Frightful Finds for Halloween!

The days are getting shorter, and fall is definitely in the air! With that, it's time to start thinking about Halloween. Besides Christmas, this is my favorite holiday! I love the costumes, the colors, and the memories from childhood that October 31st always conjures up. There are a few trends this year that are definitely on my list to try.

With the Steampunk style so hot this year, it was a natural fit for some of that Victorian Gothic flavor to show up in Halloween decor. I'm reminded of a haunted mansion and days of forgotten elegance. Potion bottles, tattered lace, vintage glitter, candelabras, apothecary jars, and a color scheme of black, white, crimson and tarnished silver. It's easy to incorporate these elements into your home decor this season, adding an ethereal elegance with a bit of edginess.


For a quirkier feel this year, how about eyeballs? They've been seen in trees, masquerading as bats, and even as fun, knitted softies for the kids! This trend keeps Halloween fun and bright, with a bit of whimsy that is fresh and new. Eyeballs offer a great Halloween option without the scare factor.






There are a lot of fun costume options this year as well. From Smurfs, to Lady Gaga to an iPhone, the possibilities are endless. I found some great how-to's that are easy to do. And if you're short on time, throw on a crazy hat and dare anyone to say that you aren't "dressed up!"

At this year's party, there will definitely be a photo booth! These are popping up at events across the country, from weddings to birthday parties, but what better time to play dress up than Halloween. Create a photo booth corner and stock it with wigs, masks, crazy glasses, wacky hats, feather boas and "costumes-on-a-stick." Include a big, empty picture frame as a fun prop, and your guests will have fun all evening!



And, last but not least, don't forget the four-legged members of your household. A few pieces of felt, some tulle, and a little bit of glue are all it takes to create a fun look for your furry friends this year!
tag: allstores

"Falling" for Tim Holtz

Tim Holtz and Ranger  have an exciting announcement just in time for fall creativity! Together, they have created a limited edition collection of Distress Ink Pads in harvest hues. Like the changing of the seasons, this autumn set of distress ink pads is only here for a limited time, and it is available at Beverly’s Fabrics & Crafts now!

Made from their unique Distress Ink dye formula, these fade-resistant, non-toxic and acid free distress ink pads will add a timeless nostalgic flair to your Halloween and Thanksgiving craft projects.

The Autumn Set is available in 3 rich harvest colors, Seedless Preserves, Gathered Twigs, and Ripe Persimmon.

For a closer look at these gorgeous autumn hues, watch this Tim Holtz video.

We think these Tim Holtz inks are amazing, so we're running a contest for a free set. Leave a comment on this blog telling us what your favorite regular line Distress Ink colors are and how you plan to use them during the Fall.  We'll choose and announce a random winner on October 12, 2011. Good luck!
tag: allstores