Halloween 2015: Glitter Pumpkins

Photographed at the Craft Studio. Photo by Andrew Schwartz.

To check out the rest of our Halloween craft projects & DIY decor ideas, click HERE!

As an alternative to carving pumpkins, try picking up smaller pumpkins in a variety of sizes and colors (for a list of great local pumpkin-picking spots, click HERE) and adding glitter to them! Once you complete them, dry using a decorative pedestal (available at most party supply and craft stores) to display them at different heights on your Halloween treat table.

For this project, we used:

*Small and medium sized pumpkins (we found ours at Whole Foods in Union Square)

*Mod Podge (glossy)

*A small ArtMinds foam brush

*Creatology glitter in assorted colors (silver & black)

*Fiskars Star Thick Materials Shape Punch ($17.99-25.99 at fiskars.com)

Click through the slideshow below for how-to tips on creating this project at home!

Gather your supplies!
Once you've gathered together your supplies (pictured here and listed above), think about what kind of design you want to make with the glitter and also set up your work space. We recommend laying down a few sheets of newspaper on a table or on a tiled or wood floor space (avoid carpet because of the glitter). We also recommend using a small bowl or Tupperware container to put the Mod Podge in. Photo by Andrew Schwartz
Create your design!
Use the foam brush to apply the Mod Podge to the area you want to add glitter to—the possibilities are limitless, so use your imagination! For the larger pumpkin, we did vertical stripes with black glitter, using the pumpkins natural grooves as dividing lines; and for the smaller one we used the Fiskars Star Thick Materials Shape Punch to make a star stencil on regular paper and dabbing the Mod Podge in the star shape with both silver and black glitter. Photo by Andrew Schwartz.
Finishing touches!
Liberally shake glitter over the area(s) where you've applied Mod Podge--and note, you may want to use an old dishtowel or paper towel to dab off stray glitter and clean up the borders of your design. Let the glitter set for an hour, then dab on another layer of Mod Podge over the entire pumpkin (and let set another hour) to prevent glitter from flaking off and to give the non-glitter areas a glossy look. Photo by Andrew Schwartz.

Manhattan Mandarin

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Gaga Madness

Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!