|
(ARA) - As
the Halloween haunting season quickly approaches, you might find
yourself looking for creative ways to entertain your ghoulish
guests. Experts from The Art Institutes offer some ideas for
making this time of year absolutely frightening.
Haunting Halloween Cards
Finding Halloween
cards that fit your style can be a haunting task. Consider creating
your own Halloween designs this season. All you need is a sense
of fun and some imagination.
Here are some
ideas to get you started:
"First,
pick a theme you can use for invitations, party favors or costumes.
For example, use horror films by Wes Craven or John Carpenter
for inspiration, teen slasher films, or a cult classic such as
'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,'" says Karen Habblitz of
The Art Institute of Portland.
If you or someone
in your house likes to draw, create a black and white image from
your theme and then reproduce it on card stock of your choice.
It's a quick and easy way to create multiple cards with one drawing.
Finish with a quick watercolor wash to add a touch of color.
If drawing
isn't your strength, try a collage by using typography and images
that already exist. Gather a stack of expendable items (old comic
books, magazines, newspapers, or greeting cards). Then create
your own unique compositions by cutting, tearing and reassembling
these images into a final composition. You can even use text
from these sources so you don't have to do any hand lettering!
Create multiple mini-collages (one for each card), or make color
copies of your finished image. Always remember to use a heavy
paper, or paste your image onto card stock for a finished look.
For a trendier
look, try taking photocopied black and white images from old
horror movie books. You can cut, paste or rearrange these visuals
to create a modern, sophisticated look.
Pumpkin Carving with
a Twist
An age-old
tradition of the Halloween season is pumpkin carving. "To
create a different look this Halloween, consider carving a gourd,
or create a 'family' of jack-o-lanterns using a combination of
pumpkins and gourds," says chef Sarah Gorham from The Art
Institute of Atlanta. Choose a size, color or shape that will
work with your design idea, or allow the unique qualities of
the pumpkin or gourd to inspire you. A smooth, blemish free pumpkin
provides a good working surface. But imperfections can be fun
when incorporated into the design itself. A blemish can become
a wart, or a pumpkin's "bad" side can look like a disfigured
face.
Try using a
variety of carving tools to create your design. Use carving knives
or heavy-handled utility knives for cutting deep, straight lines.
Try using a specialty pumpkin carving knife from a craft store
for making curved and fine cuts. An electric drill with a variety
of drill bits can cut into the hard surface of gourds. Varying
cuts can create interesting effects. Try cutting partially through
the flesh for a translucent look. Lighting is the last step in
creating the perfect jack-o-lantern. Try a traditional votive
candle or go for a different look by using electric string lights.
Special Effects Tricks
Thinking of
updating your old Halloween costume? A good way to create something
new is with makeup. For a werewolf, begin from the edge of the
cheek and inward toward the nose, drawing hair-like lines. "It's
best to trace any natural creases in the face with dark brown.
Dramatically increase the size of the eyebrow and push the hairs
forward," says Lars Nyquist from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Purchase fangs at a local costume shop and you'll be ready to
howl at the moon.
Another idea
is a ghastly ghoul. Start by painting your face a yellowish-green,
then blacken or darken the lips in strokes that pull away from
the center of the lips. Darken the area around the eyes and try
adding a scar that extends from the corner of the eye down the
cheek in a jagged line.
And last, but
not least, is the classic vampire. Lighten your entire face with
light gray or white and darken the eye area. Use a bit of red
lipstick to brighten the lips and use a heavy styling product
to slick hair toward the back. Finally, don't forget to purchase
fangs from a local costume shop.
Click here for some "Bewitching"
Treats |
WHAT'S NEW?