Get a Grip Gal

Ok, phew! Nothing like a deadline to get something done!! This gal is almost a self'-portrait because she is also trying to get a grip on all the chaos around. Just as I think I get a handle on a project I just lose the grip on another. haha. Check out http://restyledhome.blogspot.com/ to see about the pumpkin decorating project. But, don't dallie because the deadline is HERE!! How else would I have been able to get this finished. Maybe this gal can meet up with some organized, inspired flea crafters.

If you haven't heard, check up on Ki and her latest venture to spread the good junk around!Join the Revolution!! Ki Nassauer, Country Home contributing editor, founder of JunkMarket, and now, Junk Revolution is officially getting her online store underway! Keep checking in with her website (http://www.junkrevolution.com/) as she works to expand it to include valuable tips and inspiration. Beginning November 1oth, wonderful junk items will be available to purchase for yourself or the fellow junkers in your life. To get to know Ki better, follow her along on some of her junking jaunts, and to learn more about the history of her business over the years, check out her blog: http://junkcamp.blogspot.com/

Well our fun Hallowed Holiday is nearly upon us, so get your treats ready! Have fun.

Monogrammed Halloween Pumpkins

I got my Halloween pumpkins monogrammed and placed outside. I'd had the 'B' for our name, but then decided it could say Boo for now. The smaller ones will be turned around and rearranged for the fall. For now, Chester is thinking this looks great. These were easy-peasy. Of course, I forgot to take pics of the process, but you can do this blindfolded.
First, you need a pumpkin(s),paper printed with fav font,permanent marker pen, stylus or a dried up ball-point pen to trace design, carbon paper, pieces of tape to hold paper in place:

I copied the Parchment font and made it super large to fit my pumpkin. Tape a piece of carbon paper to the pumpkin. A NOTE: I found the old-fashioned carbon paper to be better than Saral or wax less paper. I had to do a lot of free hand drawing because I only had the wax less type and it was hardly visible. Tape the paper with the font and trace the basic outline of Letter/Design.

Remove the papers and use a permanent marker to draw the design. I had also used black acrylic on the larger B to fill in the larger areas. After the design is finished, I spray Krylon 1311 Matte Finish sealer over the face of the pumpkin completely. I found this is the ONLY spray that will seal permanent pens and not make them RUN all over the place. Very important to get the right number 1311!

The stem of the bottom pumpkin will need to be cut off. I used a hack saw. A sharp one is definitely preferred! I had a dull one to begin with....ugh. That was a workout until I searched for a sharp one and it cut like butta!

Stack and Enjoy. Only because I couldn't find my floral clay is mine dry stacked for now. I will add that when I find it just to make it more secure.

words to ponder - Imagination is just intelligence having fun.

Halloween Chester minus the Ann

Chester the cat is practicing for Halloween. HE is getting into the decor around the house. That's right Chesterann has been found out to be a Chester. The vet did a bit of search and find and found the proof. haha. I am not an experienced cat gender investigator obviously. Now, I don't know who is more confused since we continue to call him ...."her". He will get a special overnight visit to the vet in a few weeks. After neutering, we may call him "IT" and just solve this once and for all.
Enjoy the fall weather and come back for an update post on decor. I am helping a dear sister-in-law get a garage sale together this week and won't be home very much. I hope we can uncover some interesting items. I'll share some soon.

Hallowed Decor

BeforeAfter
In the middle of projects yesterday, I was struck with the Halloween decorating spider. I have a few tubs of decor and I usually hold off til mid-Oct. for the Halloween goodies, but I couldn't stand it any longer. I LOVE Halloween. I started with the fireplace and it is still a work in progress. I hope to get a ghastly picture in place of the current one and something to fill in the gaps of white. I have thought I would put a long piece of wood with a wise saying of some sort, such as 'Beware'. Please post any suggestions, they are most welcome.
I love this little tree I made last year.
I salvaged the base from a trip to the dumpster and slapped the paint on it. It is hard to capture on the photo all the decorations. The ghost garland, ornaments tied onto the limbs with an assortment of ribbons and the purple lights. Love it. I have also assembled quite a group of pumpkins that hang around all season. Some of the white ones may even get to stay til Christmas....we'll see.

The hutch area is getting share of goblins also. This is still a work in progress. Actually, I have a huge stack of mail, keys, and other things to do just out of the picture. You'll get the full pic eventually when I clear my 'work' area.

I must give credit where credit is due. Chesterann did her best at helping with the outdoor decor. She held down the garland for me so it wouldn't get away. She actually did that job a little too well, I almost couldn't get it away from her!! The swinging bats have her a little worried and keeps eyeing them. Or perhaps the bats should be worried......hmmmm.

Paintin gourds

In our part of Texas, you can feel the cool fall approaching. The temps are staying below 100 and there is a hint of cool. I suspect that may be the air conditioning whooshing through the front door to the porch, but that's beside the point. It's still coolness upon our sweaty brow.
We tested our gourd-growing abilities and met with some amount of success. I have been paintin up some of them. I love the fall and halloween and I am trying to get a few gourds slapped with color. Every year at this time, I get to planning my annual Halloween Party. Now, you must know that I have yet to actually have this party. But, I still add to the plans and anticipate the day I will be able to put this baby together. I want some of these cutie gourds around the place. I just am so busy in the fall and time gets away and then Christmas is barking at my door!!! I am making plans anyway and imagine all the great fun I shall have.
Here is scary pumpkin and he is wondering where that ghost went. I am going to see how Chester Cat will be at posing with some of these pieces and will post soon. I may put some of these on Etsy or just email to purchase.
Enjoy the day and just plan a party and all the guests and laughter.