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Halloween "Super Mummy" Style 10 September 2009

Halloween "Super Mummy" Style

Make a Halloween 2009 that your kids will not forget. The end of September is a perfect time to start implementing fun crafts for kids and giving them a little break from back-to-school pressure. Take one of the five below items and make it a weekend blasstt!

Halloween Treat Bag

One canvas bag
Permanent markers

1. A 30 minute activity coloring your canvas bag for Halloween.

Lollipop Witch
Flat green lollipops
Black trash bag
Scissors
Black yarn
Green yarn
Goodly eyes
Glue
Black card stock
Red construction paper

1. To make the cape, cut a 3-inch square out of the trash bag. Then secure one end around the top of the lollipop handle with a piece of black yarn.

2. Glue googly eyes and green yarn hair to the lollipop wrapper. Cut a witch's hat from black card stock and glue it on top of the hair.

3. To finish, cut a mouth from the red construction paper and glue it into place.

Egg Carton Spiders

Empty egg carton
Black paint
Black pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Glue
Push pin or paper clip

1. Cut the cups off an empty egg carton and place them on newspaper. Paint the cups, inside and out, with a coat of black acrylic paint.

2. Use the end of a paper clip or a pushpin to poke four holes along the bottom edge on one side of the cup. Poke matching holes on the opposite side of the cup.

3. To make fuzzy legs, cut four black pipe cleaners into 7-inch lengths. Thread a pipe cleaner through one of the holes, into the cup, and out the corresponding hole on the other side. Make sure the ends protrude an equal length from both sides of the cup and bend them upward at the base of the spider's body. Fold in the opposite direction midway down the legs to create knees and bend the tips to make feet.

4. Finally, glue on googly eyes.

Spider Pops

Black pipe cleaner
Lollipops
Googly eyes
Glue

1. Holding all four pipe cleaners, center them at the base of the pop and wrap them around the stick once so there are four legs on each side.

2. Bend the pipe cleaner ends to form eight feet.

3. Glue on googly eyes.

Wind Ghost Socks

White construction paper
Black permanent marker
Stapler
White crepe paper
Tape
String

1. For each wind sock, decorate a 6-by-18-inch piece of white construction paper with ghostly eyes and a horrific mouth.

2. Roll the paper to form a tube shape and staple the ends together.

3. Cut eight 8-foot-long strips of crepe paper and drape them over the top edge with both ends hanging down to create "tails." Secure with tape.

4. For a handle, cut a 30-inch piece of string and staple the ends to opposite sides of the top of the decoration.

Tips:
As an interior decoration, have a fan blowing lightly in the room for the same effect as a breeze.

Last Updated ( 10 September 2009 ) Written by: Tia Markland

Bringing the Indoors Out

Planting the Perfect Pots
Pots are a great way to make an impact on any patio. Just like a bouquet of flowers makes your home inviting, a beautifully arranged pot on the patio can bring color (and wildlife) to your outdoor space. And they last longer than cut flowers!

You can purchase pre-arranged flower pots at your local gardening center or try your hand at making your own with these simple tips.
- Select a pot that is the right size for your space. If you choose a larger pot, fill the bottom half with Styrofoam or vermiculite and use a good potting soil for the top. Make sure you have good drainage.
- When selecting your plants think of these three areas—a centerpiece, a ring of plants that cluster together and lastly, an outer ring of plants to drape over the edges.
- You can choose so many different plants for your container. Try and be creative and try to pick only three to four different colors. You don't want things to look busy.
- Start with the centerpiece, add your ring of plants, and finally the outer ring.
Making Herb Accessible
If you like to cook with fresh herbs, a simple arrangement of your favorites can make a wonderful centerpiece to your table and add tons of flavor to any dish. We like the use of a strawberry pot which keeps each herb separated. For more information on how to plant your own strawberry pot of herbs, get step-by-step directions at www.backyardgardener.com.
Grill It Up!
Get cooking outside by firing up the grill! Nothing says patio time like freshly grilled foods. Whether you’re a hot dogs and hamburgers type person, or steak and seafood, the backyard grill is a favorite way for many to prepare their summer meals. Selecting what type of grill is right for you and your family though can be a very personal decision. Gas grills offer convenience, where as charcoal grills add flavor but can be tricky (for some) to cook with since it’s more difficult to control temperature. Whatever you decide, almost everything tastes better off the grill.
Furniture
Selecting the furniture for your patio can be overwhelming. Instead of thinking how much furniture you will need to accommodate guests (unless you entertain frequently), think about functionality for your family. Do you lounge more or eat outside more? If you don’t mind sitting in close proximity, benches would be great to incorporate both into your dining table and as a general seating option. If you like movement when you relax on your patio consider having a swing, hammock, swivel chairs, or rockers.

It’s also important to keep in mind exposure to the elements. Metal chairs and tables hold up to rain, wind, sun, and even sprinklers. Wooden furniture can require more upkeep, but looks oh so inviting. Make sure any cushions are machine washable and won’t fade in direct sunlight. If you don’t have a covered patio, consider using an umbrella to provide temporary shade—just make sure you fold it down for those crazy summer wind storms.
Pergolas and Covered Patios
Decks look so much more complete with the addition of a pergola. A pergola gives a deck character and provides a focal point for decoration and design. Pergolas are great for vines, other climbing plants and hanging baskets. If you don't have a green thumb, dress the pergola with lights, ribbon or streamers for special occasions. For tips on how to build your own pergola visit http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_pergola.html.
Lighting
Set the mood with lighting. From simple tea lights to elaborate garden lighting, the lighting options for how you choose to illuminate your outdoor space at night are endless—just make sure you don’t leave your guests (or your family) in the dark. Tikki torches are a great way to add the element of fire and light. Candles make any space romantic, and a string of garden lights (or Christmas lights) add a gentle glow to your outdoor space.
Service-ware
If your family eats outside a lot, or if you entertain a lot, chances are you have a set of dishes, trays, silverware, and even cups that you use. And if you don’t, you should. The type of service ware you use should be appropriate for the occasion. Sometime paper plates and napkins, and plastic silverware and cups are all you need. Our favorite outdoor ware is made of Melamine—durable, washable, colorful and classy. Melamine comes in a variety of colors and patterns and doesn’t crack or splinter in the dishwasher like some plastics. If you dine a lot outside with your family consider making an inexpensive silverware and napkin caddy from cardboard six-pack container (from root beer or beer). It’s an easy way to keep your outdoor silverware handy and separated.
Entertainment
The outdoors is a great place to play. If your family or friends have a competitive spirit, it’s always fun to have a few games on hand to keep people entertained while dinner is being prepared. Here are a few of our favorites: croquet (classic), darts, bocce ball, ladder golf, lawn darts, cornhole (a.k.a. corn toss), disk golf, or for the loner—Bimini Ring game. (Learn more about Bimini Ring game at www.biminiring.com. Warning, this game is extremely addictive!)