DIY Halloween Costume: Charlotte's Web

After mulling ideas, and needing to settle on something for work, I decided to create my own "Charlotte's Web" costume--it was subtle (and not that different from regular work clothes) so I could easily work in it all day without distraction.

My creative and talented colleague (who also runs Caseybots on Etsy) went a...different route with her DIY costume, creating her own monster head; she did NOT wear it all day.

The bulk of the work went into embroidering a version of one of the book's famous illustrations onto a plain white t-shirt:

...and finding a stuffed pig (Wilbur) and rat (Templeton). Have you noticed there are very few places that sell a variety of stuffed animals anymore? And that nearly everything looks like a variation on a teddy bear? At least the little cutie I managed to find has more pig-like features. Oh course, if you're searching for Olivia or Otis, you'll have no trouble.

A half-circle skirt with thin ruffles in a wave pattern encircling it and fishnet hosiery contributed to the "web idea" of the costume. A faux spider hot glued to a pin back transformed into the talented arachnid herself.

For the most part, people knew what I was and got a kick out of the costume and the bit of craftiness that went into it.

I love the fundamental message of "Charlotte's Web" (or at least the one that I take away from it) about all life being unique and precious...even if it is just a value to the smallest creature. Also, I like the idea that compassion and words shared and/or put into action can make a difference and that friendship is a gift with no strings attached (pun intended).

DIY Couples Costumes :: Inspired by Charlotte's Web

DIY Couples Costumes :: Inspired by Charlotte's Web by leighanned featuring a black dress

Ode to Lenore :: Nameless Here Forevermore

An Ode to Lenore :: Nameless Here Forevermore by leighanned featuring a velvet dress

The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe

Easy to Cook Up (DIY) "Bob's Burgers" Couples Costumes

Easy to Cook Up (DIY) "Bob's Burgers" Couples Costumes by leighanned featuring arch shoes

Instructions: Dress.
Man: Draw on a mustache (if you don't have one).
Women: Pop the lenses out of a cheap pair of red, cat's eye sunglasses.
Couple: Carry fake hamburger and order pad with you.

DIY Couples Costumes :: Chocolate Strawberries

DIY Couples Costumes :: Chocolate Strawberries by leighanned featuring beach totes

Couples Costumes DIY :: Futurama's Leela & Fry

Couples Costumes DIY :: Futurama's Leela & Fry by leighanned featuring kitten heel boots

Trick or Treat? Turn basic wardrobe items, some household or craft items and a few props (found online) to create this pair of costumes for any adorable, albeit somewhat nerdy, couple.

Dooh-It-Yourself Winnie-the-Pooh Couples Costumes

Dooh-It-Yourself Winnie-the-Pooh Couples Costumes by leighanned featuring a red tunic

The facts are these...

The Facts are These... by leighanned featuring clutch bags

Ned is a pie-maker with a special gift. Lonely tourist Charlotte Charles ("Chuck") was his childhood sweetheart--once dead, now…not so much. Yellow is a warm color, and it is quite becoming on the now undead girl.

Yellow has the ability to brighten a outfits, and even moods. It can add a bit of whimsy and delight to a day--especially when mixed with other warm colors such as orange or red. Paired with a white, it can feel crisp and clean. Add a splash of green for a fresh, natural appeal. Or, tone it down with a complementary, creamy off-white. A paler shade can bring warmth to a look without being over the top. And, on the flip side, contrasting the vivid hue with accents of black create a dramatic look.

This sunny, Pushing Daisies-inspired outfit pulls a little from each of these color pairings offering a variety of looks depending upon accessory choice (although to be quite honest, the yellow and black in this set isn't an accessory so much as an activity to engage in). Of course, whatever the combination, this ensemble makes it clear that love is in bloom--and love for man or beast is stronger than even death.

The particulars of the outfit. This dress not only has a cheerful disposition like lonely tourist Charlotte Charles, it has the vintage feel that suits her as well. Likewise the handbags selected, while appropriate in color and attitude, also offer a hint of whimsy and kitsch that seemed Chuck's inclination.

Naturally, daisies were a theme in this extraordinary show…and several episodes featured rolling hills of lush green grass, giving an additional motivation to choose this green fringe bag as a functional accessory. Bees and honey--honey and bees--played a prominent guest role in the show from time to time, so it was only fitting to include an homage to them for a tea treat, which will include yellow banana cream and lemon meringue pie.

Until later in the series, when Chuck must deal with the truth of her father, her attitude was typically sunny so it seemed fitting that any umbrella she'd carry would make light of rain--enabling her to find the bright side of sudden showers. After all, even she would say that 'into every life, a little rain must fall.'

And, as any fan of the show can tell you, a walking Dead Girl wouldn't be caught undead without cute, cool or funky sunglasses. This pair, in shades of yellow and orange, might help hide her identity but her warm heart and keen fashion sense remain easy to see.

This set is dedicated to Marble and Chestnut.

Refreshing Summer Beverage

Nothing too different or clever, but a tasty and really refreshing drink for hot days. While it isn't calorie-free, it is full of healthy fruit juices and free of artificial sweeteners. I thought I'd share... 

Quick Cranberry Spritzer

• cranberry juice, 100% juice sweetened
• IZZE Sparkling Lime (Juice)
• Fresh lime, optional
• Ice

Fill an ice tea glass with ice.
Pour in cranberry juice, filling 1/3 to 1/2 of the glass.
Top with the IZZE Sparkling Lime, and give it a gentle swirl with an ice tea spoon.
Garnish with a half slice or wedge of fresh lime.

Art, Creativity and Fun on Polyvore

If you haven't noticed, I enjoy "playing" on Polyvore.com, a fashion and art (collection/collage) website for fashionistas, trend spotters, trend setters and creative types like yours truly. 

I was autoposting there for a while, with my set creations on Polyvore being one of my primary creative outlets in recent months. However, the sets I've been creating haven't been posting the way they used to or the way I wanted them to...so I've changed those posted (since the ones in February) to draft and will add them and new sets manually so I can control how they appear.

Along with this change, I hope to resuming sharing arts, crafts and related posts here.