Got Boos? #DIY Ghosts for the Yard

 This project is so easy and kids can help out with the faces!

You will need;

🎃Three round white vinyl table cloths. I got mine at Dollar General. Of course more if you want to make more.

🎃 Saved grocery bags to make a ball for the head. The bags are waterproof. Or stuff a bag with paper or whatever. Just make sure your outside bag is white and writing on the back of head.

🎃 Twine or sturdy string, scissors, glue, stapler and zip ties optional.

🎃 Long stick from yard if putting in ground. White lights optional.

🎃 Craft pieces for faces. I use Aleene's craft glue because it works great. I don't suggest drawing faces as it will not look that great on table cloth material. 

Making the Ghost

Stuff a white grocery bag with bags or newspaper or leftover paper of sort. Double up on bag if needed. Form a ball and tie off the bottom where the handles are at with twine. See below example.

 Next unpack a white, round table cloth. Drape over ball and get it placed the way you want it. 

🎃Take glue and carefully lift cloth and add glue on balled garbage bag and gently press cloth and smooth out glue. Gently reshape head if needed. Be careful! If glue gets on cloth body then it will bind up and you won't have a flowing ghost. 📌Now let dry. 

IF PUTTING ON A STICK YOU MAY WANT TO TIE HEAD TO STICK WITH TWINE BEFORE YOU GLUE CLOTH. I used an extra long piece of twine when I tied bag so I had enough to then tie on stick. If you are hanging then let dry.

🎃 Once  your cloth is dry on the head then you may add the face pieces. Let dry.

I used craft scraps as I will likely toss this cheap decor. I used heavy reflective paper, pom poms with added google eyes and buttons.

🎃 Once the face is dry you may place if already on a stick or staple a twine loop on the top to hang. Grab a small inconspicuous bit of bag and cloth towards the back of the head. You will make a half moon shape on the head. 📌It is important you grab bag and cloth or they will separate.  Cut a piece of twine to desired length. Staple first end horizontal. If you staple vertical the twine will fall out. Do the same for the other end. You now have a small or long loop to hang on a tree.

Take your time and have fun. This is such a simple craft. It costs practically nothing to make.

Spooktacular with white lights!

Lady, Mrs. Smith and her Magical Home, A Ghost Story!

From the time I was a child I was told I was born during the wrong time. I have loved pretty, feminine, ladylike things from a very young age. I was delighted to have an elderly, eccentric neighbor whom took great interest in me. Sometimes I think between that and my Grandfather's dealing in antiques fanned the flames of my mature interests.

Mrs. Smith was my sunbathing, skirt and ballet flats wearing neighbor. She wore slim skirts to the knee and twin sets. Her wardrobe in 1986 was still in the sixties. Her home was stopped in time and it was magical and worthy of a curious, little girl's adventure.
She had a silver tea set on a tea cart. A silk chaise lounge and at that time meant for a lady to read with grace. A black, heavy front dial phone set on a stand attached to a chair...a telephone stand. She served tea in robin egg blue tea cups with wafer cookies. She had drawers of sparkly costume jewelry I rifled through any chance I got. In one of the spare bedrooms set every Caruso record produced. In another bedroom hung a ballerina costume I adored whenever we went perusing the rooms. I would open the closet door and she would pull it out. She would tell me how she once studied ballet and proceed to tell me to point my toe.
Her home was a wood, two story, painted brown. The paint was chipping in spots and the windows were tall and dull. It was old. The inside walls were gray in color and likely were once white. The ceilings 12 feet. It had an old back porch seemingly delicate to any heavy weight. Under the porch was a garage with a battered, white wooden door that slid across. The once cobbled drive to the alley now mostly grown over with grass. It was eerie to outsiders but,  not me because she loved me so much.
Her husband was a scientist but, had been dead a long time. He must have died in his early fifties. I would get bits and pieces about him. He played golf with Henry Kissinger and he gave her husband his clubs. I played with them and his name was on the bag. There was lab equipment with beakers shadowed in cobwebs in the basement. Slivers of silver would roll across the floor and spray neat balls when I stepped on them. I later learned it was mercury from the lab. Yikes!
We spent many days in the kitchen as her bakelite dial television no longer worked. It was a good thing because she was lovely entertainment. The kitchen was a large open room split in the middle with kitchen cabinets. The other side was the dining room. We would sit at the small, square, black kitchen table with wrought iron chairs. I can still hear the chairs nubby sound vibrate on the floor as I pulled one out to sit. She would bring the tea over and always ask, "One or two lumps?" She always spoke to me in a loving way and was so nice to me. She taught me little nuances. Sitting up straight, holding a tea cup and more. I wanted to be just like her. She was fascinating and sophisticated.
During our days in the kitchen she taught me Poker, 500 Rum and German. I was getting an education. She also had a memory game which she always let me win. When I think back I realize she did not have patience but, loved children and my company. She was like the spooky, witch lady in the neighborhood. She liked that because she would not be bothered. It was just me bopping across the road with dinner or something made by my Mom. She would never refuse my gifts. It was a sneaky way to get her nutritional food. All her things I described were beautiful to me but, it's all she owned. She was a lonely, poor woman living on social security in a big house. Our companionship was meant to be.
My parents divorced when I was around twelve and we moved away. It was a hectic time in my life and I was growing up and leaving her. Sadly when I was eighteen I moved back into my childhood home, alone and ready for college. She died a couple years before I moved in. The neighbors next door watched out for her.

This is where the story takes another twist. Mrs. Smith only had her home. Every piece of furniture had it's place. There was never clutter. Think back to some of the things I told you. A lady bought the house during a Sheriff Sale and moved in. She started renovating the rooms. I did not tell her I knew the home quite well. One day I came home from work and there was a Hazmat team. I then found out the silver slivers were mercury. I said nothing about my experience or Mrs. Smith. About a month later the new neighbor was outside and seemed shaken. I walked off my porch and asked her if she was ok. She told me this was the second time she has come home from work and her living room furniture had been moved. I asked her in what way. The set up she explained was the way Mrs. Smith had her furniture arranged. I proceeded to tell her this and her eyes looked like they were ready to fall out of their sockets. I told her I knew every square inch of the house and anything left in it. She told me about the golf clubs, which was no surprise. She sold them to a sports collector. She was unnerved by my information but, I told her she is harmless.

I got a knock on my door about a month later. It was Debbie, the neighbor. She wanted me to come over. She actually insisted. She needed my help. She was panicked. As we walked over she said her music would shut off and she would hear opera or something like classical. I grinned at her as she opened Mrs. Smith's front door. The first time I had been in her home since childhood. I yell out in the entry hall, "Mrs. Smith it's Heather, are you causing mischief?" And I giggled. Debbie was not laughing. I asked her if there were records stacked in the middle bedroom. She said yes and they are still there as she has not gotten to that room yet. We walked up the creaky stairs and I slid my fingers across the long wooden banister as it rounded to the bedroom hallway. She opened the bedroom door and it croaked. The smell of must and warm air hit your face. I picked up one of the yellowed record jackets. I said here is every Caruso record produced. He was an opera singer. Debbie looked pale. She told me the music has been turned off several times. I told her it was no surprise since your tastes are very, very different. Before I left I told Mrs. Smith it was ok Debbie moved in and she wants to make the house a home again.
Debbie suddenly moved out a few months later. Myself or her neighbor next door never saw her on the street again.

Halloween Decor Ideas! Mixing new with old.

 I love mixing antiques with new things. I noticed Michael's has a Victorian inspired section this year. Interesting twist than same old. JoAnn's has an unusual spin with snakes and pieces that remind me from scenes from the Great Gatsby movie with Leo DiCaprio.

I am just starting to pull stuff out and experimenting with layouts. The candlesticks below are going to be on a Frankenstein themed table.  My guess these sticks are from the 1920's-1930's. No markings. Hard to find consistent information online. I do know people are using the word jadeite for about everything mint so that does not make sense. I've had Czech glass with this black band. Fenton has made some things with a black band. Northwood has the color but, found no black bands. Online they are going for $75-$160. I used Hobby Lobby taper candles and taper rings from a country store. Taper rings are so hard to find!

The book, Halloween History ISBN 0-8160-1846-4

I have Byer's Choice Carolers for Halloween and Thanksgiving. These are from around 2001. Made in Pennsylvania. A lot of reproductions. Look for label on bottom. Yes, they are more but, still handmade in a factory. The haunted house is actually a ceramic house my Mom painted when I was a kid. It was popular to meet up and paint ceramics at a shop or house. I actually love buying these pieces. They are basically newer folkart and some have a a lot of character! I simply added layers of different color tulle to the mantle for some spooky, easy effects! The signs the carolers are holding are from a cake decorating set.

Add depth and height to a display by simply turning a vase, pretty cup or votive holder upside down. I used a julip type cup and set a wax pumpkin on top. So easy!

Below are old pieces of  English Ironstone mixed in with Halloween. Love the Victorian feel to it!

The oil lamps were always on my Grandparent's mantle. My Grandfather always added red oil and lit at Christmas time. I carry on the tradition because it was so special and makes me feel close to him.

Last but, not least is a sweet candle display on an end table. Keep displays high in the middle like a pyramid. I used beautiful Root candles. They are my absolute favorite. Long burns and burn down the middle or with a draft create beautiful wax drippings. The witch boot is Yankee Candle around 2004. Notice the mercury glass votive cup turned upside down and pillar added on top. I collect dried gourds. Truly a favorite for years. That is a dried pumpkin on the right.

HAPPY DECORATING!

Halloween is around the corner...DIY Headless Horseman

So, many people at the campground including me just can't wait to put out Halloween decorations! I like the classic, spooky fun. Thrills and chills! I'll pass on gorey and dead babies in a carriage. Yes, I have seen this for sale at a popular Halloween store. To me this is not the exciting, creepy night when I was a kid. I could not wait to put on a costume and visit all the neighbors! Some jumped out of bushes and gave you a fright and others had a welcoming light with carved pumpkins. It was just so exhilarating to be out there on your own being someone or something else for a night!

Last year I did The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in my yard. When I DIY something that is in the weather, I really try to use scraps from around the house. I usually switch themes the following year so I don't like to waste money.  Take your time working this form and you will be successful.

The body underneath the horseman was an old mannequin from my store. However when you prop something on a bench it is not difficult to get a form going. Maybe use some buckets for the core body shape. I love to stuff grocery bags and make arms and whatever. The grocery bags are waterproof. Always have twine, hot glue and zip ties handy as you can easily hold down and create poses with these items. Go to the garage and shed and find some things to make your form.

The arms were a $1 store purchase. Can't beat that! The cool burlap came from Joann Fabrics. I had leftover. This material and any nylon are great because it holds up in the weather. The red material I used for a Christmas tree skirt the year before. It was in a clearance bin. The legs were old pants stuffed with yep...grocery bags and plastic. 

Wrap your materials around your base. Zip tie, glue or pin down. The stuffed legs can be added in or set your core body on them before draping your cape. Tie off the bottom of the legs with twine. Once everything is draped and tied down then cut a slit in the cape and attach the arms. What about the pumpkin? To get the spooky effect you will need red glitter, craft glue and yellow craft paint. Add craft glue to your carved mouth and add red glitter. Color eyes and nose with yellow paint. Once lit it makes the mouth look so scary!!!! The rain made some of the glitter drool but, added to the fun! To top off I took an old piece of board from the shed and wrote "Watch Your Head," in black paint.

First Trip to Ocean City

 We decided a trip to the beach was needed and our choice was Ocean City because it is only a 6 hour drive. We usually go to Myrtle. I cooked for two days so any eating out would be to go or outside. I did not want to be on or near the boardwalk so we chose a 41st studio apartment with kitchen. It was 50 steps from the beach but, no ocean view. The accommodations were clean and decor cute. Downside was literally looking into other people's apartments on the balcony. However it was only $700 for 5 nights.

The beach is nothing like Myrtle or Hilton Head. We are accustomed to hard easily walkable beaches and combed and cleaned. This was not the case here. You walk onto choppy deeper sand and then it drops off onto the wet beach area for swimming. It is on a slant and you sink. Needless to say this is not solid, sandy beach. Of course kids don't care and find a way to slosh around in the surf. You don't see many adults walking for this reason and we tried and got some aching knees and hips from walking on a slant and fighting our feet from being sunk in the sand. Ocean City is extremely built up with huge high rises and condo buildings one on top of each other. We were non-peak and COVID. I can't imagine the craziness at full throttle. The main corridor is filled with neon signs and places begging for you to dine. This is just not my speed. This place is for your social butterflies, young kids looking for a good time and people who don't mind being so close to each other. That said we carved out some fun away from the corridor. We went over to the bay and marina. 

At the marina we went on an inexpensive fishing trip called Miss Ocean City with Captain Anton. Really nice Captain and crew. Just a pleasure being out on the water for the low cost of $30 plus tip. I tried to catch a big one but, no such luck. You will likely catch little sea bass and just enjoy the scenery. I got some great pictures with a long lens. We decided to go on the evening trip too. If you called, I'm sure with a large group of family and friends it could be chartered. https://www.missocfishing.com

We also went to Assateague Island. We just followed the signs from the marina. The first water bridge had horses hanging out and down the road too. More nice pictures. I guess this is not always the case. We went around 7PM so not a lot of people. We did have a 7AM SUV tour scheduled for $120 to take us down on the beach. After reading reviews about horse poo on the beach, inadequate bathrooms and being bitten by flies on the beach, we skipped it. Locals told us the flies are bad and said the island actually has a fly rating for the day. We saw the island from the boat too and just decided it was not worth going to another beach but, the one by our apartment. Also take a boat to the island or take a ride. After going to the island I thought the $120 SUV ride was ridiculous. It's cheap to get in and many places to pull off and see nature without actually paying to go in the park and beach. 

Plus keep in mind the water is not as clear as the South and you certainly can't see down like Florida. I'll be honest I thought the ocean stunk. The waves are not big and long either. It is like a washing machine and you come out with sand in every crevice. My husband loves riding waves and he was really disappointed. A local told us they call the beach, "The Bone Yard," because it just rips you. Hence, after one run you realized why it is just kids with boundless energy in the water. Also depending on the wind there will be flies :(

We ate at a restaurant on the marina outside. Food was great but, we literally were surrounded by flies. I won't mention their name because these are bad times and I don't want to make it worse for them. We actually put sauce we were done with at the end of the table so the flies would go there and not our food!

We got to go at OC Wasabi. https://ocwasabi.com/ The young woman who waited on me at the back to go entrance was ridiculously nice. The teriyaki scallops were delicious and locally sourced. My pomegranate rum drink muddled with mint, lime, strawberries and blueberries was awesome! They are also open late! Yeah, they get people eat late at the beach! 

Will we be back, no. However we did have fun. Our speed is a little more quiet, slower, solid sandy beaches and less developed.