Halloween Candies

Frank, Ghosts, & Skulls

I'm really started to get excited about Halloween this year. I have mixed feelings about Halloween, or at least the Halloween we celebrate now. It makes me more than a little sad and, sometimes, angry about the costumes that we see. It's even worse now as a parent, there are so many costumes available for kids that are so inappropriate. On the other hand, I love all the beautiful, meaningful, well thought out costumes and decorations and confections. We have a big trip coming up and, like a lot of people, money is tight. I just don't have the budget to do much beyond a few simple have-on-hand crafts with the Munchkin, like the Spiders and Ghosts that we just did. I have a couple more that we will try a little closer to the big day. Last year we made these fun candies, though. I thought I could share these for now.

Aren't the Frank's Handsome?

To make these you'll need:

-white, black, and green candy melts

(you could also use all white and add gel coloring)

- candy molds

- candy flavors (optional)

- food markers (optional)

I was able to purchase everything I needed at a local bakery supply shop, but I know that all of these items are available at the big craft stores, M and the lobby, so you can make them too. All I did was melt the candies according to the package instructions and fill the molds. If you want to add flavors, add them while you melt the candies. I used a paintbrush to cover each mold with a layer of candy before I poured in the rest to fill them up. I found that this helped eliminate some of the air bubbles that get trapped. I also used a smaller paint brush for the frankenstein pops so I could be more precise about the hair line. Once the mold is full and the sticks are in, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes (or if you are impatient like me, the freezer for 10 minutes works nicely too). Once they set, pop them out on a layer of wax paper or parchment for finishing touches! I used a black food writer to make the scar on Frank's head a little more prominent and a couple of the ghosts got colored in faces, sorry I didn't take a pic of those. I like the Wilton markers, but I have heard some rumors that there are other food marker brands that work better on the candy melt surfaces. If I get the inclination for a side by side test, I'll let y'all know! In the meantime, I'm racking my brain for some more fun Halloween crafts to do with the Munchkin.

Men's Shirt to Jumper Refashion

Ah, Pinterest, I'm so addicted. I could (and sometimes do) spend hours pouring through the beautiful pictures, dreaming of the crafty projects I could do, the beautiful clothes I could make, and the wonderful destinations I keep adding to my bucket list. The biggest problem I have is that I pin all these magnificent ideas, but not very many actually make it to the final product stage here. Several months ago, I found this shirt to dress refashion and I really, really, really wanted to make it for the Munchkin. It took a trip to the thrift store and a couple of days (though to be honest, it wouldn't take much experience with a sewing machine to make this a MUCH quicker project)

I think the Munchkin likes her dress and I am pretty proud of myself, I must say. If I were to do it again (and I probably will!) I'll probably try to get a coordinating fabric for the straps and pockets. Even with a 3XL mens shirt, I had some trouble finding enough material. I'd also make the bust of the dress wider so she wouldn't have to wear it as a jumper. And, finally, I'd make sure to take pics of the back of the dress...

It wasn't too difficult, though for a beginner like me, it was a little challenging. Totally worth it, though. You should try it, I made it for less than $5 with a Chaps shirt from a local thrift store. If you make one, link your pics below! 

Not into this photo shoot so much

There's a pretty pose

Do not want to look at the camera, Mom!

Silly Munchkin

Feel free to traipse on over to Pinterest and check out my huge to-do list, I mean, my inspiration boards.  (Beware, if you aren't pinning yet, you may be asking for an invitation very soon. And please do! I'd be happy to send one. Just, don't tell your significant others that it's my fault you got sucked into the pinning) 

Thanks for stopping by, I love to see/hear from y'all!