My sister, a third grade teacher, is always looking for creative kids craft ideas. She recently asked me to come up with a fun project she could do with her students for Halloween. When I think Halloween, I think monsters, which led to these colorful paper monsters. The basic shapes are made from circle cards, printable labels, and scrap paper. For a fun dimensional look I combined two circle cards, folded the top card in half, adhered the top halves of each card together, and left the bottom halves free to create an open mouth.

The idea was to let the kids be creative when making their monsters, so beyond showing them some samples, they were free to add horns, eyes (however many they desired!), claws, teeth, etc. For finishing touches we used Stickles glitter glue as slime, warts, boogers…you get the idea.

The motto of this craft project: “No Rules, Anything Goes!”

–Ryan, Paper Source Reston Store
PS colors: moss & khaki
Latest fave: PS Printable Labels

I’m always challenging myself to find new ways to customize our favor boxes – they’re wonderful for so many occasions. Experimenting with our pillow favor box, I discovered that our ivory linen bookcloth worked perfectly for creating a Halloween mummy party favor. I love the color and texture, and tearing the bookcloth into strips makes it look like the real deal!

Create a bunch of these party favors to fill with yummy treats for your Halloween guests!

– Claudia
PS colors: curry & fuchsia
Latest fave: Mini Magnolia Paper Flower Kit

Materials Needed:
Pillow Favor Box Luxe Fino White
8 1/2″ x 11″ Ivory Inkjet Linen Bookcloth
1 1/4″ Gravel Circle Labels
8 1/2″ x 11″ Red Text Weight Paper
1″ Circle Hole Punch
1/8″ Super Tacky Tape
Scissors
Glue Stick

Instructions:
1. Begin to assemble the pillow favor box Read the rest of this entry »

Halloween is my all time favorite holiday, and I thought our paper dolls should get into the Halloween spirit too! I decided that our paper dolls had classic style and would probably choose traditional Halloween costumes…if they could talk, that is. So I made a Halloween costume collection that included a witch, mummy, ghost, pumpkin and devil.

I used a variety of different materials for the paper doll Halloween costumes, including chocolate brads for the ghost’s eyes, orange Lokta fine paper for the pumpkin suit and hat, and xmas red Stickles for the devil horns and dress accents. I created the mummy costume using soft white 1/4″ satin ribbon and tons of Zots to hold it all together. The possibilities are endless!

I had a great time creating the paper doll costumes, but my favorite part was making miniature trick or treat bags that perfectly match our Trick or Treat Bag Kit!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

–Lonni, Paper Source Annapolis Store
PS colors: papaya & beet
Latest fave: Envelope Liner Template Kit

Who doesn’t love Halloween?… the perfect time of year to throw a spook-tacular party! This year we decided to dedicate an entire workshop to fabulous and festive Halloween Deadcorations. Mark your calendar for our workshop on Saturday, October 10th.

We will teach you to make frighteningly fun party decorations including coffin invitations, spider-webbed favors, bootiful candy corn placecards, and more. These Halloween goodies are sure to inspire a festive night of Trick-or-Treat fun for all ages! All you’ll need to come up with is the perfect Halloween costume!

Even if you aren’t planning a Halloween party, you’ll be able to use the tips and tricks you learn in this class for craft projects and party planning any time of year. Sign up now, seats are limited.

WHAT: Halloween Deadcorations
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Saturday, October 10. Times vary, see store for details.
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $45 ticket.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

I’m a sucker for a pop-up, so I knew I had to incorporate one into a spooky Halloween party invitation this year. There’s just something about the unexpected three-dimensional experience that instantly puts a smile on your face… and then, like a self-proclaimed geeky engineer, you can’t resist opening and closing it to see the mechanics behind it all. Creating a pop-up is actually quite simple, and once you learn, you’ll want to add pop-up elements to all your party invitations and greeting cards. Go ahead, let your inner geeky engineer shine!

–Annie
PS colors: eco-white & pool
Latest fave: 12″ Guillotine Trimmer — great for cutting large sheets of paper!

Materials Needed:
A7 Folded Cards Chartreuse Read the rest of this entry »