Last night I was in Target and I happened to see the October 1 issue of Family Circle on the newsstand (earlier than anticipated) with a Halloween feature that I created almost a year ago. I'm not the most patient sort, so I've been looking forward to seeing the final version and I'm really proud of it.
Last year, the editor asked me if I wanted to do a Halloween story, just after Halloween was over for real. I was, admittedly, a bit tapped out creatively and done with the holiday, but I have a hard time saying no to Halloween. It's just too much fun to design for. For several days I had nothing more than an image of a man looking through a magnifying glass. No cohesive theme, no idea what the magnifying glass meant, just this picture tickling the edges of my brain and driving me absolutely crazy. It finally came to me in the shower - vintage Carnival! - and I jumped out of the shower, dripping wet, furiously scribbling all of the project ideas that had just been sitting there underneath the visual of the magnifying glass. That's how it happens sometimes.
So here it is, the project that served as the genesis for this particular story. I urge you to buy the issue - they've given me lots of colorful pages - but you can also access the story online, where the art department has put together a fabulous downloadable project booklet with how-tos, printable clipart and resources. I love the magnifying glasses, but there's also a Carnival clock I made from a $4 aluminum pizza pan I found at Walmart, a black cat topper that I'm in love with accompanied by a DIY display stand, labels for treat bags, rub-ons for pumpkins...so many projects that I still love a year later and look forward to making again for myself.
And yes, it feels a little early for Halloween but I'm also the enthusiastic sort and I just couldn't wait to share! You can find the downloadable booklet of instructions here and you can purchase the issue on the newsstand until September 20. (Yes, you will have to register online to download the booklet, but it's worth it!) I hope you enjoy it because I had a whole lot of fun creating it.
Hi Stephani,
It's a vintage display rack that I found at an antique mall. I've found several variations of those style racks at other antique malls over the years, so that's where I'd start looking. Ebay and Etsy might have something similar as well - search for "vintage display stand." And if I run across any, I'll email you!
Posted by: Suzonne | 07 September 2012 at 07:11 AM
Where did you find the treat bag stand with clip. I have been searching for this exact thing?
Thank you,
Stephani
Posted by: Stephani Johnson | 06 September 2012 at 07:17 PM
This is so funny. I thought we weren't going to hear from you for three days and everytime I refresh, there's a new fun post!
Posted by: keylogger for Mac | 04 April 2012 at 08:42 PM
I just finished reading "Night Circus" the day before I found your blog. So many of your vintage Halloween decorations made me think of the Night Circus, it was eerie and cool! I bet you would like the book : )
Great blog!
Posted by: Kelly Bradley | 26 September 2011 at 07:39 PM
I found you today in 'Family Circle' ... sitting in the Doctor's office waiting room. I jotted your blog name down. I think it was FC. It was the article about the milk paint dresser. Loved it! I knew I would enjoy you and your blog! I'm not to far from you, Texas...
Posted by: Tina | 06 September 2011 at 08:00 PM
Loved the ideas, Suzonne! Fall is just around the corner (ok, it takes awhile for us down south, but it *does* get here).
Posted by: Wendy | 25 August 2011 at 04:01 AM