Category: Witch

Seven Spooky Things To Do This Week! August 10th - August 16th

8/10/2020

Missing Halloween and the month of October? Me too! So from now until Halloween, each week they'll be a new 'Seven Spooky Things' post to ensure you can add a bit of Halloween to your day 365 days a year.

These Seven Spooky Things should keep you well spooked from August 10th to August 16th.

Check out all of this weeks daily tasks below:

Monday

We're starting this week with a fun little make. These orange jack-o'lantern fruit cups are a quite and easy treat that's sure to be a hit during the summer.
There's currently a heatwave sweeping the UK so these would be perfect to munch on in the garden during these hot summer days.

Check out all the details on how to make your own right here.

Tuesday

If you're like me, then you'll love a good Halloween book and Book Bub have put together a list of 24 books that are perfect to read for Halloween. Some of the classics have made the list including The Witches, Practical Magic and Stardust.

So today we're going to be reading about... well reading! I have included this list as I tend to read more throughout the Summer leading up to Halloween and while searching for book suggestions I came across this list and thought many of you might like to check it out too.

Oh and if you love a good book club too, be sure to check out Spooky Little Halloweens Book Club on Facebook!

Wednesday

With Halloween already making itself comfortable in stores, one thing I see a lot of people go crazy for every year are Halloween pillows.

A few years ago it was quite difficult to find any kind of Halloween pillow in the UK and for those that still can't seem to find one, today we're making our very own pillow instead.

This is a quick make that doesn't require many steps at all but looks absolutely fangtastic! Find out all the details right here.

Thursday

I absolutely love todays project! Today is all about ice cream and so it's only right that we make these adorable ice cream witches.

These look great and also taste great too. There isn't all that much work to put these together either, the hat is actually the main bulk of the work but really doesn't take long to put together.

Serve these up at your next garden party, Halloween get together or just for yourself when you fancy a spooky little treat. Check out how to make these treats right here.

Friday

Today's make will give your shoes wings! These DIY Bat Wings attach to your shoes and require no sewing at all. You can make these very easily and will most likely have everything you need already at home.

You can upcycle an old pair of shoes with these bat wings and add a new lease of life to them. Find out all the details on how to make these, including the free stencil right here.

Saturday

The weekend is here and so Saturday is this weeks movie night and tonight we're watching A Ghost Story.

A Ghost Story follows C who tragically dies and returns as a ghost. He takes on the form of a sheet ghost and returns home to his wife, although he cannot interact with her in any way, the film follows him watching his wife grieve and gradually move on and all the processes in-between.

This film might not be for everyone but I do highly recommend watching it as it's a fun little film that does make you think long after the credits have ended.

Sunday

Let's end the week with one final quick and easy make. If you didn't watch yesterdays film or are in the mood for a film tonight, these spider bowls will make great popcorn bowls!

You can make these with three things... paper bowls, straws and goggly eyes!

Check out how to make these right here.

Who to Follow
As a bonus extra each week i'll feature an instagrammer who has a spooky profile that you might like. This way you can add even more spookiness to your instagram feed each week too.

This weeks featured instagrammer is: @noiopal
Check out her awesome instagram for guaranteed Halloween treats all week!

If you would like to be featured just follow the October 31st Instagram or my own (link below) and make some noise!

Thanks so much for reading this article! I actually share a whole load of Halloween things on my instagram so if you'd also like to follow my daily (almost) updates then head on over to HERE. You can also follow on Facebook now too!

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Seven Spooky Things To Do This Week! May 11th - May 17th. Theme: Witches!

5/11/2020

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Missing Halloween and the month of October? Me too! So from now until Halloween, each week they'll be a new 'Seven Spooky Things' post to ensure you can add a bit of Halloween to your day 365 days a year.

These Seven Spooky Things should keep you well spooked from May 11th to May 17th. Throughout May each week will be themed and this weeks theme is Witches!
If you want to add a little magic to your own home then you'll love this weeks SST.

Check out this weeks activities below:

Monday

We're staring this week with a bit of up-cycling! Grab those old empty bottles and let's get making our very own potion bottles!

What I really like about this little craft project from A B Whelan is that you can make a whole bunch of different bottles with all different contents in. So whether you want to make a spooky little display for Halloween or just something that will look great in your home, these are super easy to make.

Find out all the details on how to make these right here.

Tuesday

Today is another make that involves jars but this time it's a little more practical. Today you can make your very own Lavender Oil. Lavender Oil has so many different benefits and it's really easy to make. You can use this on your skin and also just around the house in general as it smells wonderful. Lavender also helps you sleep so if you're struggling, get making!

Everything you need to make this can be found right here.

Wednesday

Get ready for your house to smell amazing as we're making Apple Pies! Not just any Apple Pie but these really cute pentagram topped pies.

What's more is that these are also vegan so you can eat as many as you like knowing they're 100% cruelty free. They're really easy to make and also look great too.

Check out what you need to make these right here.

Thursday

When Halloween rolls around stores are usually filled with plastic Pumpkin buckets and cauldrons. So if you have one just around the house then today's make will give it a little makeover!

Today you can give your cauldron a really awesome bubbly transformation. Imagine this on your table at Halloween filled to the top with candy!
Find out all the details right here.

Friday

It's movie night! And continuing with the two film option for this month you've got two witchy films to feast your eyes upon.

Your first choice for tonight is the kid friendly Kiki's Delivery Service. This Studio Ghibli film follows the story of young witch Kiki and her cat Jiji who travel together to a new town and set up a new flying delivery service.

It's a lot of fun and perfect for all the family. Plus if you've never watched a Ghibli film before be sure to check out many of the other wonderful films they have created over the years.

Your second film for tonight is the not-so kid friendly Blair Witch. The third film in the franchise (you don't need to watch the other two to understand the story) which was a surprise release in 2016, once again focuses on a group of young adults venturing into woods in search of the Blair Witch.

Saturday

It's the weekend and today you can make five different decorative crystal ball. Some of these will take a little time and patience to make but they really do look great.

Depending on which one you would like to make (if not all of them) all depends on what materials you will need but all are fairly easy to make and a whole lot of fun.

Find out all the details right here.

Sunday

Your final thing for this week is this DIY Sparkly Witch Broom! This one might require a little trip outside but it will be worth it.

You'll need to collect quite a few twigs for this and if possible a long-ish branch but you can easily find these pretty much anywhere. Grab all of these together, your glue gun and let's get making!

This would look great indoors or outside. You could even wrap a set of battery powered fairy lights around this or even weave them through the twigs and hide the battery pack underneath to give this even more of a twinkly effect.

To make your very own broom head right on over to here.

Who to Follow

As a bonus extra each week i'll feature an instagrammer who has a spooky profile that you might like. This way you can add even more spookiness to your instagram feed each week too.

This weeks featured instagrammer is: @kittybat
Check out her awesome instagram for guaranteed spooky treats all week!

If you would like to be featured just follow the October 31st Instagram or my own (link below) and make some noise!

Thanks so much for reading this article! I actually share a whole load of Halloween things on my instagram so if you'd also like to follow my daily (almost) updates then head on over to HERE.

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Seven Witchy Films To Watch

5/10/2020

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If you're wanting to add a little big of magic to your day (the good or bad kind) then this list of seven Witchy films to watch might just help.

Not all of the films listed are kid friendly, so if you're after a family friendly film maybe avoid 3,5 and 7 but all are worth a watch. This is just a tiny amount of some of the awesome Witch themed films available and i'm sure they'll be a part 2 in the future so be sure to let me know what Witchy films you love in the comments below.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is possibly one of the most famous Halloween films around but did you know it wasn't always the case? The film was originally released in July (because July is such a spooky month right?) in the USA and October in the UK. It didn't do well at the box office at all and most would have thought it would be forgotten.

As we all know that isn't the case and over the years it has become a huge classic that is shown many times, every single year in October. The film follows Max, Dani and Alison who have to stop a trio of witches from sucking the lives out of all the children in Salem. If you have never seen it then stop reading this article and go and watch it NOW.

The Witches

Another classic is Roald Dahls The Witches! Staring Anjelica Huston, The Witches follows the story of Luke who has recently become an orphan. He is sent to live with his Grandma. When they take a visit to a seaside hotel Luke soon discovers that the Grand High Witch is having a meeting with all the other witches at the same hotel. He learns of their plan to turn all children into mice and must try and stop them.

I remember watching this film as a child and it terrified me but watching it again made me realise how fun this movie really is. It's definitely worth a watch and if you have time be sure to read the original book too.

The Witch

The Witch or The V VItch as I like to call it (why use two V's to make a W?) is another film that's worth a watch. It's not incredibly fast moving but totally worth watching until the very end.

The Witch follows a family who are cast out of their village due to accusations of witchcraft. After setting up home elsewhere and alone their youngest child is taken by what they assume is a witch. As they hunt for their missing child the possibility that they've been cursed by an actual witch begins to build and life as they know it takes many twists and turns.

Practical Magic

Practical Magic is possibly one of the first films that come to mind when you think of films about witches and rightly so because it's a great film.

Practical Magic follows two witch sisters who grow up with their two aunts. After they accidentally kill a man (he deserved it) they try and cover up his death. With the police on their trail and a few paranormal twists it doesn't work out as easy as they hoped. The book is also worth a read along with the prequel book that focuses on the early years of the two aunts. If that's also not enough the soundtrack features songs by the wonderful Stevie Nicks.

The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project was released in 1999 and was such a phenomenon that for a while a lot of people questioned whether it was actually real or not. I remember not being able to go to the cinema to see it due to being too young but begging my sister to rent it from Blockbuster when it was released. I did eventually watch it and terrified myself.

The film follows a trio of film students who venture into a Maryland forest to film a documentary about the legend of the Blair Witch. It very quickly becomes apparent that they're lost and that the legend of the Blair Witch might not be just a legend at all. A sequel to the original film was released a year later in 2000 although the found footage concept has been dropped for the sequel. In 2016 a surprise reveal also announced a third film in the franchise was released and it's as good, if not better than the original.

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is one of many wonderful Studio Ghibli films and witches actually appear in quite a number of the Films. Moving Castle is one of my favourites and it's such a fun film that it just had to make the list.

The film follows Sophie who is unfortunately cursed by a witch. The curse has turned Sophie into an old woman instead of her usual 18 year old self. Hoping to break the curse she comes across Howl's Moving Castle and ventures inside where she makes a deal with a Fire Demon who promises to break her curse if she can help break the contract he has with the wizard Howl.
If you enjoy this film then be sure to check out other Ghibli classics such as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and Ponyo.

The Craft

When thinking of films with witches the Craft is most likely on a lot of peoples lists, which is why it had to be included. A remake is currently in the works although I personally think it doesn't need one.

The Craft follows Sarah who recently starts at a new school. When she becomes friends with a trio of outcasts they join together to start playing around with magic. To begin with it all seems like harmless fun with personally benefits for each of them but when one of the girls starts using it for the wrong reasons the film soon takes a dark turn.

Thanks so much for reading this article! I actually share a whole load of Halloween things on my instagram so if you'd also like to follow my daily (almost) updates then head on over to HERE.

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25 Hocus Pocus Products To Celebrate The 25th Anniversary!

3/4/2020

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Hocus Pocus hit 25 years old this year and we've been treated to a whole bunch of brand new merchandise as well as an anniversary edition of the film being released.
As Hocus Pocus definitely falls in my top ten all time favourite films and because you can never have enough of it, I thought it would be the perfect time to create the top 25 Hocus Pocus products to celebrate the 25th Anniversary!

To add a little extra to this, i'll also throw in some fun trivia throughout the list to make it even more Hocus Pocus filled!

25 - William Butcherson Pillow from October 31st

Ok so i'm starting the list with an original October 31st product.... which is completely bias of me to do so BUT it's been so popular I had to include it in the list and say thank you to everyone who has grabbed one so far! If you want to grab your own you can grab it right here.

24 - Coffin Framed Print

Created by bwanadevilart on Etsy, this print comes in a wooden coffin shaped frame and really does look awesome. The print alone is incredible and a definite must have. You can grab your own right here.

Fun fact: Hocus Pocus was original created as a story by writer David Kirschner. He would read the story to his children before bed.

23 - Oh look, another glorious morning enamel pin

The Foxy Hipster has created a sparkly pin that sums up how a lot of us feel about a nice morning... you can grab your very own right here.

22 - Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Blu Ray

The list definitely would not be complete without including the 25th Anniversary Blu ray. After 25 years Disney finally included deleted scenes! On top of this, the blu ray is the first ever blu-ray release for the UK. This particular edition from Zavvi also comes with a 40 page booklet which includes trivia, behind the scenes pictures and more!

A steelbook was also available through Zavvi and has since sold out. Across the pond, the states also received a steelbook that looks just like the Spell Book from the film, Walmart sell the blu-ray with a collectible pin and FYE have an edition with glow in the dark postcards! BUT I haven't included links as all three stores don't ship to the UK.

You can grab this blu ray right here.

21 - Sarah, Mary and Winifred Funko Pops

When these were first announced they were revealed to be exclusive to Spirit Halloween in the states. Sadly they don't ship worldwide so for us Halloweenies in the UK, the chance of grabbing them was slim. Luckily The Nerdy Byrd saved the day and had them available for pre-order too!
They have since sold out and demand has been extremely high but do sign up for alerts as if they have any over-stock or cancellations they will be available again. Sign up for alerts right here.

20 - Sanderson Bed and Breakfast wooden sign

I stumbled across this while searching for Hocus Pocus things on ebay and absolutely love it. This wooden sign would look great hanging up at Halloween, in your kitchen or basically anywhere! It comes unpainted so you can paint it in any colours you like, or just leave it as it is.

It's also a total bargain at £10.00 and free postage! Grab yours right here.
Fun fact: Although a Halloween film, it was originally released in July 1993 and didn't perform as well as Disney had hoped. Created on a budget of $28 million, the film ended up making just over $39 million in the end.

19 - Spell Book Pillow

BrassingtonHollow on Etsy has created a whole bunch of different book style pillows and what's even more incredible is they actually open up! This Spell Book pillow opens up to reveal the life potion spell inside. It looks amazing and is also super soft. Purchase your own pillow via Etsy.

18 - Billy's Gravestone and Winifreds Spell Book pins

These enamel pins features Winifreds spell book and Billy's gravestone and are only $10 each from Oddment and Tweak! They ship worldwide and after purchasing these myself can happily say they're even better in person! Grab them right here.

17 - Hocus Pocus Journal

After years of hoping and waiting, the UK Disney Store finally added Hocus Pocus merchandise to it's store! Although a lot of it has already sold out theres still a small amount of products still available, like this I/Eye Put A Spell On You journal! It's glittery, gold and perfect for all your spells. Pick one up right here.

16 - Hocus Pocus And The All New Sequel Booooook!

It might not be the live action sequel we were all hoping for.... but it's a start! *cackles*. A brand new sequel was released this year which features the return of the Sanderson Sisters but this time follows the story of Poppy, Max and Allison's Daughter!
This book also includes a retelling of the original story (not much has changed so for those worrying, it's still perfect) and would be a great book to read throughout October. Available via Amazon.

Fun fact: Sarah Jessica Parker absolutely loved flying on her broom, so much so that she would often spend hours at a time suspended on her broom while learning her lines.

15 - Hocus Pocus inspired print

Created by Devon Whitehead, this Hocus Pocus inspired print is available via his Etsy store and would look incredible framed. You might have seen this design before via Cavity Colors as it was originally sold as a shirt but has since retired. Purchase a print right here.

14 - Kitchen Witch Dolls as chosen by HOCUS POCUS COLLECTOR!

These adorable dolls have been chosen by @HocusPocusCollector on instagram!

"These kitchen witch dolls by @lunamoongothic are a favourite in my collection! They are handmade with love and perfectly represent the Sanderson Sisters based on their clothing but especially their facial expressions. Kitchen witches also provide good luck in the kitchen which there is never enough of, especially in fall baking season!"

Grab your own Sanderson coven right here.

13 - Hocus Pocus D23 Print

This print from Creature Features was originally created for D23's 20th Anniversary event and was limited to 300 pieces! Luckily a small amount of artist proof editions are still available and you can get your own right here. You might have seen this same print on t-shirts, bags etc. If you do, don't buy it folks as it's stolen from Creature Features, support the original team that helped get this amazing print made!

Fun fact: A scene cut from the film (but available on the 25th Anniversary Blu-ray) features Mary asking if the towns people can check to see if she left her cauldron on before she is hanged. When the Sanderson Sisters return from the dead she exclaims "I knew I left this cauldron on, didn't I tell you!"

12 - Salem Witches Pennant

This pennant is fantastic! Created by Two Ghouls Press, this Salem Witches pennant would look great on any wall, maybe even above your growing Hocus Pocus collection? You can grab this from Two Ghouls Press themselves or if you're in the UK you can also grab it from the October 31st store (a Billy pin is also available from both stores).

11 - Miniature Spell Book Sculpture

Isn't this incredible? This Spell Book sculpture has been sculpted by Etsy user Psychopomp85 and painted with acrylics. It was created to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the film and really does look fantastic. It's clear to see a lot of love for this film has gone into making it. Purchase your own right here.

10 - Hocus Pocus Poster

This re-printed poster from All Posters is perfect for any fan and can also be purchased framed! You can grab your own right here.

9 - Sanderson Sisters Horror Pops Keychain or Necklace

"The people of Salem capture and execute three witches for making ice cream" but I thought it was for sucking the lives out of little children...
Creepies have created two awesome Hocus Pocus inspired products. The first is this hilarious Sanderson Sister ice cream. Available as a keychain or necklace you can also grab another Billy design via their website. You should also check out the descriptions for both as it is hilarious! Check them out right here.

Fun fact: Bette Midler has stated that Winifred Sanderson is her all time favourite role she has ever played.

8 - Dani with Binx Custom Pop Figure

This custom Dani Pop figure also includes a smaller Binx Pop cat! She is made by PegacornCustoms on Etsy and luckily they also ship worldwide! You can grab your own Dani and Binx right here.

7 - Always With You Patch

This patch features Dani and Binx along with the words 'I Shall Always Be With You' around the side. It was created by Monika Foglia for Super Yaki, along with a Binx Pin that was also signed by Jason Marsden, the voice of Binx himself! How cool is that?!?!

You can grab the patch from Super Yaki right here. The Pin has sold out on Super Yaki but you can still grab it from Monika's store right here (the patch is also available if you wanted to grab both together).

6 - I Put A Spell On You Pin Set

Enamel Pins? Check, Sanderson Sisters? Check, Spell Book? Check, Black Flame Candle? Check, Glow in the Dark? Check totally awesome pins? CHECK! This pin set from Demonic Pinfestation pretty much has everything a Hocus Pocus fan needs, the flame of the black flame candle even glows in the dark! Grab the before they're gone right here.

5 - Mens Hocus Pocus T shirt

This seems to be the only official Men's shirt released by Disney this year (although anyone could wear it :). Featuring webs, cauldrons, ghosts, eyes and Binx himself, this shirt will definitely help you run amuck this halloween. You can grab this from Shop Disney USA right here and they ship worldwide!

Fun fact: Rosie O'Donnell was originally offered the role of Mary but turned it down as she didn't want to play a scary witch. Kathy Najimy also wanted the role as she was desperate to work with Bette Midler due to being such a big fan.

4 - Hocus Pocus in Focus

If you're wanting to learn even more about the film including fun facts and trivia then this book is definitely for you! It even has a foreword by Thora Birch herself! Grab your copy from Amazon right here.

3 - Letter Writing Set

Send the most amazing letters with this Letter Writing Set from LetterieShop on Etsy. This amazing set includes 12 sheets of paper, envelopes and seals. You can grab your very own set right here.

2 - Halloween Saints Billy Sticker

Created by Chad Savage of ShopSinister.com, this sticker is part of his 'Halloween Saint's' series and is also available as a t-shirt. What's even more awesome is that you can also grab a sticker or shirt of Dani and Binx too! Check this sticker out right here.
Fun Fact: Although featured in an original trailer a whole bunch of deleted scenes didn't make it to the 25th Anniversary Blu ray. These scenes include the Sanderson Sisters at the pool, in a supermarket and additional scenes with trick or treats. They are referenced but the actual scenes are not shown. You can check out this trailer right here. Count how many scenes are missing!

1 - Sanderson Sister Mask

The last entry on this list are these Sanderson Sister masks from GagiePoos on Etsy! Grab your friends and become the best trio of witches around with these glitter and vinyl masks. These come in adult and kids sizes and can be found right here.

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I hope you enjoyed this list of 25 Hocus Pocus products! It was so much fun putting it together and a special thanks to HocusPocusCollector on instagram for also being a part of it.

For even more Hocus Pocus fun, check out Hocus Pocus Unseen by Philip Petrie. Philip managed to get his hands on an original script and has broken it down to showcase everything different (and what's missing) from the film!

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Don't forget to follow October 31st on Instagram and Facebook and to also check out my own spooky goings on you can follow my own instagram right here.

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Seven Spooky Things To Do This Week! August 10th - August 16th

Seven Spooky Things To Do This Week! May 11th - May 17th. Theme: Witches!

Seven Witchy Films To Watch

25 Hocus Pocus Products To Celebrate The 25th Anniversary!

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