Making the Mother Christmas Costume! 🎄

Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz combines Mother Nature and Father Christmas for this Ghost of Christmas Present inspired “Mother Christmas” holiday ensemble! Thrift Scarlett O'Hara-esque green velvet curtains became the foundation for salvaged fur and bead trim, clearance ribbons, and leather remnants before bells, bobs, and tassels added more winter magic!

Thank you for watching!

Follow Kbatz Krafts on Facebook and Instagram for Step by Step Project Photos!

Browse our Kbatz Krafts Archive for more sewing including: 

A Festive Red Skirt

Halloween Mystery Sewing 

Another Halloween Dress

Victorian Capes and Bonnets

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

What Child Is This by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. 

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Treat Yourself Mini Thrift Haul 🛒

 

It me, Kristin Battestella. I was a good girl and didn't thrift for a little while. However after the gifts were gotten for others, it's now time to treat yourself! Please enjoy this potluck of free clothes, fabric steals, DVDs, CDs, and VHS!

Sewing and Thrifting Playlist

Sewing on a Budget for SearchMagazine

Therefore Review Video Hauls Playlist

I Think, Therfore I Review ChristmasMusic

Women InSession Christmas Movies andHoliday Favorites Podcast

Newsies Retro Review

Bone Tomahawk Review

For more Kbatz Krafts Sewing and Crafts, visit us on Facebook and Instagram! Read our latest reviews at InSession Film or follow I Think, Therefore I Review on Twitter. Thank you for Watching!

On Unicorns and Autumn Habits 🍂🦄🍂

 

After making my Jaunty Autumn Hat, I wasn't sure what to call this ensemble. It looks like a pseudo Victorian Halloween riding habit but the equine mood is more broadly autumn. Ready for my side saddle in September and November, too! Habit, of course has frock and obsessive meanings, and I got a Fall habit bad, wouldn't you say? Thus, I set off with my Goth Parasol and the Pumpkin Car to go Trick or Treating with the family unicorn.

My niece said I looked like I took the bus from Halloween Town and my sister called me a spooky Mary Poppins thanks to my bag of tricks, and after seeing a lot of people not dressed up, I wondered if the cat on a jack-o-lantern brooch or the leaves and acorn earrings were a bit twee? I started out wearing a ruffled thrift blouse underneath my thrift blazer, but it got a bit hot under the dollar store bat scarf and the petticoat under my orange skirt was kind of heavy. I hate when a sliver of petticoat shows! Ironically, I have footage of how I made the orange skirt and the petticoat made out of Grammy's Curtains will be in service again for my current December project. I used the same methods from my Reversible Red Skirt, but that is one of my least popular videos so I never finished the videos for all the other skirts I made this summer – yet.

The Upgraded Masquerade Mask made for some peek-a-boo but it wasn't an indoor crowd so ended up not wearing my Halloween T-Shirt Mask. Updated booster, baby! The netted gloves were from a party supply store ages ago, and I have a dollar store fan for every season, but the boots are relatively recent Goodwill replacements for my previous ~Victorian kicks that earned a lot of wear and tear. And yeah, I added a sunflower and bells to my front button #dealwithit.

How old is too old to go Trick or Treating?

Visit our Facebook and Instagram for more photos or see all our Kbatz Krafts Halloween Makes on YouTube!

Photos by Jahli Creations and Hit the Stars Learning with Horses. Order holiday soaps at Jahli Creations ASAP!

Impromptu but Jaunty Autumn Hat! 🍂

 

I didn't intend to make a video for this jaunty thrift find hat with dollar store accents and fall leaves. However this family friendly millinery was too cute not to share in full! 👒🎃🤣

Thanks to some more is more hot gluing, I now have a family friendly topper that carries me thru Thanksgiving. It took one day to make and I don't even think it cost $8! This is what I get for making a video from which I intended to make in progress snapshots. I hope this inspires you to go for your own autumn whimsy, and Thank You for Watching!

For more project photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Instagram and Facebook or visit our Kbatz Krafts Archive!

More Kbatz Krafts:

Halloween Shoe Wreath

Victorian Bonnet and Cape

Upcycled Fall Florals

DIY Cardboard Coffin Repairs 

Mini Pumpkin Garland

Halloween Mystery Costume

Sewing on a Budget for Search Magazine

 

Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz sits down for a little sewing chat about how you don't have to break the bank in order to start your creative sewing journey! You can also see I put my money where my mouth is as I share a somewhat ugly tour of my basement sewing studio.

You can read my complete Sewing on a Budget Tips in the Homemade Fall Issue of Search Magazine. It's Free! Or for sewing in progress photos and project albums, follow Kbatz Krafts on Instagram or Facebook.  🧵🙋‍♀️💪

More Kbatz Krafts:

Antiquing on a Budget for Search Magazine

Thrifting at Grammy's House

Decorating Like Dark Shadows

Drab to Glam Lampshades

Cardboard Tombstones

Sewing Supply Thrift Haul

Halloween Mystery Sewing

Sewing and Thrift Hauls Playlist

Peruse much more at our Kbatz Krafts Archive and thank you for watching! 

Keeping a Mini Pumpkin Garland for Myself!

 

A mini pumpkin garland project had been on my Kbatz Krafts To Do List for a while, and I didn't expect to get to it this autumn. However this easy to do almost free DIY came together in a weekend!

Unlike my previous How to Make Stuffed Pumpkins Video and much larger Pumpkin Ottomans crafts, these minis came together thanks to orange and white material from my scrap bin. It was easy to sew and gather these small sizes closed, stuffing them with more scraps and remnants and just going with the gnarly little shapes! The variety in textures between the orange and white fabrics also made for a similar but different cohesive look as I laid out the mini pumpkins and hot glued them to a dollar store rope. There is a pattern but it isn't matchy matchy. I put some fake leaves to good use – because I have so, so many fake leaves as seen in my Thrift Haul Videos – choosing a mix of yellow, gold, and orange to keep the autumn scheme. 99 cent thrift find cinnamon sticks topped off each little pumpkin, broken in half to bring their scent to scale.

I thought about adding red leaves between the pumpkins or greenery vines and orange lights, however sometimes less is more. This rustic fall rope allows the pumpkins to take center stage, and $1.25 mini pumpkin spice brooms left over from my recent Shoe Wreath finished off the raw ends. The brooms have small hanging loops too, but I had to find a place for my garland where the cats wouldn't get it! While in my scrap bin, I also found bigger remnants to make a few more stuffed pumpkins for my patch, and eventually I hung my mini pumpkin garland high across our front window. Previously, I made my mother a basket of stuffed apples in a similar manner with red fabric, green leaves, and cinnamon stick stems. You could go completely natural with pine cones from the back yard or shake up some potpourri pieces on a line. For under $7 with found materials on hand, this mini pumpkin garland can hang around through Thanksgiving! I had intended to make it for my mother, but now I'm keeping it for myself!

You can see more project photos on the Kbatz Krafts Instagram and Facebook!

Mom's Apples 🤣

It's a Halloween Shoe Wreath! 👠

Rather than throwing away a beloved, well worn pair of witchy oxfords, Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz uses those gothic kicks for a whimsical wreath! An unusual wreath frame, bat ribbons, scented broom accents, and fun catchphrases top off this trash to treasure one day make anyone can do! If the shoe fits, that is...

And the Cost? Under $20!

Thank You For Watching! 

For more project photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Facebook and Instagram or browse our complete Kbatz Krafts archive for more DIY Halloween crafts and inspiration!

More Wreath Mayhem: 

Love is Love Skeleton Wreath

Mini Bones Wreath

Upcycling Fall Florals 🍂

After taking apart a free fake plant for the Gothic Litter Box Planter Disguise, the rest of it was looking pretty ugly. Thrift florals in the Halloween closet also seemed sad, but now's time for autumn moods and morose arrangements! Orange picks from my latest Mini Thrift Haul Video were added to the black and red roses and black leaves I usually put out for Halloween – an easy combination of fall colors in a old red vase. It's a lightweight display that would look nice on my piano, but feline curiosity would make that a problem! This ensemble looks sophisticated and ironically bright thanks to the fall coloring.

The white light up branches and cotton stems from my thrift trips, however, inspired a study in contrast. More picks, thrift leaves, and the leftovers from my free plant were to be Painted Black of course. These by hand acrylics took a little time and detail, but the free grass stems were the real pain! Dipping them directly into the black paint made them clump together, spray painting them made them all stick out too much, and you can still see a touch of green if you really look. Although I cut stray strands and the gnarly straggly matches the black and white barren contrast, it looked a little crappy! Fortunately, filling in the pot with more curly cue orange stems and dollar store moss from the supply stash helped bring the look together.

Of course, the more I stared at it, this arrangement looked too barren. I was tempted to buy more florals, but instead spray painted the remaining vine used for the Pumpkin Car Makeover. This was one stalk that had been dangling among my Cardboard Tombstones, so I separated the stems with wire cutters, varying the leaves and length before black touch ups. I stuck these vine clips to spill over the vase and fill in some faux growth behind my thrift magnolia. These cheap, found florals have now been put to use as some gothic organics and autumn art – and the cats have swatted at it already!

Fore more project photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Facebook and Instagram! 

Yet More Kbatz Krafts:

How to Make Stuffed Pumpkins

Pumpkin Ottomans

Using Halloween Scene Setters Everyday

How not to Make Mystical Orbs

Cardboard Stained Glass Window

DIY Gothic Lantern

DIY Cardboard Coffin

I Painted My Sneakers Black (As you do!)

 

I needed a new pair of kicks – my high arch ice skater's feet demand more than my current decade old knock off sneakers. Instead of browsing until I found something I liked, I spotted these kind of ugly but kind of cute wedge sneakers at Aldis, of all places, marked down to $3.50 clearance! I have other wedge mary janes that are cute and supportive, and these are indeed comfortable, but the glaring white tread gives away that this some kind of goofy combo kick. I wouldn't experiment with expensive shoes where I paid for the look and color I want, but could these soles be painted black for that classy wedge ankle boot cheat?

According to that expert The Internet, acrylics are actually the way to go when you want to decorate shoes, and I certainly have black paint on hand! After three coats and a few days drying, I covered the upper shoe in paper before a final coat of spray clear sealant. Naturally, they will probably scuff, chip, or peel. However, for a bottom dollar casual comfort shoe disguised as something fancy, touch ups are fine. I had gotten the clear spray paint meant for fabrics and paper to use on my Cardboard Tombstones, but it actually smells like nail polish, making me wonder if black or clear polish will work in a pinch. The ruse works quite well, so we'll see how long the shoes themselves actually last!

For more project photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Facebook and Instagram!

Lenticulars and Black Vases, Oh My!

 

What else is one to shop for on Prime Day but new Halloween to do?

It took an entire afternoon to rearrange my Lenticular Gallery and fit in these two new his and hers vampires, but for $9, I couldn't resist! I keep seeing ones I already have online, and lenticulars don't seem to be as popular as they once were, so I was excited to find ones I needed that weren't in a set with duplicates. With this summer heat, it's also taken a few more nails, tape, and that tacky blue stuff to make the pictures stick! At least my parents got a kick out of my gallery when they finally saw it. My dad laughed at each angle, but my mother gave me a proud, “Ew!”

You can read about my tips on Creating Your Own Gothic Gallery in the Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2 on sale now!

Of course, I've been unable to do a few painting projects I had intended recently thanks to the 100 plus weather, but I did doctor a thrift vase in the spring! If you saw my last so called “Mini” Thrift Haul Video, you know the one. Naturally, my go to color is black, but I left the copper style accents on the vase as they match some of the copper and bronze looking hardware in my home. $14 for the vase and $7 for the long stem florals and voila I have something that looks twice as fancy in my little library. That Shakespeare bust was a Goodwill find, too! I've written about Painting It Black for sophisticated trash to treasure as well. Quelle surprise.

You can see more Kbatz Krafts project photos and follow current sewing projects on Facebook and Instagram!

ICYMI: Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2 Press Tour

 

Still riding on the press train for the Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2? Here's a round up of my appearances supporting several of my Frightening Flix editorials and Kbatz Krafts featured in the Horror Addicts Guide! 

Interview at Tomes and Tales

Horror Addicts Featured Instagram Author

What Inspires Horror: Kristin Battestella

Horror Addicts Interview: Kristin Battestella

Kbatz Krafts Excerpt

Get YOUR copy of Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2 on Amazon! 

Kbatz Krafts Round Up!

 

Have you seen Our Latest Kbatz Krafts? Well now you have! Here's a recap of some of our 2022 glue guns and mayhem:

Why recycle that plastic bucket when you can turn it into a spooky gothic lantern? Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz looked at a cat treat bucket with a carry handle lid and saw ye olde sophistication that anyone can do. Break out the hot water and paints for this fun, family, friendly re-purposing project!

 What happens when your long black dress gets caught and ripped in the wheels of the grocery store shopping cart? Yes that actually happened to me! Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz fixes a damaged dress and repairs more unsightly alterations with black on black lace appliques for sustainable, affordable, gothic sophistication anyone can do!

The litter box is a necessity for every cat lover, but it doesn't have to be so unsightly! Inspired by expensive faux planter litter box designs, Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz breaks out the gloss black spray paint and re-purposes a free fake plant for a unique gothic privy! The cut, paint, plant easy peasy in a weekend concept, however, took a lot of caulk and elbow grease to make this litter box look so glam! The weather had to cooperate, too. After $40 original cost for the hooded box itself; $12 in spray paint, caulk, plant foam, fake moss, and decorative stone supplies; the final cost here is still less than those lux terracotta litter box designs. A few dramatic side projects also came along for the ride, but in the end, the cat could care less anyway. 

I've given myself a stay on thrift shopping this summer, but that doesn't mean I didn't score some great Halloween finds this spring! This so called “mini” May haul video was supposed to be brief, however three Goodwill stores yielded quite the sewing, crafting, and décor boon. Please enjoy this haphazard filming of fabric rolls, fabric bolts, florals, patterns, and a few “dollar” finds! I really giggle over the black fabric.

Stay up to date with Kbatz Krafts on Instagram and Facebook and see all our project photos!

You can also browse More of our Sewing and Thrifting Playlist on Youtube:

Sewing Supply Haul 

Halloween Mystery Sewing Playlist 

Another Halloween Dress 

Halloween 2021 Haul 

Dollar Store and Thrift Haul 

Dark Shadows Decorating Playlist

Masquerade Masks 

Unfinished Regency Sewing 

Jewelry Making Basics

Antiquing on a Budget Playlist 

Hit the Stars Events featuring Kbatz Jewelry

Thank you for Watching!

Kristin at Search Magazine!

 

I've been remiss at keeping a rundown of my appearances in the free online magazine SEARCH, so here's a few links to some of my latest. You can read full issues at Search Magazine here and stay tuned for more!

DIY Vintage Trunk

The Bee Gees!

Luxury Looks with Thrift Florals

How to Pamper Yourself at Home

What's in My Hiking Backpack

Mary Tyler Moore Retrospective

Why I Still Use the Wii

Detoxing from Social Media

Sewing on a Budget

Search Author Spotlight

Antiquing on a Budget

Our Antiquing on a Budget Videos

Ancestry and Military Research

Seven Fishes in the 21st Century

The Time for Women's Hockey is Now

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Lyme Disease Myths

Retro Cool Vinyl Shopping

Dark Shadows 50th Anniversary

Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2 Press Tour!

 

It's Friday the 13th and time to talk about the Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2! 

Your Friendly Neighborhood Kbatz is featured with several Kbatz Krafts articles as well as Frightening Flix horror film editorials. 😱

Here's the Official Blurb:

Do you love the horror genre? Do you look at horror as a lifestyle? Do the "norms" not understand your love of the macabre? Despair no longer, my friend, for within your grasp is a book written by those who look at horror as a way of life, just like you. This is your guide to living a horror addict’s life. Our month-by-month almanac with important dates, movie lists, puzzles, crafts, articles, and recipes will guarantee your whole year is occupied with delightful horror activities. Don’t miss our monster guide with articles about vampires, zombies, ghosts, and some creatures that just can’t be categorized. Enjoy interviews with creators of horror content and hear perspectives from different cultures and backgrounds. Read stories of real hauntings, nightmares, and vile vacations. Allow us to curate your horror lifestyle.

With articles by: A. Craig Newman, A.D. Vick, Alyson Faye, Angela Yuriko Smith, Brian McKinley, CM Lucas, Camellia Rains, Carrie Sessarego, Chantal Boudreau, Courtney Mroch, Crystal Connor, D.J. Pitsiladis, Dan Shaurette, Daphne Strasert, Dee Blake, Emerian Rich, Geneve Flynn, H.E. Roulo, H.R. Boldwood, J. Malcolm Stewart, James Goodridge, Jaq D Hawkins, Jeff Carroll, Jonathan Fortin, Kate Nox, Kay Tracy, Kerry Alan Denney, Kieran Judge, Kristin Battestella, Ksenia Murray, Lee Murray, Lionel Ray Green, Loren Rhoads, M.D. Neu, Mark Orr, Martha J. Allard, Michael Fassbender, Mimielle, Naching T. Kassa, Pamela K. Kinney, Priscilla Bettis, R.J. Joseph, R.L. Merrill, Rena Mason, Renata Pavrey, Rhonda R. Carpenter, Russell Holbrook, Selah Janel, Steven P. Unger, Sumiko Saulson, Tabitha Thompson, Theresa Braun, Trinity Adler, Valjeanne Jeffers.

I'll be having some tour appearances with my fellow Horror Addicts Renata Pavrey at Tomes and Tales and Selah Janel later this May so stay tuned and get your copy of the Horror Addicts Guide to Life 2 on Amazon!

(Clicky it's big!)