Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Last Minute Halloween Ideas


My kids made this from a project they found online. The spider is made from an extra large Chinese lantern - we bought a white one and spray painted it black - and a medium size Black Chinese lantern. They also made a couple of changes - my daughter changed the eyes to scary ones and we couldn't find the Fun Fringe for the legs. So instead we used two strands of the thickest crochet yarn we could find and twisted them together.
Here's the link to the original project:



I already have a blog about these aliens. They take more time to make so it would be a good project for next year.




The structure of the witches is made from PVC pipe, think of a scarecrow with joints. I bought black frocks from the Goodwill store and made simple capes from a Simplicity pattern. The masks, gloves, hats and wigs were bought from Walgreens. I had to pin the wigs to the masks and the hats to both. The heads are made from plastic gallon milk jugs. I placed each one on top of a protruding PVC pipe and squished them in strategic places.



I bought the skeletons from the Oriental trading Company several years ago. They have held up well in the wind and rain, although they can no longer stand. I always help secure them by wiring them to a support stake that you would use for a plant.

I found baby clothes in a second hand shop and ripped them strategically; I sewed the bridal dress out of simple material and the veil as well. You are going for the illusion - the costumes don't have to be perfect. The top hat I stapled together from black foam, and the vaudeville hat and boa was purchased from Michael's.

This year I added musical instruments bought from Diddams. They sell them as party favors for a rock'n roll birthday. Then I took some discarded Styrofoam, cut them into mini tombstones and added jazz epitaphs. I always play New Orleans Jazz on Halloween. Our monsters love to party!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Witches Don't Cower



 

 Ten Things I Learned From My (inner) Witch

1.   Witches don't cower

2.   Let no one rule you 

3.   Cats are family 

4.   Guard against evil

5.   Create your own magic

6.   Cast your spells wisely  

7.   Everyone has a dark side

8.   Witches grow more powerful with age

9.    Glean wisdom from the night

10.  The sky is wide open - don't be afraid to fly


 

 

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

A Bird Named Bob

A Bird Named Bob And His Wooden Egg


Based on a true story . .

Once there was a bird named Bob who wanted a mate
But the female flamingos thought him unfit for a date.   

"He's stupid! He's slow! His feathers have no sheen
 He's certainly not father material they'd scream."     

So poor Bob, though he preened, stretched his neck and each wing
The gals still ignored him, or worse they implored him,
"Give up your romancing - don't bother to sing."

"Stupid bird brains," thought Bob "flamingos honk, they don't sing
Your insults to me don't mean a thing.
I know I'm not clever but I'm smarter than you
What's more I can build the best nest in the zoo!"

So Bob began scooping and packing and gluing
Mud into a mound, one foot high, one foot round.
Then he scooped a small hollow right out of the top
Placed his feet, fluffed his feathers, and settled down with a plop. 

There he sat, and he waited, and waited all day
But hard as he tried, no egg could he lay.

The males shook their heads, the gals snorted and jeered
A zookeeper watching said, "Well, this is weird.
I pity that bird who sits on his own
I'll give him an egg, so he won't be alone."

"Bob"s laid an egg! How can this be?"
The flock gathered round and jostled to see.
"No problem," Bob honked," It was easy to do
 In fact the next time, I think I'll do two!"

Now here is the sad part - Bob's egg was a toy
And after a while, it began to annoy.
"This shell will not crack, not even a nick
I've been a good father, it must be the chick."

So Bob walked away and promptly forgot
But readers I beg you, do not be distraught.
One bird had been watching and she was a smart one
"That male is a keeper, he's one loyal dude.
Next year he can have me, if I'm in the mood."