Halloween Handout Fun

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Well, tomorrow is Halloween! Whether you’re in the “can’t wait” or the “can’t wait till it’s over” category, it’s almost here. For anyone needing something last minute, try this low to no stress, quick and cost-effective project.

I purchased some plain, brown paper, lunch bags at Wal-Mart; $1 for a package of 50 bags (so you’ll probably be seeing more projects with these).

Using some of the FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES
that I’ve shared lately, I just cutout a few and hot glued them to each side of the bag. They don’t have to be double sided, so just use any fun paper you have. I always use funky designs for the spiders and bugs!

I wanted to have some depth and movement, so instead of just gluing them flat onto the bag, I made a gentle fold down the center of the piece, then applied a strip of hot-glue just along the back side of the fold and attached it to the bag. The bats and the bugs are the best, because they flap around.
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Where we live, handout bags are fine because we don’t get many trick or treaters. Our house is in the country, sitting at the back of a 5 acre parcel. True, there’s a county road at the front, but with only seven houses in our development, we just don’t have a lot of people stop in.

So, I decided to make individual bags for each of the seven young kids in our little community, and I’m actually going to fill them and deliver them personally … this evening. Then just close up tomorrow night. The dogs won’t be as noisy that way, but we’ll still have fun for the kids.

However you and yours spend the evening, have a happy … and safe Halloween.

Later – Cheryl

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No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Easy Make Halloween Mobile

Artzzle.com Halloween Mobile

Hi All.

Hope you’re having fun with the FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES I sent you last time.

Here’s the mobile I made using mine.

Artzzle.com Halloween Mobile

Could this be any easier? And all you need besides papers for your cutouts, is a nice open branch, a cuphook ( a hook with a screw top) and some light weight, clear fishline (I used 8 LB line). Seriously, the hardest part of this project for me was … tieing the stupid fishline, as I’m all thumbs with fine work!

I put this in our family room and it looks great out there in it’s own little corner of my world.

These are the cutouts I showed last post … FREE HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES

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Have fun with these and as always, don’t stress about it, just start!

Later – Cheryl

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Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Free Halloween Templates

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Hi all. I’m in the middle of making a Halloween Mobile. Don’t have it finished yet but thought I would share my templates so you could play with them too! Click the link below for my FREE printables. When the file opens, hover your cursor over the image until the Adobe Reader menu appears, and simply choose to print from there.

HALLOWEEN PRINTABLES

For my mobile I wanted my figures to be pretty on both sides. When you’re using card stock, construction or regular colored papers, that won’t be a problem. But some of the paper I used is only one-sided so I’ll show you how I prepared those before cutting out the images.

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Above is a sheet of scrapbook paper, plain on the back side. Now, fold this sheet in half, with your pretty side showing. Your fold can be either horizontally or diagonally, wherever you get the most room for your template(s).

Now open your paper to the white side, and apply glue to only one side of the fold. I use a glue wheel or double-sided tape here. Liquid glue could be used, but would have to be smoothed and spread very thin, and would be a lot messier.

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After glued area is ready, fold dry side over onto the glue, and smooth. I smooth it by hand first, and then use my brayer to roll it even flatter.

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Now position your templates on the paper.
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Next just trace the templates and cut out your object.
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Remember, my pieces here are for a mobile, so both sides will be seen. Obviously, you can avoid all the glueing and cutting if you just want a piece to put on top of something else, like a greeting card or poster.

Tomorrow, my mobile will be completed and up for photos, so I’ll post it then.

Have fun with these and as always, don’t stress about it, just start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Free Halloween Templates” appeared first on Artzzle.com.
Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

A Wreath for All Seasons

At my age, I’ve done too many crafts, DIY and decor projects to ever remember them all. As I searched through HOMETALK the other day, I was reminded of a wonderful rag wreath project we did as kids. This really is one of the best crafts out there, because almost any age can do this, and the beautiful results are foolproof. Supplies are things we all have around the house, or items easily found at any Big Box store. All you need is fabric, a wire frame and scissors, and any decorations or ribblon you want to add. That’s it!

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Above is my version of a rag wreath. You can use almost any fabric. As kids we used to experiment with all types of fabrics, including tulle and netting. Today’s project is a Make-Do for me as I’ve had this pretty material around for many moons. I saw it at a garage sale and knew there would be some use for it! And I’m using a wreath form that was on hand (couldn’t come up with a hanger). My form is multi-leveled so I made a double wreath, which is the same process as Claire’s HOMETALK project, with a few alterations.

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Cut your fabric into strips that are approximately 6 inches long and 1 – 1 1/2 inches wide. You don’t have to be exact here so don’t worry if some are a bit bigger than that. Now all you do is tie the strips to your form. It’s best to work from the top (front) of you wreath form. On a hanger you won’t have to worry about that.

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I’m using the first inside circle and the second ring from the top.

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Just slip your fabric strip under the wire and then tie. You don’t need to knot it, just tie once and pull tightly. Do your next and slide it over, and so on.

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Remember to have your wreath form face up (back side down) as you work.

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Above we’re in progress and this is a top view.
Below shows what the back side of the wreath looks like, on the almost completed wreath.

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Finally, we see again the completed wreath, sans decoration.
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If you have a few random longer pieces, just give them a quick haircut.

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I added some silk accents and burlap ribbon. As you can see flower stem was only $1 at my local Family Dollar store. I’ve had the ribbon for ages so can’t tell you price there. But you know I’m a frugal spender so it couldn’t have been much. You can use whatevery ribbon or trims you like.

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And here is the finished product. I think it turned out quite nicely, don’t you!
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I didn’t glue my decorations to the wreath. They are wired and I just slipped them through and bent the wire on the back to hold them in place.

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I called this a “Wreath for All Seasons” because if you use a neutral or metallic color fabric, you can just change out your decorations for each season.

On her HOMETALK board, Claire featured a “rag wreath”. Hers is made from a different type of fabric, so you get two examples of what can be done. She’s using an old wire coat hanger for a frame. The wire hanger is a hint to how long this cute project has been around, because these days, those are hard to find! If you don’t have one, wire will work too.

Time for my project was a partial afternoon, and one evening in front of the TV. And for a one- tiered wreath, it’s even faster!

This makes a wonderful gift for a hostess, a co-worker or friend, AND kids can make them for grandparents and teachers! Finally, an easy, inexpensive teacher’s present!

Hope you liked this post. I’ll be sharing it on my HOMETALK board too.

I’m LINKING UP with Angie over at KNICK OF TIME

And I shared this with Linda over at COASTAL CHARM. Check out her place!

Thanks so much for visiting. Until next time, remember, don’t stress – just start something.

Later
-Cheryl

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Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Featured Favorites

Hi all. My computer and my printer/scanner still aren’t playing nice together, so thought I would share some wonderful web inspiration I’ve found this week.

The “Eyes” Have It
eyeballs-on-candy-jars-Halloween-Dogs-Dont-Eat-Pizza

One of my favorite haunts is over at DOGS DON’T EAT PIZZA. Karen loves kids, dogs and home projects … just like me! You have to check out her latest cute idea, which looks like Halloween but has a special treat at the end!

The Art Part
Tondro Treasure

Those of you who have been asking for more Art articles will like this site. When I found Cassandra Tondro’s work, I immediately asked for permission to share it. Visit here CASSANDRA TONDRO Green Art and learn about her philosophy of “green art – art with a concience”. And take plenty of time to browse as there are lots of “Ooh Ahh” moments.

Mixed Bag
129twigandvine_paris_flea

I could just go on and on about this next site. .129 Twig and Vine

Sue over there, is a multi-talented gal. Her photography amazes, her collage work is such fun, but don’t miss her “Henhouse Fibers” spot.
vintage-wine1 Collage from 129 Twig & Vine

My post could be as endless as the internet … but I have to go (eat as it’s 2:13 p.m. and I’m starving). I’m going to make “Featured Favorites” a weekly column. Let me know what you think.

Big THANK YOU’s to Karen, Cassandra and Sue for allowing me to share with you their wonderful work.

As always, don’t stress, just start!
Later –

Cheryl

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Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Fun Fall Decorating

Autumn is upon us, and it’s a favorite season for decorators. There are lots of inexpensive and even free accessories out there, that make it easy and fun to add a little Fall flavor to your home. And if all that comes to mind is black and orange, remember that Halloween is just a small part of the season.

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Above, several collected items are grouped for a table arrangement. The artificial orange berries add some texture and Fall color. The table is covered with a shimmery leaf patterned fabric, and then a Fall colored scarf centered to ground the vignette.

Bring natural elements in. Branches of colored leaves, pumpkins, gourds and even pretty rocks. Below, the same arrangement is adjusted a bit with a vase and multi-colored branches, adding height, texture and more interest.

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The grand piano is opened to display beautiful glass pieces and colored leaves.
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A wooly scarf serves as a runner on the coffee table. A pretty orange plate holds a tiny pumpkin, unusual rock and and petite vase with berries. A few little books to the side balance the vignette. Toss pillows in colorful textures and patterns keep the Fall colors going.

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Red twig dogwood branches below stretch from a brown glass vase, and are accompanied by a plant in a colorful container (a thrift store bargain at $0.25), a glass pumpkin and some green walnuts right off the tree.

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A corner shelf unit presents an interesting collage of items in Fall subject and colors.
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Note how many arrangements here work from three main pieces. Again, the magic number 3 is so helpful. Employ everyday items like scarves, books and plants. Just use your imagination and have fun with it.

Let me know if you have comments or questions. Email followers will have a Reply section at the bottom of this post. Online visitors can click the little bubble at the top right of the title to reply.

Thanks for visiting. If you enjoy Artzzle.com be sure to spread the word about us.
And try not to stress too much with any project, just have fun and start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Fun Fall Decorating” appeared first on Artzzle.com.
Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Halloween is Scary … Paint Color Choices Don’t Have To Be

Halloween is scary fun. For most people, choosing paint colors is also scary, but not fun. Making paint color choices doesn’t have to scare you to death. All you have to do is start with a great inspiration piece. Fabrics are fantastic color aids. It could be as easy as using a favorite blouse in your closet or finding a gorgeous pattern at the fabric store.

For this article, I used two of my favorite resources, Sherwin Williams paints and FABRIC.COM At either of these, you could browse for hours for something that catches your eye. It’s just easier to begin with a fabric you like and draw colors from that. Don’t worry about what the fabric might be used for, just go for your gut feelings and those “Ooh Ahh” and “Wow” reactions to things.

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You may feel like you’re back to square one, with the many colors choices in these examples. But stay calm, these are compact groups to work with, not the entire paint deck! I’m not telling you to use all of the colors at once, but just giving you a nice, narrowed down selection to look at.

Note here, that with everything done online, colors are influenced by computer settings, so it’s always best to do your final shopping with actual samples to view.
REMEMBER, each of the colors mentioned have their own variations and color strip. So once you have a favorite or two, you can find more tints and shades if you want to stay with just one color family.

Only you know what levels of color you’re comfortable with. You may feel safer using lighter colors on walls. Perhaps you have lots of windows in a room, and aren’t afraid of darker colors, either as an accent on one wall or throughout the room.

For several areas open to one another, again consider your natural lighting. You could use darker paints in bright rooms, mid-tones in less well lighted rooms, and lightest tones in darkest areas of your floor plan.

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Now consider where and how you could use the fabric. For example, it could be in draperies or window treatments in one room, as chair or chair seats in another, and toss pillows or a throw in yet another connecting room. And don’t forget to give your main fabric some friends, a few coordinating fabrics.

The next example is definitely a “one room” category. At least most people wouldn’t like pink enough to use it throughout the main living areas.

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This material/color scheme would be fun for a “girly girl’s” bedroom or in any gal’s dressing room or closet. I can also see it in a sewing room or a woman’s home office.

Owls are trending at the moment. The pattern below could be very cute in a nursery or child’s play room.

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Another great inspiration is nature. Resources here are endless. You might find a fantastic landscape painting or photograph on line, or have some personal photos of your own that you could refer to. I’ve given you a couple of mine below.

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Have fun with this post. Let me know if you have comments or questions. Email followers will have a Reply section at the bottom of this post. Online visitors can click the little bubble at the top right of the title to reply.

Thanks for visiting. If you enjoy Artzzle.com be sure to spread the word about us.
And try not to stress too much with any project, just have fun and start!

Later – Cheryl

Copyright © 2013 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

No compensation was received for mention of any products or source.