Happy Victorian Gothic Halloween

Someone pointed that I had been remiss in my Halloween posts this year, especially compared to last -- who could forget Steam Pumpkin -- but I did stumble across a lovely set of Gothic Victorian Party Decor on MyHomeIdeas.

I can't get enough of red velvet curtains -- but tying them back with a noose is innovative...

Modify portraits with lace masks, decorate old spools with black lace for candleholders, use tarnished silver for a bouquet...

The best use of apothecary jars I've seen -- to hold creepy crawlies...

Many more photos and how-tos here.

Poison Labels

To continue in the imbibables theme, Robert sent me a link to these poison labels that were featured on Boing Boing.

Print them out and use them on wine bottles or lab glass!

The collection is by SpookShows.com, which also features vintage spooky-gear from the 1920s and 1930s as well as the most amazing Flickr set.

My Steampumpkin

So it's a bit late, but I wanted to show off our steampunk pumpkin from Halloween:



Although he bears an unfortunate resemblance to the Planter's Peanut Man, he is charming in his bowler (there's a pair of goggles that you can't really see perched on the bowler), mustache and monocle.

He's even more charming in the dark:



I can't take too much credit for him though -- the idea was mine, but the execution was all Ben.

Steam Pumpkin Rides Again

Steam Pumpkin Rides Again
Originally uploaded by Cherie Priest

Unfortunately unattainable, as the owner found this happy automaton (I think he looks happy, don't you?) at a Walmart years ago and hasn't seen anything like it sense.