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HGTV.com Halloween Tutorials & Matthew Mead

I know it’s only August, but Hobby Lobby is already gearing up for Christmas, so I can share my HGTV.com Halloween tutorials, right?  I actually worked on all of these last November.  Wow, how time flies.  Here they are…

 
We never decorated for Halloween when I was growing up, so these were a stretch for me and a lot of fun. 
Speaking of fall, I’m sure you’ve heard of a guy named Matthew Mead.  Well, he’s come out with a “book-a-zine” all about autumn. 

I love his take on a white Halloween. Not being a big “orange person”, I like the subtlety. 

And guess what?  I have one to give away!  Just leave a comment on this post before midnight PST on Tuesday, August 23.  I’ll announce a winner on Wednesday. 
And the winner of the Stylish Patina Giveaway is…  Leslie of Paper Daisy Designs.  Congrats girl!  Send me an e-mail, so I can get you in touch with Kelly. 

One last bit of business, my blog turned two on August 16.  Wow..two years.  Thanks so much to everyone for reading, referring, sponsoring, linking, subscribing, following, “liking”, and all of that.  Without you, I would just be spending a lot of time talking (typing) to myself. 
Here’s to two more years and beyond of moving mountains in our homes. 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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246 Responses

  1. Congratulations on your blog birthday. Where would we be without you? I also am not an orange person. I'd love to see the MM book. Lori L

  9. Thanks for the Halloween decor inspiration! I am new to your blog (well, since April). Congrats on hitting the 2 year milestone! I will still be following your blog two years from now! God Bless

  10. I love your Halloween ideas…very unique. I particularly like the pumpkin topiary and the hand painted table runner…very nice! Thanks for sharing some inspiration.

    Rachel 🙂

  11. Happy Blogiversary…or whatever its called LOL
    Love that pumpkin topiary I am definitely doing something similar to that this year! LOVE the treat bucket too…may steal that idea also.
    I'd love to be entered to win…and my birthday is tomorrow!!

  16. Thanks for posting your projects from last year so we can get a head start (or at least be THINKING about ) fall/Halloween decorating. Only 2 years of blogging? You have done SO MANY posts…are you exhausted?

  19. Congrats on 2 years! What an accomplishment in such a short period of time! Thanks for the great Pumpkin/Halloween ideas! Pinned a couple!
    Jen
    Scissors & Spatulas

  20. I'm also not an orange person–the white looks so fresh and unique! Love it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of that book. I've been a fan of Matthew Mead for years and of you since the first day I found your blog. Please don't ever stop! 🙂 Happy 2nd anniversary.

  24. I love Halloween!!! And I love to decorate–when I have the time.

    Happy Blogiversary! I have enjoyed reading your lovely blog.

  26. Cute Halloween/fall ideas! I love orange pumpkins but also have a few white ones now. It's difficult to find real white (ghost) pumpkins here so orange it is. I'd love to win Matthew Mead's new book! Pamela

  27. Happy Blogiversary! I absolutely LOVE your blog. You are so very talented. I am just in awe of all of your beautiful items you create. Thanks for the chance to win this great book. I also love Fall. Jody

  30. Thanks for the chance! I absolutely can't wait for fall decorating! Happy 2 year anniversary! I don't know why my comments always come up anonymous, but I'm Emily at emgish@windstream.net. Thanks again!

  33. Thanks for the giveaway! I love seeing the Halloween stuff no matter what time of year it is. My dh birthday is the day before, so we tend to go a bit overboard decorating for his *favorite* holiday!

  37. Ohh I am so ready for fall and these projects are amazing! I'm about to go start the bat pillow… Yes it's August 22nd 🙂

    Happy Blog-a-versary!

    P.S. Oh and I'd love some Matthew Halloween inspiration. White, how right!

  41. I absolutely love your blog and your Halloween tutorials!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I would love to win a copy of this magazine for even more inspiration. Thanks so much! Jen

    jfoor at fairpoint.net

  46. I love Matthew Mead & get his magazine-uh-book-every year. I would love to be entered! Thanks for the chance!
    Liz

  50. Happy Blogiversery! Time flies when you're having fun! Love your Halloween ideas. Orange is my least favorite color on the color wheel, but I'll make an exception for halloween!
    Joy

  52. I'm not an orange person either. Or really a Halloween person — but that's because I didn't grow up with it…. But I'd still love to check out the Matthew Mead book-zine 🙂

  53. LOVE your tutorials! Such cute stuff 🙂

    and I would be thrilled to have a copy of the Mathew Mead mag. I first saw him this last christmas when several bloggers were posting about his Christmas issue. 🙂

  58. Happy 2nd birthday! My very with-it grandma turned 101 the same. You have a bit of catching up to do 🙂 If she was on-line she would love you. Thank you for being so encouraging. Sue at tstead11@hotmail.com

  60. How I'd love to win this book…I'm inspired by the covers already!

    Love your Halloween stuff….a favorite is the WICKED vignette….gonna steal that idea : )

    one of your many loyal and inspired fans,

    Cori
    Starview Sonnet

  61. My birthday is the day before Halloween, so I'd love to see fresh decorating ideas! Love you table runner 🙂 Happy blog birthday!

  62. Happy Blogday to you.
    I feel very fortunate to have met such a warm, kind, funny, musical, talent You. I wish you many, many years of contiuned creative success.

    Fall being my 2nd favorite season, I'll throw my name in for a chance to win.

  64. I'm not that fond of orange except in the fall but I like the effect of white…would love the book I'm sure!

    jobe_bonnie at yahoo dot com

  68. Would love Matthew's new 'zine! Have met him and Jenny several times here in NH (where he lives) – LOVE his take on things!

    Wanda in NH

  70. I am turning the big 5-0 on Halloween. Scary, huh? I would love to add this book to my collection. Now that would be a real treat!

  71. Love your blog and all your inspiring ideas!
    Can't wait for Halloween.
    Happy 2nd Birthday!!

    Love, Jody
    rootedinthyme.blogspot.com.
    thymeforhome.blogspot.com.

  75. Happy Birthday!! I Love reading your Blog and often find myself here looking how to do something I want to do!! Your Fall Projects are just Great!! Please enter me, I just adore Matthew Meade and his Team!!

    Thanks, Nancy

  79. Hey getting hooked on your blog…thanks so much for the tutorials and inspiration…I think…as now my "want-to-do list" is growing!! And to top things off AnnSloanPaints are now in my neighborhood…yikes!! But look for to fall inspiration…so would love to win!

  81. So glad you are putting up Halloween/Fall decor!!

    You did a great job 😀 The place card holders are super cute! haven't heard of Matthew Mead but I like his style 😀

  84. Happy 2 year birthday!! Your blog is the first thing I check out when I log on to the internet every day so thanks so much for sharing all you do with us! I love your Halloween décor, especially those topiaries, so clever!! And thanks for the chance to win too ;p

  85. Love, love, love the pumpkin topiary! Congrats on your 2nd year in the blogosphere. Am so happy to have found you. And thank you for the chance to win Matthew Mead!

  87. You always share so generously-your techniques, your ideas, and now this giveaway. Thank you so much! Fall is my favorite season by far so ideas for celebrating it are always welcome-hope to win that book!

    Edwina
    eworban@gmail.com

  88. Congratulations on two years and I guess it is time to start thinking about fall decorations.

    Catherine T.
    cdtipton(at) yahoo (dot) com

  92. happy blogversary – so glad i found you – and definately following you everywhere you go (and do -thanks for chalk paint intro). keep doing what you do!

  94. Congratulations on your anniversary, my husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary on the 16th as well. Must be a great day!

  100. Would love a copy of Matthew Mead's Autumn bookazine! Thanks for the chance and happy 2nd anniversary! Your blog is so inspirational.
    Lora
    dyerpl(at)kiva(dot)net

  103. I just love all the pictures! I think fall is my favorite, all that comfort food and decorating for Halloween…yes, it is. Thanks for sharing! (now, who do I bribe with cookies? You, or the great and powerful random number generator?) Cheers!

  106. Love the witches broom. I actually love orange,it's so happy,but then I love all color.Love MM. He always has a fresh take on holiday's.I wish you a happy birthday to your blog!I have been following for 10 months.Great things are in store for you,why don't you write your own book? It would be great.God bless you Marion. You are an inspiration to all !!!

  109. Your stuff looks so cute! I really like the decorating that comes with this time of year. I just wish it didn't get so cold here for Halloween.

    I guess I've been living in a cave somewhere, cuz I've never heard of Mathew Mead, but judging by the covers of these 2 books, I could really like his work! I'm going to go checkout his site!

  111. Happy 2nd blog birthday! Love Matthew Mead..he has so many fresh ideas.
    Maggie
    bitsymom01(at)yahoo(dot)com

    (Does anyone else get a message from Google that
    'your current account does not have access to this page) ?? What's up with that?

  114. Happy blog birthday! I'm celebrating my birthday this year on 11.11.11, and decided to decorate in white tones. Can't wait to see micheal meads idea, I may use some for the party!

  119. I would love to try each one of your Halloween tutorials, not sure if I'll have time. Halloween is my favorite holiday and I am always looking for fun but inexpensive ways to decorate.

    Congratulations on your blog-versary! I have only recently found your blog but I have to tell you, you have been a H U G E inspiration to me!! Thank you so much!

    XoXo,
    Kristal

  120. Two! Congrats & THANK YOU! I would love to win & give it to my friend, Moe….she loves fall (but computers, not so much) and she would share 🙂

  121. I must confess even though it is only August I have started looking through all of my old magazines for fall decorating ideas so when I saw your post I was very excited. I love your Halloween ideas and what beautiful pictures. The painted table runner is a wonderful idea!

    Megan @ Farmhouse5540.blogspot.com

  123. LOVE your blog!!!! You and I have similar taste…and I get a MILLION things off Craigslist to fix up…so you are one of my "go to" peeps for ideas!!!!
    Would LOVE the white Halloween copy! I started going black and white last year and could really use some more ideas! Happy blog a versary!

  125. I want to steal every idea here! We do Halloween in a big way and I love everything you've done! When is YOUR book coming out???

    Matthew Mead rocks.

  129. I just discovered your blog and I am in LOVE! I have been looking for some room inspiration for a while and your blog is perfect!

  130. I think I am destined to win this. I have been pinning Halloween ideas like crazy, and just this morning I was wondering when Matthew Mead's newest book/zine was coming out. Guess I know now!

  131. I adore the "grain sack" pumpkin. Great paint idea. I like bringing creepy old books to life for Halloween. And I may try the pumpkin topiary. I may even use my own grapevines, they have time to dry, right?

  133. My daughter is studying abroad this semester, and her fall will be spent mostly in New Zealand and Australia. Now, no one is feeling TOO terribly sorry for her, but what she is going to miss the most (besides ME) is Autumn, as it will be summer when she leaves, summer in Aus/NZ and it will be winter (in MI) when she returns. So I have been pinning away on Fall ideas, as I am planning a surprise Fall in a Day party when she returns! (I really need a catchier name…) I am absolutely going to make this pumpkin topiary for my porch! It is by far the favorite of the topiaries I've seen! Love it, pinned it, copying it!

    Barb bahueyAThotmailDOTcom

  135. You always surprise me with your ideas and style. And I could use the ides of Autumn living on Florida's Gulf it doesn't usually hit until late Oct. As always well done!

  138. Great ideas! Beautiful blog. The book looks like it has lots of fabulous ideas!
    Susie (kmcclister@sbcglobal.net)

  139. I just loved your pumpkin topiary – I may try my hand at something like that. I really enjoy decorating for Autumn. Not so much Halloween, but I dearly love Autumn – it's my favorite season. MM's book looks intriguing. Congratulations on your two year anniversary for your blog. I know your creativity has really given me a proverbial shot in the arm – sparking mine as well. Cheers!

  140. Happy Blogiversary!!! Love the tutorials, can't wait to try them! I'm also not an orange fan, it clashes with all the pale colors in my home. A white Halloween is right up my alley.

  143. Congratulations for your 2nd anniversary! Without you I wouldn't have any inspiration. I look forward to your posts every day. Your love for cows and your paintings have inspired me to get mine finished. Thank you very much!
    XXX Ido

  144. White Halloween??!!! And those pumpkin topiaries!!?? Sooooooooo inspired!!! Now if only it wasn't 100 degrees…..

  145. I would love to have one of Matthew's mags. He and all my blog friends are such an inspiration to me! Thanks for the chance to win! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

  146. Halloween in my favorite holiday! I love costumes and pretending to be someone else!!!Wow! Two years and you are sooo successful with your blog.
    I hadn't realized that I had caught up with you so soon (about 3 months ago), I thought you had had your blog for several years because you have such a following.

    blukazam@yahoo.com Mary in Oregon

  147. LOVE the White twist on Halloween… i think a WHITE & BLACK BOO Halloween can be very elegant.. I would love to flip through one of MM publications!
    Happy Anniverary

  152. Happy Anniversary! Love this blog and appreciate the giveaway opportunity. Between your blog and Matthew Mead's designs, I will be all set for fall decorating and celebrations!

  153. I love Matthew's ideas and I haven't ordered this yet, so maybe I will win. I think that when you first started your blog I e-mailed Matthew and also Ki Nassauer to let them know about you!

  154. Wow great, I am a BIG Halloween fan (like it even more than Xmas) I even have a nine foot Halloween tree that take's up my whole foyer made from boxes, crepe paper and chicken wire. Always looking for more ideas tho and would love to win this book, thanks for the chance. Deb

  158. Please enter me in the give away!! Love your blog, I look at it every day.
    I think I have to post as "anonymous" as I don't have a "blogger account".

    Thank you.
    Jean from Brown Deer WI

  159. Congratulations on turning 2, that is wonderful and so is your blog. I always get great ideas from following your site. Love Matthew Mead and delighted to see his books out.
    Susan (susanesshupe@yahoo.com)

  160. Congrats on 2 years Marian! Amazing how quickly it goes 🙂 Love these Halloween/fall ideas! We used to do Halloween big when I was a child but now we decorate more for fall so I love that you have an equal mix of both. I must admit that I am drawn to the Halloween ideas as well though 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win this bookazine – love that white Halloween – that mask wreath is fabulous!

    rebeccadunham at hotmail dot com

  162. OMG, I can't wait to try some of these tutorials! Especially the vintage inspired banner…so cute even tho' we no longer have a mantle LOL!

    This is my first time posting (finally). I actually started to post after your moving "Losing & Finding Myself" piece – BUT – I was at work and getting too emotional. I fully intend to respond, tho', because it meant so much to me.

    Anyway – babbling here! – thanks for sharing your amazing talents and offering such encouragement to the rest of us. You are a special blessing!

    Cyndy Buiniskis
    N.E. Texas
    cbuiniskis0967@gmail.com

    P.S. A big CONGRATS on your 2-year anniversary!

  164. Congratulations on your 2 year blogging anniversary! I have only been a follower for a short while but am amazed at your creativity and unbounded energy! I wish I had a fraction of it. Absolutely love the witches broom place card holders- adorable! As always your posts are one of the best parts of my day. Thank you Miss Mustard Seed!

  168. Congrats on the blog birthday! Would love to win that book…I am the biggest Halloween fan ever, I will use some of your ideas!

  172. I have been following your blog for sometime now and just love the inspiration you give me. I have a gorgous dining room set with matching hutch that I have had for 15+ years. I had promised it to my oldest son when he graduated from Dental School. Well that day has finally come and I couldn't believe the feelings I have been having, almost like someone I loved has died. Well I got on your site and started looking at some of the tables you have had (and sold) all beautiful and let me tell you I was comforted. I am now on the lookout for a new set, since until then I will be sitting on the floor to eat!! Thanks again for all the inspiration, I am hoping to find some thing as wonderful as some of the items you have on your blog. I can redo so that will be a fun challenge.

  176. Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary (think Delilah)! The mustard seed of faith does move mountains. I love reading the comments about the wonderful cool weather you all are fortunate to be having. We are extremely toasty down here in Louisiana. Looking at the Halloween & Fall creations make me so ready for cooler temps. I love your Ichabod pumpkin! Wonderfully unique in what I call your signature color.

    Best regards,
    Darleen ~ Places In The Home

  179. I love your autumn/Halloween ideas – they're so pretty! I may have to actually try painting some pumpkins and making a "Wicked" banner similar to yours. And thanks so much for the recommendation on the Matthew Mead book – it sounds really interesting!

  181. Hello,
    I love your blog and Matthew Mead! Just so many ideas from both of you that I can't wait to try. I would love to win a copy of Matthew's (doesn't that sound like I actually know him!?) publication. Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway.

  182. wow, I love this white halloween theme! I personally don't really like the color orange and don't decorate a lot for halloween (it's not so common in France) but with these white ideas, I might decorate a lot more this year! 🙂

  183. Congratulations on your blog birthday !!!!!
    I love Fall and can't wait especially after a summer of record high temps this year it's time to cool off !

  196. Congrats to two awesome years!!!

    I love the idea of having a white Halloween!

    Christmas decorations were out in my neck of the woods over the 4th of July holiday. Should I feel a little behind already? 🙂

    Christie

  197. Happy 2nd anniversary. Have heard of Matthew Mead and would love a copy of this book.

    Thanks for sponsoring the give-away.

  198. I can't wait for Fall this year, especially Halloween. My 3 1/2 year old son can not stop talking about Halloween. I think he'll really appreciate all the decorations this year and it'll be fun to have him help make them. Happy two years btw. Love love love your blog.

  204. Happy 2nd Blog Anniversary! I follow your blog daily and would love to win Mr. Mead's book. Fall has to be my favorite season for the weather and all the warm colors!

  205. would love a copy to indulge in… I remember you talking about taking pictures outside at night for Halloween articles this year and thinking your neighbors thinking your nuts since Halloween was over already… wow time really does fly!
    Congrats!

    Meg

  209. Congrats on 2 years! I thought I had moved mountains in my home when that earthquake hit today! LOL! Love the broomstick place card idea! They are too cute!

  211. Awesome blog.. I just found this and love the ideas! Look forward to more delightful reading!

  212. Happy Happy blog b-day!! You just gave me hope after 54 days of 100+ degree days that summer will come to an end. Thanks for sharing your fall/halloween inspirations. I would love to win the Michael Mead book-a-zine, he is fabulous! boltbabes3@yahoo.com

  215. I just found your blog a few days ago and have been digging through all of the great posts…congrats on your 2nd year, for all the great info you share and for a chance to win!

  218. Congrats on two years. You have changed my life in those two years of yours. I never even knew what a blog was until I stumbled onto yours and I LOVE it. I also LOVE Autumn,It's my favorite season(well, besides Winter & Spring). 🙂

    Hugs and Well Wishes,
    Dawn

  221. Happy 2nd anniversary! I'm a new fan that found you a couple of months ago. I've found so much inspiration from and want to say thank you.

    Halloween is and always has been my favorite holiday and I love all your decorating ideas. I had just started gearing up for new projects and was so excited to see the grain sack pumpkin pumpkin topiary decorations. I already own the exact same urn and twisted base candle holder!

    Joyce
    joyce_boothathotmaildotcom

  225. Totally bummed about fall this year… my favorite time of the year and we are in a temp apartment with all of our belongings in storage until the new house is built (December). But saving these ideas for next year, except for the pillow. Got to do that one now! 🙂

  227. Totally bummed out about fall this year… my favorite time of the year and all my stuff is in storage until the new house is built (December). Going to bookmark these ideas for next year though, all except the pillow. Got to do that one now! 🙂

  229. Happy Blog-iversary! I have been greatly inspired by you. I am in the middle of refinishing my first table. I have 2 weeks to finish it since I am moving into a new house. I would love Matthew's book! I am looking for inspiration for the new house.

    Thank you!

  230. This may be a duplicate post, don't see first one. congrats and thanks for all the great ideas.

    Kathy
    katyrdidd at yahoo dot com

  231. My soft cottage colors of greens and lavenders always make it hard to decorate for fall so I'd love to get a copy of this e-zine.

  232. I love your blog and your Halloween ideas are so cute and fun! We decorate every year for Halloween and often throw a little party. I am very interested in adding more white to our Halloween decorations and would to see Matthew Meade's book!

  233. My favorite holiday is Halloween…I must have 10 boxes of decorations in the attic and I rotate them every year. That's not to say I couldn't use more 🙂

    Thanks for the chance!

    shel704 at aol dot com

  235. LOVE!

    Love, love, love.

    I'm such a sucker for Halloween, and have been craving fall something fierce.

    Happy Blogiversary!

  239. Pingback: Fall Table Decoration Ideas — Fall Table Settings — Eat Well 101

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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