Using Found Objects in the Home for Spooky Settings
“That’s Easy for YOU!” This is one of my least favorite phrases in the Universe. I often hear it around Halloween because my love of skulls and Day of the Dead Folk Art provides me with ample fodder for my Halloween Hauntings. Friends and customers complain about the time it takes to put up and take down decorations for the holidays, and since I have these things readily available around the house, they think it will be so much easier for me.
The reality is that the real reason it is easier for me is that I love it; and I don’t stress too much about it, unless I connect it to my oldest son’s October Birthday Celebration (which brings decoration to a whole new level). The real advantage I have is a fireplace mantel, which gives the room a focal point and an easy pick for an area of decoration interest. I also buy a few things every year instead of going whole hog one year and sending myself into a Halloween debt that would rival Christmas.
The pictures here depict this year’s mantel which is spooky and fun and created with mostly found objects from my home and attic. I have to admit I have a prejudice against fake webbing, but I’ve been told by a neighbor that a little webbing would make it even spookier for her.
Start by considering what objects in your home look old and antique. Framed pictures of old relatives are an easy choice, but what about the possessions of these same relatives? Grandma’s tea service, old jewelry, candlesticks, and books take on a whole new meaning when paired with skulls, rats, and bottled body parts. I love how, on my mantel, a Joseph Lincoln book entitled Ezra Coffin fits in so well with the theme.
Here, I’ve chosen a design board I use to show customers a block painting technique. This could be easily substituted with a de-silvered mirror or a large family portrait. I’ve taken down the paintings that usually hang here and added a large piece for focus. All the “Halloween” elements on the mantel are from the 99 Cent Only Store, Dollar Tree, or Target’s $1-$2.50 area, including the skulls. I have used the candlesticks that always sit on my mantel and fastened the skulls to them with a little removable, tacky putty from Home Depot or Loewe’s. This adds height and makes them seem more majestic.
The candlestick and bottle jewelry accents are from M’s Boutique and the $5.99 and Up Store. They each have a dollar section for jewelry; and I like to buy the $.99 rings and earrings and deconstruct them to make different items for decoration. I simply stick the earring piece into the candle, or use the cooler version of hot glue sticks to glue them to the candle.
The bottles are all from sodas and beer bought at Trader Joe’s. Fine craft beers and sparkling lemonades often come in interesting bottles with unique shapes. Simply pat them with Martha Stewart’s all purpose or glass paints (found at Michael’s) in a light silver to “age “ them using a sponge or paper towel. You can use store bought labels, down-loadable labels, or make your own as I have done and print then on aged paper. Then, I’ve added jewelry and glitter. I like to make my own because I can add personal touches like “Gilbert Family Reserve” or “Mrs. Dolton’s Creative Concoctions”. OR, you can use new wine glasses, bottles or vases temporarily patted with washable black tempera paints ($.99 at Walmart). This comes off easily with soap and water (be sure not to over handle as it will flake off after drying). You needn’t take them to a higher level of design!
What of the ultra -modern apartment of the client without sentimental old possessions? Well, these type of homes need similar decorations. Simply use ultra-modern chrome, clear glass, or black bisque candle holders with sparkling black candles and black and silver glitter skulls or orange glitter pumpkins from Target ($2.50). Clear glass cake stands and wine glasses turned on end make very nice pedestals for skulls and pumpkin groupings.
A word about the chandelier: this “easy” to make piece is simply this:
Two legs for small ottomans purchased at Home depot for $6.99 each each are drilled with holes the same size as the copper wire below.
Copper wire bent to form: Five pieces to form cage, five pieces bent out to hold the votives glued with wood glue into place. I did not use epoxy because the wood was unfinished and wood glue is the strongest bond for unfinished wood surfaces.
5 votives from the $.99 Cent Only Store
Five skeleton heads purchased at Michael’s and then painted with Martha Stewart Black Textured Metallic Paint (Home Depot-I can’t get enough of this fabulous paint that sticks to virtually anything) hot glued to base of top leg
Rings and beads (decomposed from $1 necklaces, it’s cheaper than buying the beads in a pack) hot glued to top piece. Using standard white glue, fill in the spaces around the beads and jewels and over sprinkle with fine glitter. I call this process “sugaring”.
Bling is all from $1 stores. I used deconstructed necklaces and earrings.
Finally, add the ballerina skeletons. These little lovelies look fabulous by themselves. They are made from 4 for $1 skeleton garland painted with the textured metallic paint. I added tutus made by cutting a small piece of tulle and skipping a quick running stitch through one side, then tying it around the waste of the skeleton. The crowns are made from 99 cent a yard lace. Total price : $30 for a $200 looking piece.
“That’s Easy for YOU!” This is one of my least favorite phrases in the Universe. I often hear it around Halloween because my love of skulls and Day of the Dead Folk Art provides me with ample fodder for my Halloween Hauntings. Friends and customers complain about the time it takes to put up and take down decorations for the holidays, and since I have these things readily available around the house, they think it will be so much easier for me.
The reality is that the real reason it is easier for me is that I love it; and I don’t stress too much about it, unless I connect it to my oldest son’s October Birthday Celebration (which brings decoration to a whole new level). The real advantage I have is a fireplace mantel, which gives the room a focal point and an easy pick for an area of decoration interest. I also buy a few things every year instead of going whole hog one year and sending myself into a Halloween debt that would rival Christmas.
The pictures here depict this year’s mantel which is spooky and fun and created with mostly found objects from my home and attic. I have to admit I have a prejudice against fake webbing, but I’ve been told by a neighbor that a little webbing would make it even spookier for her.
Start by considering what objects in your home look old and antique. Framed pictures of old relatives are an easy choice, but what about the possessions of these same relatives? Grandma’s tea service, old jewelry, candlesticks, and books take on a whole new meaning when paired with skulls, rats, and bottled body parts. I love how, on my mantel, a Joseph Lincoln book entitled Ezra Coffin fits in so well with the theme.
Here, I’ve chosen a design board I use to show customers a block painting technique. This could be easily substituted with a de-silvered mirror or a large family portrait. I’ve taken down the paintings that usually hang here and added a large piece for focus. All the “Halloween” elements on the mantel are from the 99 Cent Only Store, Dollar Tree, or Target’s $1-$2.50 area, including the skulls. I have used the candlesticks that always sit on my mantel and fastened the skulls to them with a little removable, tacky putty from Home Depot or Loewe’s. This adds height and makes them seem more majestic.
The candlestick and bottle jewelry accents are from M’s Boutique and the $5.99 and Up Store. They each have a dollar section for jewelry; and I like to buy the $.99 rings and earrings and deconstruct them to make different items for decoration. I simply stick the earring piece into the candle, or use the cooler version of hot glue sticks to glue them to the candle.
The bottles are all from sodas and beer bought at Trader Joe’s. Fine craft beers and sparkling lemonades often come in interesting bottles with unique shapes. Simply pat them with Martha Stewart’s all purpose or glass paints (found at Michael’s) in a light silver to “age “ them using a sponge or paper towel. You can use store bought labels, down-loadable labels, or make your own as I have done and print then on aged paper. Then, I’ve added jewelry and glitter. I like to make my own because I can add personal touches like “Gilbert Family Reserve” or “Mrs. Dolton’s Creative Concoctions”. OR, you can use new wine glasses, bottles or vases temporarily patted with washable black tempera paints ($.99 at Walmart). This comes off easily with soap and water (be sure not to over handle as it will flake off after drying). You needn’t take them to a higher level of design!
What of the ultra -modern apartment of the client without sentimental old possessions? Well, these type of homes need similar decorations. Simply use ultra-modern chrome, clear glass, or black bisque candle holders with sparkling black candles and black and silver glitter skulls or orange glitter pumpkins from Target ($2.50). Clear glass cake stands and wine glasses turned on end make very nice pedestals for skulls and pumpkin groupings.
A word about the chandelier: this “easy” to make piece is simply this:
Two legs for small ottomans purchased at Home depot for $6.99 each each are drilled with holes the same size as the copper wire below.
Copper wire bent to form: Five pieces to form cage, five pieces bent out to hold the votives glued with wood glue into place. I did not use epoxy because the wood was unfinished and wood glue is the strongest bond for unfinished wood surfaces.
5 votives from the $.99 Cent Only Store
Five skeleton heads purchased at Michael’s and then painted with Martha Stewart Black Textured Metallic Paint (Home Depot-I can’t get enough of this fabulous paint that sticks to virtually anything) hot glued to base of top leg
Rings and beads (decomposed from $1 necklaces, it’s cheaper than buying the beads in a pack) hot glued to top piece. Using standard white glue, fill in the spaces around the beads and jewels and over sprinkle with fine glitter. I call this process “sugaring”.
Bling is all from $1 stores. I used deconstructed necklaces and earrings.
Finally, add the ballerina skeletons. These little lovelies look fabulous by themselves. They are made from 4 for $1 skeleton garland painted with the textured metallic paint. I added tutus made by cutting a small piece of tulle and skipping a quick running stitch through one side, then tying it around the waste of the skeleton. The crowns are made from 99 cent a yard lace. Total price : $30 for a $200 looking piece.
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