Believe it or not, from all the props made this year, making Billy’s tombstone was probably the most frustrating. In hindsight, since it was my first-ever tombstone made from foam ( I know, can you believe it?), I probably should have watched a few videos from the more seasoned creators, that have. Yet, I overcame the mishaps, and learned along the way. I’ll share what I did, and what I’d change, for the next one I make.
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Sorry for the lack of posts, but 2023 has been a whirlwind of events. From throwing the biggest home graduation party, vacations, life, and then creating new characters from the Stranger Things series – it’s been hectic.
First, let me apologize to the several frustrated creators looking for directions for the Shock and Barrel tutorials. The posts were written, and I thought were linked/published. But after a creator clued me in on the missing posts, I went back and couldn’t find them. Continue reading
Since I decided to build an Upside Down World for my 2021 Stranger Things Halloween display, making a huge Mind Flayer was a must. It was the first thing accomplished. Then, making all kinds of vines.
Next, it was The Tree Portal. The scene when Johnathan pulled Nancy back out of the tree, from The Upside Down World, must have struck a cord. Because I was determined to recreate it.
I knew whatever I used, had to hold up to the elements, allowed for a light to shine from inside out, and show Nancy’s hand through the goo and vines, reaching for Johnathan. This is how I accomplished it: Continue reading
This is the third and final installment of how to build a Mind Flayer. In the Part 1 tutorial, you’ll find how the frame body was made. Part 2, goes over the head build. For Part 3, I’ll show you how I made over 200 feet of legs.
Hopefully, by now you know how long your legs need to be, and you know how to use a heat gun. If not, read instructions, and stay focused. You can burn yourself faster than you can imagine. Continue reading
Homemade fly paper. Courtesy of Liesl Clark of Trashbackwards.com
If you are someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, you’ve probably already been accosted by a bug or two already this summer. Now you may want to reach for bug spray, but before you do, why not try some of these less toxic suggestions:
Ants can be bothersome or even harmful with their bites. Here are a few suggestions for keeping them away:
Vinegar and Windex Spray – According to Melromanczak on HomeTalk, this little mixture works instantly. They measured a half a bottle of Windex with a half a cup of vinegar to kill them on contact.
Create a Barrier: Sprinkle one of the following around your patio: Cayenne pepper, Cloves and Cinnamon, Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, Lemon Juice, and more are suggested from Mother Nature Network.
Stinging insects flying around can ruin a day of outdoor enjoyment. These tutorial hacks can trap them, deter them, and even kill them.
Keeping Wasps at Bay: Although Science World is still undecided in this technique, many people believe if you hang a puffed up lunch paper bag nearby, certain types of wasps will be deterred. Bob Villa offers a tutorial on building a trap from a soda bottle and Natural Living Ideas suggests using spearmint or peppermint oil on cotton balls and placing them strategically around your area.
Deter Bees Instead of Killing: Since bees are now on the endangered species list, it’s better to deter them, or even have nearby hives removed for free. Bees and other insects are known to dislike mint scents. Many people have suggested spraying the yard with dollar store mint mouthwash before a gathering. PestKill suggests sprinkling generous amounts of garlic powder.
Block Flies From Ruining Your Picnic: EHome Remedies offers over 15 solutions for your fly problems, including burning camphor candles or making a yard and patio spray of 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper to 1 1/2 cups of water.
Taking steps to ensure your yard is not a bug magnet is half the battle. Make sure your area is clear of garbage, empty beverage cans, and standing water. Tightly lid garbage cans and remove them from the area of your social gathering. Strategically plant herbs that deter bugs: Eucalyptus, Lemon Grass, Mint, Citronella, Lavender, Basil, are a few to mention.
With a little prevention and planning, you’ll be able to focus on friends and family, rather than shooing insects.
Love and gratitude are priceless gifts. Image courtesy of ChineseMedicineLiving.com.
With Valentine’s Day less than 48 hours away, some of us are still scrambling to get our loved ones a gift. But why do we have to wait for a holiday to show people how much we care? It doesn’t cost a penny to show kindness every day.
Ideas That Change People’s Lives
When we are grateful each day, the people around us thrive. Our smiles can engage strangers to pass on the goodwill and although it may seem like a small gesture, for others it will be huge.
So without a penny spent, show your family and friends how much they mean to you ~ everyday. Tomorrow is not promised and money cannot buy love.
To help get your creative juices flowing, see the links below:
221 Upcycling Ideas that will Blow your Mind
Happy Valentine’s Day!
No, I’ve not been abducted. I just moved to another state. Image of Mulder on the Xfiles courtesy of Fox and Daily Mail.com.
Many of my followers and friends may be questioning: Where is Debbie from Frugal Frights and Delights? Did she fall off the face of the earth?
It sorta felt like that when I took the challenge of moving from one state to another.
The lovely cast acquired. Copyright D. Morrow.
Imagine packing about 4000 sq. feet of household and hobby supplies, such as Sally, the Mayor, and props – with a cast on (that’s another story, LOL) and mainly by myself. My husband had to quickly leave for another job, which left me with moving and selling a house – not a small task, indeed!
The Bright Side
We’re slightly settled into our temporary apartment until we buy a house ( oh no, another move? LOL). Yet, it is in a warmer climate which has many perks. Almost every prop I brought with us survived. Jack Skellington and Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin did not make the trip and will be remade from scratch. So I look forward to making them even better than previously created.
I’ve already been eyeing new ideas for future projects; I’m just waiting for the space to do so. I hope my faithful followers will still check back at my sites from time to time. I should be up and ready to begin new feats by early Spring/Summer.
I’ll shortly start adding content that many of you will still enjoy. So fret no more. Thanks!
Samara from “The Ring” prop. She still scare me. Image courtesy of Debbie Morrow, All Rights Reserved.
It has come to my attention that this Frugal Gal ( under my old website name DebsDreamThemes) has been highlighted in Haunted Attraction Magazine and Inventorspot.com has recognized one of my props as 10 Epic DIY Halloween Decorations Sure to Make Your Guests Freak. For me, this is like getting an Emmy. Continue reading
PVC homemade mister by IamGutter on Instructables.com.
Who would have thought that the first week of September would bring a heat wave in the 90’s for many states? With many of the public pools closed after Labor Day, people have to be a bit creative. Especially if they lack air conditioning. Continue reading