I do love the lead up to Halloween. It coincides with the end of summer and the beginning of my crafty season. I feel like locking myself inside, cooking large amounts of food containing squash ( or food containing large amounts of squash) and crafting my little fingers to the nubs.
And the Barn of Opportunity never fails to supply me with the inspiration nor the supplies.
Last year I read about this spider web idea on a Betz White blogpost and off I went to look for a doily at the B. of O. Gotcha. Had the rick rack, the plastic spider and the old embroidery hoop (What can I say? I hoard too much stuff).
I can't show you this year's Halloween costumes yet, so I'll show you a Halloween project from years gone by.
Gitsy Palmer came through for me several years ago when a friend wanted me to make a Bride costume for her daughter's Halloween costume. Gitsy decided it was time to bring second life to her own beloved wedding dress. I converted her gorgeous dress to a version fit for an 8 yr. old princess. It is modeled here by my friend Jorja, before it was sent off to Anna in Maryland. I loved making it, and Anna loved wearing it.
And these two Halloween goodies were BOTH found in Bin #2 at the Barn of Opportunity in the past few years. (Modelled this week during storytime at the library.) While the elephant mask is plastic, the bat hat is clearly handmade. Who, in their right mind would ever part with these gems???
I need to get back to the sewing machine. I'm finishing up Olena's Rapunzel gown and my own costume... I can't give it away yet, but I must say... it's "practically perfect in every way."
See you in the parade on Friday... and Trick or Treating at the library Halloween night from 6-7:30 ish. I'll be handing out a few spoonfulls of sugar.