Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun: Halloween Party Ideas

As the Halloween haunting season quickly approaches, you might find yourself looking for creative ways to entertain your ghoulish guests. Experts from The Art Institutes offer some ideas for making this time of year absolutely frightening.

Haunting Halloween Cards
Finding Halloween cards that fit your style can be a haunting task. Consider creating your own Halloween designs this season. All you need is a sense of fun and some imagination.

Here are some ideas to get you started:
"First, pick a theme you can use for invitations, party favors or costumes. For example, use horror films by Wes Craven or John Carpenter for inspiration, teen slasher films, or a cult classic such as 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,'" says Karen Habblitz of The Art Institute of Portland.

If you or someone in your house likes to draw, create a black and white image from your theme and then reproduce it on card stock of your choice. It's a quick and easy way to create multiple cards with one drawing. Finish with a quick watercolor wash to add a touch of color.

If drawing isn't your strength, try a collage by using typography and images that already exist. Gather a stack of expendable items (old comic books, magazines, newspapers, or greeting cards). Then create your own unique compositions by cutting, tearing and reassembling these images into a final composition. You can even use text from these sources so you don't have to do any hand lettering! Create multiple mini-collages (one for each card), or make color copies of your finished image. Always remember to use a heavy paper, or paste your image onto card stock for a finished look.

For a trendier look, try taking photocopied black and white images from old horror movie books. You can cut, paste or rearrange these visuals to create a modern, sophisticated look.

Pumpkin Carving with a Twist
An age-old tradition of the Halloween season is pumpkin carving. "To create a different look this Halloween, consider carving a gourd, or create a 'family' of jack-o-lanterns using a combination of pumpkins and gourds," says chef Sarah Gorham from The Art Institute of Atlanta. Choose a size, color or shape that will work with your design idea, or allow the unique qualities of the pumpkin or gourd to inspire you. A smooth, blemish free pumpkin provides a good working surface. But imperfections can be fun when incorporated into the design itself. A blemish can become a wart, or a pumpkin's "bad" side can look like a disfigured face.

Try using a variety of carving tools to create your design. Use carving knives or heavy-handled utility knives for cutting deep, straight lines. Try using a specialty pumpkin carving knife from a craft store for making curved and fine cuts. An electric drill with a variety of drill bits can cut into the hard surface of gourds. Varying cuts can create interesting effects. Try cutting partially through the flesh for a translucent look. Lighting is the last step in creating the perfect jack-o-lantern. Try a traditional votive candle or go for a different look by using electric string lights.

Special Effects Tricks
Thinking of updating your old Halloween costume? A good way to create something new is with makeup. For a werewolf, begin from the edge of the cheek and inward toward the nose, drawing hair-like lines. "It's best to trace any natural creases in the face with dark brown. Dramatically increase the size of the eyebrow and push the hairs forward," says Lars Nyquist from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Purchase fangs at a local costume shop and you'll be ready to howl at the moon.

Another idea is a ghastly ghoul. Start by painting your face a yellowish-green, then blacken or darken the lips in strokes that pull away from the center of the lips. Darken the area around the eyes and try adding a scar that extends from the corner of the eye down the cheek in a jagged line.

And last, but not least, is the classic vampire. Lighten your entire face with light gray or white and darken the eye area. Use a bit of red lipstick to brighten the lips and use a heavy styling product to slick hair toward the back. Finally, don't forget to purchase fangs from a local costume shop.

For more information on the creative and culinary arts programs at The Art Institutes, call (888) 328-7900 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com