Amazon.com
As a regular on TV's Bewitched, Kasey Rogers (Louise Tate) has the right pedigree to produce Halloween Crafts: Eerily Elegant Decor. She and coauthor Mark Wood have dreamed up some pretty innovative approaches to such timeworn Halloween delights as pumpkin carving, table decorating, and party giving. Rather than limit carving to traditional orange pumpkins, they offer devilish red imps made of bumpy gourds and green glow-stick eyes, or a jaunty goblin king carved of green hubbard squash. A decrepit old butler figure presides over the "graveyard tea," and the "harvest of skulls" centerpiece features a tower of grinning plastic skulls topped with drippy black (electric) candles. A quartet of simple recipes makes up the "Boo-fey," along with two versions of punch contributed by another Bewitched alumnus, Bernard Fox (Dr. Bombay). The home-snapshot quality of the photographs is the one weak spot in this otherwise commendable book. Still, enough details are generally visible to help clarify the occasionally confusing directions, and the step-by-steps are mostly adequately explained. A source list provides contact information for the harder-to-find items. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

A Welcome Addition to My Library
I went through a phase where I ordered a ton of Halloween books. It's my favorite holiday, after all, and I enjoy flipping through books on the topic year 'round. However, I've been disappointed in many of the books I've ordered. Some are too childish (fine if you're looking for projects to do w/ your kids -- I don't have any), some are too lame. This is not one of the disappointments -- it's a favorite.

The book's title is pretty accurate. It offers several themes for grown-up, but not gory, parties. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how many projects appealed to me: not entire themes, but several individual projects.

It's rare to find a book like this that isn't a digest of previously-published magazine articles. (The Martha Stewart book is the only one of this style that I like (I own several).) One of the most annoying things about Halloween books is buying one, then finding out that you've seen every suggestion in a magazine (and weren't all that impressed the first time). As far as I know, this is a "from scratch" book, meaning that the book is the only place you'll find these projects. I like it, because the projects are different from what I've seen in other Halloween Craft/Decorating books.

Finally--some "adult" Halloween Decor Ideas!
I agree with some other reviews that the plastic honey bear & "Aunt Jemima" lights are bit ... uhhhh, cheesey; however, there is tons of other stuff that is very classy and it has great photos and interesting tidbits. Despite a few cheesetastiks, it's still WELL WORTH the price and a must-have for any fan of HALLOWEEN!!!

Not as expected
Although this book has one or two interesting projects, overall, it wasn't as wonderful as the other reviews cracked it up to be.I was unexpectedly dissapointed!

Crafty, but not elegant
I just got this book and there are some good ideas in it (which is why I gave it three stars), but I do not find the majority of their decor to be elegant.
What's elegant about using a cookie cutter to shape your sandwich like an owl or using the plastic honey bear to make a nightlight?

If you're looking for some adult craft ideas, then this book may be worth looking into, just keep in mind that different people have varying opinions of what constitutes "elegant decor."

Halloween is for adults again!
As other reviewers have written, this Halloween decorating book is meant for adults with taste. So often Halloween is reduced (doubtless by the presence of chain retailers that rely for profit on the kitschy) to the garish and silly--think of those stupid "witch-flew-into-a-tree" decorations. Kasey Rogers saves the day with this book, in which you can turn pumpkins into macabre "stone" settings, set up a Goblin King with his loyal subjects, light flickering Gothic candles, and enjoy a "harvest" of skulls. My favorite, though, is definitely the extremely easy to make New England-style tombstones. And next to the elegant nature of these projects, the best part is that nothing here is prefab silliness. Halloween is for adults again! ... Read more

Book Description
Host a magical Halloween with this collection of frightfully fun crafts! Most of these projects can be completed in an afternoon, from shimmering beaded spiderwebs to party crackers that open with a loud "pop!" to reveal a gush of goodies.

• Use easy sewing, stamping, and painting techniques to make 20 projects

• Decorate with mosaic lanterns, cauldron-shaped candles, and a festive banner for the front door

• Conjure up the perfect party with stylish invitations, etched glasses, pumpkin placemats, and candy-coated pretzels ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful Halloween Craft Book
This is a great book for halloween crafts, full of creative ideas!There are wonderful pictures for each project.The directions are clear and make each project seem easy.I find it geared more towards kids, which is fine since I am looking for books for both children & adult party ideas.

Wonderful Hallowe'en Fun!
I received this book as a gift from a friend, and my whole family just loves it! Lots of crafts for everyone from invitations to bubbling cauldron candles. Materials for all the ideas in this books are very easy to find at your local craft/art/hardware supply store. Buy one for yourself!, buy one for a friend!

One of the best halloween craft books
I have a few other halloween craft books but this is one of the best.Most of the crafts were easy enough for my children to do and great for school parties.

Most creative Halloween craft book in years!
If you're looking for something really different, check out this great book. I've made a few of the cards, the pumpkin placemats and the party crackers. There are so many great ideas in here, you won't know where to start!

I collect Halloween books and it's always a treat to find a good one. Several came out this year, but this one really takes the cake! Directions are clear, projects are just terrific. Enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Cocoa Cobweb Cupcakes, Black Cat Cookies, and Stained-Glass Spooks are just a few of the spirited tastes you'll encounter in Donata Maggipinto's delightful Halloween Treats. But it's not just recipes--you and your favorite little goblin will love creating spooky craft projects such as Candy Cauldrons, Leaf Lanterns, and Paper Bag Pumpkins together in anticipation of All Hallows' Eve. Maggipinto includes craft ideas for "Pixies" (children 4-8 years old) as well as older children, and nearly every recipe includes a safe task for younger helpers. (For example, while mom or dad should heat the milk for hot cocoa, kids can roll and stamp out marshmallow ghosts as accompaniment.) A few of the craft ideas will require a trip to the art supply store (such as lampshade paper for the very nifty flashlight lanterns), but Maggipinto leaves plenty of room for the magical combination of imagination and found objects. Her great "fanciful masks" are dime-store masks decorated with autumn leaves, candy wrappers, feathers, or anything else you might have at hand.

Maggipinto believes that Halloween festivities should last for at least a week; you'll find enough project instructions and recipes here for a month of Halloween fun. Grownups will love her Halloween dinner party menu (with Pumpkin Crackle Custard for dessert!) and kids can help by making corn kernel napkin rings and three-tiered pumpkin centerpieces. If you're looking for costume ideas, you won't find them here--the book is focused firmly on kitchen and decoration fun--but the beautifully illustrated Halloween Treats is a wonderful treasure trove of tricks and treats that every family will enjoy working on together. --Rebecca A. StaffelBook Description
These days, Halloween is the most popular holiday next to Christmas. At its heart are family and friends having fun together-which is what this book is all about. In this cornucopia of creative Halloween ideas, simple crafts, tasty treats, and ghoulish good times abound. From delicious "one cauldron" dinners such as creamy pumpkin soup to luscious devil's food cake and black cat cookies, here are recipes ideal for entertaining adults and children alike, both in the kitchen and at the table. And then there are the crafts. Kid-friendly projects such as trick-or-treat bags, spooky lanterns, and tissue ghosts, and easy ideas for beautiful centerpieces, place mats, and name cards keep everyone from the tots on up busy and happy. Filled with clever projects and delicious snacks, and illustrated throughout with colorful photographs, Halloween Treats will keep the whole family (and friends of all ages) entertained. Happy Halloween! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Cute
This book is cute and has some fun ideas but not all the items have pictures and there is a lot of "adult" oriented food in there which is not why I bought it. A few cute ideas but I suggest buying it used to get your moneys worth.

Great Pictures, Good Recipes, Fun Ideas
I have had this book for sometime now, and I always break it out for for my halloween parties. The pumpkin curry soup recipe is sooo yummy, and the pictures and crafts are inpiring! If you are in the 20-35 year old set, I would reccomend this book!

More trick than treat
Some of the ideas were cute and worth trying.But, for the most part, it is not worth the money.I loved the pictures, which were the best part of the book.I plan on trying some of the ideas, but depending on the age ofyour children, it's not really a family oriented book.I lost interestvery rapidly, as did my 4 and 7 year olds.

great photos, inspiring ideas
It was so hot here in AZ this fall, I needed a jumpstart to get into the Halloween spirit. This was just the book. Great photos and seasonal recipes made me run out to buy sweet potatoes for making the baked chips! Ienvisioned keeping them on hand for lunches and snacks, but they were gonein a day. The black cats were cute, too, but we all suffered with blacktongues after the fact. Plenty of other cute ideas for little ones.

Ifyou want Julia Child, don't buy this book; but if you want a holiday read,with great pictures and some nice recipes, find a notch on your bookshelffor this one.

Beautiful pictures, some good ideas but not much substance
I enjoyed the wonderfully festive pictures and I was able to glean some ideas from her book as a starting point for my own Hallowe'en projects. However, I'm not so sure there is enough substance nor wholly originalideas to make it a worthwhile purchase. It is a fun book to thumb throughbut most of the "magic" is to be found in the photographs.Itried some of the recipies: the cocoa cobweb cupcakes were not"chocolatey" enough and the pumpkin soup was okay but notspectacular. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Crafts for Every Holiday!
This is a fantastic book for parents,teachers, or anyone who likes to make crafts.Moms and teachers especially are always looking for ways to make crafts that don't cost much.This book shows you how to make really cute and original projects out of things we would recycle (or throw away!).I recommend it highly!

Great craft book for kids
I got this book for my 5 year old daughter and 5 year old niece. They both love to make things and loved the items in this book. My daughter wanted to make so many things for each holiday, we didn't come close to making all of them. There are some items that are a bit lame, but the others make the book worth it. I only had to buy a few low cost craft items like felt squares, pipe cleaners, ribbon, and the like to make the items in the book. Everything else we had in the house (egg cartons, construction paper, material scraps, ...).
If you have "crafty kids" this is a good idea book for them. It would also be good for preschools, elementary schools, and churches. ... Read more

Book Description
- Packed with simple Halloween decorating ideas. - Includes approximately 25 projects including table decorations, pumpkin decorating invitations and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

HUGELY DISAPPOINTING
This book is a compendium of all things tacky and country. Based on the only other review of this book, I assumed it would be a cut above the average country schemed, unsophisticated fare that is so prevalent. WRONG! This book is not for people looking for a more graphic, modern take on Halloween. Instead, it regurgitates all the hackneyed, non-visionary stuff so readily available now. The designs remind me of finding bits and pieces of scraps and putting them together in the most uncompelling, hodge-podge way. If you like country, you'll probably enjoy this book. If not, I suggest you seek elsewhere...

Brings you right in the mood
Best book I have seen to make halloween decorations for your home and garden.The pictures will bring you right in the mood and you just can't wait to get started on your crafts. This book is a "must have" onyour bookshelf.

This is a winner
I love this book!My favorite is the ghosthouse but all the projects in the book are ideas with a sence of humor and once youve started you don't want to stop.This book is a "must have" essential for everyone wholoves halloween. ... Read more

Book Description
With some corn syrup, drink mix powder and water, you can make a splendid concoction of stage blood—without spending an arm and a leg. From budget-friendly frights to sophisticated props, this book offers dozens of imaginative ways to haunt a house for Halloween. Readers will find generously illustrated step-by-step instructions for creating a barbecued skull, devil eyes, bonehead tableware, a magic bottle, a glowing brain and other projects. The book details ways to enhance an eerie ambiance with effects like blacklights and music. Props use many common household items and tools. Where specialty items are required, the author tells where they can be found at a reasonable cost. Projects take anywhere from a few hours to several days to complete.

The chapters ooze with tips on topics like creating apprehension and surprise, using design to guide guests, creatively using plastic skulls, and making papier-mâché masks and molded hands. There are recipes for fake blood and vomit and ideas for using them, and other creative and adaptable ideas. Appendices include "Merry Halloween," which advises, "One of the best times to look for bargains on Halloween prop-building materials is right after Christmas"; an alphabetical listing of props and supplies and where they can be found; a list of specialty suppliers; and an "epitaph" inviting comments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good ideas, but not what I expected...
The projects are explained well, the directions are clear, and I feel I would be able to re-create the clever props. Unfortunately there are no instructions for large sized props such as figures, monsters, etc. that are expected in a haunted hosue. All the props are on a small scale..at least half the book is devoted to creating different painting effects on skulls.There are also ideas for masks, brains, severed hands, and other small props such as skull flowers, flatware, salt & pepper shakers, candy dish, etc.
There is useful information on lighting, black lights, adding eyes to a prop, and general setting up of a scene which will help me with my haunted house decorating, but I won't use most of the other projects.

FANTASTIC HALLOWEEN PROJECTS
When I was a kid growing up in the 70's, Halloween decorations pretty much consisted of those cardboard characters you taped on your windows and light up jack-o-lanterns.Heck the main decoration was the pumpkin you carved yourself.Today, Halloween decorations generate millions each year. There are entire superstores selling nothing but Halloween décor and costumes that spring up every Fall.The Fright Catalog has Hollywood-caliber props that cost in the thousands of dollars. It's easily become the biggest holiday for decorating next to Christmas and getting bigger every year.

The Hollywood Propmaker's handbook is the perfect book for those who love decorating for the season but who don't want to spend all of their hard-earned cash at those stores.The book is written by Keith Pitek whose work has been seen in Haunted Attraction Magazine.Pitek presents some two-dozen projects that can be made with inexpensive items, many of which you might have lying around the house.

Pitek begins by covering various techniques to setting up your outdoor display covering things which seem so simple and make perfect sense such as where to set-up speakers for sound, the best ways to display props, the use of remote controls, and lighting.Pitek also covers the use of black lights, techniques for painting skulls, wiring your props for light, and using two-way mirrors.

In the project section, Pitek provides several different types of skulls using inexpensive plastic skull props that are available at the Halloween stores as well as major retailers.Create one with light up twinkling eyes that doesn't take an electrician to wire; paint one so that it looks like it was just dug up out of a grave.The painting uses common household ingredients such as shoe polish or wood varnish.It's really all in the technique!Perhaps the most ambitious is the barbecued skull, which when finished, will look like it was just retrieved out of an incinerator.

One of my favorite projects, again one which is quite detailed, is the partially eaten hand made with a hand shaped gelatin mold and several other items.Done right, it creates a stunningly realistic looking prop.Pitek also provides a sure-fire recipe for stage blood that can be made with corn syrup and red-colored Kool-Aid.Pitek concludes with a detailed reference section informing readers where the items used in the props can be purchased as well as providing the phone numbers and websites to many different suppliers.

Now, these items are not your average weekend craft projects.Some are quite easy and can be made in an hour. Others are very involved and take many hours, or even days to finish, but the results will be worth it.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Deserves ongoing recommendation for any avid party crafts person
Halloween Propmaker's Handbook arrived too late for October mention but deserves ongoing recommendation for any avid party crafts person who enjoys putting together unique Halloween props. Here are recipes for fake blood, papier-maiche projects such as skills, two-way mirrors, and other techniques just perfect for Halloween decorators. No color photos, but the step-by-step black and white images and clear directions need little color to prove involving.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Very Very Good
The instructions in this book are easy to follow with a complete list of necessary items to complete each prop.The author also makes the book easy to read with his personal anecdotes and witty approach to the art of of Halloween "Scareology". ... Read more

Book Description
It's never been easier to celebrate Halloween--the fastest growing holiday for crafting, decorating and parties. This book is jam-packed with quick and easy craft ideas perfect for beginners and busy families. Both parents and children will enjoy more than 35 delightfully creepy projects, including: -Fun decorations -Easy party favors -Adorable gifts -Tasty recipes -Creative party ideas

These spooky projects are inexpensive to complete and most include easy-to-follow templates or patterns. Whether they want to throw a full-fledged party or just make their homes more festive for the holiday, readers will appreciate the wealth of ideas and inspiration on every page! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Crafts
The crafts in this book are great. There are so many projects in this book that everyone is bound to find one they like. Some are so simple that they are almost ridiculus. Even if you do not think you are a crafty person you will find a craft you can do in this book. As a pre-school teacher I have used various crafts in this book as patterns for larger or more detailed class projects. This is a great buy at a good price.

Spook-tackular crafts found here for all ages.
Whether you are a school, public librarian or someone who works with children, this creepy craft book is for you.Spiders, skeletons, ghosts, witches and more are all created from easily found materials. You can makethe projects easier or harder depending on what age group you are workingwith.Get craftin' with your kids with this boo-tiful book.Other booksin the series are just as great. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book full of ideas
Some ideas are not all that original but there are a few things in here that will help you find insperation for your Halloween parties and costums. Some party activities are lots of fun. Overall a very fun book with great illustrations and all color photos.

A creative collection!
"The moon is full, the sky is darkening and there is a chill in the air. It's October 31--time for the ghoulish ghosts, wicked witches and grim goblins to descend upon your haunted house for the most macabre Halloween party ever."

If you like Halloween or are a teacher or party planner, this book is for you.

The book is divided into:

-- History of Halloween
-- Outdoor decorations
-- Indoor Decorations
-- Jack-o-Lanterns
-- Devilishly Delectable Treats
-- Party Favors & Crafts
-- Ghoulish Games
-- Creepy Costumes and Menacing Makeup

Each section has a nice photo by Alan Bibby and Tamara Eder, list of needed supplies, and easy how-to instructions. Instead of heading to the store for ready-made stuff, you can make many of the things from items around your house.

My favorite was the recipes of Halloween-theme food. Imagine the end results of Crispy Roasted Bones, Wicked Weiner Fingers, Eerie Eyeballs. You get the idea.

A creative collection that will get your own creative juices flowing to have the best Halloween party ever.

Armchair Interviews says: Very, very spooky ideas for decorating, costumes, games and food.

The BEST Halloween Book Out There!
I admit that I am a *freak* when it comes to Halloween...and now that I have kids I plan on getting them involved in my passion as well!I am always the one buying up all the Halloween magazines at the grocery store checkout looking for recipes and crafts...and THIS ONE sums up everything!AAANNNDDDD...It is ALL in color!!!It has awesome crafts, costumes, food, music/movie suggestions...everything...and for ALL age groups (eg, even non-alcoholic drinks to alcoholic drinks).And what I love about the food is there are cute ideas that are "spooky" and cute but not really gross like some Halloween recipes.

I DEFINATELY RECOMMEND this book to anyone that has kids or that is a kid themself when it comes to Halloween!!!

SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE, AND GREAT LOOKING PROJECTS
When I was a kid...and I'm NOT saying when that was...decorating for Halloween consisted of mainly taping those old cardboard decorations of skeletons, witches, or bats, etc, on your windows, carving a jack-o-lantern, and maybe stuffing a dummy.Today, decorating for Halloween is second only to Christmas and is growing every year.No longer just sprouting up a week before the holiday, today people seem to begin decorating for Halloween as soon as October rolls around.And with the elaborate displays many people now have, it probably takes that long to finish.But as Halloween stores pop up each September selling expensive, Hollywood quality props and decorations, people have lost sight of the fact that you needn't break the bank to have a great Halloween display at your house."Halloween Recipes & Crafts" presents 160 pages of fantastic ideas for decorating both inside and outside, along with great recipes and other tips for a memorable Halloween.The book opens with a short but interesting history of Halloween and then provides tips on party planning and safety.From there we get into the meat of the book and the fabulous projects you can make at home for little cost.

Outdoor Décor is the first section and provides a number of projects that were new to me.One of the most interesting was the freshly dug graves project where you turn everyday plastic garbage bags and a little bit of dirt or soil, to create the look of a freshly dug grave on for your front lawn.Accent it with a Styrofoam tombstone (which you can also make very inexpensively) some leaves, maybe a fake hand rising out of the dirt, for a truly terrifying display.

Another outdoor project utilizes old tin cans, such as soup or even coffee cans.Painted pumpkin orange, simply punch a series of holes in the can with an awl or screwdriver to make a face.Place a candle inside the can and hang outside for a brilliant Halloween lantern.There's also dangling skeletons that can be made with old gallon milk jugs and a scary Halloween ghost flag that can be made for a few dollars.

Moving inside, there are more great projects.Utilize those, unused Halloween masks by simply stuffing them and hanging them inside...or outside...as recently severed heads.One of my favorite projects is the shrunken heads made out of apples.Simply peel an apple and apply a solution of lemon juice and salt to prevent browning.Carve out the apple in the shape of a face and let dry for a couple of weeks.You can even use marker or paint to further accent these ghastly little decorations.The highlight for me was a miniature graveyard scene made with a simple sheet of Styrofoam, some Spanish moss, twigs, little stones, and smaller pieces of Styrofoam to make tiny tombstones.

The recipes section has all sorts of Halloween themed ideas like deviled egg eye balls or lady fingers made from a half of a hot dog with a red pepper finger nail applied with a bit of cream cheese.Add raisins to ice cubes for drinks or punch to give the appearance of bugs.A great idea for adults is to take the traditional bread bowl spinach dip and cut the bread bowl into a jack-o-lantern face.It would make a great centerpiece for an office party.

If you're hosting a party for your children and their friends there's a great chapter featuring a wide display of games like "Pin the Mouth on the Pumpkin", "Encase the Mummy", "Apple Grab" and more that will keep the kids busy and having fun.The book closes with some tips on costume selection and makeup.

The projects in this book are great looking yet very simple and inexpensive to make.The projects all have a supply list and are described in step-by-step fashion.Chances are you'll find that you have a lot of the items you need already in your home.The book is printed on glossy paper and is lavishly illustrated with dozens of photographs throughout.A real ghoul's treat of fun and great looking projects.

Reviewed by Tim Janson ... Read more

Book Description
Howl with laughter and shriek with delight when you treat yourself to Frightfully Fun Halloween Crafts & Cooking.

For both big and small witches and warlocks, this book is cauldron-full of wickedly delicious recipes—no eye of newt required! Create a haunted mobile that spooks from above. Wind some thrills and shrills around a mummy or two. RIP while your coffin cookies are baking. Don't be afraid—it's easy to scare up Halloween fun with this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Simple Ideas
This book has some creative ideas, but also some things that are pretty cheesy.For the most part, I will use this book to get some ideas to use as jumping-off points for Halloween projects.Most of the book is filled up with recipes.Many of the recipes are pretty creative, but it also includes recipes for decorating cookies to look like spiders or ghosts.

Fun!
This book is a ton of fun. The craft projects range from the simple to the complicated, with clear directions and adorable results.The "Spooky Skeleton" made with chenille stems is cute and definitely kid friendly."Henrietta Witch" is sweet, but requires a sewing machine and a lot of supplies.The recipes are the best part of the book.My favorites are the "Mini Mummy Dogs". They are super easy to make, but look awesome. They would make great finger food for a Halloween party. The "Cocoa with Floating Eyeballs" is hilarious - perfect for a bonfire.There are several cute cakes - from "Jack-'o-Lantern" (using two bundt cakes) to "Halloween Haunted House" (the Halloween version of a gingerbread house). If you are into Halloween, this book is a must have!You will start wishing for October to hurry up and get here so you can try out these spooky crafts and snacks. ... Read more

Book Description
Provides instructions for making spider decorations, pumpkin cut-outs, masks, treat bags, Halloween cards, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
Wood Craft BookHorace the HunchbackHalloween HeadstonesBatty PotStacked Jack-O-LanternsSpooks Welcome GhostLet's Talk TurkeyGhost GoodiesI Want My Mummyand More So Cute! ... Read more