I've been on a crafty upcycling kick lately.
For some reason fall always gets me in the decorating mood.
I'm not sure if it's that let's get cozy vibe the cooler temps bring or the fact that the holidays are inching closer.
Either way, lately, my creative spirit has taken hold.
And I find myself digging into my thrift store stash to play.
Exhibit A.
This candle trivet was $3.99 at Savers.
It's a shop I rarely frequent, I prefer the tiny, charity shops, but this year I decided to stop in and I scored.
Bigtime.
It's where I found the wooden dollhouse washstand I just made over...and, honestly, like that washstand, when I grabbed the trivet, I had no idea what I was going to do with it.
I didn't even know what it was until I turned it over to reveal a large sticker with directions for burning a candle on it.Who knew?
However, it had such a pretty border and a nice open square space in the middle, that I couldn't resist. It was a blank palette.
Inspiration didn't hit until weeks later, when I was at Dollar Tree and saw these Halloween skull napkins.
I knew immediately that they were the right size and even though I am not a fan of Halloween...or anything spooky...I couldn't resist.
Decoupaging Napkins For Halloween
I used this trivet as my base, but any old floor tile, wooden sign or plate would work well for this craft.As far as my DIY goes, it was literally the quickest process ever. The color was already perfect, so there wasn't any need to paint the base.
Although, I did wipe the entire thing down with a little vinegar and water and removed the sticky price tag with my peanut butter trick.
Some napkins, like the ones I used when I made my spoon ornaments, have a sneaky third layer which is often tough to remove, this napkin was only 2-ply, which made the process so much simpler.
Thank you Dollar Tree.
At this point, I grabbed my decoupage medium. Now, I used Dixie Belle Satin Sealer, as usual.
It's my favorite and I love the fact that it's a furniture grade sealer with no scent.
 |
| Dixie Belle Sealer// Mod Podge |
Of course, you can use whatever you have on hand, Mod Podge or a homemade version, for example.
I just brushed on a thin coat, covering the open square on the trivet, paying special attention to the edges and corners.
Then very, very carefully, I laid the napkin down, lining the edges up and centering it.
The only tricky part here was making sure it was properly placed on the first shot. If I had to move it too much that thin, wet napkin would've torn.
I used a gloved hand to carefully smooth down all the bumps and wrinkles. I didn't go crazy this time, because honestly, a few imperfections seemed to fit this design.
A bit of gritty realism for my handmade decoration.
For now, I'm focused on fall.
And Halloween with my new ceramic skull sign.
The one on my fireplace mantel with its elegant frame.
That takes the edge off that creepy design.
Making it the perfect grown up Halloween decoration for this girl.
👻
Are you a spooky Halloween decorator?
Before you go, check out all the fall fabulousness from my friends! Today, I'm part of a fall hop with a new group of very talented creators.
Amazing Creators in fact.
I hope you'll take the time to pop by and visit them all.
You may know some of them and others may be new to you, but I guarantee you'll be impressed! Plus it's always nice to make new friends.
Happy Fall Hopping, Friends!
What a great find! I don't think I've ever seen a spooky napkin like that. Fab idea, Kim.
ReplyDeleteIt was too cute a napkin to pass up, Rachel, even if I'm not a big fan of creepy decor! 😉
DeleteHi Kim! I enjoy a good upcycle project and this one is fabulous! That candle holder is such a great thrifted find and the napkin pairs perfectly with it! It's just the right amount of spooky! Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! I enjoy a good upcycle project and this one is fabulous! The candle holder is such a great thrifted find and pairs perfectly with the napkin! It's just the right amount of spooky! Happy Halloween!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna! It was a great find, I'm glad I picked up that trivet and I agree it was made for that napkin. Two lucky finds for me! Woohoo!
DeleteI would have never guessed that was a candle trivet either! Who knew! ... but what a great find! That is seriously so cute! I love those Dollar Tree napkins...I think I need to go see if I can find some because my kiddos want to host a Halloween party! Thanks for sharing the Blog Hop!!
ReplyDeleteGo to Dollar Tree and look, Stephanie! My store had bins of them...in every aisle! It was actually kind of funny, I couldn't get away from them...I guess I was meant to bring a few home for my mantel! 😉
DeleteThe trivet and the napkin are a perfect match, Kim...a little bit 'classy' and a little bit 'creepy'. Such a great look! Clearly, I need to get to the dollar store.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann!! I knew that trivet would make a great…something! I just never imagined I’d be pairing it with a spider. 🕷️ Gotta love that dollar store.
DeleteHI kim This is such a great idea! It looks great for a Halloween mantel! I love the idea for a thrift store stash. I tend to leave bags around and then forget where I left them.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Will share on the Weekend Edit! xo laura
Thanks Laura!! That's so funny, I constantly lose my thrifted finds...I tuck them away and then find them weeks (or months!) later. I've tried to get organized this season, so when I want to craft I know where they are...we'll see how long that lasts, but for now, I seem to be on track!
DeleteThis is great. Easy peasy too. Gotta love the dollar store. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! A little different for me...but maybe I'm growing!! Hahaha!!
DeleteI love this Kim. I'm not a Halloween fan. I don't like spooky either but this is elegant and a bit spooky.
ReplyDeleteI wish our Dollar Tree would get better.
Thanks Cindy, I'm not usually a Halloween fan either...and if I am, it's cutesy, not scary. This one just tugged at me for some reason. It was a happy diversion!
DeleteI think it's definitely the 'let's get cozy vibe' that's got you crafting and it's really bringing out the best in you Kim! This is the perfect amount of spooky. I envy the great napkins you find at the dollar store; I couldn't find a cool napkin like that around here.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sara! Yes, I think you're right, the cool temps are inspiring me. I can't wait to dig back into that pile again!
DeleteI am going to go look for those napkins. So cute. I do 'pretty' Halloween but nothing too spooky. xo xo xo
ReplyDeleteThis project caught me off guard, I do not like spooky or creepy at all! I don’t know why I was so drawn to it…but I really, really like this one. Glad you do, too!
DeleteI'm really not into "spooky" Halloween either, but I do love this idea! It's so cute, and easy enough that even I might be able to do it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a surprise to me, too Sharon, that I gravitated toward those napkins. It definitely worked out well, though. You should try decoupage, it's so simple, you'd be great!
DeleteVery impressive DIY. I love how it turned out! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks Briana! This one was a departure from my normal cheery decor choices, but super fun!! Happy October!
DeleteI love that napkin but not spotted any like that at our dollar store. Must look again. I like how you framed it and displayed it. I kinda like some spooky stuff. The grand girls do so I just put some out.
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy! Yes, this was a good find. It was the perfect size for my project and cheap! My favorite kind of splurge!! I'm normally too chicken to decorate with spooky things. Sounds like you are a brave bunch!!
DeleteThis turned out so cool. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! It was a festive project for sure.
DeleteKim, I love quick Mod Podge project! Too cute! Pinned!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! Decoupage is the best...so much fun!! I appreciate the pin, too! Happy October!!
DeleteGreat thrifted find, Kim! It's almost as if this candle trivet and Halloween napkin were meant to be. And even more perfect that your Halloween DIY was done on a budget! I love how you've styled it on your fall mantel! Loving the spooky elegance!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kristy! I do love a budget decor DIY, that's my favorite kind. This was definitely not what I usually gravitate towards, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and welcomed the spiders!
DeleteI saw this uber-creative and not-too-scary bit of decor on Instagram and just had to see how you did it. Love how everything came together so perfectly, Kim. I'm going to have to hunt those napkins down and get me some. Oooo the possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI'm big into the whole Halloween thing. If I could fit a giant skeleton on our roof I'd do it, but we stay close to a whole bunch of schools and I don't want to give the little ones nightmares.
For some reason, my comment appeared as anonymous. Lol. Fun hop!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue!! Sorry about that, Blogger is a fickle friend!
DeleteHi Kim. That turned out so great. I haven't been doing much of anything except watching Youtubes. Thought of you last night, some gal was doing what she called busted canvases. I'm always so far behind, but I'm sure you have heard of or done one!..She did good job and they are cute but what I thought of is how you use decoupage. She applied the ModPoge, let it dry, then she placed a piece of parchment paper over it and used her iron to stick it. She was saying that there were no wrinkles at all and it stuck very well. Is this a good method for what you do or maybe it is for something entirely different? Anyway I love what you do. xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteI've seen busted canvases, Judy, but not until recently. I love blogging, but I'm not a big fan of social media, so sometimes I'm late to the party!! Heehee...I have used the iron and it works very well. I actually just bought a dedicated craft iron so I could use it on smaller projects. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but soon I hope!! xoxxo
DeleteKim, like you, I am not one to decorate for Halloween, but I really love how this project turned out--eerily elegant!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cecilia! It's way out of my normal comfort zone, too, but I just knew those napkins would look great in that frame. I still need to turn the lights on when I walk by it at night though! Haha!!
DeleteI have put napkins behind a plate or bowl, but never have on the front. And I have lots of plates in my collection.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love putting the napkins behind when I'm using the dishes or bowls for food, but since this was a candle trivet, I was excited to be able to put it on the front. Thanks for the visit!
DeleteMorning Kim. I don't decorate for Halloween except the occasional Jack o'lantern that the grandkids carve here. But I love this idea for an easy to make seasonal decor for my home!
ReplyDeleteSuper easy, Linda! I'm not usually a big fan of Halloween, but in recent years, I've been inspired to get into the spirit. Dollar Tree helps with all their cute decor, it's hard to walk away with an empty cart!
DeleteJust the right amount of spooky for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteI do have my house all decorated for Halloween. Boo!
Thanks so much, Carla! Me too...anymore and I'd need a buddy around here!
DeleteHi Kim! Sharing this on the Weekend Edit! laura
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura! I'm so behind! I need to catch up!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a spooky Halloween decorator and I have the same napkins and their matching plates as I used them in my DR hutch which I decorated as an Apothecary cabinet again this year... Love how this piece came out!! Very pretty!!
Hugs.
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
I have to peek at your napkin/ plate display Debbie! I'm sure it's beautiful!! Thanks for stopping by!!
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