Monday, September 26, 2011

Halloween Bats

I keep seeing bats all over the web and I am loving this idea. So my sister and I got out the Cricut and cut out bats in all sizes using the Wild Card cartridge. Bend the bats wings forward to give them dimension and then tape them to the wall, I used scotch tape on mine. I placed all the bats flying in the same direction and slightly upward. The Happy Halloween sticker is from last years Halloween clearance at Wal-Mart.  I bet they have something similar this year. My sister put her bats going all the way across her living room wall. I know that there are some templates out there for bats if you do not have a Cricut handy. 
You just cant go wrong with these bats!

Happy Halloween Crafting!!

Check out some of my other Halloween projects!!




Saturday, September 24, 2011

Halloween Banner


  My very first Halloween project of the year!!

I made this cute banner to go in my living room for Hall0ween. My inspiration was from Tater Tots & Jello. She made a cute banner with chevrons using her silhouette machine. Jealous much, yep. I had wanted to do something with dangling fabric so when I came across hers I was sold.

It was really easy to make and is a great addition to your Halloween decor. In fact I am already contemplating making a Christmas one too!

Here are the supplies you need:
fabric and tulle
Sewing machine & thread
Scissors and/or a rottery cutter and mat
Ribbon

First I cut my fabric into triangle shapes. I used a pattern that I made a while ago when I made a birthday banner for my daughter. Each triangle measures about 7 1/4" tall by 7 1/2" long. You can make it in any size you want. Experiment a little with a piece of paper before you start cutting fabric. Once you figure out what size you want start cutting triangles. I used 7 different fabrics on mine. I think I purchased 1/3 yard of each fabric which was plenty. I went with 1/3 instead of 1/4 because I wanted a little extra fabric to make the strips out of. I only ended up needing 3 triangles from each fabric. My banner is about 20 feet long and I used 16 triangles total. I was so excited to get started that I got right to it and cut out way to many triangles. I guess I might have to make another banner for my dining room because I still have tons of triangles left over.

Next cut out your strips to knot between every triangle. I cut 1" strips of fabric, ribbon and tulle. I used 3 pieces in between every triangle. So you may have to do some math here depending on how many triangles and how long your banner is going to be.


Choose a main ribbon to sew the triangles to. I used a small black with white polka dot ribbon that I had a ton of. I used about 25 feet of it. I would measure the room that you are putting it in and cut your ribbon accordingly. Make sure to add a few extra feet on both side to be able to tie the banner with. Sew your triangles to the ribbon. I chose to sew the ribbon down about 1/2" from the top of the triangle becasue that was the look that I was after. Leave approx. 1 1/2" between each triangle for tying your ribbon knots. Also make sure to sew your ribbon on the front of your fabric triangle.

After you sew all your triangles on tie 3 strips of fabric, ribbon or tulle in between every triangle. I tried to knot them so that the right sides of fabric would be facing up on all the strips. I found it easiest to tie the banner in the middle of the room then tie the fabric strips on.


Last but knot :) least hang your banner in your home and try to not stare at it all day long like I do. I am a total nerd, it's just so cute I cannot help myself.


Check out some of my other Halloween projects!!

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