12 Quick and Easy Halloween DIYs You Can Make This Weekend

halloween diy's


Halloween will be here before we know it, but it's never too early to start prepping. Whether you're planning a group costume with your BFF's (anyone else want to dress up like their favorite MCU heroine?) or just hanging with the fam, these projects are easy to make, bake, and print, and they'll save your bacon and get your home Halloween-ready in a flash, whenever you decide to start decorating. Start scrolling to see what you need to get going.

DIY Pie Crusts

Store-bought pie crusts (and pies!) have never been such a blessing. Carve crusts, not pumpkins, this year. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Easy Halloween Masks

Instead of buying props at the Halloween store, upcycle party supplies in just a few minutes. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Spider Garland

Why? Because the real ones living in your house better not be this big and visible. (via A Beautiful Mess)

DIY Masked Portrait Gallery

This is the easiest upgrade you can make to your existing decor. And all you need is black vinyl (or craft paper). (via PMQ for two)

DIY Watercolor Pumpkins

No one has time to carve this close to the big day. It's paint and embellishments from here on out. (via Paper & Stitch)

DIY Spider Web Cups

You already upgraded your straw situation, so instead of buying disposable cups, just add webs!(via Sarah Hearts)

Palm Springs-Inspired Decor

Those lawn flamingos you forgot to take down in September can stay up. They just need a coat of black paint and some color-blocked gourds. (via Sugar & Cloth)

Printable Votive Wraps

Add instant color to your bar cart or coffee table with these printables. The shadows they create as the light fades are pure magic. (via Make + Tell)

DIY Spooky Bark

You may not have time to bake and decorate a cake, but you absolutely have time to create some custom chocolate bars. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Batty Cupcake Toppers

Adding toppers is how you really take those bodega cupcakes up a notch. (via Squirrelly Minds)

DIY Felted Bat Drink Stirrers

Take a deep dive into your crafting stash for some felt and embellish your swizzle sticks (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Skull Ice Cubes

Sure, you need to buy the mold beforehand, but then it's as simple as adding water and petals and just freezing. You can handle that. (via Bespoke Bride)


Show us your Halloween creations by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

This article has been updated from a previous post.

If you know me, you know how much I love Taylor Swift. Something about hearing music written by someone while they experience the same life stages feels so personal, and there's a good chance that almost every emotion I feel can be summed up by a Taylor Swift song. In short: I just love her.

Taylor frequently drops merchandise when a holiday rolls around and for Valentine's Dayin 2022, she released a collection inspired by her 2019 album Lover. I fell in love with a pair of fuzzy dice inspired by her hit song "Cruel Summer," and apparently so did everyone else because the next time I visited the website, they were sold out! So, I decided to make a simplified version of them with my sewing machine for a fun V-Day activity and to add some extra pink to my space. Check out our online sewing class to brush up on your skills and keep reading for a low stakes tutorial on how to make your own!

Here's how to make your own Taylor Swift "Cruel Summer"-inspired dice for Valentine's Day.

Supplies For Your Own "Cruel Summer" Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

  • Sewing machine
  • Pink fleece fabric
  • Pink thread
  • Pink felt
  • Scissors
  • Blue rope/cord (I took mine off a loofah)
  • Needle + pins
  • A copy of Lover to listen to while you sew ;)
  • Poly-Fil Stuffing (not pictured)
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Glue gun + glue gun sticks (optional, use it to touch up your seams if you need)

Instructions:

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Start by marking your fleece with the measurements for your squares. Since the size of the dice on Taylor's official website was listed as 3.5", I marked them just above 3.5" so I could leave room for a hem. You'll need 12 squares total.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, cut out your squares. I used the first square as a template for the others, then went back in and cleaned up the edges where necessary.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The first image I made was a sun, and I started by drawing a circle on my felt. I used the rim of my thread spool to make sure I had a perfect circle but you can also free hand if you want the circle to be a different size.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin your felt to the center of a fleece square.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Sew the circle to the fleece using a regular straight stitch.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, move your sewing machine from a straight stitch to a zigzag stitch and decrease your stitch length to a lower number like 0 or 1. This will allow your art to have more of a filled-in border, instead of a messier, chevron finish.

Go back over the rim of your circle with the zigzag stitch to give it that embroidered look. I did this with the fabric right side up, then I did it again with the fabric flipped upside down just to be extra thorough.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

After your circle is complete, it's time for the sun rays! Use the same zigzag stitch and 0 stitch length to move from the circle outward. This is where you'll want to add another element: stitch width.

To give the sun rays their triangular shape, adjust your stitch width as you move out from the heart of the sun. While the stitch length ensures your sewing won't have empty spaces, the width will let you move from a wider sunbeam base to a thinner point. I just decreased the width every few stitches as I went along.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Your finished sun will look something like this! I went back in with a needle to clean up loose threads by hand. I waited to trim them until I had threaded them to the back so that the front image had a more polished look.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Repeat the above steps for your devil and angel hearts. There are only a few differences between these and the sun; you'll cut the felt into hearts instead of circles, and to fill in the horns and the wings, I used a straight stitch to give it a colored-in look, reserving the zigzag stitching for the borders.

I know the original dice had "Cruel Summer" lyrics stitched onto these squares, but I ended up leaving them off. It makes the design more minimal and easier to work with.

One thing to note about this step: beware of bunched fabric! Filling in the angel wings brought the edges of the squares in a bit, but I wasn't too upset about it. I think flaws give a craft some personality!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The "Lover" stitching got a little more complicated than the images. I first traced the word with my pen so that I would have some guide as to what the word should look like. Move the stitch width back down to one of the lower settings.

Then instead of just moving the fabric in a circle like I did for the sun, I moved it all around to follow the word I had written in marker. Repeat this a few times until you're satisfied with the thickness. I definitely tried this step a couple different times so don't worry if you don't get it on the first go!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

For my final embroidered square, I did a simple "TS," which of course stands for "Taylor Swift."

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Before you can sew your squares together, line the edges up and pin them. I used my ruler to mark how far I wanted my hem to go (I did 1/4" at every edge) for a sewing guideline.

I pinned the squares one at a time, checking at each step that they were pinned the right way (especially after I sewed two together incorrectly and had to pick out the stitches. Oops.)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Arrange the images in a similar way to the official dice, or change it up however you'd like! I chose to arrange the squares so that there was a blank in between the images.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Pin and sew your remaining three squares around the middle square so that you end up with a cross.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

I continued pinning and sewing the edges to one another until I had an inside-out cube. Here's a tutorial to help you better understand which edges should be sewn together.

I did one square at a time, making sure to focus on the corners and going back in to tighten them up once I was done. You only want one gap, which is where you'll flip the cube inside out and then stuff it.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Once you have a cube, flip the fabric inside out. I used my pen to make sure all the corners and edges were good to go.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Next, stuff your cube with whatever filling you prefer. I didn't stuff it super full because I didn't want it to have a rounded look when I was done.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Ta-da! A little wonky but very cute :)

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

When you have both dice, cut a small hole in the top for your cord. Knot the ends and stuff them into the holes, then use your needle and thread to attach the cord and the fleece together.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Voilà!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

They're soft, fuzzy, and pink. What could be better than that?!

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you don't want to hang these in your car, they also make excellent Valentine's (or Galentine's) decor.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

If you need me, I'll be blasting "Cruel Summer" for the rest of the month.

Loving these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice? Follow us on Pinterest and TikTok for more entertainment inspo, and don't forget to check out The Latest On Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce's Relationship!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

If you've been searching for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones, look no further. Reading a children's book together is a great way to dive into the magic of Irish folklore, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day books to spark your kiddo's imagination and teach them about the spirit of the holiday.

Scroll to see our favorite St. Patrick's Day children's books!

Amazon

1. I'm A Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.

The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Amazon

2. Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk

If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.

Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.

This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.

Amazon

3. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.

But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.

Amazon

4. St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

Amazon

5. It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler

Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.

Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.

Amazon

6. The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman

The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.

Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.

This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

Amazon

7. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.

On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.

The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.

Amazon

8. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.

DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!

This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.

For more book recs, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lighting can make or break a space. Overhead lights are convenient to switch on but can feel too harsh, while the right mix of lighting can create a warm, inviting aesthetic. The secret? Layering — think floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and more. To help you achieve that cozy, designer-worthy look, we’ve rounded up 18 affordable Target finds that look way more expensive than they are!

Target's "rich-looking" lamp collection will brighten up your space

FLOOR LAMPS

Target

Wavy Shade Collection with Ceramic Base Floor Lamp

With its playful wavy shade and three-way light setting, this floor lamp lets you customize the brightness to suit any moment—whether you're reading, catching up with friends, or settling in for a movie night.

Target

Gooseneck Floor Lamp with Natural Shade

This gooseneck floor lamp, featuring a rattan shade, looks so elegant and natural and offers adjustable lighting.

Target

Traditional Oil Rubbed Swing Arm Floor Lamp

This bronze floor lamp features a classic swing-arm design, so you can direct light wherever you need it most, such as in your workspace or living area.

Target

Cantilever Drop Pendant Swing Arm Floor Lamp

I've owned Target's most popular floor lamp for about a decade and it still looks and works as well as it did back then. It's a keeper!

Target

Oak Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

This oak wood tripod lamp looks great in your modern space with natural decor.

Table + Desk Lamps

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Woven Table Lamp

This charming design lamp designed with Studio McGee has adorable scalloped edges and looks sweet on a nightstand or desk.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Task Lamp

This retro metal task lamp features a flexible neck to focus the light where you need it the most.

Target

Mini Printed Ceramic Base Table Lamp with Pleated Shade

Love the blue Pollock-like print on this ceramic mini lamp. It's great for teen and dorm rooms!

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Brass Accent Table Lamp with Plaid Shade

Plaid is always in style in Magnolia's design playbook. This accent table lamp is a stylish addition to your office or side table.

Target

Assembled Ceramic Table Lamp

This blue and white abstract pattern adds a bit of texture to your overall design. Pair two on each side of your bed.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Table Lamp with Marble Base

This fluted design is very hot right now and looks elegant solo or in pairs.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Round Faux Wood Lamp Base

Give your living space some mood lighting while also adding a cute decorative pattern with a checkered shade.

Target

Farmhouse Ceramic Urn Pot Table Lamp

Go for organic vibes with this modern cement table lamp.

Target

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Metal Rechargeable Library Table Lamp

Give your bookshelf a dose of classic elegance with Magnolia's fluted rechargeable library lamp.

SCONCES

Target

Hearth & Hand Magnolia Milk Glass Striped Wall Sconce

Milk glass is always in style for any vintage-inspired decor. These would look great in a kitchen for a modern-retro vibe.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Fluted Ceramic Sconce

Here's the fluted lamp in a sconce variety. Matching lamp styles is actually a great way to create cohesion in your design.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Metal Sconce Wall Light

Add metallic appeal to your home with this Studio McGee sconce that gives off a warm golden hue.

Target

Threshold x Studio McGee Wall Sconce with Plaid Shade

An affordable sconce with a unique shade is a great way to add personality to your space while saving space too!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Spring is finally here, and thus, spring fashion is in full swing! Pulling our favorite dresses back out is undoubtedly one of our favorite things to do once it starts warming up, but it also doesn’t hurt to snag a few new ones! Nordstrom just dropped their freshest spring dresses, including tons of plus-size styles that flatter every curve. Whether you're looking for a bold floral print, a classic slip dress, or something in between, these 11 Nordstrom plus-size spring dresses are perfect for every occasion.

Stylishly step into the season with these 11 super chic plus-size spring dresses from Nordstrom!

Nordstrom

Eloquii Knit Maxi Dress

Knit dresses aren't just for winter – this springy number looks just as stylish. The tiered design helps shape your waist in the most flattering way, too.

Nordstrom

City Chic Floral Print Faux Wrap Dress

These colors, though! The wrapped waistline on this floral frock draws you in for a stunning look every time. Style it with your favorite heels for a more formal event, or just rock it with some ballet flats for a laidback weekend vibe.

Nordstrom

City Chic Frill Ruffle Maxi Dress

We adore the ruffles on this maxi moment. The squared neckline is undeniably flattering and femme for springtime!

Nordstrom

Land's End Dobby Smocked Dress

You'll be lookin' like a beautiful blooming spring garden the second you slip this smocked dress on. While fitted up top, it flows down into a breezy midi-length skirt that'll look great with Mary Janes and tall boots alike!

Nordstrom

City Chic Destiny Eyelet Dress

Everyone needs a comfy white cotton dress to sport during spring – it goes with everything! This mini is made with tons of tiny, cute eyelets to keep your outfit breezy and oh-so easy.

Nordstrom

Melloday Printed Shirred Waist Tiered Maxi Sundress

This playful abstract pattern will definitely get heads turning your way this spring. More importantly, this dress' v-neckline and shirred waist flatters your body to a tee!

Nordstrom

Loveappella A-Line Maxi Dress

This bright slip dress makes a great base to layer with the denim jackets and vintage cardigans you want to pull out this season. Don't be afraid of a little color!

Nordstrom

City Chic Pinafore Maxi Dress

Perfect for a daytime picnic, this denim pinafore dress is the ultimate comfy, no-fuss spring 'fit, whether you layer it atop a tank or t-shirt.

Nordstrom

Eloquii Off The Shoulder Dress

Smooth and serene, the cool brown shade of this dress is flattering on every body. The off-shoulder design adds a pinch of sexy energy, while the feel-good fabric hugs your waist perfectly!

Nordstrom

Estelle Mezzanine Cactus Print Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress

This mesh midi dress comes complete with a slip lining, so you can ensure full coverage no matter where you're headed this spring! The mock neck and long sleeves make it so sophisticated for the office, happy hour, and beyond.

Nordstrom

Land's End V-Neck Wrap Midi Dress

This elegant floral number can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. For a casual 'fit, rock it with some sleek sneakers or sandals. When you want to dress it up, pair it with some spring heels!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning plus-size fashion picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

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