Pumpkin D-I-Y

Picking out the best looking pumpkin in the patch and taking it home to carve has become a Halloween tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. If you have ever taken the time to carve a pumpkin, then you know that it is definitely not as easy as it seems. Cutting the circle around the stem, scooping out the slimy pumpkin guts, and carving a design is a time consuming and not to mention, a messy feat!

It seems like every year, the traditional triangle-eyed, triangle nosed, and tooth-y smiled pumpkin seems to be slowly disappearing.  The carvings on pumpkins get more and more intricate as the years go by. It kind of seems impossible to compete with these multi-layered and 3 dimensional carvings. So, if you’re not the most talented or a pumpkin carving genius, then you’re in luck! Here are few fun and easy alternatives to traditional pumpkin carving:

Sleek and Studded:

 For this edgy and oh so stylish pumpkin you’ll need black matte spray paint and a couple dozen gold and silver studs.

        Tips:

·      Wipe down your pumpkin with a damp paper towel

·      Newspapers! Be sure to lay down a ton of newspapers before you spray paint your pumpkin

·      2-day project! It might be a good idea to spray paint your pumpkins black one day and when they’re dry, or the following day (just to be safe) then add the studs

·      To get the flat-backed studs to attach, I suggest using E-600 or Super Glue

A Little Sparkle Never Hurt:

This super sparkly pumpkin is sure to draw attention when the light hits just right.

           

Tips:

·      Wipe down your pumpkin with a damp paper towel

·      Use Modge Podge or spray paint on your pumpkin as the “glue”

·      OR have your child paint a design on the pumpkin and then sprinkle a lot of glitter onto the wet paint

·      OR spray paint the pumpkin your favorite color, then only add sparkle to the stem

Glowing Goblin:

This pumpkin brings a bright and fun twist to the traditional tea-light glow, and  a great opportunity for kids to get creative

 Tips:

·      Wipe down your pumpkin with a damp paper towel.

·      Use newspapers underneath

·      You’ll need several colors of glow-in-the-dark puffy paint

·      Use painter’s tape to help create fun designs

Sources & Inspiration:

http://www.alittlecraftinyourday.com/2014/10/22/diy-glow-in-the-dark-pumpkins

http://www.cuckoo4design.com/2013/10/studded-chalk-paint-pumpkins.html

http://waitingonmartha.com/diy-pumpkin-prettiness/

http://createandbabble.com/decorating-mini-pumpkins/

~ Sara Luckham

Social Media Specialist

Seaside Staffing Company 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Today we celebrate Mexican heritage and pride.  Cinco de Mayo is a day to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the American Civil War.

Not only is Cinco de Mayo a significant day in history, but it is also a day to spend time with family and enjoy this lovely summer weather!

We found the cutest craft to do with your kids and can actually be transformed to fit any holiday!  Take a look at these easy to make, festive shakers thanks to "First Palette" :)

All you need is:

• 2 small paper cups (or 1 food canister, e.g. Pringles)
• Rice, beans, jingle bells or small coins
• Crepe paper
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Glue gun
• Glue stick
• Masking tape
• Scissors

Step #1: Fill one cup half-way with beans or rice (get crazy and try jingle bells, legos, marbles...anything to make different sounds) 

Step #2: Use hot glue gun to join the 2 paper cups along their lip. If you used a food canister, you can fix its lid permanently in place with a hot glue gun.

Step #3: Paint the entire container with white acrylic paint. White acrylic paint serves as the primer - it covers any prints on the container and prepares it for the final color of paint.

Step #4:  Paint on your shaker with colored acrylic paint or poster paint. You can go with simple stripes, spots or even do one solid color. You can always add stickers, glitter glue or paper cut-outs when the paint dries. This particular shaker is intended to be a 4th of July project.

Step #5: Cut and glue crepe paper strips at the top or both on the top and bottom of your shaker.

Step #6: ENJOY!!

More information can be found at:

http://www.firstpalette.com/Craft_themes/Music/papercupshakers/papercupshakers.html

Hope everyone has an amazing Monday and Cinco de Mayo!!