Happy Halloween!

It's the big day, and my pooches wanted to be the first to tell you to have a very happy Halloween! As you can see, Roxie is a punkin and Nellie is a ladybug. And Walker? He was a mailman, but a very grumpy one who didn't want to have his photo taken. I guess he didn't get the memo that Halloween is our favorite holiday around here.

There has been no shortage of spooky ideas this year using Mod Podge, and I've got just a few more to share with you. I can't help it - I need you to see them all! Click through to read more, and have a very happy and safe evening trick or treating.

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Want more Mod Podge?  Okay.  You don't have to jump through a flaming hoop.  Just leave a comment.


Here are some other things to know for today's giveaway:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, November 2nd at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winner of last week's Mod Podge giveaway was tullymoor.

Halloween lanterns and stripey witch legs with hat.

Mod Podge Command Central is an apartment and doesn't get any trick-or-treaters - can you believe that, for someone who loves Halloween so much? I just have to live vicariously through all of the costumes on Pinterest. I will tell you that if I had a house and a walkway, I would grace that path with these jar lanterns spotted at Stepmom Extraordinaire. I can't decide which is my favorite face, but I really love that pumpkin on the left with his funny teeth. Which one do you love?

Another front porch project I love is this witch's legs display by Liz of Hoosier Handmade. We all know that I love stripes, so those socks are perfect.  The hat was made (to look witchy) with Mod Podge. Liz has the best porch decorations AND holiday food, so if you get a chance then stop by her blog for awhile. You won't want to leave.

Just a few more days until Halloween. Do you have your costume ready, and if so, what are you going to be?

Happy pumpkin lanterns and Skellington coasters.

 

Are you ready for a project that will help you light your candy path on Monday night?  I've got it for you.  These pumpkin lanterns from Life, Love, Laughter can actually be made this weekend so that you'll have them for the big day.  I actually have a shirt that matches the pumpkin on the left.  Isn't that hilarious?  See how these were made here.

If you are looking for something a bit spookier, perhaps you are willing to go The Nightmare Before Christmas route with these coasters from Happy Looks Good on You?  Jack Skellington is the lead character, and his face just says Halloween.  The funny thing is that this movie released in 1993, and I bought the four collector watches from Burger King (I think I still have two of them).  I know, I'm a dork.  Please join my in my dork-dom by making these coasters - download the template here.

Decorative boo frames.

I'm a huge fan of those $1 frames you can get from Michaels - and what I really love about them is that you can use them for so much more than frames.  Home decor is really what I'm thinking, like this "boo" display from Heather at Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  And just so you know, I had to copy and paste the blog name for a lack of being able to spell it.  I love saying it though.

For those of you who are beginning Mod Podgers out there, a project like this is just the type you want to tackle.  The frames are flat wood, giving you the perfect surface to work on.  The added bonus is that you get great results, which is what you want, right?  See more pictures and get the instructions here.

Bat mobile and haunted house.

The big day of candy and ghosties is almost here!  Though I truly love orange and purple, I'm a big fan of Halloween projects in non-traditional colors.  This bat mobile from Melissa at 100 Billion Stars is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.  I truly love this project and it would be something I would hang in my own living room.  Or Halloween room when I have a bigger place.

Another project spotted and hearted is this paper haunted house found at My Life in Pictures.  Great care was taken to make this as fun as it is, and you should really visit the entry and take note of some of the surprising little details under the roof.  You will love.

My question for you is, do you have a costume yet (for you or your child)? I only ask because I am one of those last minute people myself.

Mod Podge Halloween wreath with pom-pom action.

I wanted a bit of a bold wreath for this Halloween season; something a little modern but a little kooky, just like me.  I also wanted to use my Sizzix Big Shot in the project.  I have a huge confession, my friends.  I don't really use any of those electronic die cutters on a regular basis.  I'm more in tune with my Big Shot and with hand cranking the paper or fabric through.  My only regret is that I don't have the Hello Kitty version!

So it just so happens that it's Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop time, and I was able to use one of the dies in the hop to complete my project.  I was also able to use Halloween paper, pom pom trim and Mod Podge, so everything is right with the world.  Are you interested in knowing how the project came together?  Then read on.

Crafting with Martha and Babble.com posts.

Before I do anything else I want to tell you about an exciting series I've started at Babble.com's The New Home Ec.  It's called "Crafting with Martha and Amy."  I'm crafting along with the book Handmade Holiday Crafts for the next year:

You might remember the same sort of strategy from the movie Julia and Julia.  Mine's a little different though.  It's crafting (rather than cooking duck legs), and I will only be doing it once a week.  Though I might possibly do it more as time allows.  Does Martha herself know about this?  No.  Not yet, that is.  My first project was silly pumpkin faces.  I'm debuting my second tomorrow at The New Home Ec, and I have to say that even after only being two projects in, I'm having a blast.  I haven't done anything this fun in a long time!  I hope you will come visit, and possibly even join me.  If you do, I'd love to see your projects.

For more non-Mod Podge inspiration, visit my Babble.com posts for the week:

• 21 Simple Ideas for Bookends
• 22 Men's Necktie Crafts - Simple Sewing
• 25 Last Minute Halloween Ideas
• 7 of the Most Popular Sites for Photo Sharing and Editing

Halloween coasters and candy totes.

You may be sitting on your couch right now wondering what you are going to do with your old instant oats and ice cream containers.  The good news is that I have a solution, and it's pretty fun and fitting for the season.  These candy totes found on CRAFT are perfect for your sweet carryin' needs, and are a fun place to store the candy when the big haul is collected.  Plus I just love happy pumpkin faces, don't you?

My second Halloween find for the day is this set of cute character coasters found on 19Eighty Expressions. Are you serious?  I love that silly little Dracula with his red bow tie.  This takes Halloween coasters to the next level.  Store these carefully (with wax paper between each) when not in use so that they are around for years to come.

More Halloween later in the day.  I can't get enough!

Candy wrapper votives and funky pumpkins.

So, it's almost treat time (Halloween), and the picture above spotted on T Party Designs has my mouth watering.  You see - I love sweets.  It's quite possible that I would eat enough candy to have wrappers for these votives in about, oh, five seconds. The good news is that it won't take you much longer than that to make them.  Visit Jennie's Halloween crafts on a budget post to see this idea and more.

Another idea I really like are these funky napkin pumpkins from The Thriftress.  This is a another budget idea, as the pumpkins are from the dollar store and the napkins were inexpensive as well.  If you are a beginner, this one is great for you because you really can't mess it up.  Take a peek and then come back tomorrow for some additional Halloween ideas.

Make some glitter and fabric pumpkins.

I'm telling you, I've never seen as many decoupaged pumpkins in my entire life as I'm seeing this year.  What is going on my friends?  I'm not quite sure, but I like it.  First up are these glitter pumpkins from Brunch at Saks.  Perhaps you are aware (because I talk about it every other day) that I love black glitter?  I'm fond of both of these glitter pumpkins, but especially the black one with the polka dot embellishments.  Ooh la la.

If you are feeling a little less glittery but still pumpkin-y, then perhaps these fabric wrapped pumpkins from Jarfly will tickle your fancy.  I actually the the fact that the fabric doesn't go on perfectly and causes some wrinkling, because it looks vintage-y and handmade.  A little collection of these would look pretty sweet.

Looking for more Halloween ideas?  I've got some coming this afternoon, so I'd love to have you back later in the day.

BOO Banner and glittery skeleton.

I love banners, and the word "BOO" is great because it's conducive to being short and actually fitting somewhere.  "Have a Happy Halloween" is a bit long for a bunting, don't you think?  Michele from The Scrap Shoppe created this boo banner, and it has all the perfect spooky details that a Halloween project should.  You are especially going to love her corset stitched letters.

A little less spooky and a lot more colorful, this glittery skeleton found at Crafty Modern is right up my alley. You can purchase one of those wood skeleton jinglers (is that the official name?) at a craft store and decorate it with your favorite paint colors and papers.  Kids would love this too.

More Halloween crafts coming your way tomorrow!

DIY Missoni pumpkins.

Remember the Missoni craze at Target about a month or so ago?  If you don't know what I'm talking about, this Italian designers pieces (normally in the thousands) came to Target in a budget line.  The patterns are bold and zig-zaggy, so they definitely aren't for everyone.  I have to admit, I got caught up.  I mean, I love stripes and bright colors.  I definitely got lucky - I was able to buy a few sweaters, coat, skirt and flats.  This is my favorite score:

Though much unlike the model in this pic, I wear pants with my sweater.  Did any of you happen to luck out as well?

If you are a Missoni fan, then I'm thinking you might like these pumpkins found on AZ Central.  They are funky and modern, and also go perfectly with your new Missoni plates, bedspread, shower curtain and phone case.  Can you even imagine?  I think I'd have a seizure if I had that much Missoni in my face at once.  But these pumpkins are just the perfect amount.  If you are interested in making some, find the instructions here.

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Want more Mod Podge?  Okay.  You don't have to jump through a flaming hoop.  Just leave a comment.


Here are some other things to know for today's giveaway:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, October 26th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winner last weeks' Mod Podge giveaway was Monica.

Old shoes and Fabric Mod Podge = new shoes.

Let's be honest - though I would love to live in heels and be super cute and stylish all the time, it ain't gonna happen.  I wish bedroom slippers were acceptable footwear for the office sometimes, don't you?  Good thing flats are cute too.  These were spotted at Notes from the Bench and I can't even tell they were another fabric at one point.  What I'm saying is that it's about time for you to do a Mod Podge shoe project, wouldn't you agree?  Visit the step-by-step here.

Witches, ghosts and an orange bucket for Halloween crafting.

 

The blog world is brimming with Mod Podged Halloween craft projects right now, so I'm going to be doing a few mini-roundups of ones that I like over the next week.  One of the first few I noticed that I thought was very fun was this witch hat in a frame spotted at Honeybear Lane.  Heidi, are you serious?  This is really cute.  Is it bad that I want to make the evil version?

Halloween pumpkin luminaries.

Do you have feelings of regret for not doing Halloween projects up to this point?  I mean, it's almost the big day!  It's okay - you have time.  Kim makes it easy to get crackin' with her pumpkin votives spotted on Maiden D'Shade.  With dollar store votives and simple materials, these cuties can be grace your home this weekend.  It will only take a few hours.  Find the tutorial right here.

Chalkboard place card tutorial.

Are you ready for a party project from Man Podger David?  How about some chalkboard place cards?  I would totally entertain all the time if I had an apartment bigger than Mod Podge Command Central.  I would entertain so that I could make and eat cupcakes.  And of course, make chalkboard place card holders just like these.  Take a peek at this awesome tutorial from David, and don't forget to visit all the recent Man Podger projects for decoupage from a dude's point of view.
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Being in the “I Make Stuff” business as I am my seasons and holidays are all screwed up. I was working on Halloween in August and now I’m onto Thanksgiving before Halloween even happens. It’s also 90 degrees today in Los Angeles so I don’t know which way is up. Ah, well. Thanksgiving has always left me stuck decoration-wise.

Revamp your grandfather clock.

We've all seen those gross, worn out pieces in the thrift store.  Sometimes I feel like I need my HazMat suit to carry them out the door.  I feel like I overlook the potential in a lot of great things, so I totally appreciate it when people like Missey at RedoPalooza see what an item could be rather than what it is.  That is the case for this grandfather clock she recently re-did, and completely metro'ed out with the addition of modern fabric behind the face.  You have to see the before and full shot of the after; visit Missey's post here.

The latest and greatest from Babble.com.

It's getting into fall, my friends.  That means I'm doing the hamster dance.  It's cold weather time and I'm feeling the crafty spirit, which means all is right in my world.  Are you feeling more DIY-ey lately?  Come join me on  Babble.com's The New Home Ec.  I'm going nuts with great project ideas, and I would love for you to check them out.  Here are a few:

• 25 Ways to Refashion a Sweater (shown above)
• 25 Fantastic Fall Crafts Just for Kids
• Make Your Own Canvas Art
• 24 Handmade Halloween Wreaths
• 24 Preppy Patchwork DIY Projects

Decoupage child's chair.

Mini chairs make me so happy.  Everything is cuter when it's smaller!  Erin from In Between Laundry found this child's chair at the Goodwill for $4 and gave it a pretty posh makeover.  It's so pretty I almost wouldn't want to use it - almost.  Mini things are totally meant to be used and loved . . . and squealed over.  See what Erin used to cover this chair right here.

Mod Podge starter pack giveaway.

Want more Mod Podge?  Okay.  You don't have to jump through a flaming hoop.  Just leave a comment.


Here are some other things to know for today's giveaway:
1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Say anything you like!
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, October 19th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winners of last week's t-shirt and Mod Podge giveaway were Raelyn, Kristina, Kathie M., Natalie, kbcoe and Nan.

Zoorific story blocks.

It has not slipped my attention that gift season is coming soon.  And that some of you like to prepare early for the holidays.  Let's face it, we're all trying to save a few bucks right now!  Allison from Oopsey Daisy hosts Mandy from Sugar Bee Crafts with a story block tutorial perfect for gift giving.  Simply find a book that's falling apart at a thrift store and get the home improvement store near you to cut some blocks from scraps.  I love simple gifts, don't you?  Visit Mandy's zoorific story blocks when you get a chance.

Funky decoupaged pumpkins.

It seems everywhere I go on blogs these days, the obsession this year is decorating really cool, contemporary pumpkins for Halloween.  The pumpkin is such a staple for the holiday, so how would it be possible to make them different?  I found that very answer on Fun.kyti.me.  The combination of beautiful images and bits of glitter here and there completely does it for me.  Are you intrigued as well?  Learn how these were made right here.

Mod Podged vintage songbird table.

I love furniture re-dos, and I was approached recently by Kristina of ReMadeSimple about a songbird table revamp.  When I popped open the picture I was so pleasantly surprised - look at what a fantastic job she did!  I mean, those birds are delightfully cute; I love the book pages and that shade of green is great.  Really all that makes a furniture re-do successful is that the creator loves it, and Kristina says it makes such a great addition to her living room . . . I totally agree.  Visit the full tutorial here.

How to make paper pendants.

Did you know that you can make a pendant completely out of paper?  Yes, and a pretty mixed media one at that.  Alma Stoller shares a tutorial on Squidoo that makes assembly look as easy as punch.  I love the mixed media look and come on, Alma's pendants are just really pretty.  You definitely need to make a few for yourself and for gifts.  See how they were done right here.

Pretty crochet covered pumpkins.

This year I'm appreciating pumpkins that are a bit different than the traditional orange and black - and Mitzi from Mitzi's Miscellany has completely delivered.  You might remember her from Mitzi's Collectibles (she has changed her blog name), and you might remember how amazing she is with Mod Podging anything vintage.  This time she has transformed fake, orange pumpkins into really pretty home decor perfect for a Halloween mantle.  If you want to go completely wild, you could even use some colored doilies.  I'll let you decide - visit Mitzi and tell her how much you love her pumpkins here.

Make a mini styrofoam jack o' lantern.

My obsession for small items (which I call "wee") is well published on the internet.  This basically means when a mini project using Mod Podge is blogged, I must link to it.  Turns out it's the perfect time of year for these mini jack o' lanterns from Jen Goode of 100 Directions.  These are so small and delightful that they make me want to squeal, and Jen is nice enough to publish a full tutorial including a video on her blog.  Visit the full step-by-step here.  Now I ask, what other Halloween items can you mini-ize?

DIY Star Wars canvas, and Dollar Store Crafts on Martha.

Sometimes you just need a Star Wars project in your life, and Sarah from The Thriftress understands that.  Inspired by A Girl and a Glue Gun, Sarah created a Star Wars canvas for her son with some paint, images printed from the internet and Mod Podge.  It's a lot less expensive than some of the Star Wars out on the interwebs ($300?!), plus it's just super cool.  To see the post, take a peek here.

PS - Big news!  I recently traveled with Heather of Dollar Store Crafts to be in the audience of the Martha Stewart show . . .  for a Dollar Store Halloween costume episode!  Heather gets to talk to Martha during the show so it's a MUST watch.  I was so happy to be there and support my BFF.  Please watch the episode today on the Hallmark channel at 10am EST!

Here we are at the show in the waiting room.  You are going to love this episode, promise.  Also visit here for tons of great Halloween costume ideas from Dollar Store Crafts.

You can buy a Mod Podge t-shirt (and giveaway).

Mod Podge is not just for gluing anymore, my friends - it's now fashionable!!  I'm so pleased to announce that you can now purchase them online.  Thanks to Plaid, any stylish Podge-nista can now sport their love of the world's best glue, sealer and finish.  Yes I have one and yes - I wear it (with pride).

In case you aren't convinced, take a peek at some cool people wearing them:

I'm hoping Candie Cooper and Cathie and Steve are okay with me posting this photo . . . heh heh.

SO - you need to buy one now, or enter to win one of six below.  These t-shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton and come in S - XL.  They are super cute, and besides, how else are fellow Podgers supposed to recognize each other in the airport?  We need a handshake.

Here are some other things to know for today's giveaway:

1. Comment on THIS blog entry.  Why do you need a Mod Podge t-shirt?
2. Only one entry per person.  Six lucky people will win a Mod Podge t-shirt in the size of their choice (oh, and I'm going to throw in some Mod Podge!)
3. Contest will close this Friday, October 14th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Full contest disclosure here.

Winner of last week's starter pack giveaway is Jamie.

Get a little creative new craft channel!

I'm SO excited to announce that my friends Jen, Beckie and Heather have started a new online show called Get a Little Creative that has debuted on My Craft Channel!  We're also discussing it in the International Delights CoffeeTalk community.  Please come by and share your thoughts.  These ladies are so talented and I couldn't be happier for them and their first episode.  Yay!

Make recycled pumpkins with kids.

I get a lot of questions about whether or not children can Mod Podge - the answer is yes!  The formulas are all non-toxic and waterbase, so you are good to go.  A perfect example are these recycled pumpkins from Nici at Dig This Chick.  One thing Nici says in her entry is that it's more about the process with kids that the resulting project, and I totally agree.  But she doesn't have to worry because these lil' pumpkins are so cute!  Visit here to learn more about the project and see more pictures.

Latest posts from Babble.com.

There's been a lot of fun, crafty action on Babble.com's The New Home Ec lately.  I'm in my favorite time of year so the DIY posts are flowing!  I've been writing about so many fun topics, and I would love you to come visit.  Here are a few to check out:

• 25 Budget Halloween Costumes for Kids (pictured above)
• 18 Funny and Epic Craftfails
• 25 Trendy Typography DIY Projects
• 22 Unique Union Jack Projects
• 25 Ghoulishly Easy Halloween Kids Crafts

Mod Podged chevron pumpkins.

If there's one thing you should know about my friend Jen from Tatertots and Jello it's that she's good with chevron.  She's also good with pumpkins - and with the two of them together - hence these Mod Podged chevron pumpkins made with fabric strips.  If you want Halloween decorations that are a bit subtle and not bright orange and purple, then these are your pumpkins.  In typical Jen fashion, they are accessible for everyone - get the easy tutorial here.

Mod Podge DIY Halloween chalkboard bunting tutorial.

If there's one thing that fall and Halloween requires, it's a banner (also known as a bunting).  Luckily, Man Podger David is quick to deliver!  His obsession with buntings and chalkboards has led to this awesome piece that you need for your own home decor.  Okay, maybe obsession is a strong word, but it sounds serious so I like it.  I'll let David share his tutorial with you himself so that you can make a Halloween bunting of your very own.