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...may I someday be like you? On second thought, no. Too much pressure. Too perfect. I enjoy sloppy glue gun messes and burnt recipes. However, I will "borrow" some of your holiday decorating ideas! Because I have a hard time coming up with my own. Here's a few of my Halloween/Fall fave's from Martha's site.
I love these sparkly, glittery pumpkins!
Tools and Materials. Small pumpkins, medium-sized paintbrush, similar glitter in Garnet, Tourmaline, and Bronze, $4.99, by Martha Stewart Crafts, from marthastewartcrafts.com ,white glue, paper plate, brown acrylic paint.
Glittered Pumpkins How-To
1. With paintbrush, spread layer of white glue over the surface of a small pumpkin. Place pumpkin on a paper plate or newspaper to catch excess glitter.
2. Sprinkle powder glitter over glue, covering completely. Let dry for an hour, then shake off excess powder.
3. Coat stem with brown acrylic paint, let dry. Once dry, the stem can also be covered in brown glitter if desired. The pumpkins will keep for months.
These Pumpkin Jar Toppers would be perfect for a Halloween party! They make me giggle.
Tools and Materials. Good & Plenty, miniature marshmallows, Twizzler licorice bites (Black), Gummy teeth, Licorice wheels, Candy corn, Neapolitan licorice, Ball pins, glass canisters/jars, scissors, small pumpkins.
Halloween-Candy Face How-To
1. Secure the candy to the pumpkin with ball pins that match the color of the treats so they aren't too noticeable. Tip: Chewy candy is easier to bend and snip.
2. Place pumpkin on glass canisters or reuse large glass jars for candy.
Mummy Heads
Okay, this next one didn't have a "how-to" but isn't it darn cute? I imagine she covered a Styrofoam ball with either electrical tape or painted it black. And then covered the ball with strips of white cloth. Oh, and don't forget to glue on the cute wiggly eyes (can be found at Michael's).
Use a Pumpkin Incense Burner to suggest the cozy scent of pie just out of the oven. I {heart} pie!
Incense Burner How to
1) Cut off the pumpkin's top and scrape out the innards
2) Carve round vents with an apple corer
3) Rub cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spices onto the lid, or push cloves into it.
4) With a lighted tealight candle inside, the pumpkin will give off a lovely fragrance for about six hours.
Mercury Glass Pumpkins - aren't they pretty?
Mercury Glass How to
1. In a well-ventilated area, coat pumpkins with silver floral spray. Let dry.
2. With a craft brush, paint stems with green acrylic paint. Let dry.
3. Brush plastic toy insects with tacky glue, and coat with orange ultrafine opaque glitter. Let dry.
4. Attach bugs to pumpkins using a hot-glue gun or poster tack.
Mini Pumpkin Tealights - these would look so cute at your table for each place setting.
This looks pretty self-explanatory. Although, how many of us have a hand drill fitted with a 1 1/2 inch paddle bit. If you don't own a paddle bit I'm sure we can get the job done with a knife and apple corer or melon baller. The goal is to cut a circle out of the top that is 1 1/2 inches wide. Place tealight down inside the top and there you have it!
Lollipop Pumpkin
What a great idea to have sitting on the front porch for the trick-or-treaters to help themselves to! Another self-explanatory project. If you have an awl (a nail will also work), punch holes about an inch apart going down the length of the rib of the pumpkin. Insert brown and orange Lollipops! *I'm thinking the fake pumpkins you see at Michael's might hold up better than a real one.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Squares - I think I've died and gone to heaven. Yep.
- FOR THE CRUST
- 20 chocolate wafer cookies, (half a 9-ounce package)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- FOR THE FILLING
- 2 packages bar cream cheese, (8 ounces each)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
- In a food processor, blend cookies with sugar until finely ground (you should have about 1 cup crumbs); add butter, and pulse until moistened.
- Transfer crumb mixture to prepared pan, and press gently into bottom. Bake until fragrant and slightly firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Place cream cheese in food processor; blend until smooth. Add sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, flour, pumpkin-pie spice, and salt; process until combined. Set aside.
- Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted. Add 1 cup pumpkin mixture; stir to combine. Set aside.
- Pour remaining pumpkin mixture into prepared pan. Drop dollops of chocolate mixture onto pumpkin mixture; swirl. Bake until cheesecake is set but jiggles slightly when gently shaken, 40 to 50 minutes.
- Cool in pan. Cover; chill until firm, at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days). Using overhang, transfer cake to work surface. With a knife dipped in water, cut into 16 squares. Serve.
I'm joining Rhoda today for her It's Fall Y'all! Party. Click here to visit the other participants to see their fabulous Fall inspiration!
Make sure to join me for our "Celebrating Holidays" party October 16th. Click here for more details.
*All photos, how-to's, and recipe found at Martha Stewart.com.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for all the how-to's! Can't wait to try some of those ideas out!
Love you Sis!
Alyssa
lifeoflyssie.com
September 30th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Love the post title.
Who would have thought that mummy heads could possibly be cute? ...BUT these are adorable!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
This post was fun to read, as well as your "Traditions celebrate the holidays" I enjoyed reading both. YOUR MOM.. way to go on her part. I am glad that through a tough time your mom stood up and moved forward and made it special for you and your sister. What a great mom!
I may do the Traditions thing.. I am thinking about it.
I love the glittery pumpkin, the mummy balls, and the lollipop pumpkin. I think the lollipop pumpkin would be cuter with all orange lollipops... so there Martha.. I am sticking my tounge out at you. Ha! Thanks for sharing.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
O, I will be turning some pumpkins into mercury glass, yes I will! It is so funny that you kinda want to be her, I used to say I wanted to be Martha when I grew up... ever since I saw her make her cream puff (can't remember the fancy French name for them) Christmas trees on one of her specials.
Have a Fabulous, Martha kinda day (I imagine her to be a little stressed though)
SMiles!
Michelle
September 30th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Marie, thanks for all the links and how to's I love these simple projects, they are all so cute, how do you choose? Marla
September 30th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
ooooh, so many wonderful ideas to inspire my decor! thank you for sharing!
September 30th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
i'm totally copying a bunch of martha's stuff too
she does know how to rock it!
those glitter pumpkins are gorgeous
i am going to try to get it together enough to be part of your holiday party - will let you know soon if i can
September 30th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I love love love each of these ideas! -Kelsee
September 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for sharing the "how to dos".
Enjoyed your post on your holiday traditions. Growing up, I don't remember our celebrating any of the holidays much, except for Christmas. So, when I raised my children I tried to impress upon them the true meaning of the holiday, decorating, etc. Thanks for sharing.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
So many clever and neat ideas! Thanks for sharing! And oh, I prefer you just the way you are!
Nancy
September 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
What a fun bunch of ideas ... but OHHHH that recipe, gotta try that one. TY for sharing Marie.
Have a lovely autumn eve. TTFN ~Marydon
September 30th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I love me some glitter pumpkins! See mine here:
http://embellishedbayou.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-favorite-fall-craft-glittered.html
September 30th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
What great ideas...thanks sooooo much for sharing!
Blessings,
Linda
September 30th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Love everything... love, love, love! Can't wait to try the Mercury pumpkins!
October 1st, 2009 at 8:19 am
Marie, Thank you so much for visiting and always leaving such sweet comments.... I had such a good time decorating for this party and the season. But I'm not done yet- still have to do a little Halloween. Not much, but a few things. I think you posted some cute Martha ideas. I think the cheesecake recipe is one I will REALLY try! LOL
hugs, Sue
October 1st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Love those mercury glass pumpkins. You really put a lot into this beautiful post. Very nice.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:08 am
Oh this is just beautiful! Definitely a fantastic way to ring in fall! Love these how-to's!!Thanks for sharing! Oh, and if you're going to be doing any spooky Halloween decor, stop by my blog for a how-to and a giveaway! I hope you can! THE RIGHT LINK THIS TIME
October 1st, 2009 at 9:14 am
hi Marie!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for following me!! I would love to see your "w" door decor if you try it! Thanks again!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:19 am
Oh my word! You are so FAB.U.LOUS! Becoming one of your followers now - you've got me hooked! thanks for visiting my new little blog - I hope I can grow up to be like you someday!!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:24 am
Love the title. You are so witty!
And thank you for including all these how-to's here. You know, I've never visited Martha's site. . . I guess I should. . . but I really like your "Reader's Digest Condensed Version"!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:29 am
What a great post! You make me giggle - I wouldn't mind being Martha but only if I can pick and choose the traits (and wallet) too! Love all of your inspiration and that recipe is a must-try! Thanks so much for sharing!
October 1st, 2009 at 10:03 am
That Martha! The mummy head is so cute!
Manuela
October 1st, 2009 at 10:13 am
Wow, so many cute ideas! I will definitely be back.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:24 am
Whoo needs Martha when we have YOU? Your ideas are wonderful and your sense of humor is infectous! : ) I adore your post and your blog! May I add your link to my page? I love it here!
Thank you for visiting me and leaving such sweet comments!
The mummy balls are a hoot! I know my daughter and I will have fun making them!
Love,
Sue
October 1st, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi Marie.
Such great ideas! I love your note to Martha. You are right, we will just copy a few of her ideas...too much pressure otherwise.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
ok, those little mummy heads are killing me!!! Too freakin' cute
October 1st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Love all these wonderful ideas! Being Martha is too much pressure -- I like being Gina just fine.
I'm going to glitter some pumpkins using Apple Barrel glitter paint -- 78 cents will paint a BUNCH of pumpkins...
Sorry I've not been by lately -- being sick has really set me back longer than I thought. I've missed you, my sweet friend!
October 1st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hi Marie,
These are great looks, and thanks for including the instruction manual! Love your blog header, very catching and unusual!
Cathy
October 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I'm definitely going to be trying those pumpkin chocolate cheesecake squares! 3 of my favorite things! Thanks for all the Martha inspiration...I love all the pumpkins!
October 1st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Thanks for putting these all together in one place! What a great post to be able to come back to for future inspiration. Love it!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for the inspiration!!!
October 1st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I love all of your ideas! Thank you for visiting my new blog.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Love your ideas. Thanks for sharing.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Hi Marie...
My friend, I just read the note that you left for me on my autumn tablesape...you made my day!!! That was just the sweetest note and you are so kind and generous with your compliments...can you see me blushing? Hehe! Seriously...your note blessed me so very much...thank you, Darlin'!!!
Well now...I'm with you about the "Martha" thing...I do love her ideas but sheeshh...that's just way too much perfection to try and live up to! Hehe! I love the idea of the cut out pumpkins being used for incense burners! I bet they would smell fabulous with cloves stuck into the top of the pumpkin!!! Love that idea!!! I also really liked the mercury glass pumpkins! I definitely would like to try my hand at making some! Sounds easy enough! Well Darlin'...I love these great autumn decor ideas...thank you so much for sharing them with us! And thank you again, my friend...for making my day with your sweet note!!!
Warmest wishes and Happy Fall!
Chari
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:35 am
What some neat projects for Halloween/fall. Definitely going on my project list.
The dessert looks very tasty! Thanks for visiting my blog.
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:05 am
Thanks for sharing all the great ideas!! I think I might have to do the lollipop pumkin it looks so cute and easy
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
I love the lollipop pumpkin, it is such a cute idea for trick or treaters to enjoy.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
Marie, thanks for visiting my Fall Party post. I love all these cute ideas from Martha, thanks for sharing. Marla
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
What neat inspiration pics! I may try to some of them.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Oh my, what a fantastic pumpkin fall lovin' post! Yea, I love me a little Martha inspiration, but nobody would Ever mistake me for Martha!!!! I'm fine with just hoarding her beautiful glitter and ooo'ing and ahhh'ing over some fun projects!! Thanks for all of your inspiration and may you enjoy this fall season, that is FINALLY upon us!! (Northern California here! :>)
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:31 am
Sometimes I wander how she comes up with all this stuff....course that's why she makes the big bucks.
) I'm following you, such a cute blog!
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Hi Marie,
Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I'm so SORRY you don't have a Hobby Lobby where you live. I have seen the wooden finials and candle sticks at Michael's also. Do you have that store near you? If not, I would check any crafting store...most of them have unfinished wood sections...hope this helps! ~Ashley
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 am
I love your site here. Great ideas....really liked the Mummy balls! I love the Fall!
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:35 am
HI Marie!
Thanks for visiting me. Pleased to meet you. I enjoyed all the "Martha" ideas you presented. Especially the mercury glass pumpkins! You have a lovely blog. Have a great weekend! Linda
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
Marie, those are all some great Fall ideas! I love the mercury glass pumpkins. Ahhh, I can smell those delicious baked goods now. Thanks, dear for joining the party!
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Wow - how awesome to have all these CUTE ideas in one place. Thank you for gathering them altogether! Thanks also for stopping over for a visit. Hope to see you again soon! Happy Fall!
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I stopped by and really enjoyed cruising through your blog!!
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
oh my, i love all these ideas. I have never seen that mummy idea before and it is way too cute. love your blog, and i'm a mom of 4 too(i have an emmy)-isn't it great.
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:30 pm
great ideas from Martha I love her too..the glitter I used on my pumpkins are from her brand. I really liked the Mercury glass pumpkins I may use those this year for outside. nice to meet you..
October 4th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Marie,
This is a great post! A nice place to go to for instructions and then just start tick, tick, ticking the projects off the pages!! Love it! And love your blog...My daughter's name is Emily, I came thisclose to naming her Emma!!!!
xoxo
Jane
October 4th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
these are great ideas! i've done martha's glittered pumpkins and I am definitely going to try the other ideas you've posted.
October 4th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Hi Marie!
Such creative ideas! Can't wait to check out more of your blog!
Tamera
October 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Oo come see my chandlier=-inspired by martha I made it all by myself!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
ps - i finally got it together and am gonna be part of your blog party. got my post all ready and autoposted
October 15th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Good heavens girl, could you have fit more into this post? What a lot of great information, ideas and photos.