The countdown has begun. The candy bowl is filled, the costumes are ready and the decorations are strategically in place. However, one more little accent puts the icing on the cake: glow-in-the-dark tree ornaments.
Halloween is the perfect excuse to pick up a block or two of far-out glow-in-the-dark polymer clay. The colors even fit the occasion; it comes in orange, white, purple, green and yellow. Don't stress about time, because this project is as quick to put together as it is fun and will make your lawn glow with festive and innovative cheer. The clay goes a long way and even allows enough leftovers to make a chunky bracelet for your favorite trick-or-treater.
Glow-in-the-dark Tree Ornaments and Bracelets
Materials:
* Wood ornaments
* Drill
* Black or purple spray paint
* Sculpey polymer clay in assorted glow-in-the-dark colors
* Craft knife
* Ribbon
* Glue gun
Directions: Drill a hole at the top and bottom of ornament, then spray-paint to create a dark background. Cut out shapes from clay: pumpkin faces, ghosts, bats or words. Also create dots and other designs to use along the borders.
Make a smaller clay design to dangle from the bottom of wood ornament and make a hole at the top of the design to thread ribbon.
When finished, bake clay in oven according to package directions. Remove from oven and let cool. Use glue gun to attach designs to ornament. Thread ribbon at top of wood ornament for hanging and at bottom to attach dangling clay piece. Keep in bright light before hanging on trees.
Trick-or-treat bracelets: Pinch clay into half-inch pieces, roll into balls and make a hole through each with a wire hanger to make a bead. String them on black elastic cording and tie at the end. These are perfect for nighttime outdoor wear.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Halloween

Learn all about this spectaular and spiritual Mexican holiday by visiting Dead.AzCentral.com. My hubby, Patrick, did all the illustrations!



Funky Fantasy Skulls

Bleach Pen Skull Banners

Steve Irwin Altar

Plaster of Paris Skulls



White Chocolate Sugar Skulls
Traditional Sugar Skulls
Reverse Glass Painting
Day of the Dead Pin
Paper Flowers

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Day of the Dead, Latin-inspired

A lot of little things can make a big statement when grouped together. Take these small glass candle holders for example. I covered each one with something different - paper, beads, clay, etc...Lined up in a row, they look fabulous with the lights down.

* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Halloween

Thrills and chills for your ghostly season!

Pumpkin Carving 101
Pumpkin Resources/Tips


Mason Jar Lanterns
Lanterns, Pins, Monogrammed Pumpkin
Edgy Eye Masks
Stained Glass Lanterns
Glow in the Dark Decor
Abstract Pumpkins
Candy Sorting Placemats
Halloween Candle Holders

Sparkly Halloween Banner

Beehive Wig

Corpse Bride Costume

Monster Candy Bags

Spooky Lanterns

Edgy Eye Masks

Painted Paper Lanterns




* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Halloween

Sometimes it feels so refreshing to ditch the art room and work outside. Drag out a table and an extension cord and soak up some sunshine while you are working on your projects. While you're at it - make items to use in your garden or patio!



Chile Can Candlelarias
Poetic Pots
Painted Flower Fence
Terra Cotta Textured Planters
CD Wind Chime
Chip and Salsa Set
Garden Stakes
Tea Time Wind Chime
Sunflower in a Pot
Garden Mirror Strings
Terra Cotta Patio Lights
Ping Pong Patio Lights
Tea Light Dish Garden
Glitzy Garden Globe
Picture Patio Curtain

* Designed by Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

CLICK HERE for light projects!

These are placemats I painted from regular blank canvas placemats I bought at the craft store. You know how after you are done trick-or-treating, you go home and do what? Sort the candy! Weed out the icky and offer it to your mom and safe the rest for the middle of night to nibble on!
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Halloween

Please, ditch the stencils! Think outside the lines for doing up your pumpkins! Here are some ideas using decoupage, paint, ribbons, etc.
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *