19-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Wednesday, October 21, 1914: << no entry>>
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
Since Grandma didn’t write anything a hundred years ago today, I’m going to share how I made a shrunken apple-head witch.
The October, 1913 issue of Ladies Home Journal had an article with suggestions for Halloween parties. It included the following picture.
Unfortunately the magazine didn’t provide directions for making the apple head witch, and instead said that if you wanted directions for making the “novelties” shown that you should send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Entertainment Editor—so I was on my own when it came to interpreting the picture.
Here’s how I made the apple head witch:
First I made the shrunken apple head face. To make it I followed the directions in a wonderful YouTube video on how to carve apple heads. It also showed how to dry them in the oven.
I used a popsicle stick and nail that I taped together to create the skeleton. I stuck the sharp end of the nail into the base of the dried apple, and the popsicle stick into a potato.
I then made the outfit using felt and staples. I didn’t like the way it looked when the potato based stuck out beneath the clothes—so I made the dress longer than in the old picture.
I used a part of a cotton ball to make the witch’s hair, and made the hat out of black construction paper.
The hat didn’t want to stay in place when I put it on the witch, so I broke a tooth pick in half and inserted it into the top of the head. I then placed the hat over the tooth pick.
—
Last year I made the carrot bogeyman that is in the old Ladies Home Journal picture. Click on the link to see that post.
A Hundred Years Ago 
I love these!!! Great job! I went crazy at work with halloween decor 99% from last year, so free!! I will show you tomorrow! I want to make the apple witch, clever!
I’m looking forward to seeing your office decorations.
Very crafty indeed. Looks great!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked them.
Those are soooo adorable!! That is cool you figured it out on how to make them!! Awesomeness! Hugz Lisa and Bear
I’m glad you like them. I loved to do crafts with my kids when they were small–and it’s fun to have an excuse to again do some crafts.
Very creative.
Thanks!
Yeah, I guess sending a SASE to the entertainment editor at this point would be futile…. 😉
Great job!
If I sent a SASE, I won’t hold my breath that I’d get a response. 🙂
We did this as kids. A fond memory! Nice post.
Thanks! It’s nice to hear that it brought back some good memories.
I love making those!!!!
Crafts like these are so much fun to make. 🙂
Like? I LOVE it!
Thanks! It’s nice to hear that you love it.
I think it would’ve been fun to send a self-addressed envelope to LHJ, just to see if they would respond!
The address is: Ladies Home Journal, Independence Square, Philadelphia PA. 🙂
Yes, i remember that once we made a shrunken head when we were kids. These crafts look like so much fun 🙂
This the first time I’ve ever made a shrunken head. I think that I need to work on my carving skills. 🙂
I used to collect apple dolls,still have them. Had no idea to make my own.
They actually are kind of fun to make.
I remember those apple dolls … Love that carrot bogeyman!
Thanks! It’s nice to hear that you like it.