We Like Making Our Own Stuff

I discovered a unique, but speedy, idea for a Halloween centerpiece or decoration. An easy Halloween pumpkin made with a roll of toilet paper and a square of fabric. I was going through some Halloween stuff that used to belong to my hubby's grandma, and came across a cute little pumpkin.  I set it aside, thinking I'd use it to decorate the kitchen table, and started decorating the yard.  While I was busy at work, one of my toddlers found the pumpkin, and took it upon herself to dismantle it. I was surprised to find that the pumpkin was actually nothing more than a roll of toilet paper wrapped in fabric!  I thought it was a neat idea, especially if you needed a last minute decoration.  Even if you didn't have any orange fabric on hand, I think other colors would work, and maybe even tissue paper could be substituted.  All you need is: 1 roll of toilet paper An approximately 18" inch square of fabric A small brown paper bag, or other brown or gree...

Being pregnant on Halloween can somewhat limit your costume options...or it can open up new doors: This costume was so much fun to make!  There are two sets of baby arms (we're pregnant with twins) breaking out of my belly to go trick-or-treating.  I got a lot of smiles with this costume (and some puzzled expressions from children who didn't quite know what to make of it). The costume was pretty simple to make.  I got a couple dolls at the thrift store and removed their arms.  I know that dolls aren't real babies, but I still felt creepy doing it.  I also picked up a cheap dress at the thrift store; I was hoping to find a white one so the blood would stand out better, but the black one was the only one that worked for me. I poked four holes into the dress and pushed the arms through.  To keep the arms from sagging, I attached each set of arms to a strip of cardboard on the inside as reinforcing.  Then, I made a couple origami bags for the...