The Brew

Here is a quick tip: if you like chai tea and apple cider, combine them! Although this isn't really a craft, it is a fun experiment just in time for Halloween!

The spices in the chai tea mix really well with the apple cider. I make mine with half apple cider, half water. I bring the mixture to a boil and then add apple slices. I let it simmer for 20, and then I add the chai tea. Leave the chai tea in as long as you want, but remember the longer it brews the stronger the taste. Then I place in jars and drink it up. This might taste good with sugar or honey mixed in too.

 

Spell Book

Need a fun Halloween craft? The idea for these books comes from Better After. When I find things like this, I worry it won't work. I want to make sure a real human being has tried to make the craft (we've all seen some awful Pinterest fails). This craft, however, is not one of them. Very easy to make, and the directions from the site are spot on.

 

Begin with an old book. The original site uses plastic Halloween directions, but I used wooden cut outs from the craft store. Otherwise, I followed the exact directions. (Note: used rub n' buff, not metallic craft paint. Both suggested on the site) 

Perfect for displaying at the Halloween party!

 

Pumpkin Bag

Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just fall!
Make this bag big enough for trick-or-treating, or use it as a decoration. You can fill it with candy and give it to friends, family, or coworkers.


This pumpkin bag is made with a size I crochet hook, medium size yarn, and can be put together in about two hours. Making it was as easy as pumpkin pie.

The original idea for this bag came from the "Repeat Crafter Me" Facebook page, but I made up my own pattern. I began using the same technique used to make beanie hats. Working in rounds:
1. Sc 4 and make a loop

2. Chain 2 (counts as 1 Hdc. Should do this at the beginning of every round.), Hdc 11. Should have 12 Hdc all together for first row.

3. 2 Hdc in each stitch of first row. Should have 24 Hdc all together for second row.

4. 2 Hdc in first stitch, 1 Hdc, 2 Hdc. Repeat all the way around. Should have 36 Hdc all together for third row.

5. 2 Hdc in first stitch, 1 Hdc, 1 Hdc, 2 Hdc. Repeat all the way around. Should have 48 Hdc all together for fourth row.

For the following rows, stop adding stitches. Crochet as tall as desired by repeating rows of 48 Hdc stitches.

When you've reached the desired size, change color to brown, double crochet 5, chain one, double crochet 5. Repeat all the way around. Then do 3 more rows of 48 Hdc stitches in brown.

Make the drawstring out of dark green. Chain drawstring to desired length and hdc one row. If you want to make the ends curly, Hdc, skip 3, and Hdc in 4th stitch.

Halloween Bling

Time to get ready for Halloween, and there is no better way to be festive than with some new seasonal bling. Come October, the craft stores are filled with cute charms, décor, and Halloween crafting guides.

The easiest jewelry to make is bracelets made with memory wire (above). First, cut a piece of memory wire to desired length and add the color beads you want, and then put a charm on each end of the wire. This is an easy craft for beginners, but will impress everyone at the annual Halloween party.

Black cat cross your path? If not, here is some good luck for you: many craft stores sell unusual pendants for every occasion. If you want a quick, fun craft, choose out a pendant, make some adjustments, and attach it to a necklace (left). Fast, easy, and ready in time for Halloween!