Tag: homemade

20 Last-Minute Halloween Costumes to Make at Home

Halloween weekend is quickly approaching. Are you ready for the fun-filled holiday? Are you still trying to figure out a costume for your children or yourself? Here are some easy, last-minute Halloween costumes you can make at home. The best part of these costumes is no sewing skills or special supplies required!

Red balloon with the text 'TRICK or TREAT' in yellow lettering.

 Classic and Quick Costumes

  1. Ghost: The classic ghost costume is always easy and fun. Take an old white sheet and cut out eye holes. Add sunglasses or a hat for extra flare.
  2. Mummy: Cut long white fabric strips from an old sheet. Then wrap yourself up. Use safety pins to secure.
  3. Cat: Start with a black outfit. Add paint whiskers with black eyeliner. Next use paper or felt to create cat ears. Secure your kitty ears on a headband.
  4. Witch: Wear a black dress. Carry a broom. Create a pointy hat from black construction paper.
  5. Vampire: Wear dark clothes. Add red lipstick for blood. Slick your hair back for a traditional vampire look.

 Pop Culture and Fun Ideas

  1. Error 404: Costume Not Found:  Write that phrase on a white T-shirt with marker.
  2. Smarty Pants: Tape or use hot glue to secure Smarties candies all over your jeans.
  3. Static Cling:  Wear your normal clothes. But attach socks and dryer sheets with safety pins. For added fun, use hair spray to make your hair spiky.
  4. Tourist: Wear a Hawaiian or flowered shirt. Add sunglasses, map, destination brochures, and a camera to your costume.
  5. Cereal Killer: Glue mini cereal boxes to a shirt. Add plastic knives and fake blood to your outfit.

 DIY with Things Around the House

  1. Bubble Bath: Tape white balloons to a white shirt. Also wear a shower cap and place rubber duck on your costume.
  2. Rain Cloud: Wear a gray shirt. Add cotton balls for clouds. Tape blue paper raindrops hanging on string from your shirt.
  3. Lumberjack: Wear a  flannel shirt, jeans, and a beanie. Make an ax from paper or poster board.
  4. Identity Thief: Write random names on name tags or white labels. Stick names all over your shirt.
  5. Burglar: Wear or create a black-and-white striped shirt. Add black hat. Next label a pillowcase with a “$” sign.  

For Kids or Families

  1. Scarecrow: Wear a plaid shirt and blue jean overalls. Add straw or raffia to your pockets. Next draw on stitches.
  2. Superhero: Use a solid color shirt. Create homemade paper logo and secure to shirt. Add cut to size sheet or a  towel cape.
  3. Emoji Face: Wear a yellow shirt. Secure a paper emoji face to your shirt. Or paint an emoji on your shirt.
  4. LEGO Block: Use a box big enough for you to wear. Or wear a smaller box to create a hat then wear a matching-colored outfit. Paint a cardboard box and glue on plastic cups.
  5. Bubble Gum Machine: Wear white pants and red shirt. Next secure colorful pom-poms to your top.

Last minute costumes are all about fun and not cost. Use your imagination and let your creativity flow. Happy Halloween!

Homemade Jam: Benefits of Making Your Own Preserves

The harvest season is here. Apples, pears, and peaches are ready to preserve and store. Does your family like jam on their toast, muffins, or bagels? How about making your own jam or jelly? Making your own jam comes with a variety of benefits:

I recently made 16 jars of Peach Jam.
  1. Control Over Ingredients: You can choose high-quality fruits. You can control the amount of sugar. You can also avoid preservatives or additives commonly found in store-bought jams.
  2. Customization: You can experiment with flavors, mix different fruits, and create unique combinations that suit your taste.
  3. Cost-Effective: Homemade jam can be more economical, especially if you use fruits in season or those you’ve grown yourself.
  4. Healthier Choice: Reduce the sugar content or use natural sweeteners. This way, you can create a healthier version of your favorite jams.
  5. Preservation of Excess Fruit: If you have an abundance of fruit, make jam to preserve it. This also helps reduce waste.
  6. Satisfying and Fun: The process of making jam can be a relaxing and rewarding activity. It’s also a great way to involve family or friends.
  7. Gifting: Homemade jam makes for a thoughtful and personal gift, especially when presented in decorative jars. Add ribbons, bows, and other embellishments to create the perfect Christmas gifts. Your family and friends will love the homemade goods.
  8. Taste: Freshly made jam often tastes better than commercial versions, with a more vibrant flavor that showcases the fruit.