Another Fun Leaf Activity- Leaf Pounding...and Flowers too!

Leaf and flower pounding is a very cool way to make some neat crafts or gifts. It can be very therapeutic to get your frustrations out too! Just do not do when you have a headache. In my humble opinion, ear protection would be recommended.

It is so easy that even small children can do this, have fun and be very successful.

I was amazed as to how many sites offer instruction on how to do this very cool art. Below I have links to a few, but there are more out there. There are a couple videos on YouTube for flower pounding as well.

Basically you need a piece of fabric or card stock to create your leaf/flower pounding art on, leaves and/or flowers, a hammer, a piece of wood to pound upon, & masking tape. Some of the artisans I have linked to use a few other tools that you can see on their link. For more details on how to do this neat craft go to the below links and select the style that suits you best or search the web for more ideas!

Happy Pounding!
The Halloween Queen

Leaf pounding with Bettye Kimbrell(pictured above):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaQfMs-hBk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0oK1Ns1Wq8

Different style leaf pounding technique...
http://randomapplique.blogspot.com/2006/11/leaf-whapping.html

Flower Pounding- for summer or in off season if you buy from a florist:
http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/flower-pounding/index.html

Flower pounding to make greeting cards:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuPAMHFT9Pw

Leaf Printing- Great Fall Fun!! (Summer Fun Too!)

Depending on where you are in the country, your fall colors may already be on the ground. But in case you are in an area where the leaves are still available this is a fun activity to do with the family. You can also do this activity during the summer months when more variety of leaves are available.

You simply collect a fabric item to print on, some leaves, fabric paint, paint brushes, a brayer or rolling pin, wax paper, and newspapers. The trick to this is painting the back side of the leaf to get the veins to show nicely. A few tries might be needed to figure out the right amount of paint to put on the leaf.

Spread newspaper over your work area. Keep a clean area for your printed item as not to get paint on it by accident. Set up a different area where the leaf painting occurs. Paint the back of the leaf, place it painted side down onto fabric, cover with wax paper, have someone hold wax paper firmly in place and roll over leaf with a brayer or rolling pin. Carefully remove wax paper and leaf. Allow each leaf print to dry before adding new prints. You may use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed up the process.

Below is a beautiful example of what you can do. Go to this link http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/11/04/leaf-prints/ for photos of step-by-step instructions.

Enjoy the Fall!
The Halloween Queen

Another Quicky Costume- Quick Ghoul

Here is another very easy quick idea. If you have a hooded robe, or even just a hoodie, this one works great! Just take black eyeliner and some black eyeshadow and you can do a quick free style ghoul. The sample above is one we did as a last minute rush to get to trick or treat. We used a grey hooded robe from a different costume. The lips have faded as this is a pic after trick or treat...but you get the idea.
If you have props like a plastic sickle or axe this just adds to the effect. Remember to be careful when carrying props while trick or treating. You do not wish to poke out another goul's eye. Safety first!
Have Fun!
The Halloween Queen

Need a costume quick? Try This!!

One of the easiest ways I have found to create a last minute quick impressive costume is to do a skull face and add any clothing or costumes you have lying around. I have created directions on how to do this to the right under "How to..."

You will see some examples of a few times we have used this easy way to make an impressive costume. All you need is a pencil eye liner, black and white clown make-up, make-up sponges, baby powder, a powder puff and craft or make-up brushes which you may already have.

Be sure to check and make sure your face can handle the make-up first. Some folks are sensitive to some make-up products. If you are sensitive you may want to invest in the higher end theatrical make-up from suppliers on the web. Be sure to have a jar of cold cream on hand...by far the best and quickest way to remove make-up without drying your skin out. Available at most drug stores.

I have also used clown costumes and was "Boney the Clown". The "Dead Cowboy" worked great for trick or treat with my son...no mask to get in the way and we used most of his own clothing, so it fit him just right, nothing to get tangled and tripped over.

Safety is a big concern for Halloween Festivities. Whether you are going out trick or treating or going to a party...costumes that fit well and face adornment that does not block your vision is important. If you practice your make-up skills, you can just skip the mask. It makes enjoying the festivities much better. Plus you will make a big impression!
Watch for more make-up tips in future postings.

Enjoy the Season!!
The Halloween Queen

Welcome Fall ... Welcome ALL!!!

This blog is dedicated to all things fall and fun. I am a graphic artist with much experience in designing costumes, makeup and general creativity. I will share some of my "secrets" here with you. If you are in the Red Lion PA Area and need help for your halloween costume or a costume any time just pop me an email to schedule an appointment. I have created many award winning costumes over the years.

Check out my customized graphics business web site to see what all I do in my "normal life"  http://www.jestek.net/

Costumes do not need to be commercially purchased to be a winner....many can be created from your and your friends closets OR from a thrift store. Make-up techniques can be learned, I will share some of these here. Just use your imagination.

Fun fall crafts and activities are cool too. I will share these too. So go ahead and throw a party...the season is right for fun.

Yours Truly,
The Halloween Queen