Queen of Halloween (that’s me)

As I have mentioned before, I love Halloween. In my opinion it is the most superior of all holidays.  Costumes, silliness, kids knocking on doors demanding candy. What’s NOT to love?!!! So in honor of this fantastic day, I have an annual Halloween Party. And its pretty great. As a result, my collection of Halloween decor has grown quite extensive. That being said, some of my favorite decorations are simple ones I have made or assembled from things I had at home or in the garden. So today on Makeroom I am featuring some of my all time best Halloween decorations.

1.Lighting

Lighting is critical. It sets the mood and can turn your home into a spooky haunt with the flick of a light switch and the lighting of a few (okay, maybe alot of) candles. I frequently purchase sanctuary candles as they are cheap, readily available, come in many colors, and burn for a long time. I am also a fan of using white lunch bags as votive bags, and line our walkway and front yard with them the night of our party. Add a little sand or dirt so they don’t blow away, finish with a tea light and you are set. Featured here are candles printed with lace using black paint, a roller and a lot of pressure. Below is a very easy project involving wrapping mason jars with cheesecloth, secured with safety pins (sprayed painted black), finished with plastic spiders hot glued on.

2. Day of the Dead Altar

I always construct a Dead of the Dead Altar. Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, it originated in Mexico, and coincides with All Saints Day, but has spread to the United States and is widely celebrated in California, where I hail from. Its a day to remember those that have passed and to honor the dead. The colors associated with Dia de Los Muertos are bright and lively. It is as much a celebration of the living as it is for the dead. The altar is a great conversation piece for the party, but I also enjoy having it in the house to remember those that have passed on. Each year I add to it. Last year I made and decorated sugar skulls, which you can keep and reuse from year to year. For the less ambitious, the key ingredients to a good alter include: multiple levels, constructed out of boxes and stacks of books covered with a colorful cloth, marigolds, lots of candles, various pieces of skull decor, bright colors, offerings such as candy, cookies, flowers for the departed, and of course, pictures of those you are honoring. In addition to family and friends who have passed on, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and many of my friends pets have all had a place of honor on my altar. This year we’ll be making a special little place for Beastie Boy, MC-A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. PUMPKINS!

I love myself some heirloom gourds (when was the last time you heard that phrase uttered…). I really do. Green, white, striped, lumpy or bumpy, you name it. Some years I try my hand a growing a few of my own- this year is was white “Lumina” and orange “Cinderella” pumpkins. But no year have I been able to escape the allure of the pumpkin farm. Let’s be very clear, emphasis on “farm”, DE-emphasis on jumpy house. I am talking about an honest to goodness farm where pumpkins are grown. I swear, they really do exist, and they are completely worth seeking out.

Any of these beauties would be enough to deck the halls all on their own. That being said, I decided to take it one step further with my pumpkin decor this year. This project does not involve any carving, which nice as carved pumpkins have a short shelf life, especially in climates such as mine when it is still quite warm in October.

You will need the following items for this project:

• Black spray paint (matte or gloss, your choice)
• A small or medium sized pumpkin
• A large pair of lace underwear, or some other kind of stretchy lace material
• One rubber band

4. (Dead) Floral Arrangements

At the end of summer while I am cleaning out the garden, I always put aside any cuttings I thing will make for interesting Halloween arrangements. Twigs, branches, sunflowers, hydrangeas, poppies, all make for great additions to a spooky, autumn inspired centerpiece. Add a little black spray paint, and its even better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night my mom and I were talking about why I like Halloween so much. She recalled that as a kid I was no less enthusiastic, coming home red in the face and sweaty from wearing the wig that went with my witch costume for the entire duration of trick or treating. Making decorations for our home from scraps of construction paper and taping them to the bay window at the front of our house. Doing costume “dry runs” the night before. I think it has to do with the suspension of the rules. Wear what you want. Pretend to be someone you aren’t. Stay out after dark. Spoil your dinner and eat candy.  I really was tickled by the novelty of  this, and as an adult, I guess I still am. So make a little room for doing something because if for no other reasons, it makes you smile and feel 7 again.

Happy Halloween, ya’ll!