Black & White Halloween Craft Pumpkin Tutorial

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers... tis time to make this awesome black & white craft pumpkin, yo.

Okay, that's not quite how it goes. But it doesn't matter. We're going to take the moon's advice and make this pretty pumpkin... yo. ;)

You Will Need...
First, we need to gather supplies. Even Cinderella had to start with a pumpkin. If it was good enough for her, it's good enough for us! I got mine at Hobby Lobby. You can also find similar pumpkins here. You could potentially use a thrift store plastic or foam pumpkin, too... as long as you can stick images to the surface. Just keep in mind if it is a bright orange, you might want to paint it first.

You will also need:
- Romance Writer Scrap Pack from My Porch Prints (for the papers)
- Black & White Halloween Scrap Pack from My Porch Prints (for the images)
- Mod Podge (I used glossy)
- Foam Brushes
- Black Lace (optional)
- Fabric Flowers (optional)

Decoupage
To begin, cut or tear your papers into small pieces, about 1-2 inches in size. I tore some of mine. Others I cut. I didn't want them identical, but rather of various sizes and shapes. Pour your Mod Podge into a paper bowl and use your foam sponge brush to apply the Mod Podge to a small area of your pumpkin. Then place one piece of paper over it. Using the brush, apply another layer of Mod Podge on TOP of the piece of paper.
Tip: If parts of the paper won't lay flat, I used a craft stick to smooth it down.

Layer Papers
Repeat the process, layering the papers over each other. You can use a few different papers, or just one, whatever you like. I layered a few different kinds of paper.
Tip: I left the bottom uncovered because no one would see it.

Add Halloween Images
To add the black & white Halloween images, carefully tear around the images you want and use the Mod Podge in the same way you applied your paper.

Finishing Touches
When finished, allow to dry for a few hours. Then use the black lace to tie a tag to the top of the pumpkin. Embellish with black & white fabric flowers. All done!

Make This Steampunk Clock Mini Book

Steampunk Clock Cabochon Mini Book from My Porch Prints*
*Not a real clock
This cute little Clock Mini Book is easy to make!
All you need are: 

• Crafting Supplies (glue, scissors, ruler, etc)
• Make-Up Sponges or Distress Ink (optional)
• Glass Cabochons (25 mm/1-inch circles)
• Da Vinci Mini Book Printable
• Clock Circles printable from My Porch Prints on Etsy

Book Cover
To begin, print & cut your book cover, pages, & chosen clock circle. Next, fold the cover as shown (cutting off any extra) and glue the inside cover to the outside cover. If desired, use a black marker to color on a make-up sponge. Then lightly rub this along the edges of your book to cover any white edges and add a vintage effect. You can also use Distress Ink for this.

Adding the Pages
Cut your pages into three strips and fold them accordion style. Glue the pages together to create three sets of three pages each. Clamp the pages together. I used a clothespin for this. Then apply glue to the edge of your clamped pages and insert them into the cover, pushing them inside the spine as shown. Hold for 30 seconds or so until the glue sets a bit, then clamp the book closed and set aside to dry.

Clock & Cabochon Cover
Once your book pages are dry, cut out your clock face (or whichever design you choose) and glue it to your book cover. Use a drop of clear glue to attach your glass circle cabochon to your clock face. Rub the glass circle around a bit and press down hard to get out any air bubbles. Allow to dry.

All done!
Now you have a cute little Steampunk Clock Mini Book! Use it on its own or as an embellishment for a junk journal. Could also become a cute necklace, charm or ornament.

Get the Mini Book Printable & Clock Circles from My Porch Prints on Etsy.

Farmhouse Finds From Amazon

Farmhouse Finds From Amazon

If you can't tell, I'm pretty much in love with farmhouse style. We're running away together. There are so many choices now for that vintage farm look. And you don't have to go to a specialty store or website to get it. You can find amazing farmhouse décor on Amazon. Take a look at these affordable farmhouse finds!


Galvanized Metal Desk Organizer




Candle Lantern



White Wall Sconce



Metal Chairs



Kitchen Utensil Holder




Architectural Corbel


Barn Door Console






Clock

Make Your Own 221B Baker Bag: Sherlock Purse

Make Your Own Sherlock Bag
I've been working on several cool furniture projects for an upcoming Spring Market. Unfortunately,
most of those are still unfinished.

However, I did find time to finish one project, not furniture but something else I've wanted to do for a looooong time: a Sherlock Holmes purse!

I'm a bit of a geek, especially when it comes to books/movies, and I recently came across an Etsy shop that sells bags that look like Sherlock Holmes' door.

So cool! I wrote to the guy and asked him about them and found out they are just flat, two-dimensional pictures. There is no real hardware on the bags: no coolio door knocker, no numbers. I probably should have realized that right away, but I geeked out over it and thought maybe it had actual hardware included. Nope.

I decided in order to be truly cool, I needed a purse with actual hardware. Then, I remembered that Tim Holtz makes a mini lantern.

From Amazon




Thus was born my 221B Baker bag! I bought the bag at Goodwill. It seemed like a good size and had a nice, flat black back that made a perfect canvas for my "door." Then I found a black fabric belt to criss cross over the purse and create the illusion of panels intersecting. After much searching, I found a shop on Etsy that sells small metal numbers and letters. I painted them with gold acrylic, then did a light misting of black spray paint to make them look old and weathered. I also ordered a pendant pull on Etsy that resembled the actual door knocker from Sherlock.

I assembled it all by fastening the hardware on and sewing/gluing the belt to the purse. Finally, I tucked the battery pack to my lantern inside the purse pocket and allowed the lantern to hang outside the door. The final result is just awesome! At least for a geeky girl like me. :)