Shivers of Delight

Why oh why do I struggle to put together our Halloween fireplace mantel? I wish I had video of me standing in front of it with my arms crossed, my brow furrowed, as I stand completely still just staring at it. This goes on for weeks. I place an item, stand back and stare, and then move it 1 inch, stare some more, then take it down. I think my husband probably notes this in his "Jori's Strange Behavior" journal.  This year our party theme is a séance and I wanted the mantel to reflect that. I also didn't want to have to buy anything new for it (I have so much already!) and I only ended up purchasing black candles and the moon and stars banner.  Here are a bunch of photos of my slow process (finished just 2 days before Halloween!) and some shots of the rest of the dining room.  Really, it shouldn't take as long as it does, but I'm happy with the results. I hope you get some inspiration from this!

I hope you've been enjoying the activities for the 13 Days of Halloween I posted last week. I've been having fun wearing a cape for the last few days even though my husband has been giving me some strange looks. Really, that's nothing new. Remember this is a no pressure activity! If you miss a few days, it's okay. Each day adds to the last, so you'll still get to do everything- and personal interpretation is encouraged. And now, days 8 through 13. I hope this sparks the delight you felt as a child at Halloween. Have fun with it! Happy Halloween

I know it's weird that the closer to Halloween we get Shivers of Delight has less posts, but really I'm just living in the moment of this spooky season and hate to sit at my computer (plus I have Covid!) I figure that you, my readers, are busy too.  However, I don't want to forget my trip to Marshall, MI for Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween so I'm pausing my decorating to memorialize it. My husband and I drove from Connecticut early in the morning and after 12 1/2 hours in the car we arrived in Marshall in time to swing by the Calhoun County Fairgrounds to pick up a number for the early sale on Saturday. Now, truth be told, you don't actually need a number to go to the early sale, but it's part of the ritual and excitement for me. If you are hoping to purchase a specific piece, a number helps you get further up in the line, but even that doesn't guarantee you'll get it. I had number 66 and by the time I walked in the door certain artists' booths were...

Over the years, I've come to focus my attention on really enjoying Halloween during the 13 Days of Halloween. It starts on October 19th and continues through Halloween night. I've not always had a clear picture of how I would do it each year; I just plan to do some of my favorite things.  This year, I've decided to try to make it a tradition somewhat like the 12 Days of Christmas. I'll start with one thing on the 19th and add something everyday- repeating the things I've done on the previous days. You with me? Really, this is going to be fun!  Here's what I've mapped out.  Next week I'll post the final 6 days. Let me know what you think. Happy First Day of Halloween!!

It took two weekends this year, but I got it all up and lit the lights. I think the hardest part for me is always the lighting. There are so many spot lights and extension cords! The best part is when neighbors walking by comment how much they enjoy our Halloween decor and that they wait for the flames to come out every year. I think this is our 17th year putting up the flames and we try to add a little something new every few years. If you'd like to see how I made the upstairs window faces I'll have a post later this week on how I did it. Click the links to see how I made the Gentleman Crow and Skeleton Witch .