Cheap and Easy Halloween Decorations

Thanks to this post on one my new favorite blogs, Design Mom (she's a mother of 5 and a designer in Manhattan; is anyone else thinking of Laura Bennett from season 3 of Project Runway?) I made some pretty cute, pretty easy, pretty cheap Halloween decorations. Design Mom said this project was good for kids, but I think it was pretty good for a 28 year old childless gal as well. In other words, I had fun too!!!

Scary Plates

Tools: Clear glass plates (found cheap ones at Ikea), high gloss black enamel paint (found it at Michael's), white contact paper, spooky stencils, fun ribbon (black and orange), hot glue gun and glue.

Directions:
- Step 1: Trace or draw fun shapes on contact paper. (If you are like me and cannot freehand, I just found fun shapes on Word, printed them out, cut them out, then traced them onto the contact paper). Cut out the shapes and stick to the backside of the glass plates. Be sure to press down very hard on the edges of the contact paper to make a secure stick, otherwise you will get some "bleeding" during the painting/spraying process.

- Step 2: In a well ventilated space, spray the back sides of the plates with the enamel paint (or paint per directions). You may need two coats, and you may need to bake plates depending on the paint you buy (I suggest getting spray, no baking needed!).

- Step 3: When plates are completely dry, cut two pieces of ribbon per plate to lengths you like. Glue one end of each ribbon to the back of the plate. Be liberal with the glue; you don't want the plates to come crashing down. When glue drys, tie ribbon in a bow, leaving enough room so that the plates can hang.

- Step 4: Hang on the wall! Pretty easy!

Glowing Orange Candles

Tools: Clear glass votive candle holders, orange tissue paper, twine, scotch tape.

Directions:
- Step 1: Cut orange tissue paper in small strips (big enough to roll around the candle, not big enough to hang over and catch on fire!).

- Step 2: Roll votive in the tissue. Secure with tape.

- Step 3: Tie with a piece of twine. Voila, you have a spooky votive!

Warning: I wouldn't leave these candles unattended, after all, you are wrapping tissue paper around an object that could become hot...


Oh what unemployment/waiting for bar results will do to a gal!

Note: I didn't follow Design Mom to a tee; if you would like to see an alternative way to approach these projects, please see her blog!

Have fun! Happy Halloween!

Cheap and Easy Halloween Decorations