Day 6: Spooky Tin Can Lantern DIY

October 13, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Spooky Tin Can Lantern DIY

It’s Halloween time and we are getting pretty excited over here at The Paper Mama home. We have pumpkins EVERYwhere, and we plan on making a yarn spiderweb tomorrow. So much fun. You won’t be able to see all those decorations at night, so that’s why I made these Spooky Tin Can Lanterns! Since this project is made from recycled cans and a coat of paint, the cost of materials is so low. In fact, I already had all the items I needed in my home (plus I got to eat some soup for lunch). These could be so cute lined along your walkway for trick or treaters!

Supplies:

- three cans (the size is your choice)
- a variety of different sized nails (for different hole sizes)
- Hammer
- Spooky Tin Can Lantern Printables (Ghost, Pumpkin, kitty face)
- tape
- a kitchen towel
- Bright White Inkjet Paper
- HP Officejet Pro 8600 AiO Printer + Original HP Ink
- eye protection and gloves
- optional: black spray paint

Directions:

STEP 1:

Clean up your cans! Use warm soap and water to remove any glue, food, and paper from the can.

STEP 2:

Cut out the spooky lantern shape you’d like to use. Tape the shape over the outside of the can.

Tip #1: the printable patterns I provided will print out around 3 inches wide. If you need the images smaller, adjust the scale before printing.

STEP 3:

While wearing your eye protection and gloves, place the can on the towel (this will help with slipping) and use your nails and hammer to punch out the holes into the shape of your pattern.

Tip #2: I really recommend eye protection and gloves. You’re hammering a metal can and that means little metal slivers. Safety first!

STEP 4:

When your can is all punched out, let’s paint! In a well ventilated space (preferably outside) and wearing a mask/eye protection, spray two coats of black spray paint onto the outside of the cans (follow the spray can directions on the back of the can).

You can always create your own pattern! IF you make these let me know. I’d love to see how it turned out.

– Chelsey

P.S. I am a paid contributor for the HP Create blog.

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Tags: halloween

Categories: 50 DIY Days, diy, Holiday - Halloween, HP

Day 5: Monster Doughnut!

October 10, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Day 5: Monster Doughnut!

Another lovely Pinterest idea that I had pinned FORever ago. I’m not sure of the original idea source, but I have always loved it. The monster doughnut! These goodies are so funny and would be perfect for a spooky Halloween dessert. A tray full of these little monsters would be so cute.

So there’s not much of a tutorial to make these, but I can give you some tips. Things you need: candy eyeballs (found in the baking section of most grocery stores), doughnuts (cake doughnuts tend to fall apart more easily, but will work), a small amount of frosting, and plastic vampire teeth.

First, I recommend cutting the teeth in half so they don’t break the doughnut. Carefully push the teeth into the center of the doughnut to make a mouth. Use a tiny bit of frosting to attach the eyes.

Arrange these treats on a plate and serve at your holiday party, or surprise a kiddo with the funny monster doughnut!

It’s Friday, have a great weekend! To see the other 50 DIY Days of Holiday Crafts, check out this link.

– Chelsey

P.S. This is the 4th year for my 50 DIY Days. If you’d like to check out the past projects, you can click on these links (sorry for any broken links, it’s hard to keep up to date with all the posts… always a work in progress): 2011 // 2012 // 2013

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Tags: dessert, doughnut, halloween

Categories: 50 DIY Days, diy, food, Holiday - Halloween, Sweets

Day 3: Colorful No Carve Mini Pumpkins

October 8, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Day 3: Colorful No Carve Mini Pumpkins

I love to use spray paint in craft projects, so I tend to have a LOT of it leftover (I have a ton from past projects). So the other day I grabbed a few of the mini pumpkins I had lying around and sprayed them with the last bits of my brightest spray paints, but that wasn’t enough. I felt like they needed a little more (cause I can’t stop myself). I made a printable “Happy Halloween” banner, and a bunch of little bats. I attached them to the pumpkins and my project was complete. These little pumpkin friends would make a cute surprise for a friend, or neighbor. Pop them on their front step when they aren’t home. So cute. Want to make them?

Supplies:

mini pumpkins
multiple colors of spray paint
wire
wire cutters
tape
scissors
Banner and Bat printable

Directions:

STEP 1:

Clean any dirt off of the mini pumpkins and let them dry completely.

STEP 2:

In a well-ventilated area (preferably outside), wearing a mask and eye protection, spray one to two layers of paint on the mini pumpkins.

STEP 3:

Print out the Banner and Bat printable I made and cut out the shapes.

STEP 4:

Cut out little sections of wire. Tape the banner and bats onto the wire with the washi tape. You can also tape the printables onto the actual pumpkins.

STEP 5:

Push the wires into the pumpkins, and you are done!

Place these in your entryway, or use them as a surprise gift. I personally chose to keep mind in the front entrance for a pop of color! To see the other 50 DIY Days of Holiday Crafts, check out this link.

– Chelsey

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Tags: halloween, printable, pumpkin

Categories: 50 DIY Days, diy, Holiday - Halloween

Day 2: Monster Eyeball Wreath

October 7, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Day 2: Monster Eyeball Wreath

Yes this was a post from last year, but I like to share a few flashback in this 50 DIY Days of Holiday Crafts series. Just like a, “Hey, remember this?” My kiddo loves this monster eye, but sometime I think it looks like a weird hairy boob, ha! Anywho, it’s pretty fun for Halloween and kids’ think it’s a funny monster, so that works for me.

Supplies you need for this project:

foam wreath (I used a 12″ size)
8 inch smooth foam half ball
1/2 yard of “monster” fur material
hot glue + glue gun
one 8″ x 10″ piece of black felt
optional: wire

To make this wreath you can find the full DIY over here.

I’ll see you guys tomorrow with a new DIY!

– Chelsey

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Categories: 50 DIY Days

Day 1: Etched Mustache Glassware DIY

October 6, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Day 1: Etched Glassware Mustache DIY (using a Dremel)

It’s Day 1 of my 50 DIY Days of Holiday Crafts for 2014. Wow. My 4th year doing this, and yeah… I’m crazy. Anywho, let’s chat about what I’ve made for today. A couple of cute mustache beer glasses, plus one kitty whisker glass (for me). I know mustaches are EVERYwhere, but I still love them. Especially when you put them on a mug or glass and it looks like you have a mustache or whiskers when you take a drink. Ha! Glass etching has been on my to do craft list FOREVER, and now I’m addicted. It was so much fun to do this. I’ve actually had a Dremel for about 10 years, but I just never tried anything with glassware. I think I was too nervous to even give if a try. Not anymore! It’s so much easier (and fun) than I thought it would be. Basically you just need a pattern taped to the inside of the glass, and your Dremel (and a few minutes of time).

How perfect would this DIY be for a gift? My husband always loves a tasty craft beer for Christmas (we are Portlanders) and we can always use another glass (we have a crazy 4-year-old that has dropped a few of our favorite glasses). Ok, are you ready to do this? Follow my directions below. There’s also a quick video below that will help.

Supplies:

Dremel® Micro™8050
84922 Silicon Carbide accessory
Beer glass
Eye protection
Mask
Mustaches Printable Pattern
Tape

Directions:

STEP 1:

Print out the mustaches printable. Cut out each shape to a size that can fit in your glassware.

STEP 2:

Tape the mustache pattern to the inside of your glass.

Tip: glassware can get a bit expensive if you need to buy a lot, but I can always find nice sets at our local thrift shop for cheap.

STEP 3:

Put your diamond tip into your Dremel and tighten. Turn on the Dremel and put the speed to 28.

STEP 4:

Wearing your eye protection and mask, get started with the etching. Follow the outline of your pattern. If you’re using the new Dremel micro, you’ll have the cool LED front end lighting to help you see the pattern.

STEP 5:

After you have the outline etched, I found it was easier to see what you’re doing if you take the pattern out of the glass to fill in the mustache.

STEP 6:

Wash your glass with soap and water.

I’m totally a visual person, so just in case you are too…. I made a video for you to follow.

Now that you’re done you have a choice to make: Will you keep this for yourself or give as a gift? It’s so easy, you might as well make one for yourself and a friend.

– Chelsey

P.S. For an awesome tool that does a ton, this Dremel is a great price. You can purchase the Micro 8050 online at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com for $89 USD. For more information on Dremel products, project ideas and problem-solving tips, visit www.dremel.com.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Dremel wants to celebrate its fans’ brilliant projects, work and ideas! Now through October 12, share, tweet or post photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that depict your brilliant ideas using the hashtag #MyBrilliantIdeaSweeps for the chance to win weekly prizes, including free tools and handmade gifts, or the grand prize: a custom-engraved Honda scooter and a Micro 8050. Visit www.facebook.com/dremel for rules and to learn more.

Maple Tree Seed Fall Wreath DIY

October 2, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

It’s a new season, so that means it’s time for a new wreath (I love wreaths… and Fall). I’d like to introduce all of you to the newest member of our wreath family: the Maple Tree Seed Fall Wreath DIY. Made from maple tree seeds, pinecones, and acorns. All of these items were found on a walk with my kiddo. Whenever we walk she picks up these goodies and they ALWAYS end up in my purse… Not anymore! We made something out of our finds and I shared this project on the Better Homes and Gardens blog. I do believe this is my favorite wreath creation so far.

Side random note: My friend let me switch things up a bit and photograph this wreath on her cute orange door (and with her silly dog). I’d LOVE to have an orange door, but our trim is red and I don’t feel like painting trim right now. Anywho…

If YOU would like to check out how I made this wreath, head on over to the Better Homes and Gardens blog. The cost to make this is under $8. Yay!

Who else is as excited as I am for Fall?

– Chelsey

P.S. I’m a paid contributor on the Better Homes and Gardens Style Spotter Blog.

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Tags: fall, halloween, wreath

Categories: BHG, diy, Holiday - Halloween

Halloween Candy Corn Jello with Spooky Spoon Toppers!

October 1, 2014 | Posted by Chelsey

Here’s the thing, I don’t like the taste of candy corn. Then why did I make candy corn jello? Well, it doesn’t actually taste like candy corn (yay) because it’s made with lemon and orange jello, then topped with whipped cream. Yup. It’s a fun treat for this Halloween! I think it’s perfect for a spooky party, but it’s also the perfect everyday treat for the kiddo (or yourself). It takes very little effort to create and just a couple of supplies to make this inexpensive party treat. Plus, I made a cute spoon topper (think cupcake topper, except more spoony) to decorate these treats. How cute would these be all set up on a tray?

Supplies:

1 small box of lemon jello
1 small box of orange jello
1 can of whip cream
8 juice glasses
8 clear plastic spoons
washi tape
Printable Spooky Spoon Toppers (bats or candy corn or ghosts)
Paper

Directions:

STEP 1: Grab the clean glassware and put a single plastic spoon into each juice glass.

STEP 2: Following the directions on the back of the Jello, prep the lemon box. Pour the prepared jello mixture into a liquid measuring cup (so it’s easier to pour into the juice glasses). Carefully pour the lemon mixture about 1 1/2 inches into the bottom of each juice glass. Place the juice glasses into the refrigerator and let chill for 4 hours. Tip #1: It’s important to let the jello chill for the full 4 hours, or longer. If you move onto step 3 too fast, the flavors could blend.

STEP 3: Following the directions on the back of the Jello box, prepare the orange flavor. Pour the prepared jello mixture into a liquid measuring cup. Let the Jello cool on the counter. I let mine cool for about 20 minutes. Carefully pour the orange mixture about 1 1/2 inches over the chilled lemon Jello. Place the juice glasses back into the refrigerator and let chill for 4 hours.

STEP 4: Print out your the spoon toppers you’d like to use (bats or candy corn). Cut the shapes out and use some washi tape to attach the spoon toppers onto the plastic spoons. Place the Jello back into the refrigerator and store until you’re ready to serve. Right before serving, take the Jello out of the refrigerator and top with whip cream! Now you have an adorable Halloween treat!

Now you’re done!

Are you excited for Halloween? Cause I AM so excited. Christmas is usually my fave time of the year, but having a kiddo makes Halloween even more exciting.

– Chelsey

P.S. I’m a paid contributor for the HP Create blog.

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Tags: dessert, halloween, printable

Categories: diy, food, Holiday - Halloween, HP, Sweets