Essential Tips to Throw a Cool Teen Halloween Party

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Teen Halloween Party Ideas:

Guest list and invitations

Discuss the guest list with your teen and make sure he/she knows that you are around. Have a backup plan for dealing with uninvited guests, because you are probably going to have a few. When planning invites, be prepared that your teen may not appreciate the idea of Halloween themed paper invitations, so don’t insist. Let him/her choose the communication method for invitations, which most likely would be an email or a text.

Create a Haunted House on a Budget with these cool tips:

Halloween Party Ideas: Privacy Counts!

The last thing teenagers want is parents lurking around. So, give your teen and his/her friends some space and privacy. In order to ensure that things don’t get out of control, it’s wise to stay close by but defiantly in a different room. Peek in occasionally but don’t interfere.

Safe-proof the surroundings

It’s possible to bump into a glass object when lights are dim so, remove expensive and breakable items from the party area. To avoid accidents and longs hours of after party clean ups, consider using plastic or disposable cups and bowls instead of glass.

Halloween Food Ideas

Teenagers love to eat so, provide them with lot of food from chips to pizzas to baked items. Keep an eye on the bowls and plates and fill them as soon as they run empty. Make sure to check with your teen if any of the guests have special dietary needs.

Take a look at our 20 Halloween Party Treat Ideas here.

While, these are some basic tips that you must keep in mind when hosting a Halloween party for teenagers, be sure to include your teen in the planning process for a sure shot hit.

For more Halloween party ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Easy DIY Halloween Crafts Ideas

Welcome Guests with a Halloween Chalkboard

Image via Etsy – Lily & Val – Halloween Chalkboard

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Handy Candy Dish

Do you remember “Thing” from the Addams Family?  Well for this idea we are going to bring “Thing” back but in a good way.  This idea works best for parties and small get-togethers.  But take a candy dish, tray, large bowl or plate that has some type of food, drink or item on it and place a stuffed black glove or a severed hand in the center of the dish holding a card.  Now it is completely up to you for what you want the card to say.  You could describe what’s on the dish, state a greeting, have a haunted saying etc. again up to you!  Or, you can put the hand to the side like the image above you will still get the same effect.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Halloween Craft Ideas

Now this idea can be used for any mirror that is placed around the home.  From the mirror placed in the entryway all the way to the mirror that is in the bathroom, it doesn’t matter.  First, cut some construction paper or if you can find a marker that can be erased on a mirror, cut or draw a crazy hairstyle and place it in the center of the mirror.  That way anyone who looks into it will have a funky hairstyle on top of their heads for them to remember.

Toilet Paper Disguises and Ghost Tootsies

Toilet paper is used for so many things and now we are going to use it for something else.  First, you can wrap the toilet paper in orange tissue paper and tie it at the top then put a face on it to look like a pumpkin jack-o-lantern.  Or you can just take a roll of toilet paper and paste a face on the paper with black felt and glue.  Either way you have your own mini disguise showcase for all to see. Now for the ghosts.  (This trick can also be a treat for kids)  Take a tootsie roll pop and place a small cloth over it, then take a ribbon or string and tie it in a knot underneath the tootsie head then draw a cute face on it.  These make great goodie gifts as well!

Halloween Decorating Idea: Walking Table

One simple decoration that you do not have to go on a splurge for is dressing up your table legs, literally.  Take four long socks that you might have (preferably those that have Halloween designs on them) and slip them on the legs of your display table.  Then for spunk, take 2 pairs of shoes and place one shoe on the bottom of each leg.  This will definitely be a crowd pleaser and one that the smaller kids will love and enjoy!

Halloween is always a super fun time of the year.  It’s filled with spooks, candy, mystery and fun.  So for this year go all out without having to go all in your wallet.  It’s the little things that can make a huge difference.  So take at the ideas above and also see what you can come up with then have a Happy Halloween!

For more Halloween ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture.

Simple Halloween Ideas with No Pumpkin Carving

Gather Craft Items to Avoid Pumpkin Carving :

Look around your home; your craft room; or in your sewing basket. Gather items such as buttons, yarn, string, elastic, pom poms, glitter, fabric, left over paint, duct tape….get the idea? Essentially, grab anything you have and pile it all in front of you and your purchased pumpkin. You will also want to gather some glue, or short pushpins. Here are some inspiring ideas for all the items you may have collected:

By gluing buttons on your pumpkin for eyes, nose, and mouth, you have a simple, yet creative pumpkin.  Buttons can also be used to spell out scary words across your pumpkin. Take a look at this photo where buttons spell out ‘Boo!’ Use your imagination to spell scary messages across your pumpkin.

We love these pom pom pumpkin decorating ideas from BHG.

For a cute and cuddly pumpkin, cover it with colorful pom poms! Simply glue pom poms all over the pumpkin – voila! Your pumpkin is turned into a cuddly creature.

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas: Use Duct Tape

There are so many styles of duct tape on the market right now. In fact, decorating with duct tape is a big trend. Browse through your local craft store for a variety of duct tape styles. If you don’t want to purchase new duct tape, try using solid white tape and paste it Kris-cross all over your pumpkin in a random pattern, draw some small black eyes, or use black buttons for the eyes ; step back and admire your mummified pumpkin!

These duct tape pumpkin decorating ideas are a great no pumpkin carving idea from Home Talk!

Pumpkin Painting Ideas for your Halloween Pumpkin

What better way to make your pumpkins match your homes décor then by painting it with left over wall color? Grab that paint can from the garage ̶ you know the one that has that perfect color that you found for your kitchen or den ̶ then slather this color all over your pumpkin, allow to dry and presto – you have a pumpkin customized to your home.

Style Caster features pretty and cute pumpkin painting ideas here.

Try Pumpkin Stencils using Pumpkin Painting Ideas:

The great thing about these last minute décor ideas is that you only have to spend the few dollars on your pumpkin, the rest of the items can all be found in your very own home. Have fun searching your home for ideas to create your own creative pumpkin masterpiece.

For more Halloween Ideas for your home take a look at these.

DIY Summer Idea: How to Build Arbor for your Backyard

The beauty that an arbor brings to your home design makes it so popular. In fact, it’s amazing how many beautiful designs you can have for your arbor. You will definitely have a design that will fit your preference. However, there are basic parts that arbor should have. Check out these tips on how to build an arbor for your backyard:

Work on your arbor base

The base is an essential part of the arbor. This should not take too much of the arbor area. As a rule of thumb, your base area should be smaller than you have in a patio seating area. The base should not dominate the intended area like the garden or pathway. However, the base should be presentable and stable.

How to build arbor video:

Choose your wooden horizontal beams

This structure will serve as the roof of your arbor. Although this is not like the roof of your home that restricts rain, this structure is good enough to provide a shade. The horizontal beams are arranged with a few inches gap in between. The space allows sunlight to pass through and give light to the area.

Here are some tips from BHG to build an arbor or a pergola.

Consider putting garden decor around your arbor.

Your arbor will look good as it is but the arbor is definitely better with decorative items surrounding the structure. You can install some decorative lighting fixtures on your base and horizontal beams. Other arbors are surrounded with plants for additional beauty.

There are also arbor kits you can buy if you’d like. We like these arbor kits!

You will definitely love the looks of your exterior with an arbor installed in your backyard. It’s a beautiful addition to your existing structure outdoor.

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Greenhouses are a great way to achieve optimal surroundings around your plants, as well as keep your plants from being chewed up by animals and pesky insects that would normally be found outside in the open air.

You Tube Video – How to Build a Greenhouse

Hobby Greenhouse Building & Construction Planning 101

Owning a hobby greenhouse is probably every gardening enthusiast’s dream. This is because greenhouses allow you to grow the kind of plants that you want at any time of the year under controlled conditions.

• But before you rush into constructing one, here are some very important points that you need to determine first before starting anything and if you get stuck read additional green building plans.

If gardening really is your hobby, then it is best to invest in the biggest greenhouse that you can find.

1. It may be an expensive initial investment yes, but it will be more costly to get a smaller spaced greenhouse and have it expanded later.
2. Most of the time, you are bound to fill up your greenhouse space in no time at all so it’s best to utilize what space that you have rather than invest in more costly expansions in the future.

Build a Greenhouse: Heating and ventilation requirements

This is probably one of the most important parts of a greenhouse.

1. The real essence of greenhouses is the ability to grow plants at a controlled condition and this can only be done through proper heating and ventilation systems.
2. There are actually a number of heating systems available in the market – from the natural gas, electric, gas and propane heating.
3. It is just a matter of your budget and the availability of these heating systems in your area.
4. One of the most convenient systems to use is the electric system but can be a problem during blackouts and power shortages.

Siding materials for your Greenhouse

The kind of siding materials you use is very important because this will affect the amount of sunlight penetrating into your greenhouse during the day.

1. As much as possible, you would like to have the most amount of sunlight into your greenhouses because it is essential for plant life.
2. The best siding option here would be glass. Aside from light diffusion, insulation is also an important factor.
3. Siding materials should be able to keep your greenhouses well insulated and prevent too much temperature fluctuation, which could damage or even kill your plants.

Greenhouse Framing Ideas

Frames should be strong enough to support your entire structure during harsh weathers – from heat, rain or snow.

• The choice of framing materials will depend in the kind of siding you use. Use stronger frames for heavier sidings.
• Wood is great aesthetic-wise but PVC and aluminum frames are mode durable and requires less maintenance.

There are actually hobby greenhouse kits available in the market.

• They come complete with materials and instructions and with pre-measured materials so make sure that the kits you buy fit your space.
• This can save you the hassle of buying and selecting materials one by one. But if you want a more customized greenhouse and love the work, then by all means, go the other way and start your greenhouse from scratch.

Aside from these, you also need to keep in mind that some areas may require local building permits for greenhouse constructions so check if your local government requires them or not before starting the work.

Love to garden? You may like this Container Gardening post too!

For more DIY Saturday‘s on Stagetecture, click here.

There’s no doubt that chandeliers can enhance a home’s interior. This is not only for decorations but for better lighting as well. The cluster of bulbs that are arranged creatively are so glamorous and elegant to see.

There are quite a number of chandeliers available in the market. But it will have a greater impact if you do it yourself. You don’t have to look any further for materials because you can create a chandelier out of the mason jars you have at home.

How to Make a Mason Jar Chandelier

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You Tube video – How to make a Mason Jar chandelier

Mason Jar Chandelier Materials:

Mason Jars with lids

Flat cord wire

Light bulb receptacle

#10 Washers

Small Hose Clamp

PVC cap

Hex Nuts

Steel Nipples

Electric Drill

Wire Staple

Base (wood, metal or anything that can hold the jars)

How to Make a Chandelier Directions:

1. Prepare all the materials.
2. Drill a hole in the center of each Mason jar lid. This hole should be fitting to the steel nipples.
3. Then, drill at least 4 to 5 small holes in your Mason jar lids. This will provide the necessary exhaust for the heat produced by the bulb.
4. Attach the steel nipples in each lid and secure it using the hex nuts with the washers.
5. Insert the flat cord wire in the steel nipple. At the end of the wire, screw the wire to the bulb receptacle. Connect the bulb into the receptacle and seal the lid. Do this step in all the mason jars.
6. Ensure that all electrical connections are done accurately. Take note that electrical safety should be your priority. Also, it is very important to make it neat and clean.
7. Fasten each wire connected with the mason jar to the base. Do this according to your desired style.
8. Connect all wires in parallel. Arranged the wires properly so that it will not look messy.
9. Securely fasten the mason jar chandelier on your ceiling.

This personalized mason jar chandelier will surely be an eye-catching fixture at home.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Decorate your Haunted House for Halloween on a Budget

• Gather up your supplies: Old pieces of cardboard, colored paper, markers, and glue are some of the things you can use.
• Take cardboard and cut out bat shapes (use a stencil if you need to): After you cut them out, use markers or paint to add color. Black bats look great hanging with a bit of fishing wire or string.
• Make fake tombstones out of cardboard: Just cut out the shape, paint it gray, and write RIP or other sayings on them. They can then be placed in a window, or in a place where they won’t get wet.
• Use yarn or crepe paper to create giant spider webs for windows
• Use colored paper to cut out pumpkins, black cats, or other Halloween pictures: These can be placed in windows, or on walls.
• Recycle old costumes and clothes: Old masks can be used to make life-size monsters with just some old clothes and newspapers.

Need more Halloween decorating ideas? Take a look at these tips:

We love this spooky Halloween decorating tricks and tips from Homedit.com

These 14 Halloween projects from Popular Mechanic will help you will more decorating ideas.

Want to make Halloween Specimen Jars?

Try making these Halloween specimen jars for your Halloween party:

Haunted House Decorating Tips:

• Keep scraps of fabric and old clothes throughout the year. These will come in handy to make scarecrows or other life size beings.
• Alternatively, instead of the yarn spider webs, you can purchase bags of “fake webbing” for very little cost, these often include small plastic spiders and the occasional glow-in-the-dark ones as well.
• For a bonus, change out your front porch light with a black light. It gives an extra creepy glow.
• If you happen to be a gardener, save any dead flowers and plants. Putting out some dead flowers and plants can make your house look haunted (just get rid of all the dead plants after Halloween!)
• Stick bin-bags to front windows and stick CSI tape to the front of the house to make it seem deserted.

Haunted House ideas:

Watch the haunted house video here for more ideas!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

How to Install Pebble Mosaic Tile

Install Pebble Mosaic Tile:

Pebble and stone mosaic tiles can be used in an extensive variety of installations. They are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor application. Commercial applications include flooring, feature walls, bar surfaces, and walkways in projects ranging from restaurants to medical facilities, public parks, and corporate offices. Residential installations include pools and pool decks, patios, landscaping, fountains, water features, kitchen backsplash, flooring, shower floors, bath and powder room floors, entryways, fireplaces and BBQ areas.

DIY Network gives you step by step directions on how to lay pebble mosaic tile.

Tile ideas: Preparation and Application

Installation of these tiles is similar to any other natural stone product for best results, we recommend a qualified tradesperson who is experienced in the laying of natural stone product the tiles are sold in 12 inch by 12inch all tiles interlock on all sides sort tiles before installing to ensure an even color layout for a vertical or contoured surface, smaller pebble sizes should be considered as well as a polymer based adhesive with a short hydration period, i.e.: glue setting time Substrates – Area of application should be flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants. For wet areas the use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested. In the case of flooring a fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches in required.

Need some pebble tile inspiration? Take a look at these on Houzz.

How to Install Pebble Tiles Video:

Tile Adhesive:

Mosaic tile adhesive – Use only a high quality thinset mortar. The manufacturer’s literature will outline if it is appropriate for indoors or outdoors as well as for floors and walls.
It is important that each pebble is embedded in adhesive, however they should not be pressed deeply into the adhesive. Select a product suitable for application with a ¼” or 1/8” notched trowel and apply no more than three square feet of adhesive at a time.

Sealing and Grouting

It is recommended that the stones be sealed before and after grouting. For the best results use a good quality penetrating sealer. These types of penetrating sealers ordinarily do not change or alter the color of the pebbles. In order to enhance the color of the stones to a deeper matte or glossy finish it is suggested you use natural stone color enhancer or natural stone color and shine enhancer prior to applying the penetrating sealer. A sanded grout that is suitable for external or internal conditions which ever may be the case is recommended. Generally grouts are a water mix but where some flexibility may be needed then a latex additive or similar should be used in the water it is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebble and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of pebbles grout a small area at a time.when grout has dried, use a stiff bristled brush to scrub excess grout.
After removing most of the grout with a brush use a grout sponge to continue removing grout until the desired finish is achieved.

Pebble Mosaic Tile Control Joints

Joints can be easily formed with two angles, sealant and bond-breaker between them designers may show points at which joints are needed and they are certainly required where tiles join walls or some other building material in the substrate a tile saw may be used to fit edges or corners you can also flip the tile over and cut the desired edge or shape with a sharp cutting instrument OR take individual pebbles off the mesh to fill the gaps ordering extra sheets of tile may be useful for this.

Sealers and Cleaning

It is recommended that the pebbles be sealed with a quality impregnator before grouting and again after the grout has dried completely. To maintain ease of maintenance of natural stone it is recommended that sealants be applied every 2-3 years. Whenever using sealants and cleaners, ensure you follow the manufacturers recommended method of application. The pebbles can be cleaned with neutral mild detergents. The porosity or water absorption in pebbles (natural stone) varies, and therefore staining will occur in different degrees if the stone is unsealed consequently, any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain and sealers are highly recommended.

Thinking of installing a stone veneer wall? This tutorial will help!

Did you know Tuesday, June 21st is National T-Shirt Day?

How To Make A Burlap Wreath is welcoming in the summer season with the largest celebration of T-shirts.

In honor of the celebration, we’re offering 15% OFF every T-shirt in our shop.

We’ve come up with a few new designs that we think you’ll love.

Use coupon code TSHIRT16 at checkout 

Celebrate T-Shirt Day with 15% OFF at The Wreath Love Shop!

Visit http://bit.ly/wreathshirts16 and redeem your coupon before it expires.

Offer valid now – June 21st, 2016.

It cannot be combined with other discounts or coupon codes.

If you like wreaths and inspiring wreath decor, join us on HowToMakeABurlapWreath.com

Round Up Ideas: 5 Fun Holiday Kids’ Crafts

1. Old Toy Ornaments

How many times a day do you think about the number of toys your child collects and how can you downsize them? Well here is a great way to keep both sides happy. You can make ornaments out of your children’s old toys. First, ask which them which toys they would like to see hanging on the tree. Then depending on the size all you have to do is string or put a ribbon on the toy and hang it on the tree. That way they can “keep” their toys and you can de-clutter the home the perfect compromise- old toy ornaments.

Image via:  Martha Stewart

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2. Recycled Gift Bags and Creative Monograms

Now here are some holiday kid’s crafts that you and your kid’s can literally find around your house. Have you ever gathered or collected a number of paper gift bags over the years? Well thanks to Martha Stewart you can now take those bags or purchase paper bags and make reusable gift bags. One really great way to customize your bag is by monogramming it for the person it is being given to. Or you can take decorative paper or paper with decorative scenes and cut those out and paste them on the bags. The possibilities are endless.

Image via:  Martha Stewart

3. Create a Holiday Village

For this holiday kid’s craft again it will probably be a little of a house hunt adventure. Have your kids create a Holiday Village after their own hearts. All you would need to do is find cereal boxes or any cardboard boxes for that matter and use them for the shapes of the buildings. Make sure you guys get different sizes to add variety. Then take some wrapping paper and wrap the boxes then add in some fun details. Such as candy canes, cotton balls, pomp oms, candies, and you can even print out some windows and doors to make the buildings homier.

Image via:  Paging Superman

4. Playful Holiday Pots

Ever thought of using a flower pot for more than just flowering? How about turning that pot into Frosty himself? You can paint the pot white all over and decorate a face and even add a hat or scarf to match. You can add candy for the eyes and mouth, and even use a candy corn for the nose. The bigger the flower pots the more opportunity for detailing you have. And you don’t have to just stick with a snowman but you can do a Holiday tree, faux gifts and more. Plus you can use your snowman pots or holiday pots indoor or outdoor.

Image via:  Pinterest

5. Make Easy Gingerbread Houses

Why not finish off the list with a notable craft that everyone has loved since ever. You got it simple and yummy gingerbread houses. For these delicious gifts you are going to using graham crackers, frosting as the glue and plenty of candy for decorating. For the base of the buildings use a rectangle shaped cardboard. And if you would like to give the homes away as edible gifts then just wrap them in clear cellphane wrap and then tie it with a color filled ribbon.

Image via:  Pinterest

The best part of the holidays is being able to spend it with family. And having the kids involved in the decorating creates memories and traditions that they can pass down to their kids. And this list is just a minute amount versus the plethora of holiday kid’s crafts out there. And I betting you Stagetcture readers out there have some crafts up your sleeves? Come on don’t be shy, let us in on those secrets.

For more Christmas ideas on Stagetecture, click here.