skip to main |
skip to sidebar
If you're like me and are slightly manic about what you want to be for Halloween (Frida Kahlo? Liz Lemon from 30 Rock? Cool spooky ghost?) and have been waiting up to the very the last minute to put something together, well you're in luck. With this simple hooded cloak ghost costume (made from two twin sheets) you'll be haunting the halls in no time! Step 1. Grab two white twin sheets (I purchased mine from Ikea). Step 2. Sew them together length wise. Cut out a head hole in the very center of both sheets (or do like I did and just seam rip the center stitches until your head can fit through and you are comfortable with the size of the hole). Step 3. Fold fabric in fourths so that the head hole is in upper right hand corner. Step 4. Trim corner opposite of head hole, rounding out the base of the cloak. Steps 5 & 6. Using remaining, trimmed fabric, cut two semicircles for hood (you can measure from the high forehead to the base of your neck and then add 3 inches of ease of just eye it based on how large you want it to be). Step 7. Sew semicircles together stoping about two thirds of the way through (this will be the neck area where you will attach the cloak). Hem edges of hood. Step 8. Sew hood onto cloak at the neck hole - leaving a bit of room at the base of the neck for tie. Step 9. Sew ribbons on to each side of the neck hole at the base of the hood for tie. Place your costume on, add a bit of ghoulish make up and let the haunting begin! This concludes our 5 full days of Halloween marathon! I hope you have been frightfully inspired.
Happy haunting this Halloween weekend!!
For day four, of our five days of Halloween, I bring you an oldie but goodie - paper snowflake pumpkins! Making these fun and festive paper decorations has become an annual family favorite for us. So gather around your little ghouls, grab your scissors, decorative papers and loads of imagination and your sure to have frightful, delightful time crafting each unique and surprising spooky face!
 For how-to instructions, click here.
And for a few more Halloween oldie's but goodies click here and here.
Jon and I have been stuffing our selves silly on some pretty fantastic pumpkin cream pies (also know as pumpkin whoopie pies) and we've been loving every bite of it. But what's Halloween if not a time to share our sugary loot with others?
So I got to work putting together some origami treat boxes (using my sister's fab tutorial here) so that we could share our baking delights with those we so hauntingly adore. These boxes are deceptively simple to make and quite addictive (... almost as addictive as these cookies!). For the boxes I used 12"x12" scrap book paper but, as my little sis frequently does, you can use wallpaper- or really just about any paper that has a stiffness to it. Add a bit of wax paper, a couple of cookies and you're set. 
OK ladies, like we need another excuse to go shoe shopping. But it certainly doesn't hurt if we know we will be reusing our shopping bag afterwards, right!? I've been particularly fond of this DSW striped shoe bag for sometime and have been saving it for just the right project. I think I finally found it! So today, for my second Halloween installment, I'm sharing with you how to make these super easy, super cute bat holders out of a cardboard tube, a little paint and a paper bag (or any other fun, thick paper you have lying around). This project is a fun and easy project for your kids to do as well.
First thing you do is cut the card board tube down to the size you want (you can use old paper towel or toilet paper rolls, etc.). Then you paint the tubes with black craft acrylic paint. While the paint is drying, cut out some bat wing shapes out of your bag/paper. (Because this bag has been around for sometime, it's a little wrinkled, but yours will most likely be smooth). Be sure to leave a little extra room where the wing will be attached to the cardboard roll as that part will be folded over and attached to the roll. Now cut two small black triangles for the bat ears.  Once the tube dries, go back and paint a simple bat face using white craft acrylic paint. After that dries, adhere the bat wings onto the body of the bat by folding over a bit of the wing and placing adhesive on the folded tab (I used glue dots for this but you could use simple elmer's glue). Place a dot of adhesive to each bat ear and then adhere them to the inside of tube wherever you want your ears. Give it a moment for the adhesive to do it's magic and then, voila! you have yourself a fun little bat in a matter of minutes!  The real batty magic happens when you decide just want to do with these little bats. You could use them as finger puppets and put on a spooky show or just set them out as a Halloween decoration but I really like their utilitarian value. For example they make great napkin holders and would be darling as a last minute addition to a haunted feast!  Or my personal favorite, candy holders. Don't you think these would make great favors at a Halloween party or serve as a fun way to package a treat for coworker, friend, etc. ?  In fact, they are so enticing they won't stay around for long. Watch our for little hands trying to sneak away with the candy! 
OK, the countdown is on. Whether you're scrambling to finish up your last minute costume preparations, parading through corn mazes, carving out those carefully selected pumpkin patch treasures or gathering with friends and family for hot cider, apple bobbing and spooky movie marathons...Halloween is in the air! And isn't it about time for Mermag to reflect that? Yes, Yes, Yes!! In fact, I have so much to make up for that I'm doing five straight days of Halloween! (a Mermag first)! So everyday for five days, starting today, I will post one fun Halloween craft, idea, activity, goodie, etc. to help you count down the last few goulish days before Tricks and Treats!
To start the countdown off I'm sharing a fun little felt pumpkin activity that has kept my Littles (and myself) entertained for hours. It's easy and pretty fast to make - always a win win combination. Simply cut out one or two (or however many you like) simple pumpkin shapes out of felt (I like having a tall one and a shortie to keep things interesting). Then grab your scissors and continue to snip away at various colors of felt, creating features and accessories for your little pumpkin pals.  I personally like the free style cutting approach as it adds a bit of character so don't be afraid to just cut away and see what you come up with. If you are someone who likes things more uniform you can always draw out your shapes first either on paper (to then be used as a pattern) or right on the felt before cutting.  It's so much fun to see these little pumpkins come to life and the combinations are truly endless. And...I must confess, for as much fun as my Littles are having, I think I'm the one who has become a bit obsessed with it (the more combinations I make, the more ideas I have...so I just keep cutting!). Little A has taken to scolding me randomly so that I'll leave it alone for a bit and let him have a go at it!
OK, I know your thinking..."Um, Mermag, I'm sipping hot apple cider in a chunky sweater and curling up inside with a good book, thinking of my final Halloween preparations...so why are you posting about summer?" Good question readers! All I can say is that this is the last summer installment and we are off to more appropriate spooky and chilly subject matter. I promise!!
So...moving right along... It's sort of become a tradition for us to have a little family photo shoot during our themed 4th of July festivities, and this year was no different. Following a sort of vintage Hawaiian (meets I'm not sure what?) we hammed it up in front of the camera. My little sister and her artist husband were kind enough to take a few shots for us in the middle of a misty drizzle and various children running this way and that. Thanks guys!  The above pics is one of my favs as it shows life as it really is: Jon and I trying to blissfully ignore the tormenting and fighting that goes on daily between my sweet littles. And speaking of littles...my baby is 2 today!!! I can't believe it. So I'm off to celebrate the rest of the day with him and family!
...Oh and I'll be back soon with Halloween goodies...and hopefully a birthday party wrap up!
Aloha! I know we are well into October, and Halloween in on the radar...So...the only thing I can say is that I have to hurry and get this summer round up completed so I can delve into skeletons bones and black cauldrons!
Shortly after the super-hero reunion we made our way out to Colorado for a patriotic 4th of July weekend with a Hawaiian luau twist...Allred style. My fabulous mother and sister, D-lyn, did most of the party prep creating giant, brightly colored surfboards that were used as benches (and then for photo back drops), organizing our annual hot dog bar, making fishing booths and lolli-pop ring toss games for the kiddos, adorning everything with grass skirts and much, much more (D-lyn even managed to make her very own vintage swim suit!).  The kids enjoyed the day show complete with colored fireworks and Mentos and Diet Coke explosions. D-lyn taught all the little girls Hulu lessons (after becoming a self-trained instructor via library videos) which they were head-over-heels for. There was also a lot of swimming, slip-and-sliding, chatting, eating, reminiscing, giggling, running, playing, laughing, chasing, movie watching, napping, game playing, fire work watching and more going on throughout the weekend. I can't think of a more perfect way to have celebrated the 4th. (Although we all agree that for next year's theme, we're going to have to keep to the red, white and blue color scheme...makes things really feel more patriotic...naturally. Plans for a nautical/pirate 2011 4th of July are in the works...I mean, it just wouldn't be an Allred party if we didn't put a slant on it...right?). 
With yesterday reaching a record high of 113 degrees in the LA area (HOT, people...HOT!), I felt it only appropriate to begin my 2010 summer round up series. You might have noticed that I was a little MIA during the summer months, but that doesn't mean I didn't have lots to share with you all. I simply wanted to soak up all the fun, and all the sun (yeah, 'cause it's not like it isn't hot for like...the entire fall season here or anything...) before getting back into the swing of things with school, work, holidays, blogging, etc.
To start things off with a bang I wanted to share with you the stellar Liddiard family reunion that Jon's sister, Karen (cute girl in the middle of all her brothers in the pic below), hosted for the family. She chose a super hero theme and flew with it. I was asked to help out with a few things and I was more than happy to indulge my inner party planner.  Upon arrival Karen greeted and presented each family with custom made reunion t-shirts with "Liddiard Man" on them that read "Truth, Justice and the Liddiard Way". Everyone then colored in the shirts by using fabric markers (genius Karen!), which was a huge hit with both kids and adults alike. Each family brought their own capes (I made ours, seen in the first two pics) which, when teamed up with the new t-shirts, made an incredible super hero sea of reds, yellows and blues. Karen borrowed a giant blow up slide for the occasion and the kids were happy to show off their mad super powers all while keeping cool. I created a make shift "photo booth" complete with speech bubbles so that the supers could communicate what was really on their minds. I also wrapped each table in banner paper and then drew on comic strip boxes for everyone to share or create their own incredible stories.  The afternoon continued with scrumptious food, oreo cookie eating contests, talent shows and good times with the cousins. Probably the highlight of the event was when we celebrated Jon's father, Don, who recently retired, with a personalized superhero book. I was in charge of compiling and designing the book, which was an honor (It became a wonderful way to learn more about my in-laws which made me love and appreciate them all the more). The book consisted of photos from Don's early years, family photos, admiring words and stories from all the kids and their spouses. He seemed genuinely pleased with the gift and I was happy to be even a small part of it.  The night concluded with an outdoor showing of The Incredibles complete with movie popcorn and red vines. It truly was an amazing day and I left feeling happy to be able to be a part of this true family of Incredibles!
If you are like me, you are thinking "where on earth did the summer go?" or "how is my little one growing up without my permission?". I know for many of you school has been in session for a few weeks already but for us Little A's preschool officially starts on Wed. which means, haircuts, earthquake backpack kits, and some serious deep sighs and misty eyes while thinking of how time just keeps on going by...and way too fast.
When Little A heard it was haircut time (he has been complaining about not being able to see so I hesitantly resigned to trimming his light golden tresses...) he had a very specific step-by-step approach of how it would all go down. First off he pulled his chair over to my computer (where I had several haircut inspiration pics up), told me he wanted to watch a hair cutting show and would like the usual lolli to accompany it. Then before I could make a snip he ran and got a marker and some tag board and drew his own version of what he wanted his haircut to look like (as seen above). As impeccable as his taste is, I decided not to go for the crew cut look...but we did shorten things up a bit. As for the entertainment, we settled on J ames and the Giant Peach and a Trader Joe's organic lollipop (he'll never know it was left over from my Valentines Day stash) and we got to work.  First stop to show off new do: preschool treasure hunt. Even though it wasn't his "official" first day of school we took pics (complete with Jon's studious faux glasses) before the event. After I had taken a few snap shots he exclaimed "I know mommy, like this!" and he proceeded to give me the rockin' pose shown above. And then "Oh wait mommy! This is it! It's really cool. Take a picture of me!" (as seen in pose below).  And last but not least, the earthquake backpack kit. OK, so if you want to look at how perfect your life already is and appreciate everything you already have, before anything terrible might happen to you or your family, just make an earthquake backpack kit for your child. Yeah, you'll reevaluate your priorities. After compiling a mini-photo album full of happy times, goofy faces, familiar places, etc. with the intent to calm, sooth and comfort my four year old in a possible scary time I couldn't help but get emotional. And then to write him a little note of comfort...and imagine him reading it...well that just about sent me over the edge. And a good wake up call. Now I look at my little ones with renewed gratitude and love. It's easier now not to see them as pestering, whining, mess making machines that are constantly interrupting my chi and let's be honest, destroying my house. No, now I easily see little angels full of happiness and humor, interesting conversationalists, precious bodies to hug and snuggle and pure, perfect joy. Yes Joy.
Wishing you all happy school days ahead!
OK, so summer is officially coming to an end...which makes the nights a bit more chilly and (in my opinion) absolutely perfect. And what could be more sublime for a breezy night than a light weight cowl scarf? And one that is so super easy to make? Even better. In fact, you probably don't even need a tutorial but here one is anyway!...which will hopefully make things extra simple.  STEP 1. Purchase 1/4 to 1/2 yard of some lovely light weight cotton or sheer fabric (make sure the bolt is 60" fabric or it will be a very tight cowl). I purchased the above breezy cotton fabric from Mood Fabrics in LA for my birthday this past April and was elated to finally decide on something to create with such scrumptious material.
STEP 2. Fold fabric in half with wrong sides together.
STEP 3. Stitch fabric together at the end.
STEP 4. Now for the only slightly tricky part. Turn the fabric inside out, press and sew the seam again, creating what's called a french seam (if you need a tutorial for this you can find one here). Then hem the sides of the scarf by turning over the raw edges 2x's (about 1/4 of inch or less) and stitch.
STEP 5. Your scarf is complete! To drape the scarf, simply place it over your head and around your neck, twist and loop, then place the remaining loop over your head once more and, voila! You are set for a breezy end-of-summer night under the stars.
*And for fall and winter, pick a heavier weight fabric, grab some hot chocolate and you are ready to fight the cold!
My good friend Jordan Daines has had a delectable grouping of enviable artwork stashed in her kitchen that I have wanted to get my hands on for some time. Well lucky for us she's hauling them out and offering them up for auction...with starting bids that will make you squeal with delight!
Jordan's husband Matt (picture of the super fab couple above) is working on his architectural thesis and Jordan has offered to help with the cost by parting with many of her much loved works of art. Thanks Jordan!! I'm going to have reign myself in a bit because I can think of, oh at least 5 paintings that I'm pretty sure I simply MUST have.
I'm pretty sure there are a few that you simply must have as well...so hop on over to her blog and let the bidding wars begin!
When I asked Little A what kind of cake we should make for Jon's birthday he said immediately and emphatically "a coconut cream donut cake!". Jon and I looked at each other wide eyed, laughed and then smiled. Jon was definitely on board. I thought I would have to make this "cake" up but we managed to find a recipe for " coconut cream donuts". We couldn't find any coconut cream so we filled them with banana pudding (an interesting and yet still scrumptious variation). They took a long time due to all the episodes of risings required but they were very fun to make. I've never deep fried anything before and let me tell you it was especially satisfying dropping the dough into a pot of hot oil and then watching it brown and "inflate".  My favorite was the donut itself just after cooling down a bit, with a little icing. Yum. Little A was just all about the coconut and the icing on top (as was his brother). Jon loved the entire donut. I'd say it was a great alternative to the traditional birthday cake. Thanks Little A for the inspiration!  I also thought I'd share another little gift I made for Jon on his day. I used an old typewriter that a friend gave me and wrote 34 different "titles" that Jon currently holds, such as "father", "actor", "friend", "teacher" and so on. I then turned them into little white flags and then stitched little flag poles with white thread. It was fun and simple way to celebrate Jon and all that he's accomplished thus far in his life.
Can I just say I love birthdays?
We are planning on having a fun filled day with our birthday boy today. I'm thinking a little Despicable Me, a little Thai food and a little present giving should make the day merry and cheerful. Oh and Coconut Cream Donut "cake" as requested by little A (and heartily agreed to by Jon. Little A just made it up on the fly but we actually found a recipe for this in donut form. Sounds delish).  I made the above card for Jon and we presented it to him complete with a champion breakfast-in-bed comprised of cinnamon toast crunch, milk and a banana. Add a balloon or two and we are ready to start our birthday celebrations!
I love you Jon. Happy Birthday!
I've been playing around with watercolors lately and these two paintings, Beth of Billings Hill and Eleanor, are the result of some of my experimenting. I'm really becoming quite the fan of watercolor and gouache. I've always been an acrylic kind of girl when it comes to painting, so it's been a fun challenge to mix things up a bit and explore these mediums.
Hop on over to the shop and check these new gals out.
The lovely Sheri Reed from the Stir (a Cafe Mom blog) asked me to be a part of a wonderful summer table setting series. It's been so hot here in So Cal (100 degrees+) that I haven't dared go outside to dine, but my little masked tea party could work just as well outdoors as in.   For tips on how to make your very own masked tea party hop on over here (and I might include ironing your table cloth...something I neglected due to an annoying flu bug and retched heat that made an iron the last thing I wanted to be near).
Happy summer dining!
|
Posts
