#spray painted the wire gold

[little-pondhead]

There was this one time in high-school I was taking a college level English class and we had this photography assignment and I don’t remember details but we were analyzing certain key elements that showed up in like, disabled war vet pictures and similar stuff. Our assignment was to take our own pictures that featured one of the elements and present it to the class and I didn’t really have many friends in my grade so I just kinda did the whole thing myself. (I found out later people teamed up to help each other take pictures of each other.) When it came time to present like a week later I was actually kinda excited cause I like photography in general, and I thought I actually looked nice in this one. And then people started presenting and I realized very quickly I missed something because everyone had made these really sad and somber pictures like one girl even put on bruise makeup and talked about domestic abuse.

I had made my presentation about fairies.

[oftenwantedafton]

Trapped - Steve Raglan/William Afton x Female Detective Reader

Chapter 1

Rating - Explicit

CW - blood and violence

Summary: You’re an adult now with several years of experience as a police officer behind you and the gun at your waist is a small comfort when you patrol the area. You shiver as your eyes scan the vacant lot, imagining shapes in the shadows where perhaps there are none. You are grateful it is closed, the front entrance encased in rusting steel bars and a thick padlock. You do not know if it is enough to keep new thieves out.

You pray it is enough to keep the evil inside.

Also available on AO3

The cracked mirror divides the man’s face by a jagged line, a dark scar that partitions his features. Blood spatters freckle skin and stain the creases that bracket icy blue eyes still illuminated with an inner light from the thrill of the murder he’d just committed. The crimson liquid mixes with perspiration, tracking down stubble coated cheeks, a lover’s caress tattooing a salted blood trail across pale flesh. He can smell the metals of that crimson life force, nearly taste it, even. The knife resting on the edge of the chipped porcelain sink is still dripping, rivulets painting spidery paths like blood vessels. A pair of gold framed glasses perch nearby, temporarily abandoned as they were unnecessary with the enhanced vision of the rabbit suit he’d worn.

He cups his hands under the spray of water from the faucet, letting it run cold over the long digits for a few moments before he bows down and splashes his face, rubs it over the back of his neck and lets it trickle over his upper body. He can still hear the symphony of screams, the fear and terror echoing in Parts and Service. He’d nearly forgotten how sweet that melody sounded.

He pulls an undershirt and dress shirt on, slinging a tie around his neck and sighs, almost regretful at concealing them again.

Suddenly the man leans forward, squinting and frowning at a stubborn bloodstained fingerprint on his shirt collar. It seems he’d been a bit careless cleaning up the evidence of his crime. He’ll have to use peroxide on that when he returns home. Home, he thinks, sneering. Well, not really his true home, but what he calls his dwelling. It’s a front, just like his position as a career counselor, just like the false accolades framed in the walls of his office and the name placard on his desk. Lies, all of it, but they all believe him, so gullible, so trusting. Adults or children; it makes no difference now.

He smiles humorlessly, eyes flickering to the mascot head he’d carried into the employee bathroom with him, its counterpart suit already stowed away securely. It’s deteriorating further, the fur and fabric wearing away with time, exposing metal and wires, lights and circuitry. Damaged, but still very much of use to his purpose, even after all this time.

Just like this old friend here. He caresses the blade for a moment, reliving the feeling as it had sunk into soft flesh. The possessed animatronic had started the bloodletting, and he had continued, long after the trap had mauled with razor sharp blades. He’d carved until there’d been very little left that was recognizable as a human being, let alone the middle aged security guard he’d hired earlier that week.

He’ll need to replace him, of course. There was still the problem of unwelcome intruders. But he had no doubts some other desperate soul would come along, eager for work, willing to do anything. Fate always provided.

He shuts the faucet off, wiping damp hands on his trousers, then drags a rag over the knife until it gleams in the floursescent lighting. He’ll need to sharpen it again, but that can wait for the morning.

Hooking two fingers inside the rabbit’s head he’d worn earlier, it lifts easily and William Afton begins humming as he exits the restroom.

***

You’ve heard the stories. Everyone who’s ever lived in Hurricane has. Perhaps they’re whispered late at night by a campfire, or uttered as a threat to misbehaving children, no mere ghost story or tall tale but a dark history of crimes committed by a killer who’s left no trail.

This was the terrifying legacy of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.

Never go near the abandoned pizzeria.

Everyone knew it. Back when the business had been operational, multiple children had consecutively gone missing, and even though authorities had searched thoroughly, multiple times, no trace of those kids had ever been found. It was as if they’d vanished into thin air, leaving their parents forever worrying and wondering, imagining the very worst had happened. Perhaps it had.

Perhaps the reality was even worse still.

Despite all of this, it didn’t stop occasional break-ins. Teenagers on a dare, thrill seekers, people looking for a way to earn money. There were bound to be plenty of copper pipes and wires, valuable sources of metal for construction. Arcade and change machines still loaded with cash. The animatronics themselves, with their complex inner workings, must be worth something.

Some trespassers had made it out, but they never seemed any richer. There were only more stories. The place was haunted. The animatronics moved, not in their preprogrammed state but of their own volition, wandering the halls, investigating the rooms. Sometimes people saw a yellow rabbit, taller than the other mascots, the costumed individual moving fluidly. Its eyes were silver and it laughed, low and mirthless.

You believed them, because you’d been to that restaurant, years ago as a child, to play the arcade games, to attend a classmate’s birthday party. You’d known even then something was wrong. You could never explain it. It was just a feeling. You could hear the establishment calling you, beckoning you, imploring you to explore further, to become a part of the wonder, the mystery within its depths.

Maybe it was the yellow rabbit trying to lure you in.

You’re an adult now with several years of experience as a police officer behind you and the gun at your waist is a small comfort when you patrol the area. You shiver as your eyes scan the vacant lot, imagining shapes in the shadows where perhaps there are none. You are grateful it is closed, the front entrance encased in rusting steel bars and a thick padlock. You do not know if it is enough to keep new thieves out.

You pray it is enough to keep the evil inside.

***

As it turns out, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza has a new employee.

You see the car one morning as the sun is just rising, a rusted sedan seated in front of the main entrance. Parking nearby, you keep the engine running, watching as a young man likely in his 20’s emerges from the depths of the building, securing the heavy lock and chains before trudging to his vehicle. You can see smudges beneath his eyes. He looks exhausted, awkwardly fumbling in the pocket of his hoodie until he locates keys for the car. It’s then that he seems to notice you, his right hand frozen while inserting the key into the lock, the other hand clasping a worn looking copy of a book entitled Dream Theory.

You step out of the car, still not shutting off the engine, and introduce yourself, one hand still resting on the open door, as if you are ready to make a quick escape, to bolt from this wretched place once and for all. The other hitches in your belt, within reach of your firearm, the holster snap already unfastened.

The man nods cautiously, telling you his name is Mike Schmidt. He’s the new security guard working the night shift, he elaborates.

You ask if he’s seen or heard anything unusual, noting the hesitation before he shakes his head. Upon inquiring who hired him, you receive a name you don’t recognize, accepting the business card he digs from the pocket of his jeans. Steve Raglan, Career Counselor.

You warn him to be careful, eyeing the creased spine of the dog eared paperback one last time before you settle back inside the car, tapping the business card against the steering wheel thoughtfully. You follow the security guard out of the parking lot and then turn onto the freeway.

Perhaps you should pay this career counselor a visit.

[antiresolution]

trigger warning: This au is based off the godzilla universe (specifically minus one). I focus on the aftermath of graphic disaster scenarios, so I suggest to skip if you're not in the mood!

He stumbles in the second act. 

Prisms of light scatter in Wenhan’s peripherals as he stares down at the stage floor. Red and gold pom poms and strings of glass beads hit against rouged cheeks, gouging out small trails the way careless brushes of fingertips do. The sweat curtaining his skin becomes seamless pearls blending into white face paint. 

The orchestra continues on, drowning out murmurs in the audience. They’re trained to recover from falls and mistakes like any other performer. Punishment from directors and sponsors is always more severe than a split second of humiliation. He could be up and into the next sequence within a heartbeat.

But he’d caught himself on stinging hands and knees. Motionless until the throb of the fall is a numb pulse and his tongue curls dry to the roof of his mouth. Frozen in place as ribbon dancers and masked figures in loose hanfu move around him. The slightest tremor caresses his open palms.

A guttural screech from a violin in the pit raises Wenhan’s head. Stage lights flood his eyes as he searches blindly in the audience. Dancers to his left hit the floor as the stage sways with a thundering crack and shrieks puncture the air from all sides. A layer of white dust rains down against a fleeing crowd, blanketing colorful costumes in splintered fragments. The ceiling above the audience collapses first, throwing up toxic clouds. Wenhan stumbles to his feet as his lungs shudder to breathe, pressing a sleeve to his mouth and nose as he shoves hesitant crew to the emergency exit backstage. 

Wenhan watches as a beam of overhead lights crashes down onto fleeing bodies. Snapped metal groans above from the weight of the collapsed ceiling. Shattered glass pops under his feet as he stumbles back to escape the gush of water from gutted pipes in the walls and stripped live wire. The low whine of twisted metal above ends with a sudden snap. The debris in his throat chokes him more than the pain of his legs pinned beneath steel beams. 

 He stares up at the open sky now painted in smoke and filled with the clamor of emergency sirens. A shaking hand grasps weakly at his shoulder, and he doesn’t recognize the face smeared in blood and dust to his left. A body smashed beneath slates of plaster and metal.

Wenhan stares up at the sky, holding that hand in his until fingers no longer tremble and everything is still. 

-

February 23, 2008

The WPC (West Pacific Coalition) was formally established after an unprecedented attack killed thousands in Shanghai during lunar new year celebrations. This international security effort is recognized by the governing bodies of China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Curated teams of military personnel and emergency responders are deployed based on high risk scenarios regardless of nationality to prevent further loss of human life and destabilization of global society. 

–

Tiles bleed cold underneath knees tucked in front of an empty hole in the wall meant to house a cross. Two weeks ago, the wood had been needed to repair the roof due to a small quake’s aftershocks. Now, no one wanted to make time to properly dress the space for anyone to pray, or mourn, or curse. Rebuilding Busan’s port communities took every willing pair of military hands. Any spare unwilling ones were busy burying the dead or clinging to a warm body, leaving no room to beg God for favors. 

Yet, it’s a quiet space, even if mostly abandoned. Away from shuffling bodies of overworked soldiers and unfamiliar faces.

Taeil stares down at the spray of grey and white now dusting his army fatigues. 

“Does that work?”

The man perched over him reminds Taeil of a bird. Every feature of his is sharp. The way each angle meets the next throws shadows under dark lashes and glaring cheekbones. Simultaneously jarring and soft. The way you wouldn’t expect a row of feathers next to talons. Even the accented Korean on the other man’s tongue feels pointed. Calculated. Almost too precise to be comfortable.

“What…” Before Taeil realizes his reply is more of an exhale than an answer. “--does what work?” 

The other man pauses, but the amused twitch of his lips lingers. He mirrors Taeil’s kneel, leaning a little awkwardly to the left instead of straight. His right leg isn’t fully tucked under his thigh. The way he presses his hands together is enunciated, as if he’s trying to overcompensate for his role in a silent film. He crosses himself, gesturing wordlessly to the sky. 

Stunned silence is the weight on Taeil’s bottom lip as his mouth opens, before the gnashing of teeth beheads words dying to form. His eyes fall on the burning end of the other’s cigarette, as if he’s watching the dying ember of his own annoyance. Taeil exhales through his nose and nods his head at the smoke. “--does that work for you?”

“Only when I don’t have anything better to put in my mouth.”

“Asshole.”

“Close, but it wouldn't be my first choice.”

Taeil starts to stand, tempted to shoulder check the stranger on his way up. Rationality was never his first choice. He was always chastised for emotionally charged decisions during training. Prolonging this conversation would likely end with his fists bruised and both of them bloody. It was the first week in this base. A reputation built on nothing couldn’t be used as leverage, no matter how good he thinks that sharp nose would look broken.

“It was an honest question. Do you ever get what you ask for?”

Curled fists open and close at his sides before he turns towards the door without answering. A much larger figure fills the frame, blocking Taeil’s exit. Dark eyes glance over a familiar wrinkled face. Taeil’s posture goes rigid. He bows his head to the senior officer. 

“Ah, I see you two met.” There’s the threat of a reprimanding edge, though it seems directed at the soldier behind Taeil. “Private Yoo, this is Private Li, a pilot from Shanghai.”

Private Li was now standing as if the casual collapse of limbs on the floor had been snapped upward by a pulled string. He still leans into his left side, as if he can’t wait to drop the salute once no one’s watching. Both men meet eyes, but this time neither of them are smiling. 

“Your new partner.”

–

Wenhan tears away flyers from the front door of the barracks. The images are grainy pixels enlarged sloppily to fit its new frame of cheap computer paper. But the painted features of the subject are clear enough even from a distance. 

“What a waste. You look so pretty, ge–”

Wenhan tosses shreds of paper at the face crinkled with laughter to his left. The mandarin that rolls off his tongue is an effortless shift. 

“Then you can tape it together and jack off later.”

“Shit, hey– hey, hey,” Hong shields his face and steps out of the way of an elbow aimed at his gut. “It wasn’t me. You know who thinks pulling this shit is funny.”

Even if the construction of this military camp had been congested to a rural corner in the city, their barracks only had four bunks. Compared to other soldiers forced to sweat and curse during the summer in a room with 18 other men. 

Wenhan’s busy emptying a shelf of one of his roommates, tossing the best snack wrappers a guaranteed death payroll could buy onto the empty bunk next to it. 

“You met him, right? Did you ask why he was transferred here? What's he like?”

What comes to mind first is the silhouette of a stranger’s back. One man on his knees in an empty room already abandoned by the hands that built it. 

Wenhan blinks. A dimple forms between his brows. He smooths a thumb over his forehead as if it would iron out the mental crease. 

“Ask him yourself.”

Wenhan gains the uncomfortable weight of Hong’s arm across his shoulders and leans away from the warm breath on the back of his ear. Hong doesn’t even whisper, confident in the disguise of their native language. 

“I heard he volunteered for a suicide mission.” 

Wenhan pauses. Considering superiors kept information to themselves until mistakes rose the death toll. It wasn’t so unbelievable they would consider going on the offensive before signs of an attack in the east sea. But Hong was overzealous, often inflating the truth with his desire for grandeur. 

“I also heard he killed someone, so it was either that, or prison time.”

The mandarin comes from neither of the men, but from behind. Fluent as if it flowed from the memory of a native. He shoves his shoulder into Hong, watching the other dramatically collapse as if he’d sniped him. Taeil stands in the open doorway, wearing neither a smile or a frown. Hong still carries enough shame to apologize, while Wenhan feels the corners of his lips curve up. 

Taeil doesn’t seem offended enough to start a fight as he walks further in, prompting Hong to throw an arm around his shoulders and continue rattling off in Mandarin.

“It’s always a suicide mission. Even if it’s true– just makes you stupid like the rest of us.”

Wenhan starts to roll up one hem of his pants as Hong interrogates the other soldier. He presses fingertips into skin, where his kneecap meets the solid metal of his calf, massaging tiny circles into the joint. 

Taeil’s attention lingers on the flash of silver jutting out where one would expect to see flesh. Wenhan could recognize pity in anyone's face. But the look Taeil casts at his prosthetic is devoid of surprise or even embarrassment for having been caught staring. Maybe more like a stranger in a museum. One who could only be voyeur to a past they could never live inside of or understand. Every glance strangely intense despite the impossible distance. 

But without pity.

“Pretty sexy, isn’t it.” Wenhan kicks his heel against the solid concrete floor. “My eyes are up here.”

“I was looking at your third eye.” 

Taeil catches the extra set of blankets Wenhan throws without missing a beat.

–

No one enjoys the nightwatch at Taejongdae. 

Wenhan prefers the weight of briny air on his tongue to the suffocating anticipation of everyone at the military base. He’s empty handed for his shift, with nothing but the weight of a buzzing comm system strapped to his side and the soft glow of the lighthouse glancing over dark waters below. Weapons wouldn’t save anyone on the ground. Time was all they ever had as a counter strike. 

He walks the length of the highest cliff’s paved trail, roped in by steel fences peppered with rust. Other soldiers stationed on the southern tip of the city are wandering shadows in the night. There’s no one close enough to hear him as he hums the beginning of a melancholic note. No one around to complain as his voice rises in volume, competing against the claw of the ocean’s wind and lick of waves against carved rocks. 

Then he’s twisting on his heel, grasping the butterfly knife hidden at his side. Golden light from the silent carousel of the lighthouse spills over Taeil’s face, lighting curious dark eyes and outlining the soft slopes of his cheeks. His open palms face outward to Wenhan in surrender.

“Are you a fucking idiot?”

Taeil steps closer, dropping his hands as he falls into Wenhan’s retreating pace. The only reply is the soft tone of Taeil’s singing, off key and unsure as he repeats the last line of the song Wenhan hadn’t finished. 

“If you can sing like that, why are you out here?”

Wenhan carries on in silence. The lighthouse careens over black sea water. 

“I wasn’t asking god for something.”

He turns back to Taeil. The abrupt stop has them breaths apart. He can see the dark circles pressed under both the man’s eyes. Chapped lips sealed thin. A small mole marks the corner of a tense mouth. 

“I was cursing him, actually. For giving me the grim reaper as a partner.”

The tense curl of Taeil’s mouth softens. The coil of anticipation is gone, as if a switch had been flipped. The entire man’s body relaxes. On the cusp of revealing something more, but pulling back. He sighs like a tired old dog and raises his hands to the heavens. 

It’s not the first time other soldiers warned new recruits about Wenhan’s reputation as an indirect death sentence. Some would even request to transfer before he’d meet them face to face. No one wanted to disprove potential mythology. 

“Idiot.” He barely speaks above the sound of the ocean. But Taeil hears him, kicking up rocks and dust at Wenhan’s heels as they continue up the slope. He sings in broken Mandarin at Wenhan's back.

But his eyes are trained on glints of silver and white bobbing in the black churn. The glow of the lighthouse sculpts the distant shapes into what looks like overturned buoys. He stands still, staring into the sea as if he could will away the sight of dead fish rising to the surface. Taeil calls his name, but the roar of white noise drowns out any thought or instinct. 

His comm device revives with a series of orders in Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog. Sighting along Taejongdae. Prepare for immediate impact. 

Wenhan’s collar digs into his neck as Taeil forces him into a run. White dead bellies of fish are swallowed by a rising dark form. The lighthouse fights to glow around the massive shadow, illuminating pulsing coils of scarred flesh. An aching roar ruptures the air before the tower collapses into a wave of dust and shattered stone. The ground becomes sand beneath their steps seconds after warning alarms fill the air. 

Taeil shoves Wenhan forward with desperate violence as the cliff beneath their steps crumbles. He turns back once his feet meet the solid safety of grass and arms of trees, lunging to grasp at Taeil falling into empty air. Fingers lock around Taeil’s wrist. Wenhan bites into his tongue, tasting the rush of blood and feeling the hot burn of torn muscle as he fights against the other man’s dead weight hanging over the cliff. 

Taeil’s fingernails carve bloody trails down wenhan’s arm as he struggles for a strong grip. His body drags against the ground, slowly inching over the edge.

Not again. 

His arms are shaking, tips of fingers pulsing numb. 

Not again.

[aureus-ignis]

Some of the props I made for my Tutu many many years ago!

Top left: The wings. Made from steel gauge wire and organza (for that nice glittery finish). I sewed the edges over the wire, then added a small white felt piece with feathers (not pictured here) to go over the adjoining wire loop between the wings. The whole thing is light enough to be safety pinned onto the tutu.

Bottom left: I took a little artistic liberty to add some detailing to the crown. It's made from craft foam, hot glue, and pearls, and I added a little comb to attach it to her wig.

Right: Tutu's very specifically shaped fan. It was impossible to modify a regular folding fan, and the ones that do work like that don't come in such a design, so I ended up making it from scratch by cutting holes out of really, really thick cardboard. To create the illusion of 'spokes', I painted cast shadow lines along them.

Pendant: Crafted entirely by me from a whole lot of materials such as craft foam, ribbon, wire, resin, nail polish, rings. I wanted it to look as authentic and as pretty as possible, so I decided to forgo using clay (a material I'm far more familiar with), and instead what looked more like jewellery. I made all the gems out of resin, because shop bought gems were likely to be oddly faceted, and because I wanted them all to be size proportionate. The clear blue wings were also made from resin; I'm so glad it worked and is now blue and transparent and pretty ;w;

The gold wire was originally very yellow and gaudy (as seen in the first pic), so I sprayed it over with a warmer gold and then painstakingly began to cut and bend them into shape, sanding the edges so they wouldn't cut my poor Tutu's skin when she wore it. I've never done such tiny jewellery work before, so it was difficult and fairly painful to get some of the smaller pieces to do exactly what I wanted (gem hanging at the bottom, I'm looking at you). But I succeeded in the end! o/

The base and others are made from layers of craft foam, with nail polish over to make it glittery and shiny (although it doesn't really show up well in photos), because a flat colour would look too plain next to all the shiny gems. Ribbon is just ribbon. I stared at so many reference pictures and COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT ON EARTH THAT THING WAS SUPPOSED TO BE. It looked like strips of hard metal fastened about her neck at first, but when she took it off at the dramatic-wails-no-Ahiru-WHY episode it fell like soft ribbons. Argh.

[leochantisallspiders]

Your OCs. Information. Give 👀👀👀

Letorix.

This fuck.

My Flondon oc. a beautiful bastard with x + n4 amount of self control. They’re about as persuasive as a bag of rocks though.

My various oc gorgons also exist, as well as Mask, who is a creepy fuck with a mask made of barbed wire he spray painted gold, and the immortal embodiment of 5edgy3u. He exists to scare the two Gorgon ocs.

[jakey-beefed-it]

Forge World Konor Admech Painting Guide

Leaving this here so I can look it up later. Also if anyone looks at my robot dudes and goes 'i wanna do that'.

Unless otherwise noted, paints are Citadel because that's what I have mostly. VMC = Vallejo Model Color, AP = Army Painter, RPR = Reaper

This is a deliberately streamlined process to crank through scads of skitarii; characters should get more shades and highlights in suitable colors, but the below will give you a skitarius or kataphron breacher or kastellan robot or whatever.

Prime Black

Outer Robes

Base: Night Lords Blue (2 coats)

Wash: Drakenhof Nightshade (all over)

Layer: RPR Ultramarine Blue

Highlight: RPR Ultramarine Blue (less tho)

Inner Robes

Base: Rakarth Flesh (2 coats)

Layer: Wraithbone (2 coats)

Pants

Base: VMC Black Grey

Wash: Ratling Grime Contrast

Layer: Mechanicus Std Grey

Steel

Base: AP Gun Metal

Wash: Agrax Earthshade (all over)

Layer: AP Shining Silver (sketchy)

Brass

Base: Balthasar Gold

Wash: Agrax Earthshade (all over)

Highlight: Runelord Brass (sketchy)

Leather

Base: Rhinox Hide

Wash: Agrax Earthshade (all over)

Layer: Doombull Brown (2 coats)

Wood/Gun Stocks

Base: Rhinox Hide

Wash: Agrax Earthshade (all over)

Layer: VMC Saddle Brown (2 coats)

Hoses & Wires

Base: AP Gun Metal or VMC Black Grey

Wash: Ratling Grime Contrast

Optional Colors: Khorne Red or Averland Sunset, never next to each other

Cog Mechanicus

Base: Corvus Black

White: Corax White

Wash: Tamiya Panel Liner or Nuln Oil

Glowy Shit

Base: Corax White (2 coats)

Layer: AP Matt White

Wash: Magmadroth Flame Contrast

Highlight: Fire Dragon Bright

Purity Seal Wax

Base: Screamer Pink

Wash: Druchii Violet

Highlight: Pink Horror

Purity Seal Parchment

Base: Rakarth Flesh (2 coats)

Wash: Agrax Earthshade

Highlight: Karak Stone

Basing

Base: Rhinox Hide (2 coats)

Rocks: Doombull Brown (2 coats)

Skulls: Drybrush Karak Stone, then Drybrush Screaming Skull

Layer: ‘Ardcoat (for more crackle)

Texture: Martian Ironearth but not the rocks or skulls

Wash: Agrax Earthshade

Drybrush: [TBD: insert rusty ochre color here]

Vehicle Armor

Base: AP Gun Metal (or Leadbelcher spray)

Wash: Ratling Grime Contrast

Layer: VMC Gunmetal Blue

Highlight: AP Shining Silver (sketchy)

Vehicle Armor Accent

Base: Rakarth Flesh

Wash: Agrax Earthshade

Layer: Wraithbone

Highlight: AP Matt White

[romanken]

HOTTEST MEN EVER ACCORDING TO ME

1. mandy patinkin in yentl

2. hannibal in fromage after he kills tobias and he daintily takes his handkerchief out of his pocket and knocks over the stand and theres blood on his lip and his hairs all messed up

3. Lalo

4-6. Oberyn. xmen first class when erik calls himself Frankenstein's monster. my chemical romance

7. in velvet goldmine where curt is writhing around on the floor in those gold pants that might as well be spray painted on

8. Daniel kaluuya staring into your soul

9-12. The cop from malignant. Whenever they stick things into jude laws hole in eXistenZ. Hannibal the rest of the show. Lee pace Leg

13. Al pacino in 2019 al pacino in 1983 al Pacino in 1995 al pacino in 1972 al pacino in 2007

14. Man on tiktok with the big real naturals

15. Guy I saw in an aztec docudrama in history class in 8th grade

16. Ethan hawke tying barbed wire around himself and preparing to drink draino

17. Frankenstein's monster

[gorgonwoman]

I have never in my life spent this much time and effort on a costume like I have on this one. It’s been in the works literally since January. I’m SO excited to get to finally wear it this month I am going to explode (threat)

we’re going to a costume ball an hour or so away and I’m dressing up as a priestess of Medusa / maiden of rage & I spent so long just now finishing my snake crown; I just have to hem the dress and I think it’ll be done? A few pieces are still arriving in the mail tho — I got some finger claws on Amazon, a snakeskin bodysuit to wear under everything so I’m not frozen, and some temporary tattoos. I spent months trying to find the right dress and cloak & all the accessories; I customized a snake staff; I embroidered protective sigils onto the cloak; I made a crown by wiring rubber snakes to an embroidery hoop then spray painting all of it gold (the snakes wouldn’t stick with hot glue). I’ve spent so long trying to figure out what to do with face paint and I found this hack using fishnets to make scales on your face and today I bought some powder to add some depth to the paint. I also thrifted this wallet purse thing that has a long strap & somehow fits perfectly around my waist so I’m using that to keep my wallet in & a little spellbook I made to fit the concept

I always get so extra with these things, like if I have a theme then I have to COMMIT and it’s going to be so much fun

I’m SO EXCITED to finally get to put it all together and see the final look!!!!

[callsigncrash]

Things I’ve ingested one way or another but shouldn’t of because I had the mentality of a dog as a child.

Industrial Resin

UV Resin

Craft Resin

Paint thinner

Nail polish remover (lower percentage than the paint thinner)

Bleach

Glow stick stuff

Spray paint

Regular paint

House paint

Flakes from those gold and silver leaf things

Lead powder (very small amount)

Wood finish (shellac, lacquer, wood wax)

General wax things like from those fruits or candles

Dirt/Mud

Blood that was not my own because I couldn’t be bothered to wash my hands when I was 8

Paper of many kinds

Those fabric ball things that used to be on a lot of shirts in the early 2010s

Plastics

Caulking

Styrofoam

Tin foil

Cookie sheet paper

Wax paper for cooking

Epoxy clay

Air dry clay

That clay they use to sculpt and then fire things

More recently, I ate a bracket off one of my braces and the form they used to balance my teeth all in one when eating pizza

Many raw meats and eggs

Rubber of all kinds

I ate a rock in 1st grade

I ate a small glass gemstone off a charm I was chewing on when I was 8

General fabrics

Glue (School glue, hot glue, fabritack, wood glue etc)

I vaguely remember chewing up wires when I was 4. I chewed them later on too but that’s the only time I remember ingesting bits of it (side note, it was off a busted pair of earbuds I think so no damage was done)

Soaps

String

Yarn

Sawdust

That powder stuff on walls

Egg shells

Sand

Kinetic sand

Part of a feather

Crayon wax

Graphite

The stuff the colored part in a colored pencil

A leaf

Sticks and more random things of wood

I’m sure there’s more but I can’t remember all of it. I thank the gods everyday that I’m still here. Thank you for reading.

[kscosplaycatalog]

No. 17 - 2012

Character: Erza Scarlet (Armorless ver.)  Series: Fairy Tail by Mashima Hiro

Cosplayer Credits: - Natsu : My brother - Gray : Jaiden - Lucy : Kirky

Photog Credits: - Axel - David Ho - Nikki Smith Photography

==========

This is genuinely one of my absolute favorite costumes, and one of the ones I'm still so proud of today!

Like Shiki, I decided to make this particular version of Erza's because I saw an opportunity to make something I'd always wanted to make: a hakama! Does she actually wear a hakama? Not really, but who cares?! 

==========

My wig is from Epic Cosplay Wigs. The top is two parts. The first was made from white spandex and is essentially a tube top. I then cover it with drug-store gauze that sticks to itself once it's in place. The bottom, which you can't really see, is made from the same white spandex as the top. I made a pattern from a pair of tights I already had only it goes down to just before my knees.

The hakama is made from red denim-like cotton. I used Folkwear pattern 151, Hakama and Kataginu. I used appliqué (HeatnBond Lite) for the flames at the bottom; the fabrics were similar to the red. For my back board, I fused some spare red to a few pieces of 16th of an inch-thick piece of interfacing. It is washable this way but still stiff as a board and bendable like professional hakama.

I originally wanted to do the tattoo with Hollywood Ink Henna pens and a stencil, but when we got to the convention Friday, we saw they had temporary tattoos in all of the colors we needed and we figured that'd be easier and faster. Plus, most of us were wearing things the next day that would've shown the guildmark so we didn't want them to clash. I later bought actual temp tattoo pens from Stargazers.

I made Benizakura to go with this costume in 2017. It is made of 1/4 plywood for the core blade and hilt. The tsuba (guard) is made of 3/4 plywood that I sanded down to about 5/16 of an inch. I also sanded the hilt pieces from 1/4 to about 1/8 so the hilt came to 1/2 an inch. I used thin foam to finish the designs: the over-layer on the tsuba, the swirls on the hilt, and the pummel. Lastly, the tassel is made out of actual tassel, three wooden craft beads painted red, and screw in loop painted gold. The tassel was beaded and then, after strung through the loop, glue into the top bead.

And speaking of late add-ons... I also didn't have the time to make her earrings but I did eventually, so look out for them in some of these shots. They are made out of a half-inch square acrylic rod that I sanded down using a grinder wheel. A friend carefully drilled a small hole for the wire that I twisted, covered with a bead, and attached to a clamp earring, since I don't have pierced ears. Everything was spray painted to match.

Now my brother's costume was also a lot of fun to make. Aside from his height, he really does have a lot in common with Natsu, so it was a lot of fun to be these two. We got the wig from Fantasy Sheep on eBay; came pre-styled.

The scarf was made out of white fleece. Essentially, I made a pillowcase-like piece, inserted a thin layer of polyfoam, sewed the fringes between the "pillowcase"'s sides as it was shut, and sewed the different sections with black thread. I'm very proud of it because it bulges up and sections off like the references.

I used dark navy blue broadcloth for the front fabric and I insisted it should be reversable as per the Tenroujima Arc, I used grey broadcloth as the lining fabric. The trim is gold poly-cotton. I modified a simple shirt pattern I already had as the vest was not very complicated. We actually bought both the belt buckle and interchangeable belt from PiercingPros on Amazon.

Same fabric and idea as the vest, for the "skirt." I measured his waist, marking the middle, and then halving that measurement to add to it to get the bottom measurement, lining up the middles. (In case that was confusing, here's a formula: W = waist measurement; B = Bottom measurement; W + (W/2) = B) It connects at the top, under the belt with hook-n-eye clasps.

I modified the pants pattern from Kouma. I used white broadcloth held up with an elastic waistband. The calf ties are extra navy broadcloth fashioned like trim after bunching the ends of the pants and have hook and eye clasps on the inside seam. The knots are made separately and then sewn into place They were actually made by my friend Kirky.

==========

Erza: Cost: $60 Time: 16 hrs

Natsu: Cost: $60 Time: 10 hrs

[mars2oliverrose]

Everything has been sprayed with the primer, the hinges and tension locks have been glued in and screwed in due to the filling not being a true solid to hold it, I glued everything else in place including the wires and electronics ready for soldering and I have mo9veed onto the painting phase.

I wanted a mix of copper gold and black to give a steampunk type vibe painted the surface but now looking at it from a side angle it looks more like wood rather than copper, which is fine with me, gives that extra pristine look. First layer of paint is complete just need the gold accents and edge highlights.

I also glued in the sponge material to the curved card, made more than I needed but the extras filled in the space in-between the other sponge parts which was fine, I led a piece of 120mm by 5mm dowel rod through the mini gaps for extra added strength to the model and to each of the pieces.

[propface]

10 Best Ways to Use Household Items as Photography Props Ideas

Inspiring product images above basic white backgrounds requires introducing creative elements to spark viewer curiosity.

Rather than invest in expensive photography kits, transform everyday objects around your home into DIY props that add visual intrigue without blowing your product photography budget.

1. Spin Kitchen Towels into Backdrops

The flour sack towels tucked inside that kitchen drawer present the ultimate blank canvas for showcasing earrings, makeup compacts, plants, baked goods, and other photogenic products. Drape one over cardboard to introduce soft wrinkles and dimension.

The neutral hues and textured fabric inject warmth and authenticity into product photography ideas. For added interest, display the exact product against different colored towels to offer viewers palette options.

2. Shape Foil Pie Pans into Reflectors

Light bounces differently off various surface sheens. By strategically placing metal cooking trays around a product, you can amplify and redirect light to unexpectedly bring out dimension and added glow.

The ultra-shiny interior side of a foil pie pan unleashes maximum reflectivity for adding buttery luminosity or accent shadows

3. Craft Paper Boxes into Backdrops

For playful product images with a colorful personality, upcycle leftover gift boxes from clothing or jewelry purchases into vibrant, patterned backdrops for only the effort of some strategic unwrapping.

Or pick out a paper bag in complementary tones to the item displayed. Iron out creases if desired and drape wrinkled paper behind subjects captured overhead for abstract backgrounds brimming with mood.

4. Upcycle Clear Glass Jars and Bottles into Display Stands

Translucent glass drinkware, condiment jars, and apothecary bottles present the perfect neutral platforms for propping up an endless assortment of items for your next product shoot.

Fill squat jam jars with colorful pulses like lentils or rice to buoy bath bombs and ornaments. Let the distorted glass magnify views of earrings, charms, pins, or other miniature wares.

5. Engineer Wooden Clipboards into Vertical Display Backdrops

Sometimes, demonstrating product functionality requires angled views showcasing usage and components.

For ad hoc vertical backdrops or photography prop ideas clip assorted products onto the ledge of a humble wooden clipboard elevated by hooks, clamps, or props against a neutral wall.

6. Shape Aluminum Foil into Reflectors

Beyond baking pans, reach for ordinary household aluminum foil as an ultra-affordable photography reflector for adding dimension to product shots. Simply scrunch sheets into loose balls and strategic angles optimized to bounce light onto specific surfaces.

The wavy texture catches and reflects light for accentuating dimensions and surfaces with increased luminance your camera’s flash alone can’t achieve.

7. Craft Paper Towels and toilet Paper Rolls into Product Stands.

Rather than trashing cardboard paper product tubes, transform these household cylinders into custom photography stands and risers ideal for propping up compact items like jewelry, cosmetics, plants, and trinkets.

Cut various lengths, stack into plinths, or leave full rolls intact for accenting product heights. Spray paint rolls into solid hues or fun patterns to complement displayed items like metallic gold embellishing a jewelry series or bright white matching a makeup line’s packaging.

8. Bend Wire Hangers into Abstract Sculptures

The ordinary wire hanger transforms into an abstract modern art sculpture when strategically bent into exciting angles. Use unique shapes or Photography Tray as framing elements surrounding products or as textural displays stand underneath.

Use adult garment racks and miniature child hanger sizes to craft custom wire sculptures scaled to displayed products.

9. Drape Silk Scarves as Bold Backdrops

Vibrant 100% silk scarves block solid colors in the frame as exciting backdrops that aesthetically pop accessories, foods, plants, and other photographable products.

Unleash those unworn styles stashed inside drawers to inject exotic global textures and rich dyed hues easily manipulated to stage items creatively and elegantly.

10. Shape Aluminum Foil into Reflectors

Crumble aluminum foil sheets into an improvised photography reflector for bouncing light. The metallic sheen and randomly crinkled texture catch and heightened ambient lighting from all angles.

Sculpt sheets into spheres, cones, or abstract shapes surrounding product subjects to accent dimensions and surfaces with increased luminance beyond your camera flash’s capabilities.

Conclusion

Rather than break budgets on expensive photography lighting kits and backdrops, transform mundane household items into creative photographic props guaranteed to showcase products in visually intriguing environments.

Construct improvised backgrounds, stands, frames, and reflectors using materials around your home kitchen, closets, and recycle bins.

[votivecandleholder]

Best Christmas Napkin Rings: Dazzling Winter Designs!

New Post has been published on https://dinnertables.net/best-christmas-napkin-rings-dazzling-winter-designs

Best Christmas Napkin Rings: Dazzling Winter Designs!

Napkin rings often overlooked, play an integral role in setting the tone for winter dinners, adding that festive touch to the Christmas table decorations. They elevate the aesthetic appeal, transforming ordinary table settings into extraordinary, thematic feasts. More than just an accessory, the right napkin ring, especially in winter, can stir warm, cozy feelings, enhancing the dining experience.

Contents

1 Unwrap the Best Winter-Themed Napkin Ring Designs This Season

2 Pine Cone Napkin Rings

3 Snowflake Napkin Rings

4 Christmas Bauble Napkin Rings

4.1 Silver christmas napkin rings

5 Winter Berry Napkin Rings

6 Faux Antler Napkin Rings

6.1 Gold christmas napkin rings

7 Christmas napkin ring ideas

7.1 DIY napkin rings

7.2 Ceramic christmas napkin rings

7.3 Vintage christmas napkin rings

Unwrap the Best Winter-Themed Napkin Ring Designs This Season

The selection of material is crucial. Wood emits a rustic charm, perfect for a cabin-inspired setting, while metals like silver or gold napkin rings can add a luxurious feel, ideal for formal dinners. This blog will lead you through the process of crafting the perfect Christmas napkin rings to enhance your Christmas dinner.

Snowman Napkin Ring

Pine Cone Napkin Rings

Imagine your dining table adorned with the rustic charm of pine cone napkin rings, adding a touch of winter magic to your gatherings. For this delightful DIY, all you need are pine cones, gold or silver spray paint, and thin twine. Start by giving the pine cones a festive makeover with the spray paint, allowing them to dry completely. Once ready, tie each pine cone securely to a napkin ring with twine. Consider using a mix of large and small cones for a dynamic look.

Pine Cone

Combine pine cone napkin holder rings with deep green or burgundy napkins for a cozy woodland vibe. Add wooden chargers and flickering candles for an enchanting Christmas table setting, creating a warm and inviting space that celebrates the beauty of the season.

Snowflake Napkin Rings

Elevate your winter dining experience with snowflake holiday napkin rings that bring a touch of icy elegance to your table. Gather thin silver wire, small crystal beads, and pliers for this enchanting project. Craft delicate snowflake shapes with the wire, adorning them with the crystal beads for a frosty sparkle. Attach these to plain table napkin rings for a sophisticated finish.

Dazzling Snowflake Napkin Ring

Pair this DIY napkin rings with crisp white napkins to enhance the winter theme. Incorporate silver or blue-themed tableware, shimmering candle holders, and scattered faux snow for a dining table transformed into a magical winter scape, turning every meal into a festive celebration with charm and sophistication.

Christmas Bauble Napkin Rings

Why not add a touch of Christmas magic to your dining table with baubles as Christmas napkin rings? Gather small, plain napkin rings, festive ribbon, and mini Christmas ornaments in various colors. Start by wrapping the ribbon around the napkin ring, securing it with a knot. Next, attach a mini Christmas bauble to the ribbon using hot glue. Mix and match colors for a vibrant look or stick to a single theme for a more coordinated table setting.

Silver christmas napkin rings

Bauble

Pair the bauble napkin rings with red or green napkins to complete the festive ensemble. Consider complementing the setup with holiday-themed placemats and candle holders for an unforgettable winter dining experience.

Winter Berry Napkin Rings

Winter berry napkin rings are the perfect touch for a festive dining table this season. To create these charming napkin holder rings, gather materials like wire rings, faux winter berries, and thin twine. Start by wrapping the wire ring with twine for a rustic base, then intertwine faux winter berries, securing them with hot glue. The deep reds and greens evoke a cozy winter feel.

Winter Berry Napkin Rings

Pair them with crisp white napkins for a striking contrast. To elevate the setup, incorporate silver or gold candle holders with white candles, and scatter pinecones and small ornaments for a cohesive look.

Faux Antler Napkin Rings

Consider adding a touch of the wild to your winter dining with faux antler napkin rings for Christmas. They’re easy to create with faux antlers, some wire, and a bit of glue. Simply wrap the wire around the antler pieces to form unique, rustic napkin rings. Pair these with earth-toned napkins to complement the natural theme. You could also incorporate elements like wooden cutlery, mason jar glasses, and a centerpiece of pine cones and fairy lights.

Gold christmas napkin rings

Brown Placemats Wovenrattan Blue Tablerunner Gold Deert Napkin Rings Top Angle View Organic Table Decor

Christmas napkin ring ideas

Don’t forget about practicality; ensure the Christmas napkin rings are easy to handle for your guests.

DIY napkin rings

This DIY napkin rings not only adds a charming, rustic touch but also creates a cozy, lodge-like ambiance, making every meal feel like a cabin retreat.

Ceramic christmas napkin rings

Eight Vintage Ceramic Christmas Tree Napkin Rings

Vintage christmas napkin rings

Sony Dsc

Finally

In conclusion, remember to always prioritize safety when decorating your winter dinner napkin holder ideas. Do opt for non-flammable materials to ensure safety around candles. Don’t overcrowd your Christmas table; simplicity often speaks volumes. Do embrace creativity; mix and match textures and colors for a personalized touch. Above all, let your imagination run wild! Winter dinners are the perfect canvas for expressing your unique style. Stay safe, keep it simple yet stylish, and unleash your creativity to make every meal a winter wonder.

[ornamentalclassics]

Deck the Lawn: Festive Christmas Decorations for Your Outdoor Space

The holiday season is a magical time of year when homes and gardens sparkle with festive decor. While much of the focus is often on decorating indoors, your outdoor space also presents ample opportunities to spread some seasonal cheer. With a little creativity, you can transform your lawn, garden, and outdoor areas into a winter wonderland. 

From lighting displays to Christmas-themed ornamentation, let's explore some fun and unique ways to deck your outdoor halls this Christmas.

Light Up the Lawn

One of the most popular and impactful ways to decorate your yard for Christmas is with lights. Twinkling white lights instantly create a magical ambiance, whether wrapped around trees, shrubs, railings, or wound through planting beds. For an extra festive flair, opt for strands with colored bulbs. 

Icicle lights offer a frosty and sparkling effect when draped over eaves and fences. Light up pathways and driveways by lining them with mini-lights or luminaries. You can also use spotlights or floodlights to illuminate focal points and landscaping features. 

For next-level holiday light displays, many homeowners turn to LED projection systems. These lights can cast shapes, images, and animations onto the surfaces of your home. Kids and adults alike will love the dazzling shows.

Natural Decorations

Bring the natural beauty of winter into your outdoor Christmas decor. One simple idea is to incorporate seasonal plants and greenery like holly, pine, evergreen boughs, and poinsettias. Display them in pots on your patio, steps, or walkways. Hang wreaths made of fresh greens on doors and entryways. 

Pine cones are another great natural decorative element. Gather them up and pile them in bowls or baskets, or use them to create simple garlands and swags. For some shimmer, spray paint them in metallic hues like gold, silver, or copper.

Berries and botanicals like winterberries, hydrangeas, curly willow branches, and bare birch logs also make gorgeous wintry decorations. Display them in vases, planters, and baskets, or incorporate them into centerpieces and wreaths.

Fun & Festive Ornaments 

When it comes to decking the halls outdoors, let your imagination run wild with fun and playful Christmas ornaments and decorations. 

Giant ornament decorations make a bold statement. Place giant clear glass ball replicas in your yard or flowerbeds. Hang supersized metallic ornaments from tree branches. Adorn your entryway with oversized wreaths, bows, candy canes, and presents.

For a touch of whimsy, accent with character decorations like glowing snowmen, Santa and reindeer figures, oversized candy decorations, and Christmas mythical creatures like gnomes and elves. Use stakes to display them on your lawn or flowerbeds.

Other creative Christmas ornament ideas include decorative buoys, lighted wireframes in fun shapes like trees, stars, and gift boxes, and items that move like pinwheels, spinners, or whirlygigs. Just be sure whichever ornaments you choose can withstand the elements.  

Winter planters and pots are another area to have some fun. Fill them with faux snow and glittery pine cones, birch logs, or mini-lighted trees. For a unique display, mount wire baskets on exterior walls and fill them with colorful glass ornaments.

Themed Decorations

Transport guests to iconic Christmas scenes and movies with some themed decorations. For a North Pole effect, use wireframes to make candy cane arches over walkways and line the yard with snow-dusted faux pine trees. 

Recreate the Griswold house from “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” with strands of quirky twinkling lights. Build a decorative neighborhood model like the hilarious scenes from “Christmas Vacation” and “Elf.” 

Make your own larger-than-life Christmas gnomes and Santas like the “Elf” movie. Construct giant storybook scenes of the Grinch and Whoville or Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. With a dose of creativity, the possibilities are endless!

Interactive Outdoor Fun

Incorporate opportunities for guests to interact and enjoy activities outdoors. Set up stations for making s'mores by open fire pits or chimineas. Build a snowman-making area with props like decorative top hats, scarves, and carrot noses. 

Host an outdoor holiday movie night in the yard or project it against the house. For parties, decorate with festive backyard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Yahtzee, or set up a hot cocoa bar cart. 

Let kids enjoy a winter wonderland with a Santa’s Workshop playhouse or snow-covered playground area filled with sleds, bouncy houses, and faux snowball targets. Line the space with festoon lighting to make it extra special. The more opportunities for holiday engagement, the merrier!

Festive Accents & Touches

Tie your entire outdoor Christmas decor scheme together with some well-placed festive accents and finishing touches. Wrap trees, railings, columns, and light posts with tinsel garland or ribbon. Scatter glittery pinecones to add some sparkle. Display vintage-style blow molds, like Santa riding a snowmobile. 

Place decorative mats at entrances, top balconies, and railings with frosted garland and bows, and adorn planter boxes with sprigs of holly and berry stems. Christmas flags and oversize stockings hung on exterior walls also help spread the holiday cheer all around your home.

With a dose of creativity and merrymaking spirit, you can deck even the smallest yard, balcony, or patio with Christmas magic. Just be sure to use durable materials made to withstand the elements. Then get ready to embrace the joys of the season as you take your celebrations outdoors!

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

When decking your outdoor space for the holidays, the possibilities are endless. Here are some additional ideas to spark your creativity:

Lighted trees, deer, Santas, candy canes, and arches in the yard

Projection lights displaying images on the home exterior 

Inflatable Christmas decorations like Santa, snowmen, nativity scene

Outdoor holiday village displays and mini Christmas trees

Lighted wire or metal silhouettes of trees, stars, reindeer, Christmas characters

Evergreen garlands, wreaths, Christmas trees on porch, balcony, patio

Outdoor holiday floral decor like poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen, Christmas cactus

Mason jar luminaries lining the driveway, sidewalks, steps 

Faux snow-dusted branches, pinecones, and berries

Outdoor holiday banners, bows, garlands on mailboxes, fencing, planters

Window candle luminaries

Lit shapes on exterior walls like stars, trees, wreaths 

Candy cane stakes

Holiday bows tied around trees in the yard

Christmas lights outlining roofline, windows, door frames, sidewalks, etc. 

Decorated yard signs with holiday greetings, giant candy canes

Outdoor holiday rug at entryways

Front door decorated with evergreen wreath, bells, bows, pine cone garland

Decorated planter boxes and pots - snowy pine cones, branches, mini trees

Wrap tree trunks or columns in ribbon, lights

Lamp posts decorated with garlands, bows, lights

Lit wire ornament shapes hung in trees - stars, snowflakes, icicles, etc.

Outdoor holiday scenes & characters - Santa sleigh, reindeer, nativity scene  

Supersized holiday decorations - ornaments, candy canes, stockings, bows, bells, lights

Wrap railings, banisters, deck posts in garlands, string lights  

Lit wire deer, snowmen, and candy canes along the roofline

Christmas trees, evergreen shapes (stars, trees), wreaths in windows

Outdoor holiday centerpieces with winter botanicals, pine cones, evergreen, berries

Display vintage blow molds outdoors - Santa, snowmen, nutcrackers, etc.

Outdoor holiday games - giant Yahtzee, oversized Connect Four, cornhole

Garden Decorations for Christmas

The garden presents plenty of opportunities to add Christmas magic. Here are ideas for decorating your garden and landscaped areas:

Evergreen wreaths, mini trees, or shrub Christmas trees

Wrap trees or posts with string lights  

Use stakes & fasteners to display ornament decor in flowerbeds

Hang oversized ornaments, and wireframes from tree branches

Drape lighting on bushes, over arbors/pergolas

Adorn pots/planters with pine sprigs, ornaments, berry branches  

Incorporate winter plants - holly, pines, poinsettias

Accent with red winterberries, cut curly willow stems 

Display glass ball replicas, mirror balls in beds, containers

Scatter-glittered pinecones as accents in flowerbeds

Use solar-powered spotlights to illuminate trees, ornaments, lighting

Wrap tree trunks in ribbon, string lights

Place lighted wire trees, stars, and deer among the garden beds  

Create holiday displays - Santa sleigh, reindeer, snowmen

Use stakes to display candy canes along garden pathways

Drape net lights over bushes

Set up lighted arches over pathways lined with white lights  

Hang giant glass ball ornaments from tree branches

Accent with sprigs of holly, evergreen, pops of red bows/berries

Display yard art - lighted wire snowflakes, stars, trees

Wrap columns, railings, and fence posts in ribbon & lights

Have fun dressing up your garden for a magical Christmas! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Best Materials for Outdoor Christmas Decorations

When selecting decorations to place outdoors, be sure to choose materials made to withstand the winter elements:

Waterproof Christmas lights - LED lights last longest. Choose lights rated for outdoor use.

Weather-resistant garland, ribbon, and wreaths made of plastic, silk, or rust-proof metals that won’t deteriorate or fade.

Ornaments and decor items specified for outdoor use are made from durable plastics, resin, metals, or shatterproof materials. Avoid glass.

Plants and greenery suitable for winter like pines, holly, boxwood, cedar, etc. Display poinsettias outdoors only temporarily, not overnight.

Weatherproof decorative objects like resin or plastic Santas, reindeer, nutcrackers, snowmen, etc. 

Inflatable decorations with waterproof, UV-protected surfaces designed for outdoor use

Polyresin, PVC, reinforced concrete, or fiberglass yard art pieces that won’t crack or warp 

Lighted wire frame decorations made with waterproof, UV-protected plastic coverings

Solar-powered lights, spotlights, luminaries that won’t risk shorts in rain or snow

Outdoor-rated extension cords, timers, and hanging/mounting hardware

Choose decor specifically made for the outdoors. Read tags and descriptions carefully to ensure durability. With proper materials, you can enjoy your festive display all season long without weathering.

Outdoor Christmas Decoration Safety Tips

When decorating outdoors, keep these safety precautions in mind:

Use a GFCI outlet when plugging in electrical decorations outside to prevent shocks.

Check for exposed, frayed, or loose wires and damaged cords. Discard any defects.

Do not overload outlets. Use appropriate gauge extension cords.

Use timers certified for outdoor use to automatically turn lights on and off.

Only hang lights and decorations using clips, fasteners, or hooks suitable for outdoors.

Do not staple or nail into power cords or lighting strings.

Position all cords and lights away from water sources and walkways.

Turn off all lights when away from home or when asleep. 

For roof and gutter decor, use proper ladders and safety precautions. 

Stake and secure yard decorations properly to keep them upright in wind and rain.

Use plastic hooks, zip ties, or insulated staples instead of metal when decorating outdoors.

Check that all decorations are high enough over pathways to avoid tripping hazards.

Make sure decor does not interfere with lighting or block visibility for traffic or pedestrians. 

Avoid using real candles outdoors. Opt for battery-operated candle lights instead.

Check that yard/lawn ornaments do not pose choking hazards or other dangers for pets or children.

With careful setup and common sense precautions, you can safely spread the holiday spirit outside. Follow guidelines to prevent hazards or accidents.

Christmas Lawn Decorating Ideas

The lawn offers prime real estate for spirited Christmas displays. Here are creative ideas for decorating your yard:

Blanket lawn in white with faux snow dust for a winter wonderland effect. Use temporary spray snow.

Use stakes to display pathway lining candy canes, arches, trees, and holiday characters. 

Create a mini North Pole with inflatable igloos, snowmen, polar bears, penguins, and Santa’s workshop.

Build snowman-making stations with props - top hats, scarves, corncob pipes, nose accessories. 

Use spotlights or projections to cast holiday shapes and scenes onto exterior walls or garage doors.

Line the driveway or sidewalk with luminaries or votive candle lanterns.

Decorate yard art - wire deer, trees, snowmen, stars, and arches with lights.

Use decorative ground stakes or yard greeters - Merry Christmas signs, giant candy canes.

Wrap tree trunks with string lights. Drape net lighting on bushes. Outline rooflines.

Set up family fun zones - holiday movie screening, caroling stage, snowball target practice. 

Create a mini holiday village with small lighted houses and Christmas trees. 

Display larger-than-life Santa, a sleigh with reindeer, nutcrackers, nativity scene.

Project patterns like stars, snowflakes, and holiday characters onto exterior walls.

Have fun transforming your yard into a magical Christmas extravaganza this season!

Outdoor Christmas Decor on a Budget

You can deck your halls with festive cheer without breaking the bank using these budget outdoor decor ideas:

Make your own greenery garlands and wreaths by clipping your yard or fresh-cut greens. Accent with ribbon, pinecones, and berries from nature.

Use what you already have - balls, vases, garden statues - and give items a holiday makeover by spraypainting them red, green, gold, or silver. Add ribbons.

Invest in a strand or two of sturdy, good-quality lights each year. Build up your lighting display over time.

Shop discounts and dollar stores for inexpensive themed mini trees, candy canes, Gnomes, and yard art. Repurpose your finds each year. 

DIY ornaments from painted pinecones, wood slices, acorns, popsicle sticks, and glass ball knockoffs using ping pong balls. 

Make glittery, snowy pinecones and decorative gift bows using inexpensive craft supplies from your local hobby shop. 

Search Craigslist and Facebook for used or free holiday decorations, PVC candy canes, wire deer, etc. 

Use items from nature like evergreen branches, bare birch logs, and winterberries. Collect pinecones on walks to use for DIY decor.

Make outdoor luminaries from mason jars. Use tea lights or battery-operated candles instead of real candles. 

Use your creativity instead of your wallet! You can make memorable decorations without spending a great deal.

Garden Accents for Christmas from Ornamental Classics

For holiday home garden decorating, explore Ornamental Classics' beautiful selection of decorative accents to add seasonal charm.

Made of durable materials suitable for the outdoors, these exquisite pieces make charming additions to garden beds, walkways, patios, and entryways. Choose from styles like:

Sparkling Mercury Glass Mushrooms - Cluster their elegant silvery stems sprouting “snowcapped” tops for a magical wintry effect.

North Pole People - Welcome a festive family of hand-painted resin carolers. Pose and place them singing joyfully in your garden.  

Dancing Deer Metal Art - Handmade steel deer silhouettes bring woodland whimsy dancing along a snowy trail of sparkling white lights.

Copper Birch Tree Metal Trees - Drape these coppery birch trees with string lights for a gorgeous glittering garden accent.

Glass Icicles - Suspend these shimmering icicle drops from branches for a glistening wintry sparkle.

Copper Star Tree Toppers - Perch these rustic burnished stars atop mini potted evergreens. 

Let your creativity shine this Christmas with Ornamental Classics' exquisite garden decor. Add glitter, glow, and seasonal magic to your outdoor spaces.

[astoryat3]

descriptions of my art i entered into a solo series exhibition that got rejected

am i a threat?, 2023

Found metal, nails, lace, plaster, paint

Inspired by the mandated threat assessment I received as a teenager.

for your viewing pleasure, 2022

Welded metal, nails, wood, plexiglass

A moth, hardened by their experiences, chained up and placed in a shadow box for all to see. This represents how I felt being the child of a strict, first-generation, Asian immigrant. Asian mothers often hold their children to high standards, showing to the world and bragging about their child's achievements, only to be forcing unrealistic ideals, and trapping them in their own home.

happy pills, 2022

Plaster, nails, wire

Representative the "imprisonment" of having to take lifelong psychiatric medication.

heart, 2022

Aluminum casting

A visual interpretation of the chest tightness caused by anxiety, stress, and grief.

i'm so much better now, 2023

Wood, spray paint, nails, hot glue

I used to lay in bed and sleep for the whole day to escape reality. Nowadays my bed is something to help me heal my body and mind, to recover. What was once an avenue for self-destruction is now filled with color and healing. My common recurring symbol of nails, representing suffering, is now painted gold. I have come to terms with the terrible things that have happened in my life and recognize that they have made me stronger.

pains of the closet, 2022

Welded metal, nails, paint, rainbow beads

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the "closet" is something that brings me pain. Being queer in any shape or form has always been taboo for my family, having come from a Catholic background. I always felt like I would never be accepted for my truest self by my family.

untitled, 2022

Wood, yarn, nails, lightbulbs

My first sculpture, meant to symbolize the struggles I have mentally. The lightbulbs symbolize the intelligence and "giftedness" I once had. Pastel purple yarn represents the softness I tend to portray myself with, intertwined are nails, symbolizing the pain that have endured and continue to experience.

you're so obedient, 2023

Welded nails

I was viewed as sexual object for much of my pre-teen and teen years. This piece is meant to represent how I have made a sort of armor for myself out of the suffering I have endured. The star is in an area that I feel that many people have deemed as the only valuable thing about me. I have always been commended for being "so obedient."

The nails, my suffering, has made me sharp and unforgiving. I have endured a lot, and though the things that have happened are terrible, they have become a part of myself and my experiences;they make me part of who I am today.

Despite everything that has happened, I am proud of who I am now.

[rschanfish]

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