LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN PROJECTS

"Drats" is what I'm thinking. Is it too late to get kids excited about making Halloween crafts? Is it to late to get moms psyched about displaying these artful creations? Can I apply some of these wish-I saw-these-earlier Halloween craft ideas to an upcoming season? The answer to all these questions lies between "Maybe" and "yes."

Here are a few Halloween crafts and easy to assemble decorating ideas, that I XOXO, discovered perhaps a tad late, that I could alter and adapt for different seasons:

Check out how blogger Alisa Burke transformed kraft-paper tubes into little monsters with great amounts of style. She has a great way with color and paint. I think I can definitely apply this craft to Pilgrims, Native Americans, reindeer or elves.

Multi-talented blogger mom Allison Waken comes up with good craft ideas such as this spider web. I'm not sure if this is adaptable for Christmas. I was thinking could you shape the hanger in a sort of elongated triangle and then criss-cross with green yarn and then add sparkles and stuff to make it look festive and tree-ish.

From Martha Stewart -- these pasta anatomical collages aren't just for Halloween. I could see doing a project like this anytime in school. It's educational and fun, more than scary. A bunch of these would look all in similar frames or in shadow boxes, labeled with medical titles such  as: vertebrae fusili. Just thinking bout a pasta turkey or perhaps use "angel" hair in manger scene for star of Bethlehem.

Or perhaps, to jazz things up a bit, with inspiration from artist Butch Anthony, cut an image out from a magazine or blow up a family photo and then place the pasta on top in a skeletal fashion.

I went to my old alma mater -- Country Living -- for some craft inspiration. For Christmas, I would fill glass vessels with fawn-a. I have a herd of flocked and plastic and glittered deer, and I'd place them on moss, on pedestals, sitting down, etc.

I saw a very cool accordion book on Elle's Studio. Thought it was decked out with a BOO theme -- check it out  on the PDF here. -- a blank book, like a blank page, can be anything. And these books, once personalized can sit on a mantle or anywhere for decoration.


Happy Halloween and happy crafting y'all. :))))

Ten Details from Veranda Magazine's House of Windsor (that you haven't seen in the magazine)

me in Martyn Lawrence Bullard's media room

Tracy Morris provides color direction to design tip-hungry guests

 I spent 4 days in July out in L.A. at Veranda Magazine's House of Windsor concept house. I was there for Benjamin Moore, alongside interior designer Tracy Morris, who had the uncanny, and at first intimidating ability to rattle off 99% of the Benjamin Moore paint deck colors and coordinating numbers from memory. In addition to engaging guests in conversation about paint, color, and design, I took lots of pics. It was a great event and I XOXO-ed being there.

Here're ten of my shots from The House of Windsor that did not appear in the October issue of Veranda.

1. Within arms length, Martyn Lawrence Bullard's decorated wrist

2. the awesome beaded chair in Windsor Smith's family room

3. the fun mostly vintage book selection in Peter Dunham's study

4. the constant flow of beverages thanks to Scott from Cappuccino on Call

5. the stone urn in Richard Hallberg's dining room

6. one example from the parade of colorfully dressed Californians

7. zigzag stitchery on fabric-wrapped objet in Richard Shapiro's great room

8. the eclectic assortment of art in Kathryn Ireland's tricked out stable

9. the compelling patina of old books

10. the art of matching paint to pedicures

Architectural Crush of the Week: Washington Rd @ Lakeland Dr. in WPB

 

As I 'm driving north of Southern Blvd. on Washington Rd. in West Palm Beach, the road bends and there's this salmon pink and white 70's style low-rise popping out from the blue skies. Certainly the color draws my attention, but I am starting to think that it's often the decorative concrete block that plies my heart! I drive up to West Palm Beach once of twice a week. Each time I pass this building, I get a slight rush.

It's a rather humble and ordinary example of Florida architecture. Save for the bright white balconies. stairwells, and festive color, the plan does not strive much beyond highway motel. But then again, when i first landed in Florida 9 years ago, I dreamed of becoming a motelier.

It's funny how the "the good brick" is used on the side that counts most for curb appeal. I am sure this upgrade also runs along the east side which faces the Intracoastal. Can you spy the water ahead?.

And I just XOXO this type of trim -- on walls, doors, ceilings...wherever!