Scary Black Roses Vase

I have been feeling so inkspired by all the crafty things I see around me.

This idea is CASED from Crafts & Things p 25 (October 2008) and I think it will make the perfect centerpiece for a Halloween Party. I changed a couple things to make it easier to make AND you will not believe the smokin' hot deal I got on these roses -- they were $1.19 each, and then I bought them when Michaels was having their buy one, get one for 1 cent sale, so I got a dozen for $6 (the girl at the checkout had issues and missed some - only rang up 10). I used regular black glitter (that was for sure the messiest part of this arrangement), and adhered it to the flowers using watered down modge podge. I think I would have used a more fine glitter if I were to repeat this project. I used Kelly's Non-toxic glass stain (609 - Orange), which I found in the stained glass section of Michaels. I used a sponge brush to dab it all over a clear vase ($1.99 at Michaels), and then I let it dry overnight. I liked the textured look this gave the case. Then I used black electrical tape to tape stripes over the hardened glass color. Finally, I tied on the spider with ribbon and placed the glittered flowers in the vase!! The vase pictured in the magazine, used lights inside to make it glow -- I was thinking maybe one of those pumpkin battery operated votives will work perfectly for this! I love Halloween.

And since we are talking about things to put on your table . . . I thought I would share some links I have found while surfing to some fun recipes that I either want to try or have tried recently:

Yummy Mummy Dogs (I know my kids will eat these)

Caramel Dipped Apples (a fall staple that you just have to make)

Pumpkin Pudding Cups (See the variant at the bottom -- easy and my kids will love 'em)

Nightmare Before Christmas Cupcakes (I SO need to make these)

Martha Stewarts' Apple Cinnamon Upside Down Cake

Jello Popcorn Balls (only minus the nuts)