Sunday, October 25, 2015

Halloween Haunts 2015



Welcome!  First of all, I would like to thank Marian of Seams to be Sew for our Halloween Blog Hop.  Many of us have really missed our great hops and it is a thrill to see so many "old friends" have signed up and have been sharing their incredible projects.  Halloween has always been a holiday that I love.  To me, it is a "kick-off" into the fall with Thanksgiving and Christmas right behind.  So.....Happy Fall Y'All!



While I do decorate with Halloween quilts around my house, my project to share with you today does not involve quilting.  Years ago my dad was in the hospital around Halloween and I made him something to decorate his room.  Since then I have done the project many times with the grandchildren.  So....here we go.....
These are the ones I made in the early 1990s

Grab a few drinking cups in two different sizes.  You will also need starch or white school glue, paper towels, a toothpick, a styrofoam ball (I used a 2 1/2 inch one), spray paint and items to decorate your witch or ghost.



Take your bigger cup and turn it upside down.  You are going to take four paper towels and soak them in undiluted starch or a school glue that is diluted about 1/2 and 1/2.  Drape the four towels over the paper cup - arranging them in a pleasant manner.


Take your small cup and place it on the top, gently pushing it down to mold the top to accept it.


Remove the top cup and allow the paper towels to dry completely.  They will become stiff.  I let mine sit overnight.

The next day apply a bit of glue to the inside lip of the small cup and place it on top of the dried first cup.  Continue to soak and drape four more paper towels over the top of the small cup - just like you did with the first cup.  Arranging the drapes in a pleasant manner.


Again.....allow to dry completely.

For the witch you will need to take the toothpick and insert a small portion of it into the styrofoam ball to form a nose.  Make it as long as you want.  Omit this step for the ghost.


Place a bit of glue on top of the small cup and attach the ball with the nose in the appropriate spot. Again.....drape four more soaked paper towels over the top of the ball, molding them around the toothpick and draping downwards.  You will now wrap a rubber band or some sort of string around the base of the ball to form a neck.


Thoroughly dry.

Now for the fun part.  Remove the rubber band.  Spray paint as desired.  I used black for the witch and white for the ghost, but I am sure a hot pink ghost would be perfect too.  ;-)  Decorate as desired.

Dressed for a night on the town.
Be sure to visit my fellow "hoppers" for today and sign in to the Rafflecopter on any blog for a chance to win a great gift from the Fat Quarter Shop.


As well, I have a small giveaway for the fall season.  It is a grouping of six fall fat quarters.  Please leave a comment below and I will select a winner at the end of the hop.



                                         Featured Haunts On Monday October 26
                                              Beads & Birds
                                              Needled Mom
                                              Fun Threads
                                              Pampered Petit
                                              Vrooman’s Quilts
                                               Grandmama's Stories

Happy Halloween!



A full list of all of the participants is included below.  You can still go back and check out their blogs and get some great ideas for Halloween decorating as well as enter their giveaways.  Also, be sure to stop at Marian's blog, Seams to Be Sew, to enter her pattern contest, collect today's pattern and vote on today's projects.


Featured Haunts On Wednesday October 21
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95 comments:

  1. Vroomans' QuiltsOctober 25, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    Thank you for sharing such a fun project. The orange feather tree also caught my eye - just darling. Lot's of cute projects in the backgrounds.

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  2. LisaOctober 25, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    Great craft to make a witch but your legs are still my favorite! Thank you for joining us again I have missed you!

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  3. Crafty Tokyo MamaOctober 26, 2015 at 1:05 AM

    Great ghosts! And economical, too. Can't beat that!
    I really like how you added text to your Jack.

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  4. MicheleOctober 26, 2015 at 2:39 AM

    Oh I really love this project and they turn out so cute. I'd love to use it for my Girl Scout troop but since they take time to dry that won't work. I might save it for a multi day camping trip though.

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  5. Siouxzq64@gmail.comOctober 26, 2015 at 2:42 AM

    Great project. Thanks for sharing, now I want to make some! They are so cute.

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  6. AnitaOctober 26, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    Great ghosts, but the legs are my favorite!

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  7. BetsyOctober 26, 2015 at 2:53 AM

    Mary, I love all your quilts and your ghost is amazingly spooky!

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  8. Amanda BestOctober 26, 2015 at 3:12 AM

    I love your cute ghosties! They look like a lot of fun to make. I really like the pumpkin quilt in the first picture, too.
    My email is: bestbelle2010@aol.com
    Thanks!

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  9. Elizabeth CoughlinOctober 26, 2015 at 3:19 AM

    Love the ghost and the witch, and your other projects are great too!

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  10. Marjorie's Busy CornerOctober 26, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    Thanks for sharing this ,Mary...they were a real treat!!

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  11. Emily COctober 26, 2015 at 3:36 AM

    wow, you have a lot of Halloween themed items. I love your tutorial, so easy to make a ghost of my own!

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  12. DorianOctober 26, 2015 at 3:36 AM

    Oh those are really cute! Thanks for the tutorial on them.

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  13. Carol- Beads and BirdsOctober 26, 2015 at 3:38 AM

    This is such a fun and easy project. I would have loved to have one of these on my desk when I still worked. I WONDERED what you would be creating when you posted your sneak peek!!

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  14. Dana GaffneyOctober 26, 2015 at 4:10 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial they are wonderful, they're going on my to do list.

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  15. quilterOctober 26, 2015 at 4:28 AM

    Very cute thanks for sharing!
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  16. RamonaOctober 26, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    Your decorations are adorable! I just love the witch with her hat and ribbons. This will be added to my "to do" list!

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  17. UnknownOctober 26, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    Very crafty and neat how made. Thanks for sharing

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  18. KarenOctober 26, 2015 at 4:44 AM

    Adorable fun project. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. SewDoUQuiltOctober 26, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    What a great project! Thanks for sharing. jarvenpa1ne at gmail dot com

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  20. Lisa EnglandOctober 26, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    Lots of cute projects! The pumpkin in the first photo is my favorite -- just darling!

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  21. ~Niki~October 26, 2015 at 5:49 AM

    cute pumpkin project! I love his smile. thanks for having the giveaway, btw. :) Looks like everyone had a great time in the hop.

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  22. Connie Kresin CampbellOctober 26, 2015 at 5:53 AM

    Thanks for sharing your little ghosts and all the other projects! Your Halloween pumpkin table topper is the cutest!!

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  23. Kathy ... aka NanaOctober 26, 2015 at 6:36 AM

    What a cute little decoration for Halloween. I, too, just love your Jack o Lantern table topper!

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  24. Average QuilterOctober 26, 2015 at 7:05 AM

    I'm not much of a decorator but those are the cutest and the pumpkin table topper is great.

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  25. MarianOctober 26, 2015 at 7:08 AM

    I love your project, and it's sew cool.. Even tho their is no real sewing to it, I think it's awesome, and with paper towels of all things.. I'm impressed.

    I'm glad your enjoying Halloween Haunts and I'm thrilled you participated with us. Thank you

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  26. MaryBethOctober 26, 2015 at 7:34 AM

    Love your project and the quilts you've used for decorations. I remember these made using cheesecloth back in the day.

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  27. BonnieOctober 26, 2015 at 7:40 AM

    Love the little witch & ghost. Granddaughters and I may have to make them soon. Thanks also for the great give away.

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  28. mumbird3October 26, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    Great projects!

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  29. Jane's QuiltingOctober 26, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    They are so cute and look like a lot of fun to make with little ones..

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  30. KaHollyOctober 26, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    Fun, fun, fun! Halloween looks like it takes center stage at your house!

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  31. LanaOctober 26, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Now that is "GOOOOL"!!! What a wonderful project...I can't wait to try this with my little GBs! I bet you have an entire bag of tricks you share with your grands...so much fun!

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  32. AnonymousOctober 26, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    THANKS FOR SHARING !!!
    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

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  33. RebeccaOctober 26, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    LOVE that pumpkin wall hanging you showed at the beginning.... so cute. thank you
    sewfabrics@outlook.com

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  34. Anna brownOctober 26, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Very nice pumpkin wall quilt looks easy and so pretty...happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  35. DawnOctober 26, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    What a cute project, thank you for sharing. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. @lutzcatsOctober 26, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    What a great project....think my 10 year old niece and I will give this a try this weekend! THANKS!

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  37. Kwilt KrazyOctober 26, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Awe that is so cute! Thanks for sharing!

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  38. JulianneOctober 26, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    What a fun project! Spooktacular!

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  39. SallyOctober 26, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    What a fun project! Can't wait to do this with the grands! thanks for sharing

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  40. CreateologyOctober 26, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    Thank you for hopping. I love your pumpkin quilt and the clever spelling in its teeth for Happy Fall Y'all. I am so happy I came back to see your ghost and witch. They are very clever and look easy enough to recreate with your tutorial. Happy Halloween Haunting...

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  41. sunnyOctober 26, 2015 at 9:32 AM


    what cute decorations! I especially love the ghosty. :-)

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  42. MariaOctober 26, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial on the Witch and Ghost.. They are fabulous... Will pop over and visit others too.

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  43. AnonymousOctober 26, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    I just love your witch and ghost, and it seems simple, and not terribly messy. How cute they both look. Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I know I'm going to share it with several friends!

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  44. Apple Avenue QuiltsOctober 26, 2015 at 10:03 AM

    Thanks for the instructions for such a fun project. The quilts you have picture are pretty cute too!

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  45. AnonymousOctober 26, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    What a cute craft! This is something my little girl and I could do together 😁

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  46. allthingzsewnOctober 26, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    So different, They are a cute couple. Also like the feather tree. Never seen an orange one. Did you make that? I would like to make one, they are so expensive. The must be very extensive in labor. Your other quilts are sweet as well.

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  47. AnonymousOctober 26, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    Thank you for the tutorial on making the ghost - it is so cute!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  48. DebraKay NeimanOctober 26, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    Love to see your tutorial - how much fun is this - A LOT! crystalbluern at tds dot net

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  49. LoriOctober 26, 2015 at 11:43 AM

    wow your projects are wonderful. thanks for sharing how to make the ghost and witch. too cute and so simple.

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  50. teachpanyOctober 26, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    Cute! I've seen this done with cheesecloth, too. Glad that paper towels work, as well.

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  51. Vicki HOctober 26, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Thanks for the tutorial making the cute ghost and witch.

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  52. Mary AnnOctober 26, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Thank you so much for the cute project directions. I will definitely try that with my grandson! Such cute quilts in your pictures too. Happy Halloween!

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  53. JulieOctober 26, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    Love the ghost :)

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  54. BobbieOctober 26, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    great project- will have to try this one! but what really caught my eye was that jack o lantern quilt! He is just too spooktacular!

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  55. Oneoldgoat1962October 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    I'm going to have to try this - I love the kitty!!

    Beth

    oneoldgoat1962 at gmail.com

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  56. SewgirlOctober 26, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    Cute, cute, cute! Thanks for sharing the tutorial for your ghosts. Love your pumpkin with his lettered teeth.

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  57. Alcea Rosea 31October 26, 2015 at 12:23 PM

    Great idea, I love your ghosts and witches.

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  58. In stitches and seamsOctober 26, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    What a great tut you did up for us. Not sure which one I would do up first . I am thinking the ghost.
    Thanks sew much for sharing with us today. and for hosting your own giveaway. institchesandseams@hotmail.ca

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  59. SandyOctober 26, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    I Love Your Pumpkin With Scrabble Letter Teeth and Witches Feet Quilts!

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  60. Quilting TangentOctober 26, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    Love the talking Jack O'Latern. Nice tutorial. Happy Halloween! 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  61. dcargillOctober 26, 2015 at 12:39 PM

    What a fun project! I love that it allows for variety! The pumpkin with Scrabble teeth maybe the favorite I have seen this year.

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  62. Midlife MomOctober 26, 2015 at 12:49 PM

    What a cute project! maybe I can make one or two while I am on R&R this week! I love the Scrabble pieces on your pumpkin, you had mentioned that you used them and it's a super idea!!!!! I finished up two projects today while Mom was here. A Christmas quilt for Graysen and a horse wall hanging that I started last year while on a trip. Now I have a fall one to tackle, it's such a good feeling to get these things finished!

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  63. barbara woodsOctober 26, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    i am making a comment from another member of the blog hop, hugs Mary

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  64. MissPatOctober 26, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Thanks for the tute. They are so cute. But I really like the pumpkin at the start of the post.

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  65. Deal.licious Real Food DebbyOctober 26, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    Love the pumpkin "happy fall yall". What a great idea!!!

    debbygrawn at yahoo dot com

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  66. Carol SwiftOctober 26, 2015 at 2:01 PM

    I used to make those ghosts every year for Halloween and continued the tradition with the Monkey Boys, but that witch is new to me. Love it! Sweet pumpkin quilt, too!

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  67. RhondaOctober 26, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    What a fantastic project!! I think my granddaughter would love making these with me. Thanks for the tutorial & the give away!!

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  68. Sarah@123quiltOctober 26, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Cute project! I love that it's a project you've done with your family.

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  69. Teatime CreationsOctober 26, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    Love the ghosts. And the scrabble letters in the pumpkin is excellent. Happy Halloween.

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  70. claire rossOctober 26, 2015 at 2:50 PM

    I love the witches feet wall hanging. X

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  71. Lace FaerieOctober 26, 2015 at 2:55 PM

    The goats are darling, but I LOVE your patchwork Jack o'Lantern!

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  72. SheilaOctober 26, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    They are adorable , it would be a real fun project to do with the grandchildren . Thanks for sharing .

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  73. wendyOctober 26, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    Thanks for the cute project! I may have to try this in my classroom for next years decorations.

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  74. QuiltsmilesOctober 26, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Mary- what fun and unique creations. Your photography is excellent too with the way you took the time to stage each shot. Well Done! and have a wonderful Halloween!

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  75. rrjane011749October 26, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    These are too cute!

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  76. Kathy HOctober 26, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    Thanks for showing how to make those cute figures.

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  77. Patty October 26, 2015 at 5:53 PM

    Great pumpkin quilt. Love the instructions to make those ghosts and stuff.

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  78. Kathy E.October 26, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    I'll bet your house is full of fun during the Halloween season! You are so clever and crafty. I know I'll be adding the ghostly cups to my list for this year. I'd like to give them to my teacher friends along with a baggie of cookies. So sweet!

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  79. BethOctober 26, 2015 at 7:35 PM

    Thanks for sharing a tutorial that uses "every day" items. The resulting project is awfully cute.

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  80. My Sister Made Me Do It....October 26, 2015 at 7:37 PM

    Lol... Mary I am chuckling because I remember your "teaser" photo with the plastic cups and bottle is starch and paper towels on a previous post and NOW I know what that was all about! So sweet, these adorable Halloween projects and I agree that the "witchy" legs are adorable! Thanks for a great post!

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  81. Angelia LanouetteOctober 26, 2015 at 8:42 PM

    Thank you for sharing the tutorial...I would love to try it! I love your Happy Fall Ya'll pumpkin and witches feet wall hanging! Trick or Treat!

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  82. CalicojoanOctober 26, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    Love each and every one of your projects. Those paper towel ghosts and witches are just too cute! What fun.

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  83. Rina MasonOctober 26, 2015 at 8:44 PM

    Thanks for joining the hop and sharing the tutorial on the ghost and witch.I may be making them tomorrow as they look so fun and easy. Love all your projects and the little pumpkin mini and pumpkin table topper are the cutest. Love his teeth. Rina

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  84. GranChrisOctober 26, 2015 at 8:48 PM

    The pumpkin quilt is wonderful.

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  85. WalterOctober 26, 2015 at 8:57 PM

    Such cute ideas; I love Halloween. pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com

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  86. Charlene McCainOctober 26, 2015 at 10:58 PM

    Love your spooky companions! Thanks for the tutorial on how to make them.

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  87. Michele TOctober 27, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    I love your creations... Especially the pumpkin!! Very cool!!

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  88. UnknownOctober 27, 2015 at 2:13 PM

    Great projects. Nancy A: raqngerer@sbqcglobal.neqt

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  89. Katy MOctober 27, 2015 at 2:40 PM

    What a great idea! x

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  90. SuperMomNoCapeOctober 27, 2015 at 3:08 PM

    What a fun Halloween craft! Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win!

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  91. OPQuiltOctober 27, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    You don't need to enter me in the giveaway, but I wanted to tell you how cute the witch and ghost are! I imagine your grandchildren love coming over to your house to have such fun. Fabulous!

    Elizabeth

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  92. Soma @ inkTorrents.comOctober 27, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    These are fabulous and fun too!! Now I want to make a couple. I wonder if I can make a cat. Great tutorial too. Thanks, Mary!

    -Soma

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  93. MichelleOctober 27, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    Love your pumpkin, so cute! Enjoyed seeing how you put together your little ghost.

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  94. Cloud 9October 27, 2015 at 5:40 PM

    I had made a similar ghost years ago with cheese cloth. They are fun. Your witch feet quilt is adorable.

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  95. corinaOctober 29, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    Cute ghosts! I really love the fall pumpkin patchwork. I've seen pictures of it but haven't found the pattern. Who is the designer? Too cute.

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