Today I am Guest Posting at Katie{Did}It

Hello! Today I have the pleasure of sharing my Pumpkin Door over at Katie{Did}It as part of her Halloween series. Need some Halloween inspiration? Go check out the creative ideas shared as part of her 15 Tricks to Treat Your Halloween series.

Spooky Tall Hair Tutorial: Halloween

Today I am going to share a little trick for getting spooky tall Halloween hair. This tutorial is great because it works with even the thinnest and limp hair types (like mine). This Halloween hair-do can be worn with virtually any halloween costume - witch, troll, joker, dead bride - OR wear with regular clothes and let your hair be your costume statement.

You don't need exceptional styling skills or naturally fabulous hair to get this look. All you need is an empty water bottle and some hairspray. Here's how.

What you need:
empty water bottle
elastic hair tie
comb/brush
regular hair spray
colored hair spray ($1.99)
accessories ($1 for spiders and web)

What you do:
Step 1: Change into an old buttoned or zippered shirt. Just like your old prom do's, there is no easy way out of a t-shirt once this look is set. 

Step 2: Choose an empty plastic bottle in a height proportionate to the length of your hair.

Step 3: Tease or back brush your entire head of hair to the point of scariness.

Step 4: Bend over, and let your hair hang upside down. Place the base of the empty bottle on the top of your head, preferably near the crown of your head. Remain upside down as you gather your hair around all sides of the bottle.  Use a hair tie to fasten at the level of the bottle cap. Spray heavily from roots to tip with regular (not costume) hair spray before standing up.

Step 5:  Now it is time for your neon colored party hairspray. Do this outside to avoid staining your bathroom walls. Again, point your spray from roots to tip. *Note: Be sure to read the label first. Some brands are not recommended for blondes.

(And yes, your neighbors will think you're nuts, especially if you do this in mid September like I did.)

Step 6: Return inside for the final tweaking. Make sure the water bottle is completely concealed. Add accessories if desired. This time I used plastic spiders and cobweb string from the dollar bin. In the past, I've left it accessory free, for a troll doll costume.

Step 7: Now go have some Halloween fun! At the end of the night, this will all wash out with regular shampoo.

I love this technique because even my fine thin hair can pull off this look. And at only $3, it meets both my budget and craft requirements: inexpensive and simple. 

Happy Halloween!

Linked: Happy Hour Projects, Love and Laudry, Live Laugh Rowe, Create Craft Love, Tatertots & Jello, Someday Crafts

Overhead Projector Love

I recently added an overhead projector to my arsenal of craft tools. In contemplating my first projector project, I've collected a round-up of creative ideas using an overhead projector.

Many of my schoolgirl memories, and likely many of yours, revolve around the teacher's use of an overhead projector. You know, that big bulky light projector with reusable transparencies that was used in place of a chalkboard. Maybe you remember eagerly volunteering to be the teacher's helper, who washed and dried the reusable transparency sheets - if only for the chance to spend a few unmonitored moments splashing in the sink basin. Or maybe you remember the welcomed warmth, on winter days, from sitting directly next to the projector cart, in the closest seats which were bathed in the hot exhaust of the projector fan.

Ah, the memories of yesteryear.... but I digress.

Aside from the obvious academic purposes, overhead projectors can play a vital role in some pretty awesome craft projects as well. After luckily finding one for a steal of a deal at a garage sale last week, I've been collecting creative ideas and plotting out my first projector project. 

Check out these incredible overhead projector projects, completed by equally talented individuals.

** Special note to Pinterest users: Give these gals their creative credit by pinning from original sources. (Follow the links provided) Thanks!

1. Tree Mural by Just a Girl. I love this fresh and feminine room.

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2. Refinished Changing Table by Sawdust and Embryos. Check out her incredible before and after photos.

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3. Projector projects aren't just limited to paint and furniture/walls. How about custom fabric design with Sharpies and Drop Cloth? This fabric project from Frou FruGal later becomes a reupholstered chair.

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4. How fun is this photo prop from Offbeat Bride!?! I absolutely love it. And just think of the numerous applications!

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I'm so excited to have found my latest garage sale find (a five dollar projector) Seriously. Just think of all the creative possibilities.

Oh, and while you debate which projects to tackle first, projectors are also fun children's entertainment :)

Office Cubicle Mini Wreath

A while back, I pinned this awesome college football wreath from Simply Living. (See the pin here.) Inspired by the masculinity of it (and looking for any excuse to attempt her argyle technique) I decided to made a similar version for my husband, who is an avid college football fan.

Just like the pinspiration, I yarn wrapped the wreath before glueing the felt diamond argyle pattern in place. White embroidery floss crosses on top and the pendant from a Mizzou homecoming necklace (Mardi Gras beads) finishes the look.

You can't really tell in the opening photo, but this wreath is an itty bitty little thing. Maybe 6" max. I picked it up for a quarter at a garage sale, but was stumped with what to do with something so small. Until now.

As it turns out, this itty bitty wreath displays quite well in an office cubicle. The hubby took it to work, and it now sits proudly on his cubicle wall   :)

Linking up: Craftionary, Happy Hour Projects, Love and Laundry, One Artsy Mama

Murder Mystery Halloween Party

The best party we ever threw was, without a doubt, the Murder Mystery Halloween party we hosted a few years back. The party was so much fun, that I have made it a goal on my 30 by thirty list to host  another mystery party before the big birthday.

If you've never attended a murder mystery party, let me give you a quick overview. Before the night of the party each guest is given a character info sheet. This provides information on the character's name, personality, suggested attire and background information on the storyline. Throughout the night, two sets of envelopes will be distributed with character specific clues and objectives to keep the plot moving. Neither the victim nor the murderer will know they are such until the night of the party.

What makes the party fun is that the night is not scripted. It is still your typical party with food, drinks, and mingling, except you're acting in character, and trying to solve a mystery.  (Our game was purchased and downloaded from www.nightofmystery.com)

The theme to our party was 80's High School Reunion. The character list included representation from every clique and niche possible. Our friends really got into their characters both dressing and acting their parts to the tee. (A little alcohol was helpful here). We had 21 guests at our party. Here's a collage of some of the costumes.

Did you catch the math team captain and mathlete cheerleader in the center square? I love the duct tape "pi" on her shirt! Reviewing this photos makes me excited to host another. Now, I just need to select a game/theme.

Has anyone else had positive experiences with a murder mystery party?

Linking: Positively Splendid

Grandparent's Day Paper Hugs

Looking for a fun and easy Grandparent's Day idea? Especially for those grandparents who live far away? Send them a long distance paper hug!

 If your kiddo is a wiggle worm, the hand tracing might be tricky. My little gal is super ticklish between the fingers. My tracing was a bit wonky, but I corrected for it during cutting. 

 The text along the top is a quote from Guess How Much I Love You by Julia Lobo. It reads, "You know that I love you more than words can ever say. But do you know how much I love you when you're far away?" I concluded with our own little sentiment and greeting.

 Happy Grandparent's Day
XOXOX


Linked up: Happy Hour Projects, Bear Rabbit Bear