Search Results for: blog fall crafts making paper bag pumpkins

What to Do With Your Fall Leaves

Oh boy. It must be fall. There are leaves coming down everywhere, and everywhere people are raking them into piles. In our neighborhood, we have folks who come around in a big truck to take the leaves away. What? I want those leaves! What can you do with leaves, you might ask? Turn them into giant pumpkins. This might be a temporary solution, but if you have a lot of leaves they are perfect for slipping into a big orange garbage bag. Put a scary face onto the bag, and you have an instant giant Halloween decoration, no blowing up … Continue reading →

Seasonal Decorating on a Budget

Fall is in the air, and if you have kids, signs of the season are likely on your floors, tables and chairs. Yesterday, I found a colorful leaf near the bathtub. A soggy, orange leaf that likely hitched a ride on the bottom of my daughter’s shoe. While I am a huge fan of autumn’s brilliant colors, I’d prefer them sprucing up my home in others ways. For example, if you are trying to add seasonal flair to your home this fall, but don’t have a ton of money to buy elaborate decorations, consider crafting these affordable projects using natural … Continue reading →

Cheap and Simple Fall Fun for Kids

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun with kids. Sure, a trip to a fancy amusement park can be a real memory maker, but when it comes down to it, children relish simple moments with loved ones who shower them with attention and affection. You can do that and more by taking your kids on an outdoor adventure. Make the most of fall’s gorgeous weather by trekking around the block, to a park, or on the trails of a local arboretum. Most young children have extra energy to burn, so keep them busy by having … Continue reading →

Fall Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Forget about combing the aisles of Michaels or Hobby Lobby for unique fall decorations. Instead, head outside for inspiration… and super cheap materials. And by super cheap I mean free. Yes, Mother Nature’s got Michaels beat in regards to price and accessibility. From gorgeous colored leaves to acorns, gourds and whimsically-shaped branches, you can gather an entire room’s worth of natural items from your own backyard, and then flex your creative muscle to design one-of-a-kind fall decorations. Here are some simple ideas that even your kids can make: LEAF PEOPLE: Lay out a large piece of craft paper and trace … Continue reading →

Trunk-or-Treat Costume Ideas

Trunk-or-treat events are more popular than ever before. The alternative to traditional trick-or-treating is typically offered by church groups or other organizations that believe hosting a safe place for kids to gather goodies is preferable than having them exposed to various Halloween-related threats. And with the holiday falling on Sunday this year, church-sponsored trunk-or-treat events are set to take place at a record number of participating religious centers. If you are planning to attend a trunk-or-treat event you might want to skip the chainsaw–wielding, axe-in-the-head, brains-oozing-out, zombie costume and select from one of these Bible-inspired getups: Adam and Eve: Wear … Continue reading →

Witch-tastic Halloween Fun

Pumpkins, candy and witches are staples of any Halloween party, but the latter is not as easy to incorporate into the menu as the former two. Or is it? The following fun tricks illustrate how you can turn a witch theme into a real Halloween treat: CHOCOLATE WITCH HATS Ingredients: 24 chocolate-flavored sugar ice cream cones 24 Oreo cookies Assorted small Halloween candy, such as M&Ms, Skittles, Reese Pieces, candy corn, etc. Chocolate ganache 5 tablespoons whipping cream 5 tablespoons light corn syrup 8 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips Directions: Bring cream and syrup to simmer in a sauce pan … Continue reading →

Celebrate Halloween All Day

When it comes to celebrating Halloween, most people focus on trick-or-treating or costume parties, both of which are traditionally nighttime events. However, in our family, Halloween is an all-day affair. Basically, we party from sun up to sun down. I’m kidding. Though, we do nosh from sunrise to the witching hour, on foods I make especially for the holiday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (and the occasional late snack) all feature Halloween-inspired foods, including these favorites that I whipped up last year: PUMPKIN PECAN PANCAKES Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon … Continue reading →

Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun with Leaves

Fall’s cooler temperatures have been delayed a bit here in the Upper Midwest. I, for one, couldn’t be happier, but I know many people are anxious for crisper days and the sight of trees exploding with vibrant yellows, oranges and reds (that is until they have to carve time out of their busy schedules to rake those gorgeous leaves off their driveway). Regardless of when fall finally rears its head in your neck of the woods there is nothing like soaking up the season with family members and friends. Use the time to go on a nature hike and make … Continue reading →

Do-It-Yourself Halloween Costumes for Boys

Part of the reason I allow my 5-year-old to attend so many Halloween-related events is that I want to get the most out of the money I dropped paying for her overpriced costume. However, if your son is content with using a costume simply to trick-or-treat, then you might consider making your own. After all, why should you drain your bank account if your little guy is only going to dress up for a couple of hours on Halloween night? Save your money, and instead, rummage through your home for the materials needed to make these simple, yet creative costumes: … Continue reading →

Simple No-Sew Halloween Costumes

Whereas my mother could sew a bridge to connect Hawaii with California, I struggle to reattach buttons to blouses. If you are as bad a seamstress as I am, then you might have never considered making your own Halloween costume. Fortunately, there are a myriad of spooky getups you can create without having to sew a single stitch. Here are some ideas: Spider: Use a pair of black sweats and a black sweatshirt. For the spider’s legs, use old black pantyhose and stuff them with anything lightweight such as tissue paper or fiberfill. Then, staple or glue the pantyhose shut, … Continue reading →