PS - I received these pictures in an email so I don't know the original artist(s). If you do, please leave a comment and I will give proper credit!
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
10.31.2012
Happy Halloween!!!
We didn't get around to carving a pumpkin this year but I did receive an email yesterday that would have been great inspiration! Scroll down and enjoy some seriously artistic pumpkin-ness!
PS - I received these pictures in an email so I don't know the original artist(s). If you do, please leave a comment and I will give proper credit!
PS - I received these pictures in an email so I don't know the original artist(s). If you do, please leave a comment and I will give proper credit!
11.02.2011
Halloween 2011
I may or may not have mentioned it ... but we sort of like Halloween ;)
This year we kept it a little more low-key than usual. We were invited to a "White Trash Bash" so instead of elaborate product placement (i.e. WD40, anyone?) we decided to temporarily misplace some of our class and dress the part.
Halloween actually almost didn't happen this year. I caught a cold a couple weeks ago and Mark managed to pick it up at the end of last week. We weren't sure he was going to have the energy until a few hours beforehand. He ended up deciding he was up for it and we got dressed at the last minute.
We first visited a friend's house down the street from us. They were having a general costume party and watching the USC game. (That would be the University of South Carolina .. not the other "USC".) We watched the first half with them and left at half time to go to the White Trash Bash.
The WTB was a lot of fun. The girls that throw the Halloween party every year do an amazing job. Each year is a different theme and I already can't wait for next year!! The party was out in the backyard, complete with baby pool of beer, yard trash and lots of duck tape. They had the game playing on a sheet hanging off the side of the house. It was awesome! The only downer was that Mark and I didn't dress appropriately for being outside (half sick) in freezing weather. As soon as the game was over we went home. Mark had practically lost his voice by then :(
I have attached pictures of our costumes this year. I'm sorry they are such horrible quality. We looked a lot better in person because some of the details just didn't translate well in these pics. Quite frankly, we almost forgot to even take pics. The first one showing my "tattoo" was the only one taken while we were actually out. When we got home we had to pull out the tripod to get the rest. Oops!
Mark drew me a couple tattoos. The one on the left obviously shows my admiration for Billy Bob. If you look on my right arm you can sort of see the barb wire I got to represent my time in jail. Once at the party I was tattooed with a star behind my right ear and a bird on my left wrist. Since they are permanent and all .. I gave them a whole 5 minutes of thought. Very fancy.
This is Mark channeling his inner "My Name is Earl". It's amazing how a different beard shape can instantly make a difference! He looks sooo gross and trashy! haha
Our headshot, of course :) I had blue and purple eyeshadow on although you can't see it. Also, at the beginning of the night, my hair was teased high and half-up. Next time I will have to remember to use more hairspray because it fell flat pretty quickly.
And here's the overall look. Aren't we the full package!? Mark thought it would be funny to look uncomfortable in the pic .. so that would explain his awkwardness.
Like I said, sorry for the poor quality pics. I hope you enjoyed our low-key, trashtastic Halloween! I know I talked a big game and then this post turned out to be late and a little lackluster. Next year, I promise we'll be more exciting :)
PS - Mark promptly shaved after these were taken .. whew! :)
This year we kept it a little more low-key than usual. We were invited to a "White Trash Bash" so instead of elaborate product placement (i.e. WD40, anyone?) we decided to temporarily misplace some of our class and dress the part.
Halloween actually almost didn't happen this year. I caught a cold a couple weeks ago and Mark managed to pick it up at the end of last week. We weren't sure he was going to have the energy until a few hours beforehand. He ended up deciding he was up for it and we got dressed at the last minute.
We first visited a friend's house down the street from us. They were having a general costume party and watching the USC game. (That would be the University of South Carolina .. not the other "USC".) We watched the first half with them and left at half time to go to the White Trash Bash.
The WTB was a lot of fun. The girls that throw the Halloween party every year do an amazing job. Each year is a different theme and I already can't wait for next year!! The party was out in the backyard, complete with baby pool of beer, yard trash and lots of duck tape. They had the game playing on a sheet hanging off the side of the house. It was awesome! The only downer was that Mark and I didn't dress appropriately for being outside (half sick) in freezing weather. As soon as the game was over we went home. Mark had practically lost his voice by then :(
I have attached pictures of our costumes this year. I'm sorry they are such horrible quality. We looked a lot better in person because some of the details just didn't translate well in these pics. Quite frankly, we almost forgot to even take pics. The first one showing my "tattoo" was the only one taken while we were actually out. When we got home we had to pull out the tripod to get the rest. Oops!
 |
Mark drew me a couple tattoos. The one on the left obviously shows my admiration for Billy Bob. If you look on my right arm you can sort of see the barb wire I got to represent my time in jail. Once at the party I was tattooed with a star behind my right ear and a bird on my left wrist. Since they are permanent and all .. I gave them a whole 5 minutes of thought. Very fancy.
 |
This is Mark channeling his inner "My Name is Earl". It's amazing how a different beard shape can instantly make a difference! He looks sooo gross and trashy! haha
 |
Our headshot, of course :) I had blue and purple eyeshadow on although you can't see it. Also, at the beginning of the night, my hair was teased high and half-up. Next time I will have to remember to use more hairspray because it fell flat pretty quickly.
 |
And here's the overall look. Aren't we the full package!? Mark thought it would be funny to look uncomfortable in the pic .. so that would explain his awkwardness.
Like I said, sorry for the poor quality pics. I hope you enjoyed our low-key, trashtastic Halloween! I know I talked a big game and then this post turned out to be late and a little lackluster. Next year, I promise we'll be more exciting :)
PS - Mark promptly shaved after these were taken .. whew! :)
10.29.2011
10.05.2011
Pumpkin Carving Tricks and Tips
There is a roadside stand near my house that sells seasonal items. They just put out their display of pumpkins, hay and mums. It reminded me that I need to carve some pumpkins. I went online and found the following tricks and tips for a festive pumpkin. Enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nothing says it's Halloween like a carved pumpkin glowing in the dark. Whether you're a novice pumpkin-carver or a seasoned pro, here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to spark your creativity and ensure a gorgeous creation, while making sure you don't hurt yourself in the process.
Choosing a Pumpkin
Before you create your pumpkin masterpiece, you'll want to put some thought into the size and shape you'll want to work with. Tall and thin or short and stout, big or small, perfectly round or lumpy and unusual – there are all kinds of pumpkins!
No matter the size or shape, look for a solid pumpkin that is free of bruises, blemishes, or soft spots. Make sure that it will stand up straight at the angle you want to display it. Wobbly jack o' lanterns with candles inside can be a fire hazard. Avoid carrying it by the stem, as the stem could break and your pumpkin will bruise or crack in a fall.
Tools of the Trade
Before the carving begins, gather your supplies and make sure your work space is clean and free of clutter. Wipe down the outside of the pumpkin with a damp cloth before cutting into it.
Basic supplies include several sheets of newspaper, a long sharp knife, a damp cloth, a bowl or bucket to put the seeds in, a large metal spoon or pumpkin scraper, a pencil or marker to trace or draw with (or a pumpkin pattern and masking tape), a small knife for detail, and something to hold the pumpkin scraps in.
If you're creating your own design, you can draw it freehand right on the pumpkin and cut it out. You can also buy or download pumpkin patterns that will give your finished product a professional look. Many department and hardware stores carry pumpkin carving kits that include patterns and tools to create gorgeous jack o' lanterns, or do an online search for "pumpkin carving patterns" for hundreds of free patterns that you can download and print at home.
If you choose to use a pattern, you'll also need a small tool to poke holes through the pattern and into the pumpkin. An ice pick or a nail will work well for this task.
Preparing the Pumpkin
To keep your work area clean, carve your pumpkin over several layers of newspaper or use a plastic tablecloth. Using a large sharp knife, cut out the top of the pumpkin, angling the knife towards the center to create an angled cut that will support the lid when you replace it on top. Remove lid and cut off any seeds or membranes that are attached to it. Make a small cut out in the lid to allow smoke from the candle to escape.
Using a large spoon, ice cream scoop, or pumpkin scraper, scrape down the inside walls of the pumpkin. Remove seeds and membranes, and set the seeds aside for roasting if desired. Make sure the inside of the pumpkin is scraped clean. To make carving easier, you can also scrape away some of the pumpkin "meat" on the side where you will be cutting out your design. Do not make this side less than half an inch thick, however, or the heat from the candle flame could warp your finished design.
Draw your face or design on the pumpkin, or line up and fasten your pattern using masking tape. It helps to trim the pattern a bit to keep it flat against the pumpkin.
Carving Your Pumpkin
If using a pattern, use the poking tool (kits will come with these, or use a nail or ice pick) to poke small holes into the pumpkin about one-eighth of an inch apart along the cut lines in the pattern. Once you've poked the holes, remove the tape and pattern.
Using a small knife or mini saw, cut very carefully along your drawn lines, or along the holes you poked through the pattern. Cut from the center of the design outwards, removing the knife and reinserting it at corners. Remove and discard cut out pieces as you work.
When all pieces have been cut and removed, go over your design with the knife and clean up any jagged edges or corners that don't look clean.
Finishing Up
Pumpkins shouldn't be carved too far in advance of when they will be displayed; they are a vegetable, and will rot if opened and left out. To help keep your cuts looking fresh for a couple of days, dip a cotton ball in some lemon juice and rub it over the cuts. You can also rub the cuts with Vaseline to preserve a fresh look.
Place a tea light or votive candle inside your pumpkin, unlit, to see if it will stand up straight. If the candle leans or is unstable, place a glass or heat-resistant ceramic saucer in the bottom of the pumpkin and place the candle on top. Light your candle with long fireplace matches to avoid burning yourself.
For a bit of extra seasonal flair, rub a bit of pumpkin pie spice onto the bottom of the pumpkin lid before lighting your candle. When the candle is burning and the lid is in place, the heat from the flame will warm the spices and give off a wonderful fall scent.
Source
Nothing says it's Halloween like a carved pumpkin glowing in the dark. Whether you're a novice pumpkin-carver or a seasoned pro, here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to spark your creativity and ensure a gorgeous creation, while making sure you don't hurt yourself in the process.
Choosing a Pumpkin
Before you create your pumpkin masterpiece, you'll want to put some thought into the size and shape you'll want to work with. Tall and thin or short and stout, big or small, perfectly round or lumpy and unusual – there are all kinds of pumpkins!
No matter the size or shape, look for a solid pumpkin that is free of bruises, blemishes, or soft spots. Make sure that it will stand up straight at the angle you want to display it. Wobbly jack o' lanterns with candles inside can be a fire hazard. Avoid carrying it by the stem, as the stem could break and your pumpkin will bruise or crack in a fall.
Tools of the Trade
Before the carving begins, gather your supplies and make sure your work space is clean and free of clutter. Wipe down the outside of the pumpkin with a damp cloth before cutting into it.
Basic supplies include several sheets of newspaper, a long sharp knife, a damp cloth, a bowl or bucket to put the seeds in, a large metal spoon or pumpkin scraper, a pencil or marker to trace or draw with (or a pumpkin pattern and masking tape), a small knife for detail, and something to hold the pumpkin scraps in.
If you're creating your own design, you can draw it freehand right on the pumpkin and cut it out. You can also buy or download pumpkin patterns that will give your finished product a professional look. Many department and hardware stores carry pumpkin carving kits that include patterns and tools to create gorgeous jack o' lanterns, or do an online search for "pumpkin carving patterns" for hundreds of free patterns that you can download and print at home.
If you choose to use a pattern, you'll also need a small tool to poke holes through the pattern and into the pumpkin. An ice pick or a nail will work well for this task.
Preparing the Pumpkin
To keep your work area clean, carve your pumpkin over several layers of newspaper or use a plastic tablecloth. Using a large sharp knife, cut out the top of the pumpkin, angling the knife towards the center to create an angled cut that will support the lid when you replace it on top. Remove lid and cut off any seeds or membranes that are attached to it. Make a small cut out in the lid to allow smoke from the candle to escape.
Using a large spoon, ice cream scoop, or pumpkin scraper, scrape down the inside walls of the pumpkin. Remove seeds and membranes, and set the seeds aside for roasting if desired. Make sure the inside of the pumpkin is scraped clean. To make carving easier, you can also scrape away some of the pumpkin "meat" on the side where you will be cutting out your design. Do not make this side less than half an inch thick, however, or the heat from the candle flame could warp your finished design.
Draw your face or design on the pumpkin, or line up and fasten your pattern using masking tape. It helps to trim the pattern a bit to keep it flat against the pumpkin.
Carving Your Pumpkin
If using a pattern, use the poking tool (kits will come with these, or use a nail or ice pick) to poke small holes into the pumpkin about one-eighth of an inch apart along the cut lines in the pattern. Once you've poked the holes, remove the tape and pattern.
Using a small knife or mini saw, cut very carefully along your drawn lines, or along the holes you poked through the pattern. Cut from the center of the design outwards, removing the knife and reinserting it at corners. Remove and discard cut out pieces as you work.
When all pieces have been cut and removed, go over your design with the knife and clean up any jagged edges or corners that don't look clean.
Finishing Up
Pumpkins shouldn't be carved too far in advance of when they will be displayed; they are a vegetable, and will rot if opened and left out. To help keep your cuts looking fresh for a couple of days, dip a cotton ball in some lemon juice and rub it over the cuts. You can also rub the cuts with Vaseline to preserve a fresh look.
Place a tea light or votive candle inside your pumpkin, unlit, to see if it will stand up straight. If the candle leans or is unstable, place a glass or heat-resistant ceramic saucer in the bottom of the pumpkin and place the candle on top. Light your candle with long fireplace matches to avoid burning yourself.
For a bit of extra seasonal flair, rub a bit of pumpkin pie spice onto the bottom of the pumpkin lid before lighting your candle. When the candle is burning and the lid is in place, the heat from the flame will warm the spices and give off a wonderful fall scent.
Source
10.01.2011
Lions, Tigers, Lopsided Bears, Oh My!
Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. Hands down. No contest. I love it for so many reasons but, mostly, the costumes. There are just so many opportunities for humor (both good and bad) that I can't help but smile. If you don't believe me, I double-homemade-dog-costume-dare you to google "epic Halloween costumes" or "Halloween costume fail" and not laugh. Seriously. Go. I'll wait.
SEE! See what I mean! Fantastic!
How can you not love a holiday that accommodates adorable costumes for kids (note the lions, tigers and bears comment) and crazy costumes for adults (note the "Hookerween" pic from bluntcards.com). It's just so much fun. All this to say, Mark and I take Halloween seriously.
Every year we attempt to come up with some sort of epicness to show off. It all started in high school with Mark's (now famous) WD-40 costume. So far, the notable costumes have included Worm on a Hook (think three foot PVC fishhook "through" the body), Hammer Time (giant hammer meets giant clock), Peas and Carrots, Dead Battery (giant battery plus zombie make-up), and Pippi Longstocking. I know I am excluding some but you get the point. Halloween is kind of our thing.
So here we are again, with Halloween looming just around the corner and crunch time approaching. So the question remains .. what in the world are we going to be this year!?
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