Something Wicked Cool This Way Comes

I always have so much fun decorating for Halloween. This year I came across this idea from Martha Stewart {click here} and just had to make one. I looked at the instructions and thought of all the random items in the garage I could use to make this project. I had pieces of left over MDF, black paint, and other items from a project I finished earlier that week that could be used to create my witch, so I was determined to make it myself and only using the items I had in my garage.

The most difficult part of the project was trying to cleverly use the items I already had. If you just head to the hardware store and buy the wood and other supplies this project can be done in an afternoon.

Step one:
Print out the template found here > witch template. Spray the board with repositional spray adhesive and lay out the template following the guide numbers. I didn't even cut around the template. I just stuck it all down. I really liked using the repositional adhesive spray to just stick down the template you are going to cut. That really is a time saver!

You can just cut out the pattern lay it out and trace it, if you don't want to buy repositional spray adhesive. The repositional spray adhesive is a little pricey at around $7 a can, but I used a 40% off coupon to cut the cost. I did learn from a mistake...don't get carried away spraying the adhesive on...too much makes it too sticky and the paper doesn't want to peel off. I finally got the paper off but it left residue squares from the paper that still show up when you look closely. So all you need is a light spray of the adhesive.

Step two:
Using a jigsaw cut the template following the outline.

I suggest starting at the bottom of the dress. Because it was my first time using a jigsaw, it gave me time to get used to how the jigsaw felt and worked before I needed to cut out detailed parts of the face and sleeves. I was so worried I was going to cut the face wrong and have to start all over. I just went super slow and it was fine. I didn't follow all of the lines perfectly, but I never messed up so badly that I couldn't just cut back to the outline and keep going. So don't freak out on little mistakes, no one will notice when you are finished.

Step three:
Peel off the template and paint her black. I had a little black spray paint so I sprayed the edges and the back then used some left over satin black paint on the front. I set her out over night and did not like how shiny she was because you could see every flaw. No woman likes to show off her flaws so I grabbed some leftover black chalkboard paint to give her a flat finish. I like her much better.

Step four:
Hammer the support pole into the ground about 12 inches. I used old tent poles that we had in our "take to the dump" pile. The one time I'm happy my husband had not taken the pile to the dump yet, lol. Then attach the witch to the pole. I used strips of hanger tape. It seems to be holding just fine so far.



Step five:
Attach the accessories. I found my lantern at a thrift store for only 55 cents. I added a screw on the back of her hand and hung the lantern from it. Then I found an old cinnamon scented broom at a thrift store. I cut off the broom end and attached it to a large stick I picked up on the side of the road. I attached the broom the same way I attached the pole.

So the total cost for me to make my witch was less than $3 because of the supplies I already had on hand!



I finished the scene with a cauldron over a fire. I used a pile of sticks I found on the side of the road to make my fire pit. I wired the sticks together to make a circle. Then I used a glass bowl wrapped in a yellow plastic table cloth and orange sparkle tulle with an orange strobe light to create my glowing flickering fire. I found the cauldron at Party City and lined it with foil. Then I placed white Christmas lights in the bottom and stuffed it with green cellophane, also from Party City. I hope to buy a smoke machine for next year so the cauldron can have a smoking glowing brew, but for this year, I think she is wicked cool!

Make & Take Monday

When I'm out and about I've always got an eye out searching for cute little gifts or fun things to alter and make crafty. I had found little flower growing kits packaged in a tiny flower pot with soil and seeds inside. Super cute. So bought a few thinking I could decorate them and give as a thank you or something. While visiting one of my favorite websites Splitcoast Stampers I came across these adorable paper watering cans. Right then I knew it would be perfect for my tiny flower pot. I was hoping the flower pot would fit down inside but the top was too large. I'm still in love with how it turned out! 



Since it is so easy and so cute I thought I'd share it for Make & Take Monday. Because there is a printable template it took little time to put it all together.

Step 1
Print the template from the link below on cardstock or patterned paper and cut out the four pieces: watering can body, spout, curved handle and back handle. Stamp any designs at this time.

Watering Can Template

Step 2
Working on the "wrong" side of the paper, score and fold the dashed red lines on the watering can body. I also inked the edges and folds to add depth.

Step 3
Apply adhesive to the folds on the "right" side of the paper and bring sides together to form the can body.

Step 4
Curve the front flaps and tuck into the sides of the watering can using a dab of adhesive to keep in place.

Step 5
Take the spout and fold with "wrong" sides turned to the inside as indicated by the red dashed lines in the template.

Step 6
Apply adhesive to the end of the spout's inner sides to hold them together.

Apply adhesive to the base of the spout and attach to the front of the watering can body.

Step 7
Attach the curved top handle ensuring that the handle curves to the back. (I didn't add this to my example because the flower pot would not fit.)

Step 8
To cover the printed words and the other side of the designer paper I cut a second strip for the handle for the back and glued the wrong sides together.
Fold the handle for the back on the dashed red lines as indicated in the template.

Step 9
Attach to the back of the can to form a ‘D’ shape.

Step 10
Now your can is ready to be decorated!





Stampin' Up Supplies:

Paper:
A Walk in the Park designer series paper (retired)
Chocolate Chip cardstock
So Saffron cardstock

Stamps:
Great Friend ( Butterfly and "for you")

Punches:
Scallop Circle
Boho Blossoms

Big Shot:
Swirls Scribbles Die


While I was working on my watering can I thought how easy it would be to use the same template to create a teapot. Of course I had to try it out right away.



I changed the spout and created a lid, tada...a teapot. I used the picture of the teapot in the background as inspiration for my little paper teapot. It is just the right size to hold a few packages of herbal tea. 

Stampin' Up Supplies:

Paper:
Whisper White cardstock
Basic Black cardstock
Melon Mambo cardstock

Stamps:
Baroque Motifs (swirls)
Cold & Cuddly (sentiment on tag)

Punches:
Boho Blossoms
Word Window
Modern Label



Two cute ideas from one template! Love it. I hope you enjoyed this Monday Make & Take. If you have any questions just ask. I'm happy to help. If you would like to purchase any Stampin' Up supplies, I'm here to help with that, too. Just email me at r.ricks@mchsi.com to place an order.
We'd all enjoy seeing what you create. Simply add a link to a photo of your creation in the comments.

Hope you have a wonderful week.

Cute Cookie

I made these super easy fortune cookies along with a mini Chinese take out box last night. I usually don't like to share my cookies but I was excited to share these with you.

Here's a template for the mini Chinese take out box.


Just print at a full 8.5 x 11 inches. You can even print directly on your 8.5 x 11" pattern paper or trim down 12 x 12" paper.

I made mine using Whisper White cardstock and then covered the box with different pattern papers from the Designer Series paper pack Razzleberry Lemonade(115675). This is my first attempt and it is a little messy but I learned from my mistakes and the next one should go together a little easier.

How to make the cute little fortune cookies-

Seriously WAY easy...

1) Cut a 3.5" circle out of the paper of your choice. I used more of the Designer Series paper from the new Razzleberry Lemonade paper pack(115675). { Circle Scissor Plus(1125390) is perfect for this! You get a perfect circle in seconds - everytime!}

2) Hold two ends together. Don't crease, just hold the ends together like a taco, sort of.



3) Then fold the other two ends together slowly.



4) Put a dab of adhesive in the middle of the fold.

Ta-da...cuteness!

If you want to add a sentiment or a little hand written note use a strip of paper about 6.5" long and 1/4" wide. I used Happy Birthday from the Fundamental Phrases set(114968). Stamping or writing is easier when done first then cut to size. Slide the strip through the taco fold before pinching together.



I trimmed the ends of my strip into a 'v' and then curled the paper a little to add character.

These would be great as the gift tag for a gift wrapped in a Chinese take out box.

You could revamp the coupon book idea. Make a bunch of the little guys then fill them with "coupon" strips.

Cute party invites or party favors or party decorations....I could go on and on.


If you make some of these email a pic or link a photo in the comments. I'd love to see them and share your ideas and inspiration with everyone.

Have a wonderful Independence Day weekend!!