Halloween 2014 - DIY Mug Shot Backdrop

F ALL THE HOLIDAYS, Halloween is without a doubt my favorite.  It wasn't even September and I already started decorating the house.  I didn't get to take pictures of all the goodies I made (and there were lots) but you can trust it was an intoxicating-ly good time.  I did manage to take a few photos early in the night of guests posing in front of an easy-to-make photo backdrop.

Here's what you'll need to make your own:

• Large poster paper (I used photo backdrop paper because I work with a photographer who uses this) -- you'll want to put together or cut a 5 ' x 5' piece, if not larger.
• Black duct tape
• Print outs of the numbers 3-7 (download font here)
• Red acrylic paint for "blood" splatter (I used this)

Instructions:

1. Measure 1' from bottom of the paper and place a 1' piece of duct tape from the right edge of the poster paper.  Paste the 3' cut out onto the sheet and place another long strip of duct tape from the number to the left edge.
2. Repeat step 1 for numbers 4 - 7.
3. Using a medium sized brush, splatter red paint across the paper.
4. Optional: find chalk and a mini chalkboard from your local craft store to use as a mugshot placard.

From top left to bottom right: B. Spears, Alex from Clockwork Orange with Cactus man, Raoul Duke from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas with Suzy Bishop from Moonrise Kingdom, and Whoopee Cushion

Alice in Balletland

Today I'm straying from my usual food-related post to bring you an awesome photoshoot I stumbled upon. For the most part I am pretty neutral about ballet, even though I can surely appreciate it as an art form and the fact that you need to have amazing self discipine to do it. I definitely prefer musicals over dance-focused productions, but the graphical and sartorial styling for this Alice in Wonderland show at The Washington Ballet really caught my eye. So tempted to see it for the costumes alone!

And if you're looking for some inspiration on how to throw an Alice in Wonderland-themed party, get some ideas from the one I worked on here. Also be sure to check back again soon for a cookie post that you'll need in your recipe repertoire!