A group of lovely crafters have collaborated and published their own ebook Crafty Tree Trimmings, a collection of 6 ornament tutorials, covering a range of crafts (felt, sewing, crochet, paper + beading). They are donating 15% from each sale to Project Linus an organisation that provides handmade blankets/quilts for the needy.

The ebook is pretty lovely – I was lucky enough to be sent a preview – its well laid out, the instructions are clear, the photographs of the steps are plentiful and make the projects very easy to follow and there are full size templates for you to print out and use straight away.

Linda Permann shows how to crochet a very pretty flower ornament, Betz White shows how to make a gingerbread house from felt – it is then handsewn and stuffed with polyfil, Susan Beal has a button and plastic canvas sparkly ornament, Kayte Terry sews scraps of pretty fabric to make vintage treasure ornaments, Diane Gilleland shows us how to make a delicate tree ornament that allows light to shine through and Patricia Zapata makes a 3d ornament from paper. Check out the ebook here in time for the holidays.

A.DORABLE. Totally. Link to tutorial and pattern.

My brother has just posted a review and giveaway of a fantastic kids book of verse (for aussie kids) – if you reside in Australia – then you can win a copy – please head on over and leave a comment – its that easy – and while you are there – check out my so yummy recipe for lemon butter and angel food cake – oh to die for!

This trick or treat tote to sew is super cute from the sometimes crafter [see pic]
adorable dress up crown
sock bat doll pattern by heather ross

Halloween treat bag tutorial - made from paper bags – quick and fun to make with kids.
Chica and Jo have some great ideas – including cobwebby sheets and halloween jar luminaries (+lots more)
clothespin bats - great project for the little ones
fashionista pumpkins – hilarious and fun and easy too
article all about makeup for halloween
grosgrain has collected some great halloween costume tutorials for kids
halloween paper garland – another great kids project
positive negative pumpkin - art project for kids

Ghost cupcakes [see pic above] recipe and how-to
the meat hand by not martha
gruesome sweeney todd pie

great idea LINK

Another fabulous tutorial for matsutake. Link to tutorial.

So much Halloween stuff going on – here are a few more goodies to get you in the mood – if you celebrate that is.

fun pumpkin penguin – for the kids – and another costume for a pumpkin at dollar store crafts and zakka life.
Halloween Pillow Box – free printable
dreadlock wig for halloween
the yummy mummy’s hand – too funny – great for the kids
glitter candy ornaments
Halloween found object tree
Halloween papercraft invitations – lovely and gothic
Halloween Tombstones and Ghost Gourds
recycled halloween paper bag bowls [see image above]
painted pumpkins [via how about orange]
homemade candy corn
for the kids - make your own spider web [via the crafty crow]
Betz White’s felt jack-o-lantern wall hanging [see image above]
simple crafty pumpkin idea with sweet paul
Robotic rovin pumpkin – love this geek halloween diy
bloody pumpkins [via geek craft]
how to make a fake beard

with Halloween just around the corner you need get your Halloween
knitting projects started and finished quick. Here are some fabulous
knitting projects – some quick – some might take a wee bit longer – from
skulls to pumpkins and everything in between.

Shawls + Scarves + Mitts + Slippers
spider scarf - free ravelry download [see pic]
Spiderman afghan
Skull Illusion Scarf
Yorick skull scarf
skully fingerless mitts
elf slippers

Knitted costumes
Hallowig
Handy Spider Webs (ravelry download)
Knitted eyepatch (ravelry download)
Bokaclava (Bok is a gargoyle/demon from Doctor Who episode ‘The Daemons’)
Jackyll & Hyde mask
knitted ninja mask
Allete knitted wings [see pic]
Little red riding hook cloak
Elvis wig
crochet moustache hat costume
Witch hat
masquerade mask
spiderweb bra
felted crown (lion brand free pattern – need to sign in)
crochet witches hat

Halloween themed hats
Felted baby yoda hat [see pic - project pic from laurenswool]
witch cats hat
Oblio’s cap
candy corn crochet hat
baby pumpkin hat
crochet kitty hat
skull hats

dishcloths
batty, skully and kitty dishcloths [see pic]
Illusion candy corn dishcloth
pacman and ghost dishcloth
‘boo’ baby dishcloth

Pumpkins
knitted felted pumpkins
autumn pumpkins
miniature felted pumpkins
fall pumpkins [see pic]
great pumpkin

Skulls + skeletons
Algormortis teapot cosy
skull knitting chart
skull and crossbones lace
Day of the dead crochet skull
Las Calacas Danzantes Socks [see pic]
jack skeleton doll

for your pets
skull dog coat
candy corn cat sweater [see pic]

Treat bags
candycorn bag (lionbrand pattern – you need to sign in)
pacman bag
catch his eye - bag
skull and crossbones felted bag
Hello yarn skull tote
knit like a pirate bag [see pic - image from jeanniefanihi ravelry user]

TRICKS + TREATS
Knitted toilet paper
knitted eyeballs
giant eyeball from dominknitrix
Amigurumi Spider
Futurama’s Brain Slugs
Psychotic Tomato [pic from SylvChezPlum]
cute candy corn
crochet candy corn at lionbrand
chauncey the softie skull
severed finger
knitted and felted bat (lionbrand)

Great little project. Link to tutorial, thanks to CurlyPops.

My bro set up a kids stuff blog at red cordial revolution (don’t you just love that name – we brain stormed for a whole afternoon), and I will be occasionally contributing kids related book reviews and the occasionally crafty thing as well as recipes and family friendly stuff. I reviewed 101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You’re 12! and have also posted my 5 fave things to cook for a family friendly easy and healthy dinner.

My brother has 2 little boys and is currently a work-from-home dad – he has posted his 5 fave get-out-of-the-house things to do with his little ones as well as some great book reviews for younger kids – great to see a new dad’s point of view!