By Candie Cooper – See more from Candie on her blog, Candie Cooper’s Journal

I was going to make a cheesy joke about skeletons and break dancing, but then I stopped myself.  Halloween decorations are everywhere, people!  The other day I was bopping around the Dollar Tree and picked up a wreath, some ribbon and these skeleton drinking straws. Wreaths are a fun project for kids to decorate because anything goes. Here are a few ideas....

This wreath was jazzed up with Purple Folk Art Paint, Purple Extreme Glitter, Sequins and Mod Podge. To make base coating the wreath easier, dip your paint brush in water before adding paint so it seeps into the cracks and crevices. Leave to dry and add a coat or two of Purple Extreme Glitter.

My favorite part about these little guys is their limbs move and wiggle. Cut the straws to fit inside the wreath--wedge them in or use hot glue to keep them in place. Add stars around the edge with dots of Mod Podge.

Glue a bow tie to the bottom and hang it from string (and cue the Monster Mash song just for fun). 

Preserve school day memories with this bright and playful frame. For many parents back to school time is a very monumental time. It marks the passing of another year, and the beginning of a new one. Your little ones are growing up right in front of your eyes. This back to school frame is a great way to document your children growing up over the years. A perfect project for beginners all you will need is a wooden frame, and some Apple Barrel paint. Below is a list of supplies you will need, and to see the complete instructions for this frame click here.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - King's Gold, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Flag Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Palm Leaf, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Key West, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Art Materials - Bottle Tops - Spouncer Painters

·       Plaid ® Wood Surfaces - Letter Packs - Cursive

·       Plaid ® Wood Surfaces - Frames - Square

Other Supplies

Craft paint brushes
Craft glue