Happy Halloween!

This morning we had jack o' lantern pancakes for breakfast... simply our favorite recipe with orange food coloring, and Hershey's syrup faces!

Hope everyone has a fantastic and fun day!

Skeleton Twinkle Lights!

Today's Dollar Store Craft is Skeleton Twinkle Lights!
These little skeletons are of surprisingly good quality for a dollar store item. And I just can't get over how jolly they are!


Here's what you need:
~ a couple packages of skeleton straws (they come in packages of 5 for a dollar)
~ a string of twinkle lights (mine is a 20-light strand I raided from my Christmas decorations)
~ twist-ties (white is best!)


On the straws, the skeletons are in two pieces, so you'll need to put them together. I'm using an orange twist-tie here so you can see how I did it.
Start by wrapping your twist-tie over the BACK of your skeleton's pelvis, with the two ends poking up. No twisting necessary yet.


Poke each end through his lowest rib on his back, one on either side of his spine.

Twist!

Then all you have to do is pop those lights into the holes in the tops of their heads.

They snap right in, and fit PERFECTLY. It's almost as if they were made for this purpose! I put my skeletons on every other light of my 20-light strand, but you could do every third without having them look too sparse.

I wish you could see them in person; their little faces light up so delightfully!

You can kind of get an idea of their bright little faces in this photo -- but really, this project is a MUST-DO! These little guys are way too cute!

Lighted Skulls -- a Recycle Project!

I'm over at Dollar Store Crafts today with a quick, easy, CHEAP project for Halloween. This project only takes a couple minutes! Then, once you learn the basics of how to make these little guys, head back over here for a bonus project idea:


To make this version, all you need is a small string of twinkle lights (mine was a 20-light strand) and a utility knife. Simply cut a small X in the top of each skull and pop the lights in. I put my skulls on every other bulb, but every third would work well too. Easy!


Hey, while you're at it, remember this project from last year?

It continues to be one of my favorites! Check it out, and try it!

Five-Minute Trick-or-Treat Bag -- TUTORIAL

Today I will show you how to make cute trick-or-treat bags for your little ones (or yourself!) in just five minutes, using simply a dollar store dishtowel and belt. It's easy!


I found two different styles of Halloween-theme tea towels at my local dollar store. I've also been eyeing their girls' belts (found on the accessories aisle) for months, just waiting for my chance to use them in a sewing project. Today's the day!


STEP ONE: Fold your tea towel right sides together and sew the two side seams of your bag.

STEP TWO: Fold open your bag as shown, creating a point at the end of the side seam.

STEP THREE: Sew straight across the point, perpendicular to the side seam you sewed in Step One. You can make this any length; mine was between 3 1/2"-4". Repeat on the other side.

Turn right side out. Here's your bag; it just needs handles!

STEP FOUR: Cut off each end of your belt -- the buckle and the little metal dealy on the other side. Cut the remainder of the belt in half to create two straps.
(If you like, you could use ribbon instead, as I did with the spiderweb bag!)

STEP FIVE: On your bag, mark where you want your straps to be. I put mine 4" in from the side seams.

STEP SIX: Sew on your straps! I sewed mine just below the finished edge of the bag, and also at the top edge. I sewed forward and back five or six times to ensure the straps would hold.


Ta-Da!
A super easy, basic bag!
You could certainly add other details -- pockets, applique -- whatever you like!

This would be an excellent project for a beginning sewist or a child who wants to learn to sew!

Halloween Party Favor Buckets!

It's a --*gasp*-- NON-SEWING post!!

I love party favors! Today I want to show you some cute, CHEAP Halloween party favor buckets:

They are so much fun to make -- and FAST.


Start with this three-pack of wedding favor buckets from the dollar store.


Bust out your "poor man's vinyl" -- electrical tape!! -- and stack up a few layers. (I've cut as many as four layers at a time.)

I got two good-sized rolls of the tape at the dollar store for a buck!!!


Cut out a ghosty eye shape...


...peel the layers apart...


...and stick them in place! Layer your tape to cut the mouths the same way, and
>>BAM!<< Ghosty buckets!!


I may or may not have gotten carried away with my husband's colored electrical tape, too...... :o)

And here's a BONUS idea:
Edible jack-o-lanterns made from oranges!!

Now, what else can I go stick some electrical tape on............?