Friday, October 7

Spooky “Boo” Frame



Happy “TGIF” my crafty friends…     Are you ready for the weekend!


I’m still working on my Halloween projects and today I have another fun one to share with you.


First, I should say this Spooky Frame was an “Epic fail” that turned into a “Not so bad” frame. Originally, I envisioned an old antique look with a black background and a crackled cream topcoat. NOT!!  This started out as a big flop but determination and frustration won and I ended up with a pretty sweet frame. Check it out… 

Boo Frame1Edit
I did my research, bought my materials and went to work. Now, I have crackled thing before (it has been a while) but seriously… How hard could it be? 


No matter what I did it would not crackle! I sanded the paint off and tried again and nothing! I was getting ready to scrap the whole darn thing but as I am sanding (for the 3rd time), I sort of liked the look that was taking shape. After playing around a bit and adding a little black using the dry brush technique, the frame finally came around. Not even close to what I had envisioned but it works!
 Material collage final edits
The subway art turned out so good. I found this particular piece at Eighteen25 (such a great blog!). It was so easy to download and print and she has several color versions and sizes. I printed it on 4x6 photo paper and then mounted on black card-stock. The chipboard letters were painted matte black and glue in place on the frame.


I guess I should thank my little mouse sander (I named her “little lady” years ago) for the handy work cause she really made it come to life!


Boo Frame Closeup1Matte


I really think I like it…

Boo Frame Closeup2

What do you think… Did it turn out okay or was it a flop???

Boo Frame Tilt1

One more project completed for the Haunted Mantle… YAY!!


Here is another simple project that I put together for the mantle - I picked up these candles at Hobby Lobby's 40% off Fall sale and I dressed them up with some Cosmo Cricket "Circa 1934" paper (this collection is fantastic!) and added a spider web for fun. So Simple!


2011-10-06_12.00.50           2011-10-06_12.00.22

I am really happy with the way the Haunted Mantle is coming together and the Spooky Foyer is finished just waiting on me to snap a few pictures. 


You should check back over the next few days to see the reveal of our “Boo Time” Halloween fun! 


Hope you have a great weekend!


Until next time…
Simply AJ



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Don’t forget to join in the Halloween fun over at Midwestern Sewing Girl - I am headed to the party and linking up there!


MidwesternSewingGirl

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Tuesday, October 4

It’s “BOO” time!


Fall is here and I love it!! This is my most favorite time of the year. I just love cool crisp mornings, watching the leaves change, and knowing that the holidays are just around the corner.

Fall also means that I have to get moving on all my holiday projects. Decorating the house and finishing up some Christmas gifts are tops on the list.

Right now I am working on my Haunted Mantle, Spookin’ up my foyer, finishing my front door wreath, carving a few pumpkins, and oh and let’s not forget… trying out a few new chocolate and pumpkin recipes (Yes, I'm pulling a full late nights but totally enjoy it!).

I can’t wait to show you all of the fun projects….

So on our way to Hobby Lobby last week, we popped into Tuesday Morning (love this store!!) and I came across these dish towels. The minute I saw them I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. Check these babies out…
Dish Towels Edit1Halloween Dishtowel Picnik collage
   
(Sorry for the crappy pictures but I have not mastered photography yet!)

 These towels are so pretty… the fabric is a beautiful woven cotton with such perfect applique pictures.

Look what I made with these lovely dish towels… Halloween Pillows!

Halloween Pillows2 Rounded Edges
Didn't they turn out great… I love them!

Pillow collage
These were a snap to make - All I did was measure the towels and then create my own pillow pattern. I took the black towel and pieced it together with the coordinating towel to create the Treat or Treat pillow. For the orange black cat pillow, I just used the solid orange towel. I re-purposed the fiber filling from some old pillows that I had stashed away. Can you say... super easy!!  

Orange Pillow Matte1           Black Pillow Matte
These beauties cost a whopping $10. 88!!!

I just love how they turned out and I have the perfect spot to show them off but you will have to wait to see where it is…

Check back soon cause this is just the beginning of the Halloween fun going on around our nest!


Simply AJ


Don’t forget to join in the Halloween fun over at Midwestern Sewing Girl - I am headed to the party and linking up there!


MidwesternSewingGirl



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