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Monster Mash Candy "Bowl" with Martha Stewart Crafts

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hey there! I'm monica 

I pride myself on making amazing style and design accessible for everyone, regardless of location, budget, or ability! My design philosophy is rooted in authenticity + attainability - If I can do it, you can too! My work has been featured in countless publications, but I take the most pride in homeowners that have been personally inspired by my DIY ideas and have tried something in their own homes!

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We might have come up with a way to ensure that your house is the coolest on the block this Halloween…
At least it would get my kids’ vote!

The Monster Mash Candy “Bowl” is SO NOT your Mama’s Candy Bowl! It’s a fun way for trick or treaters to choose their own candy or a treat- If they can get past our silly monsters!
Monster Mash Candy “Bowl” Tutorial
We were quick to respond YES when Martha Stewart Crafts asked if we wanted to be part of a creative Halloween Team.  We love Martha and her products, so it was a no-brainer.  Then we had to come up with a creative idea and honestly this one just popped into my head.  I was at dinner, so I ran the idea by my board of trustees (AKA my 4 kids) and got their seal of approval.
The fun thing about this project is that you can totally customize it any way you’d like to, but I’ll give you the 411 on how I did things.
I started on the chalkboard wooden labels first since they’d need to dry.
I used Martha’s Multi-Surface Pearl paint on the wooden plaques that I picked up at Michael’s for 79 cents.  I’m not making this up, I really was amazed at how smooth the paint was. It probably was a combo of a good brush and good paint, but I actually begged the hubs to come look at how smooth this paint is! Shockingly, he wasn’t nearly as excited as I was.
 I then used chalkboard paint on the mini wood tags that I also grabbed at Michael’s for 29 cents.  Score!
Once everything was dry, I used hot glue to attach the two together.  I planned to use chalk to label the plaques, but for pictures a paint pen worked better.
Next, it was time to make my monster mouths on the presentation board.
I bought a foam core presentation board because I think it’s easier to work with than the cardboard ones.  I traced my circles with a bowl and then cut them out using a utility knife (that manly hand is not mine, the hubs was my helper on this project- just FYI!)
Once we had holes, it was time to bring my monsters to life.
I went with really big googly eyes so that Mr.Monster looked fun and silly and not creepo for little kids.   I bought a sheet of foam for the teeth and varied between pointy fangs and chunky square teeth.  (The teeth were Jess’ brilliant idea when I was brainstorming my project with her! It’s awesome to have such a creative BFF.) I used hot glue to adhere the eyes and the teeth were also hot glued, but to the backside of the board.
Martha has an awesome collection of cardboard stencils and as soon as I saw the triangle, I knew we needed a pennant banner.
I traced and hand cut the pennants onto cardstock.  I used our Silhouette to cut out my letters and just used some good old Elmer’s to put it together.
I knew from the start that I wanted to have fun, white lights illuminating my Monsters! I was talking to my hubs about a time (a long time ago) when I used a display board with lights to write him a love message and he totally was like, “Umm that must have been some other husband. I don’t remember it at all!”  Ha! Glad it made such an impact on him. In his defense, I do think it was about 10 years ago.
To add lights, we just predrilled holes for each light bulb.  We had to try a few bit sizes before getting one that was just right. You want it big enough to fit the light, but tight enough to hold it in place.  Once your holes are ready, just pop the lights through the back side.
Then we were ready to fancy it up a bit…
I used more of Martha’s stencils and paint to add a skinny chevron at the bottom.  I also added some fun details to my monsters accessories.  The neon green paint is such a fun color and my kids told me it was cool.  (Cool mom points for me!)
And what would a candy “bowl” be without candy??
I divided up my candy and hot glued the bags to the back of each monster mouth.  In retrospect, I might swap them out for larger, brown bags so I don’t have to refill it 24-7, but this let you see what was in the bags.  I’ve had my kids try this out and it’s really simple to get your hand in and out with your loot.  The glue is holding up well too.  I made sure we banged it around a bit as a trial.
While I was planning this project I started thinking about what choices to give kiddos.  I went with 3 traditional candies and then added glow stick bracelets and one mystery choice, which is actually little plastic spiders (from Target dollar bin. $2.50 for 250).
My kids don’t have allergies, but so many children do, so I thought this was a thoughtful alternative.
I hope our Monster Mash Candy “Bowl” inspires you to try something new this year.  We had so much fun working with Martha Stewart Crafts to make this and we’re counting down the days until we can use it!
I’d love to know what you think of our idea?  
Would your kiddos think it’s cool? 

 

 

 

**This was a sponsored post in partnership with Blueprint Social and Martha Stewart Crafts.  
All opinions are still 100% legit and ours! **

The comments +

  1. Danielle says:

    How fun – I love it!

  2. Laura says:

    Such a good idea!! I’m may have to borrow this idea!

  3. Philothea says:

    If you really wanted to freak people out, you could put like squishy gross stuff instead of candy. 🙂

    • Haha, love that idea! We used to peel grapes (I mean, really, who would take the time to do that?!) and pretend they were eyeballs. Might be a fun addition to this! 🙂

      Thanks for the suggestion!

      J & M

  4. Carolyn says:

    Really really cute. I love this idea!

  5. Totally cool! But might get demolished without someone watching it!

  6. The kids must be tripping over themselves to get to your door!
    Kelly

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