The holiday season is upon us, but for those of us who love Halloween, there are often few outlets among the joy and cheerfulness to express our macabre flair. This year, create spooky Christmas cards to send to your family & friends (who likely already know your passion for horror).
Buying pre-made specialty cards can often be pricey – last year I spent over $80 for amazingly funny sci-fi Christmas cards fromAlternate Histories. This year, however, I needed to cut back on spending. Therefore, instead of buying cards, I asked my grandma for some of the free cards she receives from the organizations she sends donations to. You can also re-use cards you received from more “normal” individuals in previous years.
Gather craft supplies – like stickers, washi tape, and colorful scrapbooking paper – and get to work on spook-ing up those cards:
Examples - Spooky Christmas Card Fronts
Inside Your Card
Use scrapbook paper to cover up the inside message and a little washi tape to keep the edges from peeling up. Then, print out your own macabre holiday wishes. Phrase ideas include:
“Celebrate the Spirit(s) of the Season” (For Pictures with Ghosts)
“May Your Demons Slumber and Your Wine Glass Be Full. Season’s Greetings”
“Have a Frightfully Fun Holiday Season”
“Sending a Little Holiday Magic Your Way” (For Witch-Related Images)
“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, all the witches were stirring, potions with eye of newt and tail of mouse…”
“As Bats from the Belfry Take Flight, May Your Christmas Be Merry and Bright” (Bat-Related Cards, Of Course)
I hope my family & friends enjoy the time & effort I put into their cards this year. Have you tried making your own spooky Christmas cards? Share your ideas and photos with me on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
Every year we get out Halloween shopping fix earlier and earlier. this August is no exception. The 2019 Halloween shopping season is already off to a strong start with stores across the nation offering new and exciting faire for lovers of the holiday and all its scary trappings. From major chains to specialty “Boo-tiques”, let’s take a look at the best new items for the Halloween 2019 shopping season:
Michael’s has an incredibly strong selection of decor this year. They invested heavily in creating a vintage Halloween collection. Their Wheel-Of-Fortune wall sign has a spinner for guests to see what their future may hold on Halloween. This is a beautiful recreation of the holiday divination games of yore and certainly adds an element of fun to your party or room set-up. Fortunes include “Something Lost Will Come Back to You”, “Now Is the Time to Try Something New”, and “You Will Live a Long and Happy Life”. Although this piece could have benefited from more varied fortunes and clever new phrases for a modern audience, its authentic feel makes it one of the hottest items on my shopping list this year.
This product may have been on the market for a couple years now, but it is one of the most over-looked and under-rated Halloween props I have come across. This spooky battery-powered radio has four hours of listening content across its 19-channels, including selections from vintage horror radio classics like the 1938 Dracula or a reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. The sound quality is decent – it certainly gets across the spooky old radio feel, while still allowing you to clearly hear the recordings. It is also nice to have something else to listen to instead of playing “Monster Mash” on repeat.
Sometimes just a small touch of whimsy for your table is all you need, and this Halloween Mist Maker from Sur La Table fits that purpose. This compact ultrasonic mist maker with color-changing LED lights is easy to use and creates a nice effect when placed in a pumpkin, cauldron, or bowl. This seems like a perfect alternative to a traditional fogger, which may be too big or bulky for your purposes.
If by this point you still have any wall space left in your home, Etsy seller,ReflectionsWallArt, has a variety of ghoulishly unique prints. These old Halloween sheet music covers add fanciful frights to your walls – and would work very well if you have a music room. Now, if only they came with the sheet music as well! I’d love to learn some of these pieces, like the “Ghost Dance“.
For fans of inflatable yard decor, this Grim Reaper Globe Halloween Inflatable is certainly a wonderful addition to your collection. The globe acts as a projection screen for the compact projector included with the kit. The projector includes five scenes and four transitions with sounds. If you are technologically savvy, you can upload your own scenes to the projector for a customized display.
The projector does look small and may not have enough lumens to give a theater-quality projection, but this is an exciting addition to the market and hopefully means that we can expect even more advanced consumer-friendly projection-mapping technology in the years to come.
Finding quality resin tombstones for your graveyard display can be difficult – the majority of stores only carry foam tombstones. Lowe’s is offering this over 2′ high tombstone for 2019. The durability and added weight from resin props means that it will stand up to the elements for a display meant to last longer than a few hours on Halloween night. I especially love that the design is creepy, yet not corny – it does have the morbid look of real old-time gravestones.
As stated previously, Michael’s Halloween selections are top notch this season. Aside from the vintage Halloween collection, they also have a variety of Fortune Telling themed decor. This box wall art may only be 7.87″ x 5.91″ x 1.38″, but the design has a big impact. The moth’s skull and eyes pattern makes a beautiful addition to one’s wall and can remain up all year to accent a goth decor.
This fall marks the return of one of my favorite scents from a few years ago, Twilight Woods. The fragrance is described on the Bath & Body Works website as “an enticing blend of apricot nectar, mimosa petals, and Tuscan cypress”. The scent is also available as a shower gel, body cream, body gel, body wash, body butter, and shimmer mist. Get this and smell great while you do all your Halloween shopping!
This eerie black cat banner from the Martha Stewart Collection creates a fun photo op for your Halloween party. The poleyester banner measures 72.57″ high by 43.75″ wide and has eyelets to hang with ease. This product appears to be on clearance, so get yours before they disappear!
What are your favorite Halloween items so far for 2019? Have you already bought any of the above items and have a review? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram @EmilyIsHorror.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
FEARS & BEERS: “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter”
Uniting horror lovers year-round,Screamfestpresents a 35th anniversary screening ofFriday the 13th: The Final Chapter for their latestFears & Beersevent on Saturday, July 27th, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. The event takes place at the Ahrya Fine Arts by Laemmle (8556 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, California 90211). Tickets are $16.00 and can be purchased directly on the theater’s website. Be sure to note this is a different theater than past Fears & Beers events – don’t show up at the wrong location!
Fears & Beers events include a screening, Q&A, trivia, prizes, and more. They are wonderful events that bring together horror fans from around the area for an evening of socializing and fun.
This month’s event includes a screening, a Q&A with director Joseph Zito and cast moderated by Brian Collins of Birth.Movies.Death, and the usual socializing at the theater bar.
Haven’t seen this flick before? Brush up on your series for backstory on the lore and then get ready for “The Final Chapter”:
After being mortally wounded and taken to the morgue, murderer Jason Voorhees spontaneously revives and embarks on a killing spree as he makes his way back to his home at Camp Crystal Lake.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
Monsterpaloozareturns to the Pasadena Convention Center April 12th – 14th, 2019.
With over 250 exhibitors, a monster museum display area, makeup demos, celebrity signings, film screenings, and panels, there is something for everyone at this beloved horror convention.
Headlining this year’s event are iconsBruce Campbell(The Evil Dead I & II, Army of Darkness, Ash vs. Evil Dead) andPaul Reubens(Pee Wee Herman). Other participating celebrities includeJason Patric(The Lost Boys, Wayward Pines), Ken Page (The Nightmare Before Christmas, All Dogs Go to Heaven), Dee Wallace(E.T., The Howling, Critters), andLinda Blair(The Exorcist). The full guest list can be found onMonsterpalooza’s website.
Presentationsoccur on all three days of the event, with panels on topics such as “Godz and Monsters – The Men Behind Hollywood’s Newest Creature Characters”, “Memory – The Origins of Alien”, and “Halloween Horror Nights – Behind the Screams”.
Their show floor features some of the best artists, makeup vendors, and collectibles dealers in SoCal. A full listing of exhibitors is availablehere.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
Fears & Beers: “A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child”
Uniting horror lovers year-round, ScreamfestpresentsA Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Childfor their latest Fears & Beersevent on Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. The event takes place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theaters (6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028). Tickets are $16.00 and can be purchased onEventbrite.
The fifth installment of the popular franchise focuses on Alice (Lisa Wilcox), a survivor of the fourth, who believes Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) has been eliminated for good. She optimistically hopes to start a life with fellow survivor Dan (Danny Hassel). The nightmares begin soon enough, though, and Alice learns she is pregnant. When her friends start dying, Alice suspects that Freddy is using the fetus within her as a weapon. Can she fight the demon while protecting her unborn child?
Fears & Beers events include a screening, Q&A, trivia, prizes, and more. They are wonderful events that bring together horror fans from around the area for an evening of socializing and fun. Each ticket includes a free beer for all guests over 21.
This month’s event includes screening of the 5th installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street series, a Q&A with Lisa Wilcox, Kelly Jo Minter, and other cast (TBA) moderated by Brian Collins of Birth.Movies.Death , and the usual socializing at the theater bar.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
‘Tis the season for Horror & Halloween! April is the start of the horror event season in SoCal, beginning with the 7th annual Halloween Club Spookshow. The event takes place on April 6th, 2019 from Noon – 7:00 p.m.
Spookshow has consistently featured some of the best horror/Halloween artists & vendors in Southern California. This year will be no different with over 130 exhibitors expected. There is truly something for everyone with this year’s lineup:
No matter what you are looking for, you can find it at Spookshow. Support local artists, vendors, and businesses by coming out and picking up some amazing merchandise.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
2019 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for lovers of horror. There is an excellent mix of sequels, remakes, and new films to keep us entertained and in theaters all year long. From new horror versions of superhero flicks to big screen adaptations of beloved 90’s kid horror books, there is sure to be a horror movie suited to your tastes this year.
Below we will take a look at 10 of these films certainly on my watch list. I hope they will be on yours as well! Please note this list only includes theatrical releases. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming sites have even more amazing films slated for 2019. Let us know in the comments which films you are most excited for.
Six strangers receive invitations to participate in the world’s most immersive and challenging escape room for the chance to win $10,000. They soon discover that there may be a more sinister intent with deadly consequences of their actions in each room.
Having seen this film the day after its release, I highly recommend it. Although the scenario gets more and more far fetched as the story progresses, the main characters are sympathetic and it proves to be a fun and exciting watch. It felt like a combination of Final Destination and Saw. It was a wonderful way to start a year filled with great films!
2017’s Happy Death Day followed college student Tree Gelbman as she relived the day of her death over and over again until she could identify and stop her murderer. In this sequel, Tree is thrown back into the original loop to learn why it all began, and this time around, the dangers are even more intense.
While the trailer does not make this film seem drastically different from its predecessor, Happy Death Day 2U does looks like it will deliver more of the original’s wit and fun action.
Us (March 22nd, 2019)
Jordan Peeleblew us away with Get Out in 2017. Now he has returned with an all-new horror film, Us. The official description is: “A mother and father take their kids to their beach house, expecting to enjoy time with friends, but their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some visitors arrive uninvited”.
The nondescript title and vague description give little insight into what exactly to expect. The trailer provides a few more clues: perhaps evil doppelgängers, murder, and something with bunnies. This film looks like it will be another intense installment from a director who excels at foreshadowing, creating sympathetic characters, and exploring relevant societal issues.
Brightburn (May 24th, 2019)
We all know the conventions of the super hero genre – an extraordinary individual comes to earth and protects humanity. Brightburn propels this type of film into the horror genre by asking what if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister?
It has been years since the J-Horror craze hit Hollywood with American remakes of Ju-on, Ringu, and other popular titles. Grudge is set to be a reboot of the American series. Little is known about the specific plot as of yet, but the official description is: “a house is cursed by a vengeful ghost that dooms those who enter it with a violent death”.
The original films focused on non-linear tales of betrayal and revenge. They showed how devastation and wrath can extend beyond the grave to infect anyone who crosses its path. The current screenwriter isJeff Buhler, whose body of work includes Midnight Meat Train and Pet Semetary (remake). I hope he brings his signature creepy style to the film.
Originally planned for an April 2018 release, fans have been waiting for the first horror X-men installment for a long time. The movie focuses on five young mutants, just discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will. They must fight to escape their past sins and save themselves.
The film highlights some talented young actors and actresses in the horror/sci-fi/fantasy genres – includingAnya-Taylor Joy,Maisie Williams, andCharlie Heaton. As this Marvel film is being handled by 20th Century Fox instead of Disney, we can remain hopeful that it can successfully create a dark and terrifying atmosphere that will not devolve into camp.
Based on the beloved children’s novels by Alvin Schwartz of the 90’s, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will include a mix of urban legends and folklore with a new story as the framing device. Produced by Academy Award winner,Guillermo del Toro, viewers can expect a visual style that hearkens back to the book’s original artwork and a wonderful blend of fantasy and horror.
This sequel will encompass the second half of the novel by author Stephen King. Set twenty-seven years after the initial film, “The Losers Club” members return to Derry to once again confront the evil entity that infects the town. It features a new adult cast in addition to flashbacks featuring their younger counterparts. As much of the same cast and crew return for this sequel, audiences can expect another solid film filled with terrifying sequences.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? is another film that looks to appeal to children of the 90’s and likely now their children as well. The filmmakers have released little regarding its plot or cast, but the original television series was an anthology of horror tales aimed at children and teens. It centered on a group of teens who met weekly to share tales of horror and fantasy. I cannot wait to learn more about what we can expect from this film.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
Southern California locals know that each March/April, the Halloween Club in La Mirada conjures up a fantastic event full of local artists, vendors, and Halloween deals – Spook Show. This fall, the La Mirada Halloween Club presents a new “fun-sized” boutique event, Spook Show’sBiz-aar. On September 22nd, 2018. The Biz-aar will feature an intimate gathering of local artists & artisans and a sale on all your Halloween needs from the main Halloween Club store.
A full list of exhibitors is not yet available, but Halloween Club has been posting updates on their Facebook & social media. Confirmed exhibitors include:
Bat In Your Belfry Two Rats In Love Crude Inc Dulce Calaveritas Black Willow Gallery Hellflower soap company Lilpapercuties Spooksieboo Nitecrawlher Memento Mori Goods Mama Dog Collars and Apparel Infernal Imagery The Ruby of the West Monster Posse HumAlong Productions Poltergeists and Paramours
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
Australian comedian & musician Kaye Smythe has created a self-proclaimed “comedy soul music extravaganza” withHairy Soul Man. You will fall in love with his witty lyrics, enchanting voice, and funky 7-piece band. You will certainly hum his songs for days after hearing them.
“How Deep Can I Go” is a fun tune told from the point of view of a deranged stalker. The lyrics pack a punch of macabre humor, both from Kaye’s melody and the backup vocals.
His music videos are particularly unique, using artful 2D props to create fanciful set-design. While the lyrical content is shocking, the artistic details are charming and warrant multiple viewings to take in all the small touches. In a time where most videos use computer generated images, the basic practical effects of his video don’t disappoint. My personal favorite moment is when he “tosses” an eyeball into a jar – these moments are comedy and charm to the piece.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
It is barely September, but the retail world has already prepared a new wave of scary faire for the 2018 Halloween season. Pumpkins, skeletons, bats, and more will soon be lining the aisles of everywhere from major chain stores to specialty boutiques (or would it be “boo-tiques?).
2018 Shopping Highlights
Let’s take a look at some of the unique items coming this Halloween season:
Spirit Halloween is the go-to Halloween retailer for the average person. Their animatronics often favor (relative) affordability over quality, but I am impressed with the look of this 5.8′ Sally animatronic. This officially licensed product plays Sally’s Song from The Nightmare Before Christmas while the eyes blink and arm motions. While the front view is very impressive, the plain design of the back of the dress does leave much to be desired. With the popularity of the IP, however, be prepared to see this in many yard displays this season.
There are many terrifying things below the water’s surface, but Halloween decor does not usually capitalize on this creepy theming. Grandin Road has an entire line of nautical knickknacks for a unique Halloween display. This Barnacle Bust is 100% resin and sturdy enough to display all year long.
I certainly have my eye on these creepy orbs from Grandin Road. These eyeball orbs range from 3″ to 4″ in diameter and can be used in a variety of ways to create a whimsical and curious display. Weighing about as much as a Christmas ornament bulb, you can arrange them in bowls, atop candelabras, or glued to props for an eye-catching display. Unlike many of the gory or realistic eyeballs you find at other Halloween shops, these stylized sketched eyes add whimsy and fantasy to your display.
Vintage Halloween imagery has made quite the comeback in the past few years. World Market blends new technology with an old aesthetic in this black cat & moon piece. This 10″ tall figure has LED lights that flash red and blue. It is a cute piece that rests fully in the “spooky” side of Halloween instead of scary.
I usually prefer decor that can be displayed year-round, but now and then it is worth mentioning just a fun little prop for a quick Halloween night scare. This is the most original plastic animated prop of the year – a bug blender. The blender lights up, has sounds of something not-quite-blending, and finishes with a creepy-crawly popping out of the lid. Have fun giving your friends the heebie-jeebies with this unique item.
Returning to more functional faire, Williams Sonoma’s Halloween Chef’s Knife is practical for year-round use. The elaborate Japanese-inspired skull design adds a subtle touch of macabre to your kitchen. The non-stick blade is 8″ long and the resin handle is 5/5″.
Bath & Body Works always has a strong autumn lineup. This year, the highlight of their fall collection is “Autumn Nights”. The exact mixture of smells is hard to pin down – and the description of “Friday Night Lights, Cool Air, and Varsity Leather Jackets” does little to help. It has a musky aroma with a tinge of what seems like it may be cedar. Both the lotion and pray are long-lasting and worth the price. Keep an eye out for sales (which happen pretty regularly) to snag three for the price of two.
Home Depot has stepped up their Halloween game in past years. Be the talk of your block with this fantastic mythical beast animated prop. The dragon towers 69″ tall, emits fog from its mouth, and glares with bright red LED eyes. The product includes a fog machine (be sure to stock up on fog juice), a power adapter, and 3AA batteries. Online reviews state that the dragon is sturdy and free-standing.
What are your favorite Halloween items so far for 2018? Have you already bought any of the above items and have a review? Let me know on Instagram or Twitter at @EmilyIsHorror.
When it comes to dressing in your Halloween best, accessories can truly make an outfit. The right bag pulls a whole look together and can be an eye-catching statement piece.
Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a
Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs
