DIY Halloween You Got This!

I just need a hay bale to pull it all together!

I have been gathering tossed aside trick or treat pumpkins from garage sales the past couple years. They look awesome hanging from my maple tree. This year I decided to make a scarecrow for the front of the tree. This is so easy to pull off.

Materials

An old XL or bigger flannel shirt

A plastic pumpkin pail

Dirt, flowers or something to weigh down the pumpkin pail.

A wood stake 4-5 ft tall

A piece of wood to nail on top of stake. Two inches thick like a cut 2X4 will need a long screw. Less thick would be a better choice. Eye up the length so you get the look of broad shoulders. 26-30 inches. Test plank with shirt. Too long and you won't be able to button.

Screws and hand tools. A mallet is best when pounding a stake into the ground.

Plastic bags, plastic packing to puff out arms. Tie off with twine and raffia.

Lay stuff out and think out your project. Decide if you want to pound the stake in and add your plank or add the plank and pound all together into the ground. I weighed my pumpkin with dirt and threaded wire thru the pumpkin and wrapped around wood to keep attached.

This project is so simple and creates a great display. As always I find these projects most satisfying by using scraps from around the house and keeping costs down. Sometimes just going to the shed or garage and looking at all your junk will get your creativity pumping. Also a great way to get your kids imagination going!

Adding props into your landscaping makes it look less generic

Skull head from JoAnn's. Wire down to plank of wood. I added a black light on it for night time.

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!