How to Make an Easy Black Crow's Nest Centerpiece for Halloween

Thank you to Oriental Trading Company for providing some of the supplies used to create our Halloween centerpiece.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Halloween is such a fun time of year to decorate.  I always try to find a good balance between cute and spooky.  My favorite part of Halloween is handing out candy to all the trick-or-treaters, so I would feel terrible if I ruined even one child's Halloween because something at my house was too scary.

This year, I saw some black feathered crows in Oriental Trading Company's Halloween Headquarters.  I showed them to my children, who thought they were pretty cool looking, so I felt inspired to come up with some easy crow-themed Halloween ideas.

How to Make a Crow's Nest Candy Bowl Centerpiece . . . 

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

1 clear round 5qt serving bowl

1 clear round 2qt serving bowl

1 pair decorative feathered crows

1 bag decorative fall leaves

1 bag black metallic shred (can also use matte)

2 or 3 small pumpkins (real or artificial)

1 bag bulk candy

Step 1.  Separate your artificial leaves into two piles, one pile for crinkled leaves and another pile for flat.  Take the crinkled leaves and make a large bed of foliage at the center of the table.  Then scatter the flat leaves on and around the pile of crinkled leaves.

TIP 1:  Using flat leaves in the areas around the leaf pile will make it easier for you to place other decor items or serving bowls and platters on the table.

Step 2.  Place the larger of the two clear round serving bowls in the center of the leaf pile.

Step 3.  Place the black shred (black Easter grass) inside the large bowl.  Pull the shred apart until it is loosely intertwined and covers the bottom and sides of the bowl all the way to the brim.  Then nestle the smaller clear round serving bowl inside the bowl of black shred.

TIP #2: Although you want to have the shred to show above the rims of the bowls, you can pull out any long strands hanging down over the edges to neaten your nest a bit.

Step 4.  Add the decorative black feathered crows to your centerpiece.  The pair of crows from Oriental Trading Company have wires at the bottom of their feet so I could bend the wires around the edge of a bowl or a pumpkin stem to help position the crows where I wanted them.

Step 5.  Fill your crow's nest with the candy of your choice.  One bag of bulk candy should be enough to fill this candy bowl to the top.

TIP 3:  Want to use your crow's nest candy bowl for handing out candy? If you have a place to set your bowl down on your porch, then the crow's nest can be used as-is.  If you need to hold the candy bowl or carry it to and from the door, then simply remove the crow.

Step 6.  Add a few small pumpkins to complete your Halloween display.

More Black Crow-Themed Halloween Ideas . . .

I also found this cool Eyeball Feather Wreath at Oriental Trading Company.  This wireless wreath was perfect for our door and will surely delight trick-or-treaters.  It runs on 3 AA batteries (not included) and has an on/off switch on the back.  You could also place the smaller of the two crows in the center of the wreath.

I also thought it would be super-fun to have a crow on your forearm when you greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.  To do this, simply take a glove or gauntlet with buckles or fasteners on it and wrap the wires on the crow's feet around the buckles.  We used an Anakin Skywalker costume glove and it worked out perfectly.

How will you be decorating for Halloween this year?  Share your ideas with us in a comment here.

Remember to Pin these Crow-Themed Halloween Ideas for later!  Also, be sure to check out our Zombie Head Eyeball Centerpiece from last year . . . 

Visit Oriental Trading Company for more fun Halloween ideas and supplies to inspire you!  Just having a quick look around always sparks new ideas for me.

Easy Convertible Spring to Easter Burlap Wreath Craft and Tablescape

Thank you to Oriental Trading Company for providing decorating and craft supplies to facilitate this spring and Easter craft project.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Some people love to craft new holiday-themed decorations every single year.  I am not necessarily one of those people.  I enjoy crafting very much, however, I would like to enjoy the fruits of my labor for at least 2 or 3 years.  The same philosophy applies to decorating for the various holidays throughout the year.  I always decorate for Christmas because the decorations go up about a month before the actual holiday and I am able to enjoy them for several weeks.  Putting up decorations for just one week hardly seems worth it to me, especially if spare time is a valuable and rare commodity in your home.  That's why I came up with the idea of "convertible" decorations for spring and Easter.  Below you will find an easy-to-make wreath and tablescape that can be converted from a springtime theme to an Easter theme and then back to springtime again with just one or two small changes.

Easy Craft:  Convertible Spring to Easter Burlap Wreath

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

burlap wreath

wired cream ribbon

ivory jute cord

glass butterfly pendants

small white rabbit

scissors

Step 1.  Fluff the loops on your burlap wreath and decide which part of the circular wreath you would like to be the top.  Then decide how you would like your glass pendants to be positioned around the wreath, keeping in mind that the 12 o'clock position should be reserved for the ribbon hanger.

Step 2.  Cut a piece of jute cord about 3" in length.  Thread the cord through a butterfly pendant and knot the two ends together, yielding a loop that is approximately 1" from the tip of the loop to the base of the knot.  Trim off the ends of the cord about 1/8" above the knot.  Do this for all the pendants.

Step 3.  Cut a piece of jute cord about 5" to 6" long.  Slip the end of the cord through a burlap loop in the desired position on the wreath.  Tie the cord around the loop tightly.  Then slip on a glass pendant using the loop you just tied in Step 2.  Tie the cord again tightly.  Make a neat bow with the cord (you may double-knot if you would like added security).  Make sure the loops on your bow are similar in size.  Then trim the ends with scissors so they are a similar length to the bow loops.

Step 4.  To hang your wreath from a curtain rod in the window, cut a piece of wired ribbon approximately 3' long.  (This could vary depending on how long you need your hanger to be.)  Then thread the end of the wired ribbon through your wreath and around your curtain rod, knotting the ends together.  Adjust the wired ribbon hanger so that the knot is hidden behind the top of the wreath.

Step 5.  To convert this spring wreath into an Easter-themed wreath, simply insert a plush bunny (or a shelf-sitter, rag doll, etc . . . ) into the center of the wreath.  I tied two pieces of jute cord around the bunny's neck into a bow for an added touch.

When Easter is over, simply remove the bunny and you have yourself a simple and tasteful spring wreath.  Of course, you are always able to change the pendants and cord/ribbon colors to coordinate with your own decor.

The same idea would be applied to a tablescape that can be easily converted from a springtime theme to an Easter theme and then back again.  For our tablescape, I used the following items:

DIY large silver tin pail

glitter sand Easter eggs

silk flowers

ivory jute cord

glass butterfly pendants

natural table runner (with seashells removed)

wired cream ribbon

ivy garland

clear light set

Mainly, the tablescape consists of a runner with a centerpiece on top surrounded by wired ribbon and garland that run the length of the table.  You can change the look of the tablescape simply by changing the contents of the centerpiece, by adding clear lights, or by adding Easter-themed items, like our Mod Podge glitter sand Easter eggs (find out how to make them here).  I especially liked the look of the white lights intertwined within the white silk flowers.

These tablescapes would make simple-to-do backdrops for your buffet table, dessert table, goodie bag table, and more.  What do you think about this idea of decorations that can convert between holiday and everyday themes?  What other holidays would you like to do this for?

Weekend Wishlist: Sydney Love Handbags, Mother/Daughter Aprons, Fall Decor, and More!

It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  Are you all set for Halloween?  I usually have all three of my children's costumes purchased by now.  Our 6 year old son says that he wants to just use the same werewolf costume he used last year because it was so cool and scary.  Our daughter has a whole slew of costumes to choose from in her closet.  In fact, she had a fairy costume all ready to wear to King Richard's Faire this year, but we saw a Maid Marian costume at Marshalls for a great price last week, so she'll be wearing that to the Renaissance faire instead.  Our 9 year old son wants to be a ninja this year, so that will be the only costume (plus accessories) I'll really need to buy this year.

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Blue & Black Gromm Beard Beanie - $14.99 (Originally $25)

2.  26" Berry & Leaf Wreath - $37.99 (Originally $90)

3.  Pumpkin Mosaic Hurricane Candleholder - $14.99 (Originally $27)

4.  Black Denim Bootcut Jeggings - $19.99 (Originally $45)

5.  Sydney Love Pewter Perforated Hobo and Cosmetic Bag - $54.99 (Originally $126)

6.  Teal Crinkle Lace Silk-Blend Infinity Scarf - $13.99 (Originally $39)

7.  Field of Dreams Loretta Apron - Women - $21.99 (Originally $35)

8.  Field of Dreams Jessica Apron - Kids - $13.99 (Originally $20)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

Easy Craft: DIY Spring or Summer Floral Wreath

In early Spring, I had started eyeing the pre-made wreaths at our local A.C. Moore store.  I did see a few that I liked, however, I kept putting off buying one because I knew I could make one myself.  The last time I made my own wreath was about 10 years ago, but I decided that it was time to dust off the old glue gun and make a nice large wreath that I not only liked, but loved.

I like my wreaths to be full.  I just think they look more dynamic and stately that way.  I am not a minimalist in any other part of my life, so why start with my front door, right?  Making a full floral wreath is easier than you may think.  Let me show you how . . .

DIY Project:  Full Floral Wreath

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

artificial grapevine twig wreath

large artificial floral bouquet

artificial floral garland

scissors or wire cutters

hot glue gun

hot glue sticks

Before we start, I want to explain why I chose to use a floral bouquet rather than individual stems of flowers.  The first reason is that the bouquet has a nice mix of different colors, shapes, and sizes of flowers that already work together.  The second reason is that a bouquet costs much less than buying each stem or pick separately, especially when you can find the bouquet on sale.

Step 1.  Make your own floral picks by cutting each flower from the bouquet.  Push the leaves up towards the flower if you would like to use them in your wreath.  Then cut the stem with scissors or wire cutters about a half an inch below the leaf.  Do this for all the stems of flowers.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

  

Step 2.  Take the garland and hide the end in the inner circle of the wreath by tucking it in between two twigs.  Then secure the end in place with some hot glue.

Step 3.  Now take the garland and secure it to a spot on the outer circle of the wreath with some hot glue.  Repeat this, alternating between the inner circle and outer circle of the wreath, similar to a zigzag pattern.  Be sure to secure each point with hot glue.

  

Step 4.  Plan out the general placement of your flower stems, making sure to disperse the sizes and colors evenly around the wreath.

Step 5.  Push each flower stem in between two vines on the wreath and then secure with hot glue.  Repeat with all the flower stems.


Here is the result of today's craft project . . .

The garland is the secret to making this wreath look really full.  I love how mine came out and so does my family.  It is a very cheerful sight to welcome us every time we return home.  Our 5 year old twins especially love it because they are the ones who picked out the original bouquet of flowers used to make this wreath.

Ruby Tuesday: Holiday Decorations Galore

In case you have not gotten your home decorated for the holidays, here is a little reminder. I love to decorate for the holidays inside my home. I try not to go overboard, but I'm sure I have in past years. I cannot wait until we move out of our townhouse so that we can decorate on the outside as well.

If you'd like to see more Ruby Tuesday photos, go visit Mary at Work of the Poet!

Creating With Colors: How to Make a Fall Foliage Wreath

Now that it is officially fall, it's time to take down all the warm-weather decorations and put up some reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. This project is easy enough for a child as young as a preschooler to complete (with your help of course).





Today's Project: Fall Foliage Wreath

Ask your child to create a wreath of leaves with fall colors, such as brown, red, orange, yellow, green, and purple.



Supplies Needed:

1. A cardboard ring (in a size that will fill the space you have in mind for hanging your wreath). We cut ours out of the side of a cardboard box.

2. Colorations Brown Tempera Paint

3. A Colorations Chubby Paint Brush

4. A Colorations No-Mess Paint Cup

5. All-Purpose White Glue

6. 24pk Magic Color Scratch Leaves Kit (Comes with 12 wooden styluses and 24 ribbon pieces for hanging)

7. Single Hole Punch

8. Plastic Trash Bag



Step 1: Lay the cardboard ring right-side up on top of the unfolded trash bag. Then paint the top side with brown paint.


Tip #1: A little paint goes a long way. You do not need to pour too much into the cup to start. You can always add more. For better coverage, apply two thin coats.

Step 2: Decide how many leaves in each color you will need to cover the cardboard ring. How much the leaves overlap is up to you.

Step 3: Using a wooden stylus, scratch a pattern, a picture, or words to decorate each leaf. Like with real leaves, no two will turn out exactly alike.

Tip #2: As an alternative to these scratch paper leaves, you could cut leaf shapes out of construction paper and decorate them with markers. I also found these very cool Liquid Watercolor Leaves which are made of diffusing paper. If your child likes to use watercolor or markers, these leaves would make a fine substitute for this project.

Step 4: By the time you and your child are finished decorating all the leaves, the paint on the cardboard ring should be mostly dry. Look at your ring and figure out where you would like the top of your wreath to be and then punch a hole about a half inch away from the edge. Then tie the ends of your ribbon piece together and loop it through the hole in the cardboard creating a knot. (If you are using a substitute for the scratch paper kit, then you can just cut a 6" piece of ribbon from your own stash.)

Step 5: Now it's time to start gluing on your leaves. Try to alternate your colors so that they are evenly spread out around the wreath and have them all pointing either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Tip #3: Put aside your child's favorite leaves and any that may have writing on them so they can be glued on last. This will prevent them from being obstructed by other leaves.

This is the final result of our project:

Our kindergartner was very pleased with the way our wreath came out. He also said that it was a fun project. This was his first time experiencing scratch paper, so I was happy that he enjoyed using it.

Tip #4: I recommend that this wreath be hung indoors only. Since all the materials are paper, the wreath will start to curl and buckle if exposed to moisture in the air.


Thank you to Discount School Supply for providing the Colorations art supplies for this project.