Halloween Crafts

Here are some really cute ideas sent in by Camille. They are really fun for Halloween.

The Halloween Countdown

This is a craft she did that turned out so cute.  They got the idea from Holiday Home Magazine on page 24. They changed it a little. It is magnetic and is a cookie sheet from the dollar store, painted and aged. The calendar grid and countdown header are glued on paper. Really fun! Each of the numbers are something different from around the house with a magnet glued on the back. 

Black Cat Head

The cat in the same picture she made out of paper mache with the instant stuff. It is much easier to work with and so much better. The only down side to the instant paper mache seems to be the extremely long drying time.

Happy Halloween Banner

The banner is just paper and then laminated and stapled onto ribbon.

Super Easy!

Spooky Letters

The letter are just wood with scrapbook paper Mod Podged on them.  You can find letters at your local craft store or cut your own out with some 1" wood (pine) and a scroll saw.  I pick a font that I like and then copy it on to the wood with carbon paper.  

Wooden Pumpkins

These pumpkins are essentially three pieces of wood that are cut in the shape of an arch.  Place all pieces together and trace out the mouth.  Cut out mouth hole.  Cut out two leaves and some thin eyebrows.  Paint all pieces accordingly.  Let dry.  Distress with a light sanding.  Antique pieces (I like to use watered down burnt umber-Delta Ceramcoat).  To assemble you can use some thin scrap wood behind the three pieces to secure together with staples or nails and some wood glue.  Glue on eyebrows and leaves with wood glue.  Paint on the eyes and nose.

Thank you Camille for all of these great ideas!

Cornices

Traci & Teresa sent me the idea of making your own cornice.  They have made quite a few over the years and got the idea from Family Handyman Magazine.  You can find the article by Clicking Here!

Here are some of their finished projects:

Here is a detail of the black cornice.

Tools to tinker with!

I wanted to share with you my opinion of what tools every project-doin' woman needs.

Here is a list of tools I could not live without!

Scroll Saw

Compound Miter Saw

If you plan on doing a lot of larger trim work you will want to invest in a 

12" compound miter saw.

Jig Saw

Brad Nailer/Staple Gun (with a range of 1"-2" Brads) & Air Compressor

A good drill

Cordless drills give you a little more freedom, but you do have to worry about batteries and charging them.

Corded drills are more powerful, but you have the cord to worry about.

Sander (small like a palm sander or mouse sander)

I like the mouse sander because the design makes it easy to get into corners.

Router

Tool Box Tools:  (in order appearance)

Hammer, 4 in 1 screwdriver (has 2 sizes of each head, flat & phillips), tape measure, crescent wrench, chisel, wire cutters, pliers, all purpose razor blade knife, sharpie, and pencil.

That's a good start for acquiring tools.  For us it was a slow process.  One tool here and there whenever we has some extra money.  Also we took advantage of Harbor Freight Tools.  Very low priced tools that got the job done.  The funny thing about starting your tool collection is that when ever I give a tool to my husband for Fathers Day, Bdays, or Christmas I think he wonders if his gift is for me or him!