Halloween Cat Bunting

This week I was inspired by my new dress and Rubyellen's string lights and decided to create Halloween cat bunting for our entryway.  Even though I'm not a "cat person" this fun project is a homage to the year 6 years I went trick-or-treating as a black cat.  

supplies: 

- black felt

- string/ ribbon/ rik rak

- dressmakers pins

- fabric scissors 

- sewing machine

directions:
- create a template of the cat head. I drew mine free-hand but there are many clip art images online that would work, too.
- pin template to felt and cut out. Don't be too concerned about making each one perfect; felt holds its shape really well (& I'm partial to variations of the same template).
- sew to string/ ribbon
- hang!


Once I hung the bunting the cats looked lonely and needed something more so I sewed a string of triangle bunting out of the left over felt and hung them together. The result is more whimsical than spooky but that's fine by me. It was a cost effective project (less than $5 to complete) that I assembled in a couple hours. Bonus: it's a holiday decoration that will be easy to store!


Have you crafted anything for Halloween? 

White Faux Taxidermy

There is something about this golden skull that I can't get enough of. He's the perfect addition to seasonal Halloween decor but I'd also love to use him year-round as an unexpected addition to a bookshelf. On that note, this guy is on my wish list as well for the living room.

Visit White Faux Taxidermy's shop for more unique pieces (they do custom colour orders)!



(image courtesy of White Faux Taxidermy).

no-carve pumpkins.

Even though carved pumpkins go with Halloween like pine trees go with Christmas, let's face it: they typically have an expiry date of 24 hours. In the days leading up to Halloween, why not have fun with the pumpkins on your door steps and tables without carving them...

I love the look of painted pumpkins. Having experimented last weekend, I can confirm that spray paint works well for even coverage and these Martha Stewart paints from Michaels (my new favourite product) come in beautiful colours and sparkly shades. (Suggestion: if you don't want the orange of the pumpkin to come through, use the Martha glitter paint as a top coat over spray paint or a satin paint).

Another option: thumb tacks. Simply put, I wish I came up with this idea. How brilliantly quick & simple.

Do you have a pumpkin yet? Have you done anything to it? Where is it in your house?



(Photos courtesy of Real Simple [1 and 2] + Style at Home).

Happy Halloween!

The spider webs are hung and the pumpkins are carved; all we need are trick-or-treaters to take the ever-tempting bowl of candy out of our sight. I hope there is still some left when they DO arrive...

I have to say although Halloween isn't my favourite holiday, I had a lot fun decorating this year. I picked up some fun new decorations (including the creepy birds and sparkly candelabra) which is quite the upgrade from my boring pumpkin window decals from last year.

At this rate, who knows; maybe we'll even throw a Halloween Party next year!



What are your plans for tonight? B & I will be barbecuing and watching the SNL Halloween episode while we wait for our trick-or-treaters.

However you celebrate Hallow's Eve, I hope it's fun + spooky but - more importantly - safe.

Boo!

Painted Pumpkins

If you need a last minute Halloween décor/craft idea you mustn't look any further.


Check out this quick, cost-effective, DIY which proves that pumpkins can be painted more colours than just white!




Come on. A chalk board pumpkin? How sweet is that?! Just think: your pumpkin could change emotions faster than Mr. Potato Head!

PS: thank you Sitting in a Tree for the heads up on this awesome DIY.


Photos courtesy of Could I Have That.

If I were dressing up for Halloween...

... I'd be a flapper.


I can't get enough of 1920's style; champagne, dancing, and glitzy dresses are the cat's pajamas.

Are you dressing up for Halloween?


Vogue.

Halloween Décor, part three

Have you seen the Halloween shop by Pottery Barn Kids? They have a great collection of adorable costumes and party supplies and some very fun + spooky décor!

My favourites are the Crow Mobile and the ceiling web and fuzzy spiders (both of which are on sale)!


Pottery Barn kids.

See more Halloween Décor: part one + part two

Halloween Décor, part two

If you have been reading this blog for a while you may remember my Halloween Mantra.

Long story short: it's not my favourite holiday. That being said, I've found myself getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Perhaps, it's due to all of the awesome Halloween décor + party supplies available.

I love how John and Sherry have added subtle + spooky touches to the existing décor in their gorgeous home. The "creepy bird" and monochromatic palette are understated and fit in perfectly. I really dig the look of the white carnations speckled with black paint.




Young House Love.

As Jordan has aptly pointed out, Martha has done it again. Martha - whom I have affectionately dubbed the "Queen of Halloween" - has a new line of treat bags and decorations that are adorable + fun. (I love the sparkly chandeliers and beverage labels).

Martha's ideas for Halloween costumes, crafts, parties, baking, and other treats are endless. Proof.


Martha Stewart Crafts via babble.

Speaking of parties... if you're gong to throw one, I don't think you could find a sweeter invitation than one from this collection by RIFLE. I LOVE the trick-or-treater!


RIFLE.


So tell me, friends. How do you celebrate Halloween? Do you throw a party? Trick or Treat with the little ones? Watch scary movies with bite sized chocolate bars? Dress up and hit the town?

So far, the Halloween décor around here consists of a single pumpkin (with more to come). Stay tuned...

Halloween Décor

Although I am not the biggest fan of Halloween [as I have already admitted], I am not one to shy away from decorating.

Immediately confronted with memories of blow up lawn pumpkins, battery-operated witches, and things that make scary noises when you walk by them, I went searching for décor-inspiration that did not evoke what I will affectionately call “the cringe factor.”

An addendum: I understand that Halloween is for children, scaring people, and orange-and-black everything. That being said, my style mantra prevents my acceptance of the cheese-aspect of this holiday. Therefore, please find the following collection of my favorite [cost-effective] ideas for
Halloween-inspired décor:



I have decided I love white pumpkins - I've seen them everywhere: magazines, online... however, I'm not sure where to find some of my own. [I'm trying the local garden centre and the Home Show this weekend - fingers crossed]. These minis [courtesy of Canadian House & Home] have been carved with small drill bits and other kitchen utensils, giving them unique rustic charm. [I've also seen larger versions with a similar design hollowed out by the bottom instead of the top and placed - safely - over candles for a lantern effect].



What would we do without Eddie Ross' fantastic tutorials on how to create amazing decorations out of simple and reasonably-priced items? This feather wreath is no exception. Take several boas, some pins, a foam wreath, a spool of thick ribbon, and voila! Simple, spooky, front door decor.



I enjoy bringing natural elements indoors, especially when paired with traditionally interior décor items like this vase: the result is fresh and unique. Whether spray painted [like the version included here] or naturally rustic, the options for twigs, sticks, or branches are endless. I also love the use of lichen for a pop of unconventional colour in Martha's example.



This photo requires no explanation, just a recipe [thank you HWTM]. I desperately want one of these sparkly skulls!

While I'm on the Halloween Train...

• I will be trying this pumpkin seed recipe after carving jack o'lanterns


• I can't want to see how many kids trick-or-treat at my door in this costume


• A way to use the box of Okanagan apples without having to bake: candy apples!


• I've been spending all my free time on etsy. It's hard to tear myself away with so many awesome items like this adorable Halloween banner.

How do you celebrate/decorate Halloween?