Last Minute Halloween Treats

This seemed to be the weekend of Halloween parties. If you're hosting one this weekend or next and need a last minute idea to serve up, or if you are a guest and want to bring something fun, check out these EASY, festive options.

You can find clear, plastic paint cans at almost any craft store. To decorate, all you need to do is cut a piece of paper to the right height, roll it up, and stick it right inside the can. If you want, you can add a piece of tape to keep it secure. I added a little word tag, some eyeball embellishments, and ribbon to mine, but you can do whatever you want. This one will hit the neighborhood streets with my baby as we take him on his first trick or treat adventure. I think they would be perfect for party favors, too, or as a gift.

I think these owl cupcakes from One Charming Party are ADORABLE. I made these ones for a party I went to last night, and they were seriously the easiest in the world to make. If you're having a kids' party, why not have them decorate them themselves? Check out more pictures and the tutorial at One Charming Party.

One Charming Halloween Party

About two months ago, I started working for the amazing party blog, One Charming Party. If you have never been to this blog, check it out! One Charming Party creates children's party plans that you can purchase, and offers up amazing party inspiration via tutorials, beautiful photos, etc. OCP is truly an inspiration to The Elephant of Surprise, and I am so glad to be a part of it.

I had the privilege of working with Brittany from OCP on her Halloween photo shoot. Here is a sneak peak of the Halloween Class Party she created.

Photo from One Charming Party, by Nicole Hill Gerulat

It was so fun to be a part of the party! Check out One Charming Party for more posts on this adorable kids Halloween party, complete with more photos and tutorials. And look for more One Charming Party around The Elephant of Surprise in the future!

Halloween Tins

Happy October! I think I mentioned that I became a little obsessed with tins over the summer. What person out there doesn't love containers?! Maybe you haven't thought about it before, but once you do, you will realize you LOVE containers, don't you? Small ones, odd shaped ones, stackable ones. Something about packaging your life up in little compartments just feels good.

Well, here is a little container project for the Halloween season! I call it, "The simplest tin makeover in the WORLD!"

For this project you will need the following:

• A CONTAINER! (I used a round, silver tin from Roberts Arts and Craft. On sale for 1.25.)
• scrapbook paper (always)
• scissors, paper cutter
• mod podge

1. Trace the lid of the container onto the paper you desire. Cut. 

2. Apply mod podge to the lid, and adhere the paper so it is completely covered.

3. Cut a strip of paper equal in width to the height of your container. I had to cut two to cover all the way around my container.

4. Apply mod podge and adhere

Voila!

To go along with the easiest tin makeover in the WORLD, I made the easiest Oreo truffles in the WORLD. 

Wouldn't this combo be perfect to give to your neighbors this Halloween? Or as party favors at your Halloween bash? Or as a hostess gift? Share the container love!

The Elephant Look

I have to give a HUGE shout out to my sister, Leslie--the lovely and talented, for my ADORABLE blog header and corresponding business card. I gave her an initial draft and she turned it into something I am so proud of. I will definitely be utilizing her graphic design skills around here in the future. Watch for her! Thanks a million, Les! Love you!!

Paper Strip Garland

I know we are officially in Halloween season now, but I wanted to share this quick idea that could be used any time of year. (Halloween ideas are on the way.)

I used to walk by the window of this store ALL the time because I was so in love with their window display (the store itself is adorable, too). Check out those fun rainbow paper garlands!!

picture from http://shopsatriverwoods.com/shopping/soel-boutique.html

As soon as I saw them, I started thinking of a reason to have a party just so I could make them. I made these ones for a family beach-themed birthday party back in July.

If you know how to use a sewing machine, even a little, you can make this decoration. All you need is scrapbook paper, a paper cutter, and thread (i prefer the clear variety). That's it. 

Here's how it all goes down:

1. Choose your paper.

2. Cut the paper into strips of the same length and thickness--as many as you want. Obviously, the more you cut the longer the garland will be. 

3. Feed them through your sewing machine one at a time leaving no space in between each strip. Make sure the stitch runs as close to the middle of the paper as possible. 

4. When you have sewed all the strips together leave some extra thread at the end--you can use that to hang the garland from wherever you want with a thumb tack. 

Easy!!

Done in the right colors, wouldn't this make the cutest baby mobile? And how about if you made them with cool black and orange papers? Wouldn't they look awesome at a Halloween party, or in your front window? See. This is a Halloween post after all. I would love to see pictures of how you use the paper strip garland!