It’s a little simpler too, if you’re just starting with your photoshop skills, it’s a great one to start with.  The principle is the same, take old vintage photos and in this case, combine two to make one creepy photo which contains a ghost!

Head over to Fed Ex Office blog to see all the details on how to make them yourself, or if you don’t have time or inclination to make them yourself, you can download the sample printable photos!

Whether we like it or not, the colder months are officially upon us and the holidays are just around the corner.  Using items you already have around, transforming your home into a warm and welcoming place is easier than you ever imagined. These quick and simple tips for do-it-yourself decorations will have you sitting back and relaxing with a hot cup of cocoa in no time at all!

Snow Globe:

Not only is it super easy to create your own snow globe, it’s a really fun child-friendly activity. Grab an empty mason jar and fill it with water, some sparkles (white or silver if you’re going for a snowy effect) and a couple drops of glycerin. Glue a toy or mini-scene of your choice to the underside of the lid and screw right on, adding a little hot glue to keep things secure. If you’re feeling extra creative, check out this tutorial from TipJunkie on tinting mason jars. Your very own DIY snow globe is complete!  [ed-Pictured: from a great tutorial at Corner House]

Table runners:

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get at least a couple fancy placemat sets each year. We don’t really make use of these at home, but one of the ways I’ve upcycled them is by sewing them together to create a fun and festive table runner. No need to put too much time into this one either – simple attaching the patterns together will give you the look you’re going for. You can even place those festive filled vases on top to finish off the look!

Festive filled jars:

Candy canes, red bows and sparkly ornaments are a holiday staple. Another really quick way to spice up a room is to fill clear glass vases or bowls with items you’re not currently using.

These ones by Jen from Creative Design are wonderful!

Fancy candles:

Candles are one of the simplest ways to update a room and make things feel warm and cozy. Whether you’re stuck with a bunch of leftover stick candles from a party a long time ago, or are in the mood to go out and purchase a few news ones, there is no need to spend money on any particular design. Adding some stylish ribbon around the base or the body of your candy is a really quick way to create a whole new look. I suggest clumping three candles of different heights together to create and using big, embellished ribbon to really make a statement. If you need a little inspiration, Amanda over at Imperfectly Beautiful has a great tutorial. You can also add a little twinkle by covering your candles in mod podge and rolling them in chunky sparkles!

Recycled Card Art:

After years of collecting Christmas cards and never knowing what to do with them, I finally found a way to put them to good use. I frame collages of cards in cheap dollar store frames and place them on my mantles, bathroom vanities and kitchen counter tops. Again, I stick to the rule of three, usually combining a few for a more prominent look.

Holiday themed wreath:

A wreath, either for outside or in, is a really nice way to embrace the season. Using a collection of twigs or tree trimmings, bundle them around to form a circle tying every few inches with twine or wire. Next, take advantage of nature by adorning the circle with pinecones, leaves, and greenery. Add some festive spirit by using the the glue gun to attach bows, ornaments or other holiday themed items to your increasingly beautiful wreath to complete the look.

Brush Mat:

As the cooler air approaches, I usually head out to my nearest home hardware store to pick up a new brush mat after retiring last year’s when summer came along. In my opinion, nothing gets dirty boots cleaner but they’re also nearly impossible to clean. Instead of paying extra for the ones with design, just grab a plain one and head home for a little fun with spray paint. Using home-made or store-bought stencils and fall colored spray-paint, get crafty with your new mat and create a brand new personalized boot cleaner.

Hi my name is Jessica, I’m a passionate do-it-yourselfer and recently started expressing my creativity and sharing my many ideas through blogging. I have the pleasure of working for online DIY resource for homeowners and retailer of Maytag appliance parts, PartSelect.com.  If you’re looking for repair help or simply wondering what we do, pop by for a visit!

House Zombies

Check out her fun and easy tutorial on how to make House Zombies! What a great way to decorate for a party, or to give a few trick-or-treaters pause before walking up to your door.

Go read the full tutorial over at Tried and True

I do love this idea. In fact, we have a similar decoration, of a ‘hanged’ man which hangs in our windows… there are tons of things you can do with this silhouette idea, so use your imagination!

Creepy Cherubs

Materials:
ceramic cherub (thrift store/dollar store), Sculpy, Oven, Spray Paint (Black & Gray), Acrylic Paint (red & black)

Instructions:
1. Using Sculpy, form two small horns and attach to head.
2. Create and attach points to tip of wings (you could also cover the feathers completely to make the wings look more leather-like).
3. Form and attach a pointed tail to the rear of the cherub.
4. Bake according to instructions.
5. Allow item to cool completely and apply a solid coat of gray spray paint.
6. Lightly spray black paint from a distance of about 18 in. This will created a speckled effect.
7. While item dries completely, dilute black acrylic paint with water.
8. With a sponge, drip the black paint (very watery) over the cherub to create a streaked look. Continue until satisfied.
9. Paint eyes red.
10. Stand back and enjoy your little Creepy Cherub!

This was one of the winners in the contest last year and a personal fave of mine! Thanks for letting me repost it here! (Text and pics belong to Gerbera Designs. Link to original)

Have a great Halloween project to share with us? Let me know!