Dollar Tree Ideas for Halloween

I think it's no surprise how much I enjoy visiting Dollar Tree, especially at Halloween.

I had thrifted an orange tree skirt a few years ago at Goodwill and really wanted to jazz it up for Halloween.  So, when I saw these felt characters, I knew they'd be perfect for my plain skirt.

I'm pretty excited with how it looks, but now Josie thinks I need to include presents under our Halloween tree.

Another recent addition to this year's Dollar Tree merchandise are these glow-in-the-dark skeleton arms and inflatable eyeballs (bought separately).

We've got several of these strategically placed around our very large yard spider and I think Chris is going back for even more.

I'm also pretty smitten with these Halloween ice cube trays.  Josie and I experimented with them over the weekend using lemon/lime Faygo pop and cherry juice.  Creepy and fun!  Happy thrifting!  Happy Halloween, friends!

Estate sale finds and Halloween crafting

Last year, I purchased a box of award ribbons from estate sale land. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but I loved the colors and thought I might be able to use them in some type of display at Halloween.

I recently dug through my craft room and found a few things to add to my ribbons.

I'm really happy with how they turned out and they are now part of my Halloween bunting.

I'm using mini clothes pins to hang some of my Halloween treat bags in between the ribbons. After 25 years of Halloween parties, I can't stop tweaking and creating new displays. Have a thrifty/crafty weekend, friends.

Feeling crafty!

I've been needing some crafting time BADLY.  My latest Instagram obsession is Heidi Kenney from mypapercrane .  Although I will never quilt, or knit or sew, or design amazing fabric (and she does all of these things and more) she made an absolutely awesome wreath that I couldn't stop thinking about. 

You really need to go visit her blog if you aren't following her on Instagram.  Her wreath version is different from my own featured here.  She's so clever!

You can find all sorts of faux gourds at Dollar Tree and Dollar General right now and then it's a matter of getting creative with paint and putting together some type of wreath base.

The possibilities are endless!

This is just such a fun project. Happy fall crafting!

PS.   I'm so behind on blog visits.  The new university semester start up always kicks my butt, but I promise to start visiting again.  Pinky swear. 

Halloween crafting

Inspired by My Paper Crane and Viv (Instagram accounts), I took up the paint brush and decorated a few polyfoam gourds.

Both Dollar Tree and Dollar General are selling them right now.  I've even seen polyfoam gourds at our local Meijer's Grocery Stores.  

If you are curious, the wooden end of the paint brush works well for making their little teeth.  I used crafting holly berries for their noses and faux candy corn from Hobby Lobby.

 Don't you just love their personalities?  Happy crafting!
 

Weekend cramming!

How was your weekend?  Our's was nonstop busy.

Emma spent most of her weekend busy with marching band obligations.  I think most people would be surprised to know just how long they practice for their very late competitions each weekend. It's not uncommon for these students to be gone for 12 hours on Saturdays.

 We're so proud of the Grandville marching band!

We're on the final countdown to this Friday's Halloween party and we made the most of every available minute this weekend starting with testing the on-loan" popcorn machine.

 Josie and I also enjoyed a little paper crafting early Saturday morning.

This craft was a big hit with Josie, but it does require adult assistance with the stapler.

 We've had fun decorating the ceiling of the sunroom this year. 

The ladders were also temporarily moved back inside so that a few large spiders could inhibit our living room.

The "official" Halloween bunting was also hung with care.

One of the best parts of decorating is unpacking things that I purchased last year after Halloween on clearance.  

I seem to have a thing for black cats and candy treat bags!

I'm not sure if there are child labor laws against paint brick laying, but it turned into a family affair Sunday afternoon.  

We will be sharing the big garage transformation later this week.  It needs a bit more dry time. Have a great week!  The Halloween countdown continues at our house!
   

Target Transformations (a few Halloween ideas)

If you've been following me on Instagram, I've been sharing some of Target's latest Halloween goodies and how they can be transformed. I especially love Target's $1 and $3 goodies.   If you happen to be running errands, you might want to pick up a few things while they are still available. 

The foam glittered owls and skulls are available in the $3 bin section near the front of the store.

The $3 mini paper hats are back with their Halloween decorations.

With a few straight pins, a hot glue gun and a few embellishments, they can look like this!

I think one of my favorite $3 finds are these LED putz style houses.  They are back in the Halloween section.

Grab your glue gun, a few scrapbooking supplies and you can turn it into this.

If you haven't figured it out, it's ALL THINGS Halloween for the next few weeks at our house. 

PS.  Target if you're reading this, feel free to throw a few gift cards my way!  Tee hee.

Feeling a little witchy...

Anyone else have Halloween crafting on the brain?

   

Curious Halloween Kitties!

It's time again for the annual pumpkin contest at Josie's elementary school.  

We used lots of straight pins, ribbons, and miniature pumpkins for this year's entry.

We think our curious Halloween kittens are pretty darn cute.  

We'll be dropping it off tomorrow evening.

Happy "almost" Halloween!