MSN Green, which is the environmentally-focused "channel" of MSN.com, is trying to emphasize the importance of recycling and re-using this Halloween season. It makes a lot of good sense, considering how much trash is generated by the sweetest day of the year -- candy wrappers, store-bought costumes that are only worn once and other odds and ends (like eight rolls of toilet paper for your least favorite neighbor’s house … just kidding!)

Below are just a few of my favorite recycled costumes for kids, most of which were made using cardboard, tissue paper and fabric. For more costume ideas, visit MSN Green's Halloween Gallery.

Recycled Crocodile Costume by Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, Recycled Witch Costume by Lizette Greco of Grecolaborativo, Recycled Samurai Costume by Instructables.

(Images courtesy of MSN.com)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:11 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (0)
                       

As a kid, Juliet Ames never imagined that she would one day break plates for a living. In 2006, after experimenting with mosaics and pendants, Juliet opened The Broken Plate Pendant Company. Now, as a full-time independent jeweler, Juliet’s necklaces, rings and belt buckles have appeared in numerous magazines and are sold in shops around the country. One piece recently made its way onto the Rachel Ray Show.

Juliet’s plates are from thrift stores, antique shops and department stores. They are “lovingly broken” with a hammer and tile snips into pieces that are then selected by color, shape and design.

Each piece is special and one of a kind. And speaking of special, Juliet is occasionally commissioned to transform sentimental pieces – like a broken family dish – into “wearable heirlooms.” What a brilliant idea! I’m now hoping that I accidentally break something at Thanksgiving dinner this year. …

Lucky for us, Juliet has agreed to participate in this week’s Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway. That’s right. You can enter to win her Pumpkin Necklace (bottom center) by being the first to post the answer to the following question: Which famous technique does Juliet use when soldering her pendants? Visit the profile page of her Etsy shop for clues. Winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 8:22 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (14)
                       

Take a look at how crafters around town are celebrating Halloween...

The Owl and the Candy Corn Halloween Card by Miscelena, Witch Woman Original Collage Magent by Julie Grace.

Halloween Party Tags by Align With Design, Will You Walk into My Parlor Necklace by Block Party Press.

Day of the Dead Orange Man Skull by Dorset Hill Beads, jack o'lantern brooch by The Littlest Bean.

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 7:02 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

You might remember reading about Damanarie Hosler in my post about Artscape back in July. But did you know that besides being the genius behind Knitimals, she is also a prolific muralist whose work can be seen throughout Baltimore City?

At the moment, Danamarie is working on a mural at 539 E. 21st St., just past Greenmount Avenue. And whether or not your realize, you’ve probably seen her finished murals at Sylvan Beach Café in Mt. Vernon, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream in Mt. Washington, the Giant Supermarket in Waverly, the Baltimore City Health Department and the Baltimore Farmers' Market Downtown.

Mural at the Waverly Giant, sketch for the mural on E. 21st St., mural at the Health Dep't.

Danamarie is a wearer of many hats. When she’s not painting murals, teaching art classes or illustrating children’s books, she is most definitely crafting. Her latest creation: Knitimal masks. These hand sewn felt masquerade masks are modeled after Danamarie’s one of a kind Knitimals.

Knitimal masks.

As part of the Baltimore by Hand Halloween Giveaway Series, Danamarie has graciously offered to give a Knitimal mask to one lucky reader. Simply answer the following question: Which famous muppet does Danamarie have a crush on?

The answer can be found in her blog. Be the first to comment here with your answer and win! Winners will be announced on Monday.

In the meantime, keep your eyes open during your travels through Baltimore for one of Danamarie Hosler’s one of a kind murals.

(Images courtesy of Danamarie Hosler)

Posted by Christy Zuccarini at 11:12 PM in Halloween | Permalink | Comments (6)