GET CRAFTY: Halloween Glitter Skull

I'm not one to decorate for Halloween, but when Micaela and I were coming up with ideas for our crafting series we had to include this spooky night. What better way than with a chic and sparkly, creepy black skull!

The supplies you'll need for this project are:

- one skull for crafting ( we purchased ours at Michaels)

- one black acrylic paint 

- one dark grey acrylic paint

- sponge painting brush

- glitter, crystals, pearls, etc. for decoration

- crafting glue

 (try for one that is non-toxic so that the fumes don't both you) 

Step 1: Mix the black and dark grey acrylic paints together to create a very dark smoky grey. Paint the entire outside surface and inside surface of the skull, making sure to not leave any of the white showing. Let your skull dry completely before moving onto step 2.

Step 2: Take your glitter, crystals, pearls, etc. and start gluing them onto the surface of your skull. This is when it gets fun!! You can create whatever you like with your skull. You can choose an assortment of colours and textures to add to it. If you like a monocromatic look like I chose, make sure all of your adornments match before you start gluing. You might have to do the gluing in steps to allow for the crystals to properly dry and to create layers as well.

Here are some pics of Micaela's skull and mine as well. This was really fun! I love how Micaela has the gems dripping down it's face and inside the cracks in the skull. This is a great craft project for you to do for yourself (no kids if you don't want to!!) or even with your tweens and teens.

Once you've finished your skull you can place it on your mantel, or favourite reading corner for a spooky, yet chic Halloween treat.

We want to see your finished projects! Tag us on INSTAGRAM with #BrooklynDesigns #bdcrafty and show us your amazing creations! 

Want to get even more crafty with us? Check out our Botanical Wall Art project and look for more Get Crafty projects coming up.

BROOKLYN STYLE: The Updated Bar Necklace

The Bar necklace has become a style staple in our collection, and this season we've added a new twist (or bend!) with our Florence chevron necklaces. Made with hammered Chevron pendants, our Florence necklaces are available in 2 sizes and lengths that make for the perfect layering pieces.

 Whether you wear your Florence necklace alone, or layered with your other beloved necklaces, it's sure to quickly become a favourite to wear.

Don't forget to mix your shapes, textures and even metals for a modern personalized look. Are you more of a minimal dresser? Pair our large Florence necklace with your favourite button up and let it peek out just under your collar. 

BROOKLYN IN THE CITY: Halloween Edition

 {Guest blogger Micaela Armstrong}

Vancouver is experiencing the first hints of Fall - yellow leaves, crisp air and pumpkin spice lattes. Along with Thanksgiving here in Canada, October is (obviously) best known for the world's spookiest celebration - Halloween! The Lower Mainland has plenty to offer this month for those of you who enjoy prolonging the Halloween celebration. It doesn't all have to be solely about October 31st! From kid-friendly to not-so-kid-friendly, I've got a handful of places and events that you can check out for Halloween.

1.) Port Kells Pumpkin Patch: First step to celebrating Halloween - don't forget the pumpkin! Port Kells Nurseries in Surrey is a great place to go with the family this season. Admission is free, and so is access to hay rides, the haunted house and the hay maze (just to name a few!) Pick out the perfect pumpkin, get your face painted, and eat lunch at the cafe all in one afternoon. Open everyday until October 31st from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, check out their website for more details.

2.) Fright Nights at the PNE: This event may not be for everyone. Fright Nights are aptly named and are not for the faint of heart! Besides live entertainment, there are seven haunted houses and fifteen rides to enjoy. Experience the thrill for yourself! Admission starts at $22.00 and is available online, at 7-Eleven, or at the gate.

3.) Burnaby's Haunted Village: For something a little more kid-friendly, take the family to The Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum. It runs from 6:00-9:00 pm, October 28th to October 30th. The kiddos can trick-or-treat, show off their costumes, and take a ride on the carousel! Admission for adults is $14.00, and admission for kids is just $9.00. 

4.) Halloween Costume Ball: This event, held at Science World, is 19+ only. With two floors of music, licensed bars, and six performers and DJs, over 1000 people will be in attendance for the biggest Halloween bash of the year! You can buy your tickets online for $60.00 plus tax. Join the party from 9:00 pm - 2:00 am!

5.) Stanley Park Ghost Train: Not to be missed is one of Vancouver's most beloved and popular attractions - the Stanley Park Train! Every October, you can enjoy a different theme on the Halloween train - this year's theme being Horror Classics. Running now until November 1st, you can ride the train any day of the week! If you'd like a less scary experience for the kids, feel free to take them to a matinee ride Friday to Sunday afternoons. Tickets and ticket prices are available online. You can purchase them ahead of time online, or buy them at the gate!

With all that's happening for Halloween this year in the Lower Mainland, you can be sure to find an event you'll enjoy!

 

Micaela Armstrong is Executive Assistant at Brooklyn Designs and a part-time student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.