Tag: Halloween

DIY Halloween Decor: Embroidered and Studded Pumpkins

With Halloween less than two weeks away, we’re skipping the more time-consuming DIYs and showing you two unbelievably easy and straightforward pumpkin décor ideas that you can put together at the drop of a (witch) hat.

First, a throwback DIY that is so quick and simple we had no choice but to raise it from the dead. If you’re looking for an easy DIY that will instantly make your doorstep more festive for your favorite frightening holiday, Halloween, this is it!

For a pumpkin decoration, instead of going the traditional carving route, we decided to make use of our leather cord to create a unique embroidered effect. We also used a craft foam pumpkin for this DIY so that it can last multiple seasons, but you can swap it out for the real thing too! Get ready to not carve up some pumpkins!

Spooky Embroidered Pumpkin

What You’ll Need:

Scissors

Spooky Image of Your Choice

Pins

1mm Round Leather Cord

Pumpkin

1

Cut out your image that you drew or printed. Pick a design that isn’t too complicated.

 

2

Pin paper cut-out to the pumpkin using the pearl head pins.

 

3

Cut out the top of the pumpkin. If you’re using a real pumpkin you’ll want to clean out the inside!

 

4

Make a knot at the base of the leather cord.

 

5

Either drill or puncture small holes into the pumpkin using your cutout as a guide. Make sure the holes are big enough to thread the cord through comfortably.

6

Start weaving your leather cord through all of the holes. Make sure every hole has a corresponding hole close by.

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Continue weaving until the image is complete. For small areas you can tie a knot and weave back through one hole, as we did with the spider fangs.

 

And you’re done! #squadgoals

 

Studded Pumpkin

What You’ll Need:

Assorted Pronged Nailheads

Pumpkins in Assorted Sizes

 

1

Get several pumpkins in several sizes. We chose smaller pumpkins because we were low on time but this DIY is great for pumpkins of all sizes. You can use our Hotfix Nailheads if you are working with a hard plastic pumpkin.

 

2

Carefully push the prongs of the nailhead into the skin of the pumpkin until they are secure. Or glue them on with Hotfix nailheads if you are using a plastic pumpkin.

 

3

Play around with creating different patterns using various colors, shapes and sizes. Add as many or as few as you’d like and then you are done!

 

4

Here we used small round nailheads for our tiny pumpkin.

 

5

For this striking white pumpkin, we used different types of nailheads to create a playful look.

 

And here are the four beautiful pumpkins that were crafted in just minutes.

Happy Halloween!

 

 

DIY: Sugar Skull Inspired Halloween Mask

Guys. It’s October. If you haven’t started planning your costume already, you better start now. Halloween is fast approaching, and I want to help you out with a DIY mask to get you started on your costume. I’ve put together a fairly simple tutorial to make a Day of the Dead mask, inspired by the sugar skulls. I’m sure you’ve all seen awesome Day of the Dead themed costumes the last couple of years and now it’s time to make your own.

Did You Know: Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where people believe that the spirits of their loved ones are reunited with them for two days following Halloween.

What you’ll need:

Flatback Rhinestones

Sew-on Jewels in Different Shapes

3D Flower Patches

Magna-Tac Glue

A Mask

A Rhinestone Applicator

 

1

I improvised the placement of the stones for the most part. That’s what was most fun about this DIY. However, if you need a little more guidance, you can use a pencil to lightly sketch out a design on your mask.

2

Start by applying a thin layer of glue to the area you want to place the stones. I started around the eyes. Then, using a rhinestone applicator, pick up the stone and place it where you want it. Repeat till you’re done with that section.

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I kept going with the designs, using different colors and shapes to create dimension.

4

When you’re done with the stones, take the flower patches and glue each one, facing forward, to the back of the mask. I added one on the front in the center just to give it some depth.
A good substitute for these patches would be red silk roses. 

That’s it, you’re done! Pair this with a corset, tulle skirt and some lace gloves to complete the look.

 

Halloween Décor Inspiration

There is no American holiday that is as creative and original as Halloween. Between scary and sophisticated Halloween masks, Halloween costumes that range from political to pop culture to classic, and spooky and chic indoor and outdoor décor, this yearly celebration is a godsend for creative DIY-ers like us. Here are some of our favorite Halloween decorations that are stunning and bold and can be crafted at home.

Embellished Pumpkins

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This DIY sequin polka dot pumpkin is an elegant addition to any doorstep or foyer. All you need are gold sequins, craft glue and a pumpkin or two and you are all set.

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Spooky Wreaths

This dazzling pumpkin is a shiny and stylish take on the classic jack o’ lantern carved pumpkin. Think less spooky and chilling and more stately and refined, perhaps a statement piece for your dining room. Paint your pumpkin, add any number, size and color nailheads and you’re done!

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This batty wreath can be easily crafted with bat patches. The 3-D effect will make your front door pop and is sure to scare all the kiddies in the neighborhood.

 

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Eerie Lighting

Halloween would be incomplete without a spooky wreath for your door. This Day of the Dead themed wreath features large, blooming flowers and creepy, soul-piercing skulls.

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Dress up a mason jar with candles and lace to set the mood and add a warm glow to your Halloween decked home. Use this décor all year round to add ambiance to any room.

Whether this is your first time DIYing your décor or your tenth season transforming the mundane into the masterful, don’t get spooked! These easy DIY décor inspirations are sure to steer you in the right direction. Happy Halloween and Best Witches!

Halloween Masquerade Inspiration

Getting ready to attend a masquerade ball this Halloween? Well, you’re in good company. These parties have been around since the 15th century and are still going strong today. Originally happening during the festive time before Lent and celebrating marriages and life events, today the masked ball is about socializing and having fun, meeting new people, and even concealing your identity to be able to free your inhibitions and party more freely.

Originating in Italy, masquerade balls have spread rapidly to most of the world. Each country and culture that has adopted this celebration has added their own spin and fashion to these festivals, culminating in beautiful masks ranging from modern to traditional and showcasing the country’s heritage and roots. This Halloween, you’ll see masks ranging from traditional Venetian, to lace, feathers and jewels, super hero and tv characters, animals both real and mystical, Day of the Dead, classic Halloween icons and even painted on masks made entirely of jewels and make up. Whatever look you’re going for, we’ll help you get inspired with some of our favorite masks of 2017. Masquerade balls are one age-old tradition that we can’t wait to partake in each year!

First up, we have Venetian masks from the Carnival of Venice, a traditional celebration held each year and filled with some of the world’s most elaborate masks. These masks are characteristically full faced and monochromatic, with matching feathers, jewels and trim.

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Next up is a mask of one of the year’s most amazing super heroes. Who can forget Gal Gadot’s performance in Wonder Woman? If you’re looking to dress up as your favorite sci-fi role model, look no further than this stunning mask filled with eye popping gold and sleek, full bodied, dark feathers.

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As far as mystical creatures are concerned, unicorns rank as the very best. It would be utterly cool if these legendary beasts came to life. In the meantime, show your love with this easy to make unicorn mask complete with horn and hair in soft pastel colors.

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The beauty of the traditional lace mask is that it will go with any outfit and is as elegant a mask as it gets. It is chic and dressy and won’t take the focus away from your killer dress. Add rhinestones and assorted jewels to the mask for a hint of sparkle and sophistication.

This offbeat Minnie Mouse lace mask appeared in a 2005 Vogue but it’s still so stylish and relevant.

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When considering a Halloween mask, be sure to also consider Halloween make up and nontraditional masks that utilize jewels and sequins to paint the face in an unrecognizable, dazzling work of art. Here are some favorites. Maison Margiela is known for the full face rhinestone masks.

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Halloween tends to bring out a bit of our darker sides. It’s just starting to get cold and you can feel the first chill of winter everywhere around you. It’s pitch black outside and you’re pressed against a throng of people at a parade or a party. This is the best atmosphere for a dark, alluring, raven mask. You’ll blend in to your surroundings elegantly and seamlessly.

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Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a celebration honoring the dead. What better look for your spooky masquerade ball then an otherworldly dalliance with the dead and perhaps, the undead? This look is heavily centered around a red and black floral and lace headband and ornate, hand drawn designs and drawings on the mask itself.

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Classic masks should not be overlooked when choosing your masquerade look. These masks can easily be DIYed with feathers, rhinestones and perhaps beads or flowers. This is the best look if you want to customize your mask and make sure that it will be truly one of a kind. The possibilities are endless but here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

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This Halloween season, it is our responsibility to continue the 600 year old tradition of attending masquerade balls like our predecessors have done for generations. This is the one night a year that you can revel in a new identity and embrace the mystery around you without any reservations. Wherever this night takes you, put on a mask and party in style.

 

DIY: HALLOWEEN TREAT BAG

The best part of halloween is definitely the candy! So why not dress up your treat bag in its own little costume? We’ve put together two simple DIY tutorials for fun treat bags that you can fill with all the sweets you can get.

BAT SILHOUETTE BAG

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What you’ll need:

A tote bag

White Felt

Bat Iron-on Patches

Scissors

Fabric Glue

dsc_06721. Trace a circle on the felt to make the shape of the moon. Make sure it’s proportionate to the bag and the patches.

dsc_06772. Cut the circle out and using the fabric glue, glue it onto the bag.

dsc_06783. Place patches as shown.

dsc_06794. Iron the patches on high heat for 20 seconds each. Repeat if necessary.

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And you’re done!

FRANKENSTEIN BAG

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What you’ll need:

A tote bag

Felt – Green and White

Two black buttons in different sizes

Vinyl trim

Scissors

Fabric Glue 

dsc_06841. Draw a zig zag line on the long side of the felt sheet.

dsc_06882. Cut the felt along the line. Using the fabric glue, glue it onto the bag.

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3. Cut two differently sized circles from the white felt for the eyes. Make them larger than the buttons.

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4. Glue the two circles onto the felt.

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5. Glue the buttons onto the white felt, placing them closer to the bottom of the circle.

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6. Cut a strip of vinyl trim to make the unibrow.

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7. Cut vinyl trim into thin strips for the scar details.

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8. Cut a curved mouth shape and glue all the details onto the bag.

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Trick or Treat?

DIY: Lace Crown

Our final Halloween DIY is ideal for the queen in all of us and perfect for any little princesses as well! We created an intricate crown using two types of metallic lace and, of course, some Brilliance stones for sparkle. This DIY is quick and easy to make, and also easy to customize! Swap out the laces with different varieties, use colored gems, make a tiara instead.
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What You’ll Need:

5 1/2″ Cupped Round Buckram Frame
Spray Paint
5 1/2″ (140 MM) Floral Metallic Lace
4 1/2″ (114 MM) Ornate Metallic Lace
Brilliance Crystal Flatbacks and Navette Sew-Ons
E6000
Starch or Spray Glue

DSC_04021. Spray the buckram frame with metallic spray paint.

DSC_04032. Spray the laces with spray glue or starch to stiffen them. Then let dry.

DSC_04043. Apply spray glue or E6000 to the buckram frame.

DSC_04054. Apply the first piece of lace, and wrap around the length of the frame.

DSC_04065. Add more glue and wrap the second piece of lace around the buckram frame.

DSC_04106. Use E6000 to add the Brilliance stones to the desired areas.

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Halloween Shoes DIY Roundup

When it comes to Halloween costumes, the component that is usually left untouched is the footwear! We have a feeling that that’s because people are intimidated to DIY with shoes, but fret not DIYers! The internet is chock full of easy DIYs that will step up your costume game, literally. Here are a few of our favorite shoe DIYs for those who would like to delve into costume shoe customization.

Boot DIYThis boot DIY is perfect for costumes that require boots in hard-to-find colors or superhero boots!

Paw Costume Feet DIYWe have to give this DIY a round a ap-paws for allowing us to make a cute pair of costume paws.

Spooky Skeleton ShoeKeep it simple and spooky with a pair of DIY Skeleton Canvas Shoes!

zapatos4Last but certainly not least, witch costumes are a Halloween staple, so it only makes sense that we would feature these awesome DIY Witch Heels!

Sartorial Steampunk Inspiration

Steampunk fashion is usually characterized by a careful mix of Victorian-era garments paired with science-fiction elements. This Halloween, if you’re interested in stepping up your costume game, try a steampunk style. A steampunk costume can sate both your need for high fashion AND fantastic embellishments. Plus, there are so many sub-genres of steampunk to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you! Easy ways to add authenticity? Use muted and natural tones. Back in those days the bold colors we get from synthetic dyes were practically impossible to achieve. Gears are almost a staple in steampunk fashion and accessories. Don’t be afraid of heavy metals! Tack on the chains, buttons, and nailheads to get that industrial look. Looking for steampunk essentials before Halloween? Check out our Steampunk Halloween Shop!

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Steampunk Airship Captain Dita von Teese

Steampunk Captain

High Fashion Steampunk

DIY: Steampunk Boots

This week’s DIY revolves around a science fiction sub-genre which revolves around steam power! We’re making a pair of edgy steampunk-inspired boots with brassy buttons and Brilliance embellishments, and chain laces. Sure, it may be a little modern for true steam punk aficionados, but these boots can work double-duty as your statement shoes this season.
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What You’ll Need:

Combat Boots
Metal Buttons
-Work in Progress Button*
Metal Fashion Button
Ornate Metal Button
Rustic Flat Top Shank Button
Crossed Bars Hammered Metal Button

Brilliance Stones
Brilliance Collection Gold Flatback Rhinestone
Brilliance Collection Jet Hematite Flatback Rhinestone

Nailheads
-6.5mm Cone Shaped Stud
10mm Hotfix Flat-Top Pyramid Studs
10mm Hotfix Flat-Top Cone Studs

Chain
2mm Steel Cable Chain (2 yards)
8mm Steel Cable Chain (2 Yards)

E6000
Pliers
Jump Rings

DSC_03221. Thread the two chains through your boot like you would laces. We kept the original cord laces, but only tied them up halfway.

DSC_03312. Add a button to the end of the length of chain.

DSC_03273. Add a jump ring to the chain on the inside of the boot. It should only be one or two links away from the button. Repeat on the other side.

DSC_03334. For added stability we glued the button to the first eyelet.

 

DSC_03325. Repeat on the other side of the boot.

 

DSC_03236. Remove the shanks from your metal buttons.
DSC_03367. Glue the buttons on first.

DSC_03418. Follow them with nailheads.

DSC_03429. Finally, add your Brilliance Flatbacks.
DSC_032010. Repeat the steps above with second boot.

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*This item is currently unavailable. Check out our full selection of buttons.

M&J Trimming - Halloweenmask@janhobbins

Halloween Mask Inspiration

Halloween is getting closer and closer and we are super excited for one of our favorite holidays. Halloween is a day to be creative and bring your favorite characters to life, or you can make one up. One big deal for Halloween is, what to do with your face! If you’re still thinking about what to be for Halloween, or you just need some creative ideas to get your creative juices flowing, well then, here we are to help. We’ve gathered some pretty unique mask ideas. Sometimes you don’t even need a mask, just apply some make-up and face paint, and let your face be your canvas.
M&J Trimming - DIY Rabbit Hole Mask

Alice in Wonderland Inspiration. How cool are these “Rabbit in Hole” masks?

M&J Trimming - DIY Ice Queen Mask

Ice Queen Mask. Soooo iceyyyyy! You can add some sew-on jewels to make the effect pop.

M&J Trimming - Glitter-Eye-Mask

No mask needed for this Diamond Mask inspiration. All you need is some make-up. You can add rhinestones and apply with body glue. Perfect for those last-minute costumes.

M&J Trimming - Halloweenmask@janhobbins

Going to a ball soon? This Masquerade Mask is perfect for you! We love how the lace and purple colors all combine so beautifully.