{Halloween DIY} Skull Bookends

Whew! That was a much-needed weekend! It felt so good to step away from work and responsibilities, and just have fun! This weekend was all about my son's Science Fair project <i>(which involved dry ice and a fog machine!)</i> and finally picking out costumes. Basically, whipping them up in a Halloween frenzy! I hope yours was equally fun and relaxing.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, when I was picking up <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/09/cool-tip-ikea-ribba-hack.html" target="_blank">my $2 custom mats</a> at Michaels, I spotted giant plaster skull heads...which of course got me thinking of project ideas.<i> (That's totally normal behavior for a home blogger, Mom, no cause for concern.) </i>I immediately thought of <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-animal-bookends.html" target="_blank">my elephant bookends</a>, and wondered if I could do something similar.<br /><br />So I texted <a href="http://www.huntedinterior.com/" target="_blank">Kristin</a> to see if it would be too weird to cut a head in half. Because using a skull, and cutting a skull, are two different things. When she didn't accuse me of being Dexter, I proceeded. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Skull Bookends" height="760" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/14938196513_4302794dfb_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Fortunately, my contractor was around that day <i>(I know, I know, I owe you a <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/search/label/big%20box%20bathroom%20remodel" target="_blank">Big Box Bathroom</a> update!! It's coming tomorrow!)</i>, and he slapped that skull on his fancy-pants saw, and cut it right down the middle. This part did kind of creep me out a bit...watching the blade come down on the head, with his thumb stuck through the eye socket!! I might have turned away. And no, my rockstar-contractor didn't think I was strange. He's used to me and my ideas. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Skull Bookends" height="531" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15555696931_efb2311560_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />The plaster cut like butter <i>(even a hand saw would do the trick)</i>, and I sanded down any uneven edges. I thought about spraying them...but decided I love the white just the way it is. Let the record show my rare use of restraint.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Skull Bookends" height="665" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15372239488_b1dd1903cb_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Unlike <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-animal-bookends.html" target="_blank">my animal bookends</a>, these already sit flat, and have enough heft, so there is no need to mount them to a base. <span style="font-size: x-small;">#TWSS</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Skull Bookends" height="447" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15372743640_226dacab70_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | DIY Skull Bookends" height="564" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/14938196293_923655a6b7_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Consider me smitten! So much so, I can't even guarantee they'll come down after Halloween. How's the Halloween frenzy coming along at your house?

{Halloween DIY} Skull Bookends

Whew! That was a much-needed weekend! It felt so good to step away from work and responsibilities, and just have fun! This weekend was all a...

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A Halloween Mantel

Along with the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/10/stylish-halloween-bash.html" target="_blank">festive set-up</a> for <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/10/stylish-halloween-bash.html" target="_blank">our Halloween shindig</a>, we've added a few additional touches of the holiday around the house. Some years I go all out with seasonal or holiday decor...a 'more is more' mentality. But occasionally, I go through a minimalist period...usually associated with feeling overextended in my day-to-day life...so I scale everything back in attempt to stay <strike>partially</strike> sane. I'm in one of those 'plate too full' seasons, so I focused my energy on just the mantel. It really is the easiest spot in the house to update for seasons.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="819" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15496104041_010db7cd45_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="479" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15312530860_2f1e9a5991_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I raided my stash, and about 15 minutes later, we had a spooked-up mantel.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="754" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15312596968_981b79196a_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Birds: Dollar Tree // Driftwood: HomeGoods // Banner: <a href="http://bit.ly/YV4WcP" target="_blank">World Market</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="639" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15312596318_b6d6ed11f2_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="537" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15476115316_be83594095_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="715" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15312672007_3538d47f9b_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Striped Tapers: <a href="http://bit.ly/1o7UTgL" target="_blank">Similar</a> // Brass Sticks: Thrift Store // Large Vase: <a href="http://bit.ly/1wu2R2E" target="_blank">World Market</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="523" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15499257175_21df605fb5_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/halloween-simple-bug-votives.html" target="_blank">{DIY} Bug Votives</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="750" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15312349959_3d9efbe054_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-this-porch-has-gone-batty.html" target="_blank">{DIY} Bats</a> // <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-faux-birch-logs-winter-mantel.html" target="_blank">{DIY} Faux Birch Logs</a> // Basket: HomeGoods</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="743" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15312597188_b03bf4ce8f_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="708" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15312350699_aaf3c12b75_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Skeleton: Dollar Tree // <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/tricked-out-pumpkins.html" target="_blank">{DIY} Tricked Out Pumpkins</a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="825" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15499257545_a3698637d0_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/09/living-room-painting-brick-fireplace.html" target="_blank">Painting the Brick</a> // <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/living-room-mirror-mirror.html" target="_blank">Mirror Makeover</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I added some decor to the coffee table, too...a little goes a long way for Halloween.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Mantel" height="697" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15312349589_975239cb75_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-style-coffee-tables-1-table-6.html" target="_blank">Six Ways to Style Coffee Tables</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Such simple updates, but they made the kids so excited to see. And strangely enough, I felt less overwhelmed when I was done. The act of decorating was therapeutic for me, since putting together vignettes and outfits is my happy place. In fact, it's inspired me and fanned my excitement for the upcoming holidays....because you know, Halloween is just the kick-off! How are you feeling about holidays being right around the corner?! They totally snuck up, didn't they? I'm writing us a permission slip to dial back this year!

A Halloween Mantel

Along with the festive set-up for our Halloween shindig , we've added a few additional touches of the holiday around the house. Some ye...

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Stylish Halloween Bash

Halloween is a much-loved holiday around the Sugarplum house. I'd like to say it's because our kids are at prime trick-or-treating age, but the Mister and I love it just as much. It's always a fun night hanging out with all the neighbors, and seeing the creative costumes.<br /><br />We usually have friends over to eat and celebrate before going out, so I like to have a little decor sprinkled around the house. <a href="http://bit.ly/HiSugarplum" target="_blank">Command Brand</a> recently released a new line of party products <i>(found online, or in the party aisle at your local WalMart)</i>, and I couldn't wait to see them in action. Let's just call them game-changers, shall we?! <i>(Sidenote: my <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/lamp-looza-winners-hiding-those-pesky.html" target="_blank">How to Hide Lamp Cords</a> using Command hooks remains my most popular post...so clearly we all love those little gems!)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="825" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15285582607_0be434d910_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{What's New}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHXEXL4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NHXEXL4&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=INLZF53BYB4MY6QW">Command Party Ceiling Hooks/</a>/ for hanging poofs & lanterns from the ceiling!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHXEXRI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NHXEXRI&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=2TTYY2UTHR747O7Q">Command Party Banner Anchors</a>// perfect for garland & pennants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHXEXVE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NHXEXVE&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=R5RXH3BD6U6D3FHC">Command Party Mini Spring Clips</a> // place signage & art on the wall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHXEXNW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NHXEXNW&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=T4KLD3WWQEMWHOCF">Command Party Balloon Bunchers</a>// hang balloons on the wall in bunches of 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NHXEXZ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00NHXEXZ0&linkCode=as2&tag=hisug-20&linkId=C2PIF4R6X5ECOWZF">Command Party Small Clear Mounting Strip</a>// for posters, signs & photos</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="479" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15471808282_52dec07345_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/1kfF55d" target="_blank">World Market</a> is always my favorite spot for finding stylish Halloween decor that's not too gory or kitschy. I was drawn to the Dia de los Muertos collection because of all the color. I also have a thing for Mexican-style decor <i>(as evidenced by our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/03/pool-bathroom-reveal.html" target="_blank">Pool Bathroom</a>)</i>. Some of these things I'd use year-round!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="678" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15469012301_b0cea61969_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The Balloon Buncher is pure genius...just blow up regular latex balloons <i>(no helium necessary!)</i>, and slide them into each buncher, and press on the wall! After the party, they come right off!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="621" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15449058956_d1ebbd7374_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I used several to make a wall of balloons as a backdrop to the drink station.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="791" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15285581557_b16b276902_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />A dancing sugar skull hangs from a ceiling clip nearby. Imagine the possibilities now that we can hang party decor from the ceiling <i>(from clear hooks no less, as opposed to tape that always falls down)</i>...like a large cluster of tissue poofs over a table.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="786" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15449060746_3a995544f0_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />For the drink station, I simply placed a tray found at Home Goods on our <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2014/07/diy-outdoor-patio-bar-cart.html" target="_blank">DIY Gold Barcart</a>, and loaded it up with drinks, cups and straws. And a few festive nutcrackers.<br />  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="728" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15449060526_d123a86693_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="724" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15471807992_4f058c9260_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The table is draped with striped fabric, and decorated with assorted candles and dishes, and a cob-web table runner is attached to the light. The shadows it makes at night are a fun touch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="686" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15472141055_3fbb3716ba_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="726" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15285437640_6734b35459_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Hanging banners and garland are a cinch with the Banner Anchors...just attach the anchor to the wall, and loop the string around it. Genius, right!?!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="559" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15471806922_cd61734a8e_z.jpg" width="550" /></div>  <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="783" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15285581877_d867c3ab6a_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="705" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15469012931_d71b90f182_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/halloween-simple-bug-votives.html" target="_blank">{DIY} Bug Votives</a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Colorful & Stylish Halloween Party" height="678" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/15471806482_305ea7c2cb_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Stylish Halloween Bash" height="714" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15285630778_d1e7c5d6ec_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />And when we're done, everything comes down easily without damaging the walls! Thanks Command for getting this party started!! Who knew Halloween could look so chic!? What have you got planned for trick-or-treat night? How do you guys handle the trick-or-treating with your kids versus staying home to pass out candy dilemna?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>{Shop the Post}</b></div><br /><div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="309756"><script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 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Stylish Halloween Bash

Halloween is a much-loved holiday around the Sugarplum house. I'd like to say it's because our kids are at prime trick-or-treating a...

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Remember This Guy?

Happy Halloween, my little pumpkins! If your house is like mine, there will be a flurry of activity later today. There's always a mad rush to get pictures taken before the kids dash out the door. My son is old enough to trick-or-treat with his friends <i>(and a parent chaperone)</i>, but fortunately, Babygirl still prefers our company, so we'll be making the rounds with her and <a href="http://goo.gl/MyvZot" target="_blank">Maggie</a> tonight.<br /><br />We won't be dressing up this year, so I thought I'd share this little nugget from a few years ago...Mr. Edward Sugarplum Cullen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/remember-this-guy.html" target="_blank" title="Untitled by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="550" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6098/6296111252_b2e0c9953f_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Yep, I share a bed with that pasty guy. He was such a good sport to play Edward to my Bella <i>(see the original post <a href="http://goo.gl/1LdqwG" target="_blank">here</a>),</i> but it was all his idea to jump up in that tree. I <strike>definitely</strike> might have peed my pants laughing. But that's pretty common around this gem.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/remember-this-guy.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/remember-this-guy.html" height="550" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6295632067_97f47b70f0_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />To you long time readers, I'm sure that's not an image you've forgotten. And for the new folks, you're welcome. Happy Halloween, lovebugs!

Remember This Guy?

Happy Halloween, my little pumpkins! If your house is like mine, there will be a flurry of activity later today. There's always a mad ru...

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20 Creative Halloween Projects

<div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for all the sweet words on <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/scenes-from-nyc-lowes-blogger-event.html" target="_blank">my beastly post yesterday</a>! It's such a fine line for me to share opportunities that fall in my lap...I never want to come across like I'm taunting or tooting my own horn, but as a blog reader myself, I love hearing all the details and behind-the-scenes of the blogger's lives whom I follow. This is also my own little scrapbook of sorts, so I want to have those exciting experiences documented. I hope you guys agree!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It never ceases to amaze me the level of creativity online. And even those of you without blogs, I know you're whipping up your own clever projects, too. Since we're in the final home stretch of Halloween, I rounded up some of my favorite projects from <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/halloween-tulle-wreath.html" target="_blank">last week's link party</a> and around the web.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-creative-halloween-projects.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects" height="583" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/10561050816_19ccac4397_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hold on to your <strike>witches</strike> hat, because it's about to get clever up in here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-creative-halloween-projects.html" target="_blank" title="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects" height="797" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/10561023925_2ff6b003f2_b.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/EGudc3" target="_blank">Takeout Box Treats</a> by Honey We're Home</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/tdl8xK" target="_blank">Gothic Halloween Table</a> by Atta Girl Says</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/xj9qWq" target="_blank">Skull String Art</a> by A Beautiful Mess</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/0LQGbm" target="_blank">Spider Web Treat Bowl</a> by Centsational Girl </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/Utxl7J" target="_blank">Monogrammed Pumpkins</a> by Attempts at Domestication </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/pUEcdI" target="_blank">Trick or Treat Marquee Sign</a> by Primer & Painted Nails</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-creative-halloween-projects.html" target="_blank" title="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects" height="603" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/10561024465_703ed86e57_z.jpg" width="550" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/hpjsgv" target="_blank">Cheeseburger Costume</a> by A Thoughtful Place</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/r77n6e" target="_blank">Dog's Bat Costume</a> by Small Home Big Start</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/OUbc6u" target="_blank">Rapunzel Hair</a> by The Weekend Homemaker</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/YEQeG7" target="_blank">Kid's Batmobile</a> by Just a Girl and Her Blog</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-creative-halloween-projects.html" target="_blank" title="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects" height="603" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/10561049976_80e8a435a6_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/qdSCLK" target="_blank">Creepy Spider Wreath</a> by One Mile | Home Style</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/k4XTJ7" target="_blank">BOO Printable Treat Bags</a> by The Sweetest Occasion </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/FUbA6k" target="_blank">Sharknado Party Invites</a> by Brooklyn Limestone </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/k9yQUx" target="_blank">Ombre Spider Pillow</a> by SAS Interiors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/10/20-creative-halloween-projects.html" target="_blank" title="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | 20 Creative Halloween Projects" height="797" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/10561085794_ace93a1f0b_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/pILr8j" target="_blank">Black Paper Dahlia</a> by me! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/G43zu1" target="_blank">Harry Potter Wizard Party Invite</a> by Renovation Rehab </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/ky9FHl" target="_blank">Pom Pom Spiders</a> by Creature Comforts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/ZZhkMw" target="_blank">Dollar Store Candy Dish</a> by Southern Color</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/57cVEf" target="_blank">Bat Wall</a> by Sweet Parrish Place</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/ITLIht" target="_blank">Nightmare Before Christmas Treat Boxes</a> by me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, I couldn't resist throwing in a few of my own...since Halloween is <strike>one of</strike> my favorite holidays. I love that most of these can be done in under an hour, and for only a few bucks. Did you find some inspiration for tomorrow...or maybe just to pin for next year?</div>

20 Creative Halloween Projects

Thanks for all the sweet words on my beastly post yesterday ! It's such a fine line for me to share opportunities that fall in my lap......

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{Halloween} Monster Cookies

How is it already Monday?! Ugh, I can't believe the weekend flew by so fast! Mr. Sugarplum was out-of-town, so the kids and I had a lot of lazy, couch time together. We all share a major sweet-tooth, so we took advantage of a rainy afternoon to bake cookies, too. And since it's Halloween week, we made them as big and gluttonous as possible!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="551" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/10525073355_689ea0180f_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />First we rounded up all the candy and extras we had on hand...like mini-peanut butter cups, candy corn, pretzel M&Ms and chocolate chips. And I always bake with real butter...if I'm going to eat a cookie, it's going to be the real deal! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="421" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/10525074205_93980bd506_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Then we added a cup of each candy to the dough of my favorite cookie recipe, and piled them up extra-big.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="599" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/10525073895_438f11b9c5_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Git in mah belly!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="605" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/10525114184_30e9f715f4_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I will warn you, the candy corn tastes divine when it's all melty, but it makes a hot-mess of your cookie sheet. You know the topping on a candy apple? Like that! And to keep myself from eating every last one, we bagged some as treats for teachers and friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="586" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/10525305623_420c451ee8_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I simply stamped white paper bags with Halloween shapes, and tied them closed with tulle ribbon. Since the cookies are so jumbo, a single one makes a sweet gift.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="716" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/10525091986_19e60bbef1_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="720" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/10525092306_77e0185c6d_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I think adding Pretzel M&Ms is my new favorite thing...sweet + salty = perfect cookie!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Monster Cookies" height="551" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/10525114674_3ca9a9be8b_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Do you like your cookies simple, or jam-packed with everything in the house? I guess it's officially the holiday season for us now!

{Halloween} Monster Cookies

How is it already Monday?! Ugh, I can't believe the weekend flew by so fast! Mr. Sugarplum was out-of-town, so the kids and I had a lot ...

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{Halloween} Spooky Spider Porch

Hi friends, and happy almost-weekend! If you follow me on IG or Facebook, then you've probably seen me eating my way across New York City with some of my favorite blogger friends. Last night was the event that brought us here, and I tried to play it cool while meeting one of my absolute faves, <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Komenda</a>! I'm heading back home late today and can't wait to share more about this whirlwind trip with you!<br /><br />You guys are amazing and linked up some of the most creative Halloween projects ever on Tuesday, and I can't wait to sit down and see them all. Today I thought I'd share our front porch with you...all spooked out and ready for the trick-or-treaters!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="678" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/10303575576_b594b1ce87_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Last year our porch was attacked by bats...but this year it's spiders. Both pretty much give me the heebie-jeebies.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="825" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/10303471315_abb214c98d_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I found this pack of die-cut, 3-dimensional spiders at Michaels, from who else...but Martha. They came with little sticky dots for each of the legs...but ain't nobody got time to stick 8 legs...so I put a single piece of duct tape on the spider's body before sticking to the door. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="740" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/10303469965_d1acc5f192_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I just stuck them up willy-nilly to look like the door was swarming with spiders. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>*shudder*</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="738" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/10303398764_57c5b3e413_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I usually hang wreaths over each window, but decided to hang just a single this time...Mr. Sugarplum thinks it's only there to whack him in the face when he walks out. But really it's just because I didn't feel like making two. <i>(Or is it???)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="743" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/10303468065_b7de342d2e_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I love how the black of the Tulle Wreath pops off my red doors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="761" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/10303600703_a01ed71235_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I planned on planting big, white mums, but the ferns are still looking good, so I just draped them with webbing instead. I guess this is Fall in the South.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="551" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/10303600093_976d9370aa_z.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="573" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/10303398344_69ba45c9a4_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="701" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/10303470995_e940f3bb9b_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="679" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/10303469615_26f0894bbc_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Bring on the trick-or-treaters!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Halloween Spider Porch" height="708" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/10303396924_232aea4c7d_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Do you decorate your front porch for the kids who stop by? Do you feel like something is crawling on you now?!?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Past Halloween porches you may enjoy:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2012/10/halloween-this-porch-has-gone-batty.html" target="_blank">Batty</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-front-porch.html" target="_blank">Birds</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-decorated-front-porch.html" target="_blank">Ghosts</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Projects seen in this post:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/spruced-up-porch.html" target="_blank">Monogrammed Door Mat</a> | <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/05/spruced-up-porch.html" target="_blank">Spruced up Door Hardware</a> </div>

{Halloween} Spooky Spider Porch

Hi friends, and happy almost-weekend! If you follow me on IG or Facebook, then you've probably seen me eating my way across New York Cit...

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