Halloween Mantel {Better Late Than Never}

I'm currently on vacation from my day job and playing some serious catch-up on the blog front. I've also been working on new items for my Etsy shop and will be getting some new stuff listed soon! It's been awhile since I focused on my creative passions, and this little break has been a much needed refocus for my soul...

 

Anyway, I decided just to give you a quick glimpse at what the bungalow looked like this Halloween and some of the activities Preston and I did. I'm still using my phone for all of my photo needs, so bare with the horrible quality. Thank goodness for PicMonkey!

 

 

 

 

I used $1 items from my local grocery store in the garland. The gray netting was $1, and so were the set of four skeletons. I had the black ribbon on hand and reused my burlap Christmas garland from last year...

 

 

 

The black paper bats were from the Dollar Tree and so were the black rats and tomb stones. Everything else I gathered around the house. I probably could have made the bats, but the $1 in cost was worth the time savings for me!

 

 

 

 

Using vintage bottles, I wrapped the tops with jute and filled them with dried beans.

 

 

 

 

Instead of carving pumpkins this year, we just painted the few that we got at the pumpkin patch. Preston had a trip to Michigan with my parents right before Halloween, and my work schedule didn't allow for it. I was a little bummed not to carry on the carving tradition, but I've learned over the last year and a half that I can't do it all. I've had to let go of some things, and while I'm getting better at that every day, it's still a personal struggle.

 

 

 

 

He doesn't appear to be "missing out" any, so I must not be doing a half bad job!

 

 

 

Crystal xoxo

 



Country Living Inspired Funkins & Our Fall Mantel

I recently got this beauty in the mail and immediately opened it up. I HAD to know how they made the pumpkins on the front!

My mom came over the same night, magazine in hand, and said, "We have to make these!" I smiled and pulled my copy out and said, "I know!" The next night, we were at Michael's gathering supplies. (1) A few fake "funkins" that happened to be 50% off (2) scrapbook paper. I already had the rest of the supplies. (3) foam brushes (4) Mod Podge (5) Mod Podge Sealer (6) wax paper. Easy and cheap!

Monday, I arranged the "funkins" on our fall mantel to see where I wanted them...

They looked nice, but I knew it could still use a punch, so I was just as excited as ever to get started on our little project!

Last night, we got to work on my coffee table, so we could watch Teen Mom {I know. I know. I got sucked in two years ago, when I was 26 and pregnant, and I can't get out!}

The difficulty level for this project is easy, but I do recommend a decent chunk of time and a small amount of patience...

We started by laying down wax paper and filling a bowl with Mod Podge. Then, we cut our scrapbook paper into strips {smaller strips for the small pumpkins work best and 1-1.5" strips for the larger ones}. It took about two-three pieces of 12x12 paper for the small and 3-4 pieces for the larger pumpkins, so make sure you have enough of the SAME pattern! Then, we applied the Mod Podge on the paper strip and placed it on the pumpkin {starting from the stem and smoothing down}. Repeat. About 75 times {maybe a slight exaggeration}. Then, we coated each pumpkin with two coats of Mod Podge {allowing about an hour between each coat}. Today, I put them all outside and gave them two coats of Mod Podge Sealer {allowing at least 15 minutes between coats}. Note: We started with the smaller pumpkins, thinking it would be easier, but the larger ones were much easier and quicker!

My mom made two black and white ones, to match her decor {photo one}, and I made three pumpkins in shades of browns, khakis and a burnt orange {photo two}, but they even look great grouped together {photo three}!

Now, my fall mantel is complete, and I am beyond thrilled!

I already had most of the accessories, but I did get that little skull for $1.99 at Michael's and the two skeleton keys for $1 each there too {I just strung them on a piece of jute twine}. The three amber candle holders came from Target and were $1.99 each. Other recent finds include two milk glass vases for $3 each and my little owl for $.79 at a local consignment store. I just spray painted the owl!

I hope this has inspired you. Please, comment and leave a link to your blog post if you decide to make these "funkins" too or post a picture to our Facebook wall! Fall is finally here, ladies! Eeeekkk!

This post has been linked to The Inspired Room's 2011 Fall Nesting Party! Click the picture to join the fun!

This post is also linked to Finger Prints on the Fridge "Feature Yourself Friday".

This post is also linked to The Lettered Cottage "Autumn Link Party". Click the picture to join the fun!