Category Archives: Halloween

The Art of Pumpkin Carving: From Tradition to Creativity

Featured

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Steven Van Elk on Pexels.com

Every fall, as the air turns crisp and pumpkins start appearing on porches and in grocery stores, I’m reminded of how creativity weaves itself into the simplest of traditions. Pumpkin carving may have started with superstition and folklore, but over the centuries it’s become a joyful, artistic expression that celebrates the beauty of the season.

A Quick Nod to the Past

If you read my post a few years ago, you might remember that the very first jack-o’-lanterns weren’t pumpkins at all—they were carved from turnips or other root vegetables and lit from within to ward off wandering spirits. This old Irish and Celtic custom eventually made its way to America, where pumpkins—larger, softer, and much easier to carve—became the perfect substitute.

As the tradition took root here, it began to change. What started as a way to frighten away spirits gradually turned into something far more joyful—a creative celebration that brings people together and lets imagination shine, one glowing pumpkin at a time.

Pumpkin Carving as Creative Expression

Today, pumpkin carving has evolved far beyond the triangle-eyed faces of childhood. Artists around the world sculpt pumpkins into intricate works of art—layering, etching, and shading the surface like a living sculpture. Some carve realistic portraits or elaborate scenes that glow from within, while others paint, collage, or even stack pumpkins to create whimsical displays.

There’s a sense of wonder in watching these temporary creations come to life. Maybe that’s what makes them so special—like art itself, they remind us that creativity doesn’t have to last forever to make an impression.

Finding Inspiration in the Glow

Even if you’re not into elaborate carving, there are so many ways to celebrate this cozy tradition. Try painting your pumpkin in soft watercolor-like hues, adding gold leaf, or creating abstract patterns inspired by your favorite fall colors. Let your imagination lead the way—there’s no “right” way to decorate a pumpkin, only your way.

A Little Reflection

Each glowing jack-o’-lantern, whether spooky or serene, carries a spark of creativity that connects us across time. From ancient folklore to modern artistry, it’s a tradition that continues to evolve, reminding us how art—and a little light—can turn something ordinary into something magical.

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a cozy, creative, and delightfully spooky Halloween filled with glowing pumpkins, flickering lights, and inspired moments. ✨🎃

Share the Happy 💖

Embrace Playfulness This Halloween Season

Featured

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by Daisy Anderson on Pexels.com

Once a year, the world feels just a little more playful. Pumpkins line doorsteps. Costumes take over closets. Adults and kids alike find themselves caught up in the excitement of something that’s all too rare in our day-to-day lives: pure, creative fun.

Halloween isn’t just about candy or costumes—it’s a yearly invitation to loosen up, use our imaginations, and remember how good it feels to play.

🧡 Letting Go of Being So Serious

Modern life often comes with a constant pressure to be polished, productive, and in control. But Halloween gives us permission to hit pause on all of that. It’s a reminder that not everything has to be so serious.

When you put on a costume—even a simple one—you’re saying, “Today, I choose joy.” You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Whether you’re handing out candy, carving a pumpkin, or walking through a neighborhood full of decorations, you’re participating in something simple and powerful: fun for fun’s sake.

🌟 Reawakening the Imagination

When’s the last time you played pretend?

Halloween is powered by imagination. It brings us back to a mindset we knew well as kids—the freedom to invent, explore, and dream without rules. Whether you’re creating a costume, decorating your space, or telling a spooky (but not too spooky) story, you’re flexing your creative muscles in the best possible way.

And imagination isn’t just for October 31st. It’s something we use in everyday life—solving problems, telling stories, thinking ahead. Halloween just reminds us how joyful and refreshing it can be when we let that creativity run free.

🍬 Enjoying the Moment

There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of Halloween joy.

Kids running from house to house. Laughter echoing down the street. The crunch of leaves, the glow of jack-o’-lanterns, the sense that—just for tonight—it’s okay to just be in the moment.

Halloween doesn’t require expensive plans or perfect conditions. It invites us to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of us: a playful moment, a spark of imagination, a shared smile.

✨ Let the Spirit of Play Stay With You

So this Halloween, whether you’re dressing up, decorating the house, or simply soaking in the season, give yourself the gift of play. Let your imagination take the lead. Let go of the need to do everything “right.”

Because when we allow ourselves to be a little more playful, we feel more alive, more connected, and often—more ourselves.

What’s one way you’re bringing a little more play and imagination into your life this season?
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating!

Here’s to imagination, laughter, and letting go!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖🎃

Thoughtful Thursday: 13 Family-Friendly Halloween Movies for Cozy Nights

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

Halloween isn’t just about costumes, candy, and pumpkin carving—it’s also the perfect time to gather the family, snuggle under a blanket, and enjoy a spooky-but-fun movie night. Some films lean into the laughs, some bring on a little shiver, and others fill us with pure nostalgia. Together, they remind us that Halloween magic is best when shared.

Here are 13 family-friendly Halloween movies to make your October nights extra special:

  1. Haunted Mansion – A ghostly adventure starring Eddie Murphy with humor and heart that brings Disney’s classic ride to life.
  2. Ghostbusters (Original 1 & 2) – Timeless fun with just the right balance of spooky and silly.
  3. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call – A refreshing spin on the ghost-busting classic, full of energy and laughs.
  4. Beetlejuice – Quirky, offbeat, and unforgettable, this film mixes the bizarre with the hilarious.
  5. Hocus Pocus – A Halloween tradition for many, with its campy charm and unforgettable Sanderson sisters.
  6. Harry Potter Series – With its magic, mystery, and seasonal vibes, these films are perfect for a Halloween marathon.
  7. Goosebumps – A playful nod to R.L. Stine’s spooky stories that keeps the thrills family-friendly.
  8. A House with a Clock in Its Walls – A whimsical tale filled with magic, mystery, and just enough chills.
  9. Halloweentown – A Disney Channel classic brimming with charm and nostalgia.
  10. Twitches – Magical twins discovering their powers—it’s lighthearted and fun for younger viewers.
  11. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken – A comedy gem starring Don Knotts, filled with goofy haunted-house antics.
  12. Abbott & Costello Hold That Ghost – Classic comedy that proves spooky stories can be downright hilarious.
  13. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein – A perfect blend of old-school monsters and slapstick laughs.

Family movie nights aren’t just about the screen—they’re about connection. Whether you’re introducing kids to old favorites or revisiting your own childhood classics, these films create moments of laughter, wonder, and a few delightful goosebumps.

As you light a candle, grab a bowl of popcorn, and settle in with loved ones, remember that Halloween is less about the fright and more about the fun of being together.

So this season, let these stories remind you that even in the spookiest of times, joy and togetherness shine brightest.

Thanks for visiting today! Here’s to making new memories, rewatching old favorites, and celebrating the joy of Halloween together.

Share the Happy 💖

✨ P.S. I’ve got something special planned just for my readers—a little holiday surprise is on its way soon. Stay tuned!

Thoughtful Thursday Learn the History of Jack-O’-Lanterns and How to Carve One

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by u0412u0438u043au0442u043eu0440u0438u044f u0411u0438u043bu0430u043d on Pexels.com

Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a Halloween tradition with roots in Irish folklore. The story comes from a man named “Stingy Jack,” who, according to legend, tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the Earth with only a carved-out turnip lantern to light his way. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found pumpkins more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips, and the modern jack-o’-lantern was born.

How to Carve Your Own Jack-O’-Lantern

  1. Pick a Pumpkin – Choose a pumpkin with a smooth surface and sturdy stem.
  2. Cut the Top: Before you begin, make sure to review the safety tips below. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a circular lid around the stem, angling the knife slightly inward to prevent the top from falling inside the pumpkin.
  3. Scoop It Out – Remove the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin.
  4. Draw Your Design – Use a marker to outline the face or pattern you want to carve.
  5. Start Carving – Carefully carve along your design with a small serrated knife.
  6. Light It Up – Place a battery-powered candle inside, replace the lid, and watch it glow!

Safety Tips

  • Take Your Time: Avoid rushing the process. Use slow, controlled movements to maintain accuracy and reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Use the Right Tools: Opt for pumpkin carving kits designed for safety, especially if children are involved.
  • Adult Supervision: Always have an adult present when using sharp knives or tools.
  • Cut Away from Your Body: When carving, make sure to cut away from yourself to avoid accidents.
  • Maintain a Tidy Workspace: Keep your carving area clean and free of debris to prevent slips and accidents. Ensure the workspace is well-lit so you can see clearly while you carve.
  • Handle Pumpkins Carefully: Ensure your pumpkin is stable while carving to avoid any injuries.
  • Keep the Pumpkin Lid On: For extra safety, keep the pumpkin lid on while carving. This helps prevent accidents by reducing the temptation to reach inside, minimizing the risk of cuts or injuries.

Now you’re ready to safely create and display your spooky jack-o’-lantern!

Thanks for stopping by🍁🍂

Share the Happy💖

Happy Halloween!!!

Posted on by
2

It’s already Halloween and we have just mere 62 days until we ring in the new year! I’m excited but at the same time I’m want to slow things down and take in these beautiful breezy fall days and everything this season has to offer. Hope you have a fun filled day planned with family and friends and lots of goodies 🎃🎃

Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Photo by u0410u043bu0435u043au0441u0430u043du0434u0430u0440 u0426u0432u0435u0442u0430u043du043eu0432u0438u045b on Pexels.com

Spooky Haunted House

Posted on by
2

This started as a plain, unfinished wood birdhouse which I transformed into a fun spooky haunted house. To get that old vintage painted look you need Folk Art Crackle Medium which is available on Amazon. It’s super easy to use. I simply painted the house with black paint first, allowed it to dry and then applied a coat of crackle medium and allowed that to dry. Last I painted it orange and as that layer of paint dries, it begins to crackle. Very cool product!

I added embellishments I found at the craft store but was having no luck at all finding a ghost. And you can’t have a haunted house without a ghost👻 So I made this one using a Styrofoam ball and covered it with a small piece of sheer fabric.

This is a fun Halloween decoration and would also be a great and easy project to make with kids! Hope this inspires you, thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday Jack-O-Lanterns

Posted on by
5
Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com

I always wonder how things got started and who started them. With Halloween approaching in just a few days I thought it would be fun to learn about jack-o-lanterns.

The term jack-o-lantern started in Britain in the 17th century. At the time it was common for the British to call a person Jack when they didn’t know his name. So now we know where the “Jack” part of the term came from but what about the o-latern?

The o-lantern term was also commonly used in the 17th century to refer to a man carrying a lantern or a night watchman. And since they may not have known his name the term jack-o-lantern was born. But how did we go from the term jack-o-lantern to carving a pumpkin for Halloween?

Well there are quite a few theories on that. One is it was a Celtic pagan practice to carve out turnips or some other type of root vegetable and then illuminate it to ward off evil spirits. The custom was then carried on by Christians during the feast of All Hallows Eve.

Another more creepy theory is centered around an Irish folklore. There are several versions of this folklore but they all have certain common elements like a man named Jack, the devil and an illuminated turnip with which Jack’s soul aimlessly wanders the earth.

But here in the states during the 19th century, young kids who liked pranks would carve a grotesque face out of a readily available pumpkin to scare unwary people. Eventually this prank became known as jack-o-lantern. Today this has became a widely used and artistic tradition by many for Halloween.

Which is your favorite theory?

Hope you enjoyed this little history snippet. Thanks for stopping by!!!

Share the Happy 💖

Candy Corn Witch Hat

Posted on by
4

When I was a kid, candy corns were one of my favorite Halloween treats. They made awesome vampire fangs 😂 So it’s no wonder I used them to make a witch’s hat.

For this project I recommend getting clay candy corns. You can use real ones and coat them in Mod Podge, but they won’t last whereas the clay ones will. If you want to get even more creative you could make them yourself 😊

This is a fun and easy Halloween Decoration to make for your home and is great for kids too.

For this Project you will need:

  • Large Paper Mache Witch Hat (about 12 inches tall)
  • Acrylic Paints: Folk Art School Bus Yellow and Black
  • Clay Candy Corns
  • 18″ white netting
  • Black Pom-poms: 1 large and 1 small
  • 2 small wiggle eyes
  • 2 Yellow/Orange Chenille Stems Pipe Cleaners 
  • Letter Rubber Stamps
  • Staz On Stone Gray Ink
  • Small Orange Boa, 18-24 inches long depending on your hat
  • Sponge brushes (makes painting big sections faster)
  • Aleene’s Tacky Glue
  • Glue Gun
  • Scissors
  • Wire cutters
  • 1/2″ flat brush
  • Clean water, paper towels, wax-coated paper plates for paint palette
  • Mod Podge: Matte for sealing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Basecoat the top of your witch hat in black paint using the 1/2″ brush. Apply 2-3 coats and let dry in between coats.
  2. Basecoat the bottom and inside of the hat with 1 coat of the black paint using the 1/2″ brush. Let dry.
  3. Basecoat the rim of the hat, on top in yellow paint using the 1/2″ brush. Apply 2-3 coats and let dry in between coats.
  4. Using the glue gun, randomly glue candy corns around the top of the hat.
  5. Stamp you letters around onto the rim of the hat. If you’re not going to seal your hat with Mod Podge go to Step 8.
  6. (Optional) Using your sponge brush apply a coat of Matte Mod Podge to the entire hat to seal it. Let dry. Once dry you can apply a second coat of Mod Podge if you so desire.
  7. (Optional) Apply 1 coat of Mod Podge to the bottom and inside of the hat. Let dry      
  8. For the spider, glue the small pom-pom to the large pom-pom using tacky glue.
  9. Using wire cutters, cut five 2″ pieces of the yellow/orange pipe stem. Bundle 4 of the pieces and twist the 5th piece around the center of the bundle to hold in place. Spread out the pieces and shape your spider legs. Cut off any excess.
  10. Glue your spider body to the legs with tacky glue. Next glue the wiggle eyes to the front of the small pom-pom. Let dry.
  11. Apply a generous amount of tacky glue to the inner seam of the hat where it meets the rim. Wrap your boa around the hat and cut off any excess. Let dry.
  12. Cut a 12″ piece of netting and tie the center into a knot. Apply tacky glue to the tip of the hat and place the center of the knot over the hat. Let dry.
  13. Gently insert the spider fee into the netting holes and you’re done!

Hope you enjoy making this fun Candy Corn Witch Hat🎃 Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖

Candy Corn Witch Hat

Thoughtful Thursday Halloween Decor

Posted on by
2

I wanted to share with you some fun Halloween decorations that you can easily make. I love vintage images and had purchased these at a show I was at, but you can find tons online. Please read the instructions first before beginning so you have an idea of what you will be doing. The supply list is at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

  1. Decide how you want to hang your plaques. Based on the type of plaque you have you may want to attach a picture hook to the back or you can drill 2 small holes in the top corners and sand them if needed.
  2. Apply a good coat of gesso to each plaque, front and back.
  3. Find images online and print them on cardstock. Cut them out and set aside.
  4. Paint each plaque in a coordinating color. Let dry overnight. Sand edges for a worn look and wipe off dust.
  5. Steps 6, 7 and 8 are the instructions for hanging with wire. If you used a picture hook in the back of your plaque, skip steps 6, 7 and 8. Another alternative to the wire is to use a piece of fabric or yarn which you would also skip these 3 next steps.
  6. Cut 11 inches of the jewelry wire. From the back of the plaque, put one end through the hole, coming out of the front of the plaque and coil the end with the pliers to knot it.
  7. Slightly off center at the top of the wire, wrap the wire around a pencil, 3 times and slide the pencil out.
  8. Feed the other end of the wire through the second hole from the back of the plaque, coming out in the front. Cut off any excess wire and coil the end as in step 6.
  9. Glue your images on to the plaque with Aleene’s Tacky Glue.
  10. Add a piece of torn autumn fabric to the top of the wire and that’s it!

Supplies:

  • 3 Vintage Halloween Images
  • 3 Wood Plaques fitting your images
  • Gesso
  • Acrylic Paint: Black, Orange, Red or any of your choice
  • Black Copper Jewelry Wire
  • Drill for hanging
  • Picture hanging hook/bracket (optional)
  • Needle nose jewelry pliers
  • Harvest Fabric scraps
  • Aleene’s Tacky Glue

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Thanks for stopping by!!

🎃 Share the Spooky 🎃

Thoughtful Thursday – Goals

Posted on by
8
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

At the beginning of the year, most of us set goals, our New Year’s Resolutions. Hard to believe that the first half of the year is coming to a close in another week. Where do you stand on your goals? Are you on track, or did you lose sight of where you wanted to be by now?

Life has a tendency to throw you one curve ball after another. But that’s okay as long as you don’t lose sight of your goals. It can get pretty frustrating when you veer off track and if you go off too far, then you may quit. But I’m here to cheer you on! Don’t be so hard on yourself. There’s been so much going on in the world so staying on track towards your goals can be rather difficult.

I know for me, I’ve had my fair share of curve balls thrown my way. But I decided to go easy on myself, it is what it is and I am where I am. I can’t change the past, nor does it do me any good to cry over spilled milk as the expression goes. So I’m looking ahead and making a few changes to help get me back on track. Here are a few pointers:

  • Start by reassessing where you currently are with your goals and where you feel you should be by the end of the year. What do you still need to do?
  • Next break down your goals into smaller attainable monthly goals. Notice I used the word “attainable.” Be honest with yourself on what you can accomplish in the next 6 months. Don’t set yourself up for failure by piling too much on your plate. For example if you’re trying to lose weight, don’t plan on losing 30 pounds in a month. Realistically, women lose an average of 3 lbs a week (12 lbs p/month) while men lose 5 lbs a week (20 lbs p/month). So be realistic with your goals and set yourself up to win, but at the same time still challenge yourself.
  • Next, take it another step further and break down your monthly goals into “attainable” weekly goals and schedule those into your week. Try to schedule 1 hour every day, more or less to work on your goals.
  • Before starting your day, review your schedule and get your mind ready to tackle your goals and cross that finish line victoriously by the end of the day!
  • At the end of the week, you should have made some progress towards your goals. If you went off course, take a look at the why and take action for the next week so it hopefully won’t happen again.

Your schedule will change because that’s just the way life is. So adjust course and keep going. You’re stronger than you thought and you need to give yourself credit for the wins, however small they may be, they all count!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy!!!

“The tragedy in life doesn’t lie in NOT reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach.” ~ Benjamin Mays

Photo by Olenka Sergienko on Pexels.com