The Top of My Costume List (with The Marvelous Book of Magical Mermaids from Klutz)

For me, Halloween is serious business--a holiday that’s all about dressing up and eating copious amounts of candy? Yes, please! 

In preparation for this annual day of awesomeness, I keep a running list of all of the costume ideas I want to try--including favourites like Ashley Spinelli, Ramona Flowers and Janice from the Muppets. Some are simple and easy to throw together and some will require some serious planning, but I hope to have each one checked off one day. 

Near the top of my costume list sits my white whale--Cher’s awesome Halloween costume in Mermaids. As a proud handmade Halloween-er, checking this one off my list will be the ultimate challenge. But the year I pull it off, I will have won Halloween! Till then, I'll have to get my fix from some finned friends of my own. 

The Marvelous Book of Magical Mermaids is Klutz’s latest version of paper doll play and comes with more than 200 pretty accessories to mix and match. And just like the equine version of this popular book, the outfits are lush, colourful and totally over the top! 

After creating sailor mermaid, mermaid Cleopatra, a pretty coral mermaid and a mermaid with troll doll hair, my mermaid craving has officially been filled and I can investigate more reasonable options for this year's costume. Plus, all this paper doll play has given me some awesome new ideas to add to my costume list for years to come! 

Star Wars Reads Day Strikes Back! (with Star Wars Folded Flyers, Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars Thumb Doodles)

Fall is here and that familiar chill has crept back into the air. It’s time for boots and scarves and, for me, hiding indoors with a good book or a fun craft. But this weekend, there is another Force at play, beckoning me back to my two favourite activities…

That’s right, tomorrow is the 3^rd annual Star Wars Reads Day! This amazing initiative is the joint effort of Lucasfilm and its publishing partners. It's celebrated in every which way, from simply sitting down with a good book to some pretty amazing events at bookstores, libraries and other venues around the world!

I’ll be celebrating by bringing copies of Star Wars Folded Flyers, Star Wars Thumb Doodles, and Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars up to my family’s Thanksgiving weekend celebrations. After all the fun we had with playing with Paper Dragons, I can’t wait to see what great ideas this wacky bunch will come up with this time!

So, get reading, drawing, Thumb Doodle comic booking, or try out one of these cool crafts from the official Star Wars Event Kit, cause it’s time to celebrate!

Happy Star Wars Reads Day!