Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Spider Topiary

Once again, I came across a pin on Pinterest that I wanted to replicate but change up a little.


I got the cute buckets in the dollar bin at Target.  I inserted a foam block inside and then covered the block with orange paper shreds which were also found in the dollar bin.

I spray painted 2 dowels orange and inserted them into the foam block.

Next, I took 2 Styrofoam balls from Michaels ($4.99 each plus I used my 40% coupons!)
and painted them black with craft paint.  When they dried, I pressed them into the dowels.

I bought 2 bags of plastic spiders in the Halloween section of Target and hot glued them to the Styrofoam.  I glued a few spiders to the dowel too.

Here they are displayed on my mantel.
 *Original pin from Crafts by Starlight

Monday, September 17, 2012

Caramel Apple Tart

Fresh Fruit Tart



I know, this picture doesn't match the title of the post, but . . . .
















http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/fresh_fruit_tart/

It all started with this recipe.  I had somewhere to go and needed a dessert so I thought I'd give this a try.  It seemed easy enough and turns out, it was!

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture, but I swear, mine looked identical to this!

Then, I made it again for a friend on a gluten-free diet.  I substituted white rice flour for the all-purpose flour and it came out equally delicious!

When the third time came around, I decided to give it a Fall flavor so I used apples and caramel.  The results did not disappoint.

Whichever route you decide to take, they are all equally delicious!


Caramel Apple Tart

Crust:

1 1/2 sticks butter at room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups flour

Mix butter and sugar.  Add flour until dough forms.  Press dough into tart pan with removable bottom.  (I left the bottom of the bottom of the pan at my friend's house so I used a spring form pan instead)
Bake crust for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.  Allow crust to cool.

Cream:

8 oz  cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients until smooth.  Spread over cool crust

Caramel:

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter softened and cut into pieces
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature

In a heavy saucepan, heat sugar until melted, whisking often.  Once sugar is melted and turns golden, add the butter and continue to stir.  Once mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and slowly add cream while continuing to stir.  caramel will thicken as it cools.  Once cool, spread over cream cheese mixture.

Top with sliced apples.  I used 1 1/2 Honey Crisp apples.  Then drizzle with more caramel and top with Heath bits.


Thursday, September 13, 2012

DIY Apothecary Jars

I've been seeing these every where and just couldn't resist making my own.  They were super simple and super CHEAP!  I made these three for under $10!

I found the candle sticks at Goodwill.  They had a brass finish and I simply spray painted them black.
I found the jars at Dollar Tree and glued them to the sticks.
The tops are wooden circles with knobs glued to them.  They were also spray painted black.
I found some cute Halloween ribbon at Michaels and we're done!

I love that all I have to do is change the ribbon and they'll be ready for another holiday!
I also love that the lids just rest on the jars so the kids just simply lift them off to take a treat!

I can't wait to display them with some of my other Halloween creations!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Tulle Pumpkin Wreath

It all started with this picture I saw on Pinterest.

Handmade Front Door Deco mesh Halloween Fall Thanksgiving Pumpkin Wreath






















http://www.etsy.com/listing/103325491/handmade-front-door-deco-mesh-halloween?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=pumpkin+wreaths&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade

Yes, I took just one look and knew I had to have one.  However, I wasn't crazy about paying that much for it when I knew I could probably do it myself!

Sooooo, I kept analyzing it to try and figure out how it was made and then I stumbled upon this . . .

Pumpkin Wreath tutorial! :)

After looking it over I went out to gather my supplies only to realize I didn't buy the right kind of mesh!    
My first attempt had failed, but I wasn't going to give up!

During one of my travels to Joann Fabrics, I noticed they sold 15 yard spools of tulle for only $2.99!!!
I knew some how, some way, I was going to make this work!

So I followed the basic directions and improvised.  I used

10" embroidery hoop
orange latch hook canvas
2 spools orange tulle
8 pieces green tulle
1 piece black tulle
floral wire

First, I stapled the latch hook canvas to the embroidery hoop

Then, I cut the tool into 10'' strips.  I rolled the strip into a tube and fastened it with the wire
I poked the wire through the holes (not every one!) and then twisted the wire on the back
When all the orange was filled in, I attached some green pieces for leaves and a black piece for the stem


Not the exactly the same, but pretty close!
What do you think?