Sunday, September 9, 2012

Haunted Old Mill...and a Sneak Peek!

Welcome to the Haunted Old Mill!
 
The Domicile of a Friendly Witch and Her Cat...
 
Even before I moved to Germany...not too far from the Dutch border...I loved windmills.  There are so many different shapes and sizes.  I used to love to count them when we went on a road trip...storing up memories of their quirky beauty, like so many nuts.  I found the landscape of Northern Germany to be very similar to that of the Netherlands, with canals and lovely thatched-roof farm houses and barns...and of course...windmills. Many years ago, Disney made a wonderful Silly Symphony cartoon of an old mill which housed many dear little creatures.  One night...a terrible storm came upon the old mill and nearly destroyed it.  What would happen to the inhabitants?  Many of the old Disney short feautures are like paintings in animation...beautiful and unforgettable.
 
Detail of Door Step...

Waiting for Trick-or-Treaters...

Witches College Graduation Portrait...

"Poison" Weathervane...
(sorry it's blurry...too close)
 
The windmill was one of those projects that happily come together.  I had no pattern or template that I could use...just the shapes of a Quaker Oats box and a child's party hat.  The secret to the blades was found in a box of vintage Tinker Toys...it made the installation of the blades so easy.  They can even rotate...if I so desire.  If I made a shake shingle roof again...I would not use the party hat.  The shiny surface didn't want to hold onto paint, glue...or cardboard shingles.  It took almost as long to for me to shingle the roof as it did for my husband to roof my kitchen addition...too long!   But I had fun.  I used the same color scheme and paper as the Haunted Mansion...maybe a whole haunted village is in the future!
 
Fun and Fast...

Wooden shapes embellished with K & Co. Papers...

The matching layered embellishments are really cool...
 
Sneaky Peek...

Witch Hat almost completed...needs to be filled with trinkets and treats!
 
Thanks for letting me share my new projects.  This has been my most productive Halloween crafting season yet!  I owe it all to the inspiration and support of my fellow bloggers!
Next weekend is George's birthday trip to Disneyland...
I'm hoping for a lot more inspiration!
 
 


15 comments:

missyhyde said...

Your version of the wall hanging is so cute, now i just need to assemble mine. too cute!!!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

WOW!!! You are amazing! The haunted tower and the witches hat are something else! WOW!!!
Disney sounds fun! I'm hoping to take my Grandgirl in a couple of years.
Warmly,
deb

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Holy Cow! I thought it was a windmill that you bought and "dolled up"! Great job! I love the witch and cat in the window.
Your witch hat is amazing too! Yes, I'd say you are really having a successful Halloween crafting season!
Erica :)

My Vintage Mending said...

Oh my goodness...you have been so busy. I think that is the best little witch house ever...smiles...Renee

Chenille Cottage said...

Hi Shirley!
Oh, my goodness! You have been busy creating all kinds of goodies. You are so extremely talented!
Disneyland.....Oh, what fun! It's been so many years since I've been there. You are going to have such a great time with cooler weather and the kidlets back in school. Your George couldn't have picked a better time to be born!
Thank you for your kind comments on my 40s apron. I'm so happy that you are enjoying yours, my sweet friend!
autumn Blessings,
Carolynn xo

Tammy's in Love said...

Oh Goodie! Disneyland! I was so disappointed when the kids came home and there isn't a CARS attraction in Florida; loved your last pix!!!

Perfectly Printed said...

Love all the fun Halloween crafts!! You've been a busy lady....wish I had a little more time for crafting! I'm sure your house will be the best on the block come Halloween!!

chris

vintage grey said...

You have been creating such sweet Halloween pretties!! I really love your Haunted Old Mill! So neat! xo Heather

LBP said...

I love seeing your Halloween crafts! I want to Trick or Treat at your house!

The witch hat swap is so much fun!
Mine is finished and will be mailing out this week

I love Halloween!

Linda

LBP said...

I love seeing your Halloween crafts! I want to Trick or Treat at your house!

The witch hat swap is so much fun!
Mine is finished and will be mailing out this week

I love Halloween!

Linda

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

Looks like you have been busy crafting up some super fall fun! :-)

Cheryl said...

Your halloween crafts are over the top fabulous! I'm loving the shingles!!! The attention to detail is wonderful ;-)

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Shirley, you out did yourself girl. That windmill is to die for!
And the witches out, WOW! Thanks for sharing your talent!
Hugs,
Jann

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Love your haunted old mill!! And your other cute crafty goodness! :) I just got done reading about your hometown tag from Tammy, such a sweet tag, I can't wait to get them all in the mail! :) :) xo Holly

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Well Miss Shirley!
I think your have got to have all the best Halloween decor in Blogtown!
Love the newest additions they are all so great. I really love your attention to detail! I mean shingles? I saw your tag over at Tammy's it is great, too!
Blessings,
Susie