Fantasy Cottage Ready for Halloween

Found on Flickr. Original drawing by cottagelover1953 and these are her words:

"I know it is nuts...but each summer at the onset of hot weather I dream a bit of October weather and fat, sassy pumpkins. Can't help myself. This is the latest in my Retro Storybook Cottage series inspired by vintage book and deco era ephemera."

Goodnight, Halloween is Over

It's pitch dark outside and I am declaring Halloween is over. See you in the morning. Hope you didn't eat too much candy. 

Bela Lugosi was Buried in his Dracula Costume

Lugosi was buried wearing one of the Dracula stage play costumes, per the request of his son and 4th wife in the Holy Cross Cemetery -- Cluver City, California. His only child was born when Lugosi was 58 or 59 years old.

I think it's great that his final remembrance was Beloved Father with no mention of his career on the grave marker.





Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Halloween 2010

First image unknown. Second image from Martha Stewart, the Halloween Queen. I hope your Trick or Treat bag gets filled with goodies when you go out later.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Antique Vampire Killing Kit

A complete and authentic vampire killing kit — made around 1800 complete with stakes, mirrors, a gun with silver bullets, crosses, a Bible, holy water, candles and even garlic, all housed in a American walnut case with a carved cross on top — attained $14,850 in an estate sale by Stevens Auctioneers on October 3–4, 2008 in the Natchez Convention Center.

Dwight Stevens, auctioneer said, "I don't believe in vampires -- I've never met one. But somebody believed in them, something drove people to believe. From New Orleans to Vicksburg, these old boxes remain." Stevens has sold four vampire killing kits in his 27 years as an auctioneer with this one being the most expensive to date. Hmmm. I wonder if this kit would work on werewolves too? I can't remember a time when vampires were more popular, can you?

Thanks for stopping by the cottage for a little antiquarian fright this evening. Happy Halloween.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Vintage Halloween Card circa 1920

Boo! I've always been drawn to vintage illustrations for children showing interior design of the day. How do you like the art deco window treatment in this Halloween card from the first quarter of the 20th century? Have a happy and safe celebration this year.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Baby Owl or is it an Owl Baby?

Adorable ~ Emma the Owl is ready for her first Halloween. The link has one more photo of this sweet little bird. I hope her diaper bag gets filled with Trick or Treat goodies like teething biscuits and stuffed toys.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Skeleton Dog

An amazing photograph of a dog with a skeleton haircut by the talented ©Tom Flach.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Typography/Calligraphy Skull

Isn't this fabulous? A master-work of typography by Joby Cummings, wherein each of the seven deadly sins is woven into the likeness of a skull. Perfect for Halloween. via



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Audrey Hepburn Cat

HaHa . . . This cat really does look like Audrey Hepburn, doesn't she?



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Happy Halloween

I scanned this skull crest from one of my antiquarian books to wish you a Happy Halloween.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Jack Skellington Halloween Hat + Mask To Knit | Free Pattern

Get out your knitting needles -- you still have time to make this wonderful hat/mask for Halloween. It's great for skiers and snowboarders as well as Trick or Treaters since it adjusts to all kinds of winter weather. It makes for a very original, warm and practical Halloween accessory too.

The design is mostly inspired by the character Jack Skellington from the animated movie 'The Nightmare before Christmas’ by director Tim Burton.

Download Free Pattern from Knitty Magazine

The Fall 2010 Issue of Knitty Magazine is available here.



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Vintage Halloween Images

\

Have you picked out or made your costume yet? I found the two vintage Halloween post cards on Google Images. The two early photos are ©stevechasmar on Flickr. He finds the most amazing old photos and he has posted sets with a Halloween theme for the past three years. They are so much fun. Are you scared yet?



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Designer Pumpkin | Louis Vuitton

Make this delightful Louis Vuitton pumpkin by drawing the logos all over with a brown oil-based Sharpie pen. Instructions here. Happy Crafty Friday.
Photo by Colin Cooke.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

The Queen of Hearts Pug

Just in case you ever wondered what a $300 Halloween costume for a dog looks like, here it is! via Halloween Hounds



Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.

Shark Baby

This adorable shark baby will definitely get your weekend off to a happy start. Isn't this this best/cutest Halloween costume ever? Have a great Columbus Day weekend.

Click orange square to subscribe via feed reader or email.