Plague Doctors and a Shiny Scarf

Today we have to start putting up the decorations, it's getting late!

It's always hard to decide where to begin so we'll go with the new stuff first.

Last month I ordered this mantle scarf online. It was on sale, shipping was free and it got great reviews, so what could go wrong? Much to my surprise, the fabric is a lot brighter than in the photos and it was huge! Now my mantle is pretty average size but this scarf is so big the longest sections reach half-way to the floor. 

Plus some of the fabric is printed with gold foil that is so super shiny it shows up in the dark! I've got nothing against things being bright and shiny but for Halloween, it needs to be spooky. Since it's a hassle to return things, it made sense to try to make it work.   

Folding the scarf in half took care of the length issue but the shiny stuff needed a serious distraction. Luckily, all the stores are carrying fake black flowers this year.

In the other corner of the living room, this print of Plaque Doctors was patiently waiting to add a creepy element to that overly bright mantle scarf.

 Almost twenty years ago to the day, HM and I saw this print for sale outside a tiny store in Venice, Italy. It took a lot of pleading to convince the owner to stay open long enough to sell it to us. He was getting ready to close for his two hour lunch and we had to leave before he would reopen. I nearly fainted when I brought it to the frame store in town and they suggested putting it in this ornate frame. 

I bought Ivy's Cat Mask in Venice at the same time as the print but Burt's outrageous Plague Doctor get-up came from Target! You can hardly tell the difference.  

The Plaque Doctors worked their magic and I'm even starting to like their ornate frame. The mantle scarf still needs more work but for now that's one area that's all spruced up for Halloween. Even Spencer, the primary occupant of the living room, seems to approve. 

It's time to move on to the next project. Have you started your decorating yet?

Thanks for stopping by!