HEY FRIENDS! I know it may seem as though I disappeared again after announcing my return to crafting, but I’ve been busy with a very special Halloween project. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been creating a Halloween surprise for the staff and residents at my parents’ assisted living community. Take a look at the pictures below!
Halloween Project Part 1 — Trick-or-Treat Bags
First, I made 60 trick-or-treat bags for the staff and residents. I shopped at BJ’s and Costco for bulk packages of individually wrapped cookies and candy to fill each one. The residents seem to have quite a sweet tooth, so I think the bags will be a big hit!
Halloween Project Part 2 — Halloween Ornaments
Next, I created Halloween ornaments for all the residents. Rather than use scarier themes like skeletons and cemeteries, I chose a cheerful Disney theme featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse die sets from Spellbinders.
To complete the designs, I incorporated a few additional die sets from Tim Holtz Sizzix and Simon Says Stamp.
Working in Batches
Since I needed to make 30 ornaments, I worked in batches of five for each design. This approach helped me organize and keep track of all the pieces.For the solid colors, I used Spellbinders ColorWheel cardstock. I selected patterned paper from my stash for the backgrounds. Listed below are the various die sets.
I’ve linked supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.
- Classic Mouse Wedding by Spellbinders [ SSS ] — I already had the Steamboat Willie set but you need the wedding set since the tuxedo and parts of the dress are needed for the corresponding Halloween set.
- Classic Mouse Costume Party by Spellbinders [ SSS ] — This set creates the Halloween costumes.
- Classic Mouse Trick or Treat Accessories by Spellbinders [ SSS ] — This set adds the pumpkin, spider, and treat bag.
- Vault Gothic Portraits by Tim Holtz Sizzix [ AZ ] — For the “BOO” sentiment
- Vault Fright Night by Tim Holtz Sizzix — For the spider web on two of the rosettes. This is the die I used but it’s no longer available at Simon Says Stamp, Scrapbook.com or Amazon. You might find a similar die in your stash that you could use.
- Vault Rosettes by Tim Holtz Sizzix [ SSS ] — Obviously for the rosette!
- Chunky Scallop Circles Wafer Dies by Simon Says Stamp [ SSS ] — For the scalloped background behind the rosette. Not necessary but I liked it for something different.
There are ways of making the rosette without a die — check out YouTube — but I didn’t want to take the time to score all the cardstock. The Vault Rosettes die adds the necessary score lines so the process went much faster.
I was proud of myself for successfully using a hot glue gun without burning my fingers. i was not so lucky the last few times I made so many rosettes so this was a marked improvement!
Why It Matters
Why did I take on this project? This month marks a year since my parents moved to assisted living. During my visits I’ve noticed that very few residents receive visits from family or friends. My parents have outlived all their friends so that’s probably the case for some. And a few have family but they are not local. I hate to think that any of them have been forgotten, but well, people get busy ….
Because the community is relatively small, doing something for everyone feels possible. I often stop at Costco on my way there to pick up a tray of cookies or a few packs of cupcakes. It’s a small gesture that lets residents know they’re remembered, brightens their day, and makes the effort worthwhile. I’m now known as the cupcake lady and there are always hopeful faces when I come in the dining room! I also make sure that I bring enough for the staff on duty because they certainly work hard to keep everyone safe.
And Thank YOU!
Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to visit. Now it’s time to move onto holiday cards. Stay tuned!
Supplies
[Compensated affiliate links used when possible. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were provided by a store or the manufacturer. All other items were personally purchased.]
