MoonStruck Gift Shop - Decorating Ideas & More!

My Halloween Krinkles Collection

2011-10-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I love Halloween as everybody knows and I love Patience Brewster and I love my Joyce Shelton candle stick holders from 4 years ago in the shop!

I know that LOTS of my customers have these candle holders (because we sold LOTS of them) so take a look at how cool they look with the Patience Brewster Witch Feet Cake Stand! Seriously, it's like Joyce and Patience planned it!

Witch Dolls go mobile!

2011-09-28T04:02:00.000-07:00

MoonStruckGiftShop.com's customer Susan Hoskins purchased 3 little kitchen witch dolls from us and proceeded to "doll them up" by adding all kinds of glitter and ribbon and embellishments. (2 of the witches were exactly alike when she got them.)

When she was done with the "make over" she attached the trio to a spinning mobile and plans on using them as a focal point for her Halloween decorating!

Take a look at the attached video. Great job Susan!

Witch Collector’s Open House

2010-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Dan lives in small house on quiet suburban street in upstate New York along with more than 500 witch dolls, witch figurines and witchy accessories – some of them are valuable collectables, some of them are just plain fun! This past Sunday I was invited to his “Witch House Open House” where he had on display about three quarters of his collection. Oh my – what a kick! Every room has little groupings and vignettes of witches – yes even the bathrooms! Here he is in his dining room standing in front of a curio cabinet stuffed with witchy delights. His china cabinet holds no dishes – only witches!

Dan started collecting in earnest about 6 years ago and now he has a fantastic collection of witch figurines by Tony Costanza, maybe a couple dozen of Jim Shore’s witch figurines, a really unusual set of erotic little witches from the UK, pieces by Williraye Studio, Katherine's Collection, Pendle Witches, Jacqueline Kent Witches, lots of different kitchen witches, Leo Smith and some from a local ceramic witch figurine maker/painter. At left - shelf of living room curio cabinet stuffed with witch figurines.

He is a “regular” at the Salem stores where he makes annual buying to trips to find pieces that are new and unique. He’s also become a good customer and friend of MoonStruck Gifts. I thought I knew a lot about collecting witch dolls, but I learn a lot from Dan!

At left - the other shelves of the living room curio cabinet - stuffed with magical witch figures, statues and sculpted vignettes.

In Dan’s House, family pictures mingle easily with the witches!

How to have a Witch Hat Party

2010-09-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

There's a little bit of witch in all of us, Ladies! Celebrate that part of you with a gaggle of your best girlfriends - have a witch hat party! If it's a big party, you might want to have a prize for the most elegant hat, the most unique hat, etc. If it's just a small group like my friends pictured here, just spend the night complimenting each other's hats and make sure you've got plenty of potion!

The white witch is my best friend, Betsy in her white witch hat by Dept 56. Damn! That hat has been discontinued... it was to die for!
What a blast we had, everybody brought their brooms and a dish to knosh... lots of fun!

Check out our fantastic collection of witch hats,
witchy pill box hats and headbands!

I know of a group of witchy girlfriends in West Palm, Florida who call themselves "The Witches of West Palm" (what a great name!) and they go all out for their parties. Take a look at the table for their little "party"!

Is that fantastic or what?
Hand painted "Wicked" wine glasses make a bewitching table setting and fun take-home favors. Easy to make - take a look at my blog prior to this one for instructions on how to paint "Wicked" wine glasses - I use a quality Libby stem, but you can go to the Dollar Store and get your's.

For witchy party favors -

Take a look at these little "Sinister Stilletos" by Katherine's Collection - $5 each - love 'em!

How to paint your own Wicked Wine Glasses

2010-08-31T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well, since blog content is supposed to be informative as well as self promoting... I thought we'd have a little lesson in painting Wicked wine glasses. I sell lots of them in the shop - both the simple design you see pictured here and the more intricate design with the painted base.

The secret to painting words on a glass is simple - Pick out a cool font, type the word "Wicked" or whatever word you want to paint and size it to be about 2 inches wide. Print the word out and then cut it out close to the top and sides. Put a little scotch tape on the piece and tape it to the inside of the glass so that the word reads from the outside of the glass. Then just paint the word on the outside of the glass "tracing" the taped image. If you're using black paint, print the word in another color like green so you can see the difference between what you've painted and what you haven't.

I use Liquitex Glossies for paint - it's more expensive than the Enamels brand you can find at Michael's, but I paint a lot of glasses. There's nothing wrong with Enamels, just make sure you don't let the paint get too thick or it becomes really hard to get nice smooth lines. Most important - Get a good brush! It's all about the brush! Then you bake the glass according to the directions on the paint.
And if you don't want to do all that (but really, it's fun) go to http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/hapawiwiglse.html and buy one!

Link to Pendle Witches

2010-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

What a dingbat I am! I was just looking at the Pendle Post I did a week ago and I realized I hadn't included the link to the page to see them all! Here it is: http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/pendlewitches.html.

Also a couple more pictures... these girls are just charmers!

Hand Made Kitchen Witch Hats for all year round

2010-08-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

When I first opened my store, I didn't have access to the big gift markets, but I wanted to sell unusual witch hats - so I made them! I got a pattern and I made several - in a fuzzy leopard print, green/black taffeta and so on. Well, OK - I only made about 4 hats (I still have the fabric cut out for 4 more) because, truthfully - I just didn't have enough time to do all that sewing!

SO! I was so happy when I found these fantastic cotton print hand-made kitchen witch hats! They are made by a couple of women who clearly are a lot better at sewing than me. These are adorable and they come with coordinating aprons as well.

They're in the store or you can order them on line - http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/witchway.html.
Oh yeah - and they're only $34!

My favortite time of year - Fall

2010-08-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting to be my favorite time of the year - Fall. I can just smell the change in the air! (Also the early Cortland apples on my kitchen table!) Started selling LOTS of witch dolls and kitchen witch dolls... I mean they sell all year round, but they really fly outta here in the fall!

Well, as far as I know, we're the only place in the US that sells the Pendle Witch dolls - and they are fantastic! All hand painted porcilain faces, hand and feet, layers of skirts, shawls - they even all have earrings on!

Each Pendle Witch doll has her own personality and attitude - and they are extremely well priced for the craftsmanship you get. I love them!

Krinkles by Patience Brewster are back!

2010-01-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

We are sooooo pleased to once again offer Krinkles by Patience Brewster! These little creatures each have their own charming and distictive personality and are impeccably crafted and hand painted. We're especially happy to offer the complete collection of Dash Away reindeer figures & ornaments! You'll also find Krinkles tablewear, Christmas figures and ornaments, salt & pepper shakers and more. But be aware - because Krinkles are all handcrafted - ony so many can actually be produced in a year. Patience is telling us that s supplies of Krinkles are limited and once they sell out, there won't be more coming for 2010 - so a word of advice - order early (like now) and reserve the pieces you really love! Our prediction is that key pieces like the 12 Days and the reindeer will sell out around November 2010. http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/krbypabr.html

Mark Roberts Limited Edition Moon Fishing Fairy

2009-12-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

Mark Roberts Limited Edition Moon Fishing Fairy is a truly magical collectable from his Christmas Limited Edition Collection.

Hanging from a smiling winter moon, this 22” fairy is clad in black and white checked pants and his robe is trimmed in fur. A slightly mischievous fairy shares the moonlight. What a fantastic piece! He’d be an absolutely stunning addition to any holiday décor.Sure to become a treasured family heirloom, he comes numbered with it's own registration card. http://www.m oonstruckgiftshop.com/maroliedmofi.html

Katherine's Collection Wedding Kissing Fish Set

2009-11-11T03:48:00.000-08:00

Katherine's Collection Wedding Kissing Fish Set are the perfect newly wed or anniversary gift! Their trademark big red lips are magnetized, so when you hang them close together - they kiss!Approximately 3 1/2" x 3" in size. They're $34 for the pair.

http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/kacowefiset.html

Katherine’s Collection Vidonia Antiquity Collectable Fairy Doll

2009-11-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

The great thing about using a fairy theme for Christmas decorating is that you can easily transition from "Christmas" to "Winter" decor in your home just by removing the real "Christmassy" items and keeping the snowy, ethreal elements.

And what better centerpiece for your holiday decor than this fabulous fairy doll by Katherine’s Collection?

Katherine’s Collection Vidonia Antiquity Collectable Fairy Doll looks like she just stepped out of some wonderful, enchanted forest. Her face is exquisitely detailed with blush cheeks, soft rosy lips and lovely long eyelashes. She sits with her legs delicately crossed in a lush, layered costume in shades of bronze and blue and measures approximately 22" high from her toes to top of head. Gold pedestal is not included.Of course, registration and certificate of authenticity are included. Click on the link for price info - http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/kacoviancofa.html

These acrylic Iridescent flakes & birds are a perfect example of magical "Winter" decor that you can keep from Thanksgiving to St Patrick's Day! http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/iracsnorseto.html

Katherine's Collection Peppermint Sparkle Elves

2009-11-11T03:16:00.000-08:00

We love the pink and red color combination for Christmas! From Katherine's Collection Peppermint Sparkle Collection, these mischievous little fairy elf figurines have a decidedly retro look about them. It's like they just landed her from the 50's!

Their garments are richly detailed in Katherine’s trademark style… These guys are posable and measure about 14 inches tall.

http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/kacopeel.html

Katherine’s Collection Lucifer Devil Doll

2009-09-20T03:53:00.001-07:00

Katherine’s Collection Lucifer Devil Doll is demonically dashing! From the tip of his toes to the tops of his horns he is sheer halloween heaven! (He sort of reminds us of Sid Cherese.) As always with Katherine’s Collectable figures, he outfit is outrageously opulent and detailed. (A devil can never overdo organza, can he?) He’s 31” tall.

Shipping on this dastardly demon is free - if you'd like to buy him -- here's the link:

http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/kacoludedo.html

Halloween Taper Candles - Bones & Witch Legs

2009-09-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

OMG! You know how hard it is to find funky, cute Halloween taper candles! Well - here they are!

The bones candles come 3 to a set for $21. To buy them go to: http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/hafibotaca.html

Then there are the Witch Leg Candles - Green with a fish net pattern. They come as a set of 2 candles and one boot for $25. Or you can just buy the boot for $8. Set of Candles alone - $18

To buy, go to: http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/wibohota.html

Also take a look at the Frankenstein tapers when you're there!

Hand Painted Wicked Wine Glass

2009-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hand Painted Wicked Wine Glass is a perfect gift for the Witch who has everything! The design is original and hand painted in the US by our own MoonStruck Artist.

Available in a red wine glass (as shown) or a "Party Glass" which can be used for red or white. Party glasses can be seen as specified in other designs on the glass page. $24 each

Hand wash, please and use often!

To buy this item go to: http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/hapawiwiglse.html

Katherine’s Collection Spooky Skeleton Servant Couple

2009-09-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

How much fun can you have with these?

Katherine’s Collection Spooky Skeleton Servant Couple are the most glamorous set of servant ghouls we've ever seen.
The detail on them is wonderful, from his ruffled white tuxedo shirt to her ruffled apron and hair bow. She even has a feather duster! They're pretty good size they measure about 12 inches tall. $48 is for both.

And if you need a life size spooky skeleton maid - well, we're got one for you. This is a seriously spooky servant -

It's Katherines Collection Bonita Bonesworth Doll -
she's pricey - $475 but she's lifesize (even in her bones!) and her detail is goulishly gorgeous!
To buy her go to : http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/kacobobodo.html

Glitterville Final & Ball Halloween Ornaments

2009-09-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

Aren't these cool? We really like to decorate our chandeliers for the Halloween season and we're always looking for glitter and glam that hangs! These would also be awesome hanging at different levels in a window.

To buy them go to

http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/glhafiorseto.html

The set of 3 is $24 and we also have a set of 6 ball ornaments for $49. They're good size - about 6" in diameter.

http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/glhabaorseto.html

Jaqueline Kent Halloween Witch on Broom Doll

2009-08-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

No, this is not my grandmother! This is actually a close up of the face of one of the Witches of Kent dolls by Jaqueline Kent. She is absolutely adorable! The manufacturer's picture shown on our web store just doesn't do her justice. Even her hands with her bright red nail polish are incredibly realistic. She comes with a stand that holds up her broom with her poised on it and makes her appear to be flying. She's $150 and worth it!

If you'd like to see more or purchase her for you Halloween Collectable showcase, go to http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/jakecohawion.html

Decorate your door with a Witch Lace Door Curtain

2009-08-29T14:16:00.000-07:00

Love this! It's a black lace panel that looks like a witch
that you can either tack up or feed on to an existing curtain rod to give the impression of a witch at the door or window.

It measures 38 wide x 84" long so it pretty much fits most doorways.

It's $30. You can purchase this at

http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/wifihalapa.html

Pics from a "Witch Hat Party"

2009-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

How do you have a witch hat party?
It's pretty simple, call your girls, tell them to get all dressed up and get a lot of wine!

That's me standing in between Glinda and Elphba (as I call them). Betsy, the white witch is actually wearing a wedding gown, accessorized by a fantastic white hat we had in the shot last year. We added a silver shawl and some satin gloves. Elphaba is all about red & black caribo and feathers.

Here's K.S. and B.J. - Lovely witches, I'm sure you'll agree!

Whimsical witches sliding and flying down the staircase

2009-04-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

This a shot of my staircase at MoonStruck Manor. I wish I could get the shot at a better angle - but you can see from here - it's set up to be a little vinyette of happy, whimsical witches sliding and flying down the staircase!

Anybody can do it, just get some display wire from the hardware store to hold them in place and some fishing line to hang them almost invisibly from the landing above.

It's also a great way to show off your collection!

Witch Family Portrait

2008-10-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Witch & Famous!!!

This fantastic "Family Portrait" was commissioned by one of my best customers, Cathy.

When she told me she was going to to it, I thought it was a great idea, but after seeing the picture, I am absolutely blown away!

The picture was shot by Craig Furze - you can contact him thru his website http://www.furzephotography.com/.

OK - Cath... I soooo have to do something like this with my witchy girlfriends. I just can't stop looking at it - LOVE IT!

White Witch Nancy!

2008-10-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Is she just the best? Nancy put this elegant and extravagant costume together using our "White Witch" Hat by Dept 56 (available still at http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/goodwitchhat.html),

coordinating white gloves, trimmed in lace and spiders (also by D56, but no longer available - sorry!) and and ostrich boa. The sparkle-knit shawl and pearl trimmed broom are just plain strokes of spooky chic genius!

When she's not wearing them, the hat, gloves and boa hang on her coat rack in her front entry way as if the "Witch" set them there when she got home!

What's the thought process behind this wonderful witch's wardrobe? "Halloween has always been a big holiday at my house, but in the last few years, since the boys have moved on in different directions, we haven't done as much in the way of celebrating and constructing terror trails in the back yard. So with my new witches outfit, I feel like I'm back into it a bit, but with more sophistication."

Nancy - I gotta hand it to you - this one will be tough to top. LOVE IT!!!

Halloween Mantle decorated with Krinkles Witch Figurine

2008-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Isn't she fantastic? This Krinkles harlequin coat-ed witch was the inspiration for my entire dining room this season! As usual, I sprinkle my collection of Halloween birthday and other Halloween cards through this little mantle vignette...

You'll see more as you go through the next blogs...

Anyway, I'm keeping one of these witches for me! She's $145, stands 24" tall and comes with her own little rat companion on a lease. (you can see just a little bit of the rat to the right of the little witch and her brooms gretting card in the foreground of this picture)

If you're interested in seeing her in a little more detail, go to http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/krhawi.html and take a look,

Creating a Spooky Chic Halloween Candelier

2008-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

I love to "do up" my chandeliers for every holiday, but since we're talking Halloween and "spoooky chic" here's the 2008 version.

Everything coordinates with the harlequin pattern of the Patience Brewster Krinkle Witch on the mantle in the blog above. Click on the picture to enlarge it so you see all the little black and white balls and spiders

There are also black bats hanging by fish wire and ethereal butterflies in orange, black and gold.

Chandeliers - whether they're as fancy as this bronze and glass piece, or not are a fabulous opportunity to set the holiday decor mood for a room. You can dangle all kinds of "dod-ads" from your chandeliers... ornaments, fairies, kitchen witches, elves, bats, words... just have fun!

All Witches Eve by Dept 56 Table Setting

2008-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

OK - how fun is this? The plates, coffee cups, Luna and Terra Wich figures, wine bag and little pumpkin on stump salt & pepper set are all by Dept 56. These pieces go way beyond just a halloween celebration... as the story goes..."Hidden deep in a long forgotten woods lays a mystical grove of sacred oaks where an ancient sisterhood of enlightened and powerful witches gather..."

The four sisters - Terra, Luna, Willow and Eve are each depicted as large figurines... and I mean with impeccable detail. There is also a mug and a plate depicting each sister - oh and just for fun - wine bags! They're not too-too pricey. Each figurine is $98, the plates are $80 for the set of 4, the mugs are $55 for set of 4. For more info or to purchase go to our web site http://www.moonstruckgiftshop.com/spchha.html.

Also FYI - Plates are also made with a built-in hanger so you can display them on the wall year-round!

Spooky-chic Mantle

2008-09-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

Classic "Spooky-Chic" in my opinion - from the black feather boa drapped over the top of the mirror to the fluffy purple spiders. I used the same black and gold vase that I filled with gerber daisies in the summer and filled it with indian corn stalks and branches of faux autumn leaves.

The mantle is covered with a menagerie of little witch figurines I've collected over the years, and my favorite Halloween cards - most of them sent to me by my sister over the past 20 years.

That collection of cards is one of my favorite things about Halloween. I just loved re-reading them each year.

If you need glamorous little witch figurines check my store page - http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/spookychic.html

WHAT'S "SPOOKY CHIC?"

2008-09-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well, you know it when you see it. Spooky Chic is goulish, but glamorous... Spooky Chic Halloween decor includes lots of sparkle and glitter -- and a good measure of humor!

Most often we look to deep hues of purple, orange and limey green to create a spooky chic scene, but you don't need to limit yourself. The picture at left shows a witchy Halloween vingnette we created on a credenza in my dining room. The elements are rather simple... OK the hat's not that simple - the hat is FANTASTIC! However, it's displayed quite simply on a tall lamp stand with the shade removed. (NOTE - DO NOT turn on the light - if I showed you the back of this hat right now you'd see a burn hole.) Next I added framed pictures of Halloweens past and posed an elegant Kathrine's Collection Baba Yaga Witch doll to complete the scene. You can find some of these gorgeous hats at my witch hat page http://moonstruckgiftshop.com/witchway.html. Have fun!