb out of his closet to show his niece. I wasn't surprised that it was in his stash. I asked him if it had been a present of Christmas past and he said, "Yes, when I was around 12". He's a super curious, cool guy and I know that he also was like this when he was a kid. I was always fascinated by these as a kid as well. William was actually quite surprised it still worked. It's still pretty fascinating to play with!

Among the other cool things in his toy stash are his glow-in-the-dark powders and paints. He has made sculptures, glow rocks for his aquarium and much more over the years. He is a BIG glow-in-the-dark/black light fan and we both share a fondness for it at Halloween.

In his box of goodies, I found some Glow Scribbles® and Tulip® Glow-in-the Dark 3D Paints. They are made by iLoveToCreate, the company I work for, so I got the hookup if he ever runs out!! Cool, eh?

One of these days, we might even have to have a cool party with his stuff and mine (I have some cool glow stuff, a fog machine, and more blacklight goodies). I've always wanted to put on a féte like Martha Stewart did a few years back in a magazine feature!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Scott the Skeleton

2011-09-15T23:38:00.000-07:00

You never know what my friend Scott is going to do. After a long day at work, I walked in the craft studio and found him sitting there wearing the craft supplies! Faux eyeballs, paper maché skull, and all! He sure is silly and it was a photo op for sure. I like to think that Scott the Skeleton is just an average Joe like you or I. He drinks his morning coffee, takes out the trash, and watches Hoarders while eating some Wheat Thins. No bones about it, he's one cool guy!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Sometimes I get a little creepy; My spooky photo collection

2011-09-14T21:01:00.001-07:00

My other passion besides Halloween is photography. To most, I'm not creepy (some people would argue this), but from time to time I see creepy things and try to capture the mood. I thought I'd share a spooky collection of images I've taken over the past few years that I think are pretty darn haunting and psychologically freaky. The one above I titled, ""8-legged Jesus Freak"".

"Fog over Alcatraz"

"Facing my imminent doom"

"The Carnival has come to Town" (photographed by my friend Gloria)

"Tears of a Clown"

"EXIT"

"Double Exposure"

"Curl"

"Proceed with Caution"

So what do you think? Any one jump out at you more than others as creepy?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Candy Corn Bottle Vases

2011-09-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today I bring to you a super sweet Candy Corn Bottle Vases project that you can create in a handful of minutes! It's super simple and will look great for the Halloween season. As of late, I haven't been able to resist candy corn crafts. I have ALL KINDS of ideas!

Candy Corn Bottle Vases

You'll need spray paint in white, orange, and yellow. Also gather old vases and glass bottles in various shapes. Mine were a vase from ikea (the dotted one above), an Izze soda bottle, and a fancy Blood orange drink bottle. Clean and scrub off any labels off with Goo-Gone or dishwashing liquid. Let dry completely before painting.

Paint a basecoat of white on the jars following can directions and let dry completely. Admission: I did a terrible job at painting the basecoat and didn't get a photo. I pulled the white pin from the spray paint. Please don't do this. MAJOR FAIL! Haha!

My boyfriend William stepped in to save the day and tried to cover up my mistakes.He then sprayed orange on the middle part leaving a faint mist at top and bottom. He did a first coat, let it dry, then went back in and did another coat. Trust me, it works better to add the orange first! Let dry completely.

Now mist the yellow on the bottom until you get a solid coverage. This will take one or two coats. Let dry.

That's it! You're done! Display your jars with fall flowers in side or in a little grouping. It would be fun to creat an entire vignette on a table or mantle with candy corn sprinkled all around!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I added this to the following linky parties!

Tip me Tuesday at Tip Junkie!
Show and Tell Tuesdays at Blue Cricket Design
Domestically Speaking's Power of Paint Party
Whatever Works Wednesday at Someday Crafts
TaterTots and Jello Weekend Wrapup Party

Costumes of Halloween past

2011-09-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

I have to admit something, I'm not really a costume person. The thing is, when you throw in winning some money + the competition, I bring out the big guns! I usually try to come up with ideas on a dime. I hate spending tons of money on costumes I'll never wear again. Here's some of my more memorable moments from the past few years. I really don't have any shame. I will do anything and everything to win!

This was me around 8 or so years ago. I dressed up as MJ (sorry for the poor quality photo). I wore the surgical mask, used black doll hair for the curly q look he used to have, had a sparkle glove, and made those weird shoulder pads he used to wear. I even carried a baby around and through it around in the air (this was right after the baby dangling incident, and a few months before the child molestation trials). I danced to Beat it and did a faux moonwalk. I hoped around a lot and ended up winning the big prize of $150. Woohoo! I was so excited!!!

Here's me in my Deviled egg costume. I ended up winning second place overall for this costume. I went around poking everyone with my pitchfork and telling really bad egg and devil jokes/puns. This was very much a DIY endeavor...I made the egg with foam core and paint sprinkled with seed beads. I made the headband and pitchfork from fun foam sheets I glittered myself. The no-cost costumes are the best ones!!

One year I dressed up as the Mona Lisa. I wore a black graduation gown and the canvas around my head. It actually stayed on quite well just with my head poked through. I didn't say anything during the competition as to stay in character. I think I won second place that year.

For this Halloween, I went as Britney Spears preggo with her second son Jayden James. I looked really tacky. I carried around ice cream and ate pickles dipped in it, hence the stains on the tank. Totally gross, but trying to get into the role. I wore really clunky/sexy shoes and a short skirt (note, in the photo, it's unzipped...oh, geez). Pretty trashy. Again, I think I won second place...I think I see a pattern going on here!

The next time I won 1st place was when I dressed up as a California Raisin! The costume was designed by my friend Donna, We agreed that if she made the costume and I acted the part, we would split the winnings! I danced to "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and the "Apple Bottom Jeans" song by Nelly (it was popular at the time). I think I made everyone laugh pretty hard being silly. The strange thing is that I moved to California 3 months after this event. I wonder if my costume was a sign?

A couple years back I dressed up as Octomom. I bought all the dolls at Dollar Tree for $1 each. I used some Velcro to stick them to me.. The one on the green ribbon was supposed to be on a leash. I would hand the babies over to people and say, "Here you go, watch it, you paid for it anyway!". LOL. It was really scary looking at myself. I didn't win anything that year as there wasn't really a competion, just a dress-up party.

I haven't really dressed up since my Octomom costume. I don't know that I want to dress up this year, but I've always wanted to do the Bride of Frankenstein look. I think William and I would make a great bride and groom.

What crazy outfits have you worn in years past? Did you do anything embarrassing or outlandish to win a contest?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

I Love Halloween Free Printable

2011-09-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

Since the Halloween season started early for me, I thought you might want a jumpstart as well!! I guess my thoughts are that the season starts when the stuff shows up in stores!

Anyway, here's a super cute printable that I whipped up for all the Halloweenies like me out there in bloglandia!

I made this Halloween printable 8x10, so it can easily be printed on your home printer and cut out for easy framing.

Here's the link to download your copy... Free I Love Halloween Printable Download!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this up to the following linky parties:

Sunday Showcase at Under the Table and Dreaming

Making the World Cuter Mondays

The DIY Showoff Project Parade

A visit to the Target Halloween Section

2011-09-10T12:42:00.000-07:00

Look at the little color changing guy I picked up last night at Target for $3! I thought he was really cool. His LED light changes in like 8 different colors! Pretty sweet deal and will look GREAT in the dark!!

Here's some of the other fun finds I spotted. I take photos instead of buying them. Otherwise, my Halloween stash would be way out of control. It would fill up an entire room if that were the case!!

Shiny pumpkins in 2 different sizes!

Super cute sippy cups.

I seriously need this cookie jar.

Love these red foil candles. I love colored foil stuff so much.

The glow in the dark stuff was off the hook. That was a big part of their Halloween section!!!

These candy potion jars are so cute! Nom, Nom.

Snakes were on display this Halloween. It lunges at you. Creepy. I hate that kinda thing.

And last but not least, I'm not a big buying costume person, but these glitter butterfly masks were beautiful.

Have you been to Target yet to look at the Halloween stuff? What were your faves?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

10 Halloween Nail Ideas

2011-09-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

Nail art is all the rage these days. They have blown up all over the internet. Everywhere I look, all I see is NAILS, NAILS, NAILS! I realize this is a hot thing right now and I would get in on the trend, but you see, I don't have nails. Cute nails like the ones here...I actually bite my nails. Always have. A bad, bad habit. It doesn't mean I can't admire this cool Halloween nail art or get the look on my toes. I guess I could get some press-ons (Man, we've come a long way since Lee Press-on Days, haven't we?) Anyway, here's a fun Halloween nail art collection I just had to share! The ones above are from Tumblr user Northern downpour sends its love. I thought they were really FANGtastic!!

Mummy nails from Nail Polish is Alive

Toxic Waste Nails via Deez Nails

Jack Skeleton nails from MrsLoredo at Deviant Art

Jack o' Lantern nails from Kayla Shevonne Beauty

Orange Spiderweb nails from Pimp My Nailz

Halloween nails from A Polished Affair

Frankenstein nails from Nailed.HeatherFAce

Star Nails via The Berry

And the craziest of them all...Candy Nails!!!

I can't decide if this is a TRICK or a TREAT?
Via icanhascheezburger

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

It's the Little Things: Halloween Cupcake Liners

2011-09-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

I find that I'm more excited by the little things in life. The big things/purchases are far and few in between in my life. So, when I saw these Meri Meri cupcake liners at Sur la Table, they made me really, really giddy.

Honestly, I don't need more cupcake liners. I have tons, see? But these were striped and dotted and I have to use them in a craft of some kind, much like my Halloween cupcake wreath or Cute as a Cupcake Gift Bow!

Oh and here's some of the other adorableness currently at Sur La Table. I am swooning!

I did get my quick shopping fix for the day and I'm dreaming up crafty possibilities and cupcake ideas. Have you used cupcake liners in your crafting projects???

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

When Zombie Babies Attack!!!

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

I don't usually veer toward the gory side during Halloween, but when I saw these creepy Zombie babies, I couldn't resist! I went last weekend to the Spirit Halloween store, and these scary zombie babies were on display. I think they absolutely ridiculous in a good way!

Two things to note...Halloween has gotten so grisly at all the stores in the past few years! I'm not a big fan, in general of severed hands and bloody fingers, but I do understand why people get a kick out of it. You know it's gotten crazy when you can get a blood-soaked faux brain on a styrofoam plate for a buck at the Dollar Tree! Yes, I really did see that recently!

Also, William asked me if I thought it would be scary to be in the Halloween store at night. I imagine this as a future horror movie. An employee gets locked inside and the characters/rats/snakes/etc. come to life. BwaHaHa! If it were me, I would just curl up in a ball behind the cash register and ignore the stuff so I wouldn't get scared. I'm a scaredy cat! I never ever wanted to play those games like Bloody Mary or Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board as a kid. I didn't want to mess with evil! I will admit, though, that I do want to watch The Walking Dead on AMC.

What do you think? Are you all about a blood-soaked Halloween or are you like me and stick to cute and fun?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Setting the Halloween table

2011-09-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

Check out my new festive Halloween tablesetting! I purchased the orange dinner plates at Dollar Tree for just a dollar each! I got the tone on tone patterned placemats on clearance at Pier 1 for about $1.50 each. Pretty cheap black and orange setting if you ask me! I think I'm going to have fun setting up a Halloween table with these as the basic template. Hopefully, I'll have time to work my magic this season to create something spooky and funky that I will share with you. I've got a few ideas of my sleeve.

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Halloween Jewelry Collection

2011-09-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at some of my orange/black/Halloween jewelry photographed by my friend Heather Mann. I have quite a selection of fun rings, necklaces, and earrings! I always look forward to October so I can wear it. It is a bit odd to be wearing orange and black throughout the year or you get dubbed wearing "Halloween colors". Sometimes I wish Halloween could be all year long, don't you. The fun, whimsical mood makes me happy and I wish it could last.

Maybe one of these days, I'll share my whole collection! I plan on having a tutorial of the ribbon rosette necklace. It turned out super cute!

What jewelry do you break out for the Halloween season?

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

Black and White Stripe Love

2011-09-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Planning a Halloween fête in the next couple of months? Might I suggest black and white striped accents? Black and white stripes are so timely, bold and striking, and look great mixed with pops of color! As you can see above, I mixed together striped feather balls (purchased at Hobby Lobby) with vibrant pops of orange and purple for a spooky table accent. Here's some other great finds I spotted on the net that hopefully will inspire you to stripe it up this season!

1. Zigzag Retro Swing Dress from Smarmy Clothes on Etsy
2. Black and White striped cupcake liners via Danelle Bourgeois
3. Halloween Fingerless gloves from littlexbekahxbug on Etsy

4. Striped Halloween Wreath from Smile & Wave
5. Striped nails from HeatherFace
6. Striped Ceramic vase from Emilia Ceramics

7. Striped Paper Lanterns via My Little Apartment
8. Paper straws from Homestyle Divas
9. My Fair Lady tiered cake from Peggy Porschen

10. Leg Warmers from Nothing but Costumes
11. Modern Ceramic Bracelet by Sierra Mary Design on Etsy
12. B&W Bed Linens from Horchow

What do you think? Is this a look you would consider giving a go, or is another motif (polka dots, spider webs, etc.) on your mind? I'd love to hear about it!!

Until next time Swellions!

Alexa

P.S. I linked this post up at TaterTots and Jello.