“Haunted Hound” Home Depot Hack

A “Before and After” Post & A Halloween Outdoor Decor Post

Our first Halloween Dog

Our second Halloween Golden!

Our “Doodle Dock Dog” – The Pirate Dog hangs our near his “Pirate Ship”

Front Door “Greeters”

Using Dogs Themes in my Holiday Decor

If you follow my website then you already know that one of my favorite things to decorate with is Dogs!!! I have had 1-3 dogs ever since I moved into my first post college apartment in 1981. They are such a huge part of my life and my family that I always like to include dog themes in my holiday decor, and in my tablescapes. To see some of my previous “Dog Decor” please check out the outdoor decor and tablescapes in my Other Posts You May Like section.

Please note: If you are interested in purchasing some of the Home Depot Blow Molds featured in this post you may need to check them out quickly as the Halloween Dog blow molds may be in your Home Depot now, or may already be gone. The Christmas ones are coming in now so you could be lucky and find some of those. However, all seasons of Dog Blow Molds seem to disappear quickly, as they are being resold on eBay at a much heftier price.

Blow Molds are Back!

Last year I discovered that “Blow Molds” are back in style for Holiday Decor. Do you remember the Blow Mold Holiday Decor of the past? I know when our son was little we had an Easter Bunny family and a Jack-o-lantern blow mold (he’s 30 now – so time has really flown).

Blow Molds of the Past

The blow molds of old were plastic, and had a hole in the bottom where an incandescent light was attached. This hole also allowed some of the heat from the light bulb to escape. All you had to do was plug it in and you had a well lit, relatively weatherproof, holiday decoration.

Above: Bunny Blow Molds like the ones we had in the 1990’s. Some of the above and below Vintage Blow Molds, are now available on eBay.

Above: Jack-o-lantern Blow Mold like the one we had in the 1990’s.

Some of Today’s Blow Molds are Very Similar to Those from the 1990’s.

We bought a blow mold recently that was made in the same way as those above – only with low heat LED lights which are much better and cooler than the original incandescent ones. Again, all you had to do was plug it in, and you were all set. Below is our Cindi Lou Blowmold from “The Grinch Collection”. We added Cindy Lou Who to our front door decorations, to coordinate with the Grinch inflatable that we display in the front yard. This year we have finally found a “Max” Blow Mold to join our front door decor. (Max has been almost as hard to get as the Cabbage Patch Dolls of the 1980’s)

Home Depot’s Blow Mold Dogs

Last year, for the first time, I heard about the Halloween Dog Blow Molds that were on sale at Home Depot, so I went immediately to try to find one. One of the molds was a Golden Retriever Ghost, and it was perfect for us, as our newest dog is a Golden Retriever!!!!! See a photo of our “Simba” below.

As I checked out the Golden Retriever Blow Mold at HomeDepot.com, I noticed that oddly, there was no cord coming from it and no light inside of it, other than a few mini battery operated LED lights that light only the trick-or-treat bag the dog is holding.

These lights show up as white dots at night and in the dark they do not light the actual dog at all. So this was not at all the look I was going for, as I wanted the dog to show up at night. Fortunately, I noticed a picture in the reviews that showed the dog in the dark, and the reviewer also made a recommendation that buyers add an Led corded light or two inside the dog itself to light up the inside.

The above 2 pictures show how the 2023 Home Depot Golden Retriever Halloween Ghost Blow Mold looks at night- using only the built in battery operated lights. Left picture is on a dark room, and the right photo is on a very dark room. Unfortunately, as the blow mold is not lit from with in, the dog himself does not glow with light. The dog is not really noticeable at night. Just the 6 small lights show up in the dark. Most of the Home Depot Blow Molds from this year are made in the same way – where the dog is not lit from within.

Adapting a Home Depot Dog Blow Mold to a a”Lit From Within”, “Battery Free” Dog

Long story short, I purchased the Golden Retriever Blow Mold from Home Depot and adapted it so that it lighting effects come from the inside.

This year I added 2 new Lit Dog blow molds for Halloween.

All three of the above dog Blow Molds were adapted as follows:

1. I first unscrewed all the screws in the battery compartment on the back,
2. I pulled out the whole battery compartment to leave the inside of the dog accessible.

3. I then stuck an LED light cord inside the dog, leaving the plug and dimmer on the outside of the dog.

I then placed the battery compartment back in the “dog” and screwed in the screws. I left the batteries out of the compartment as I don’t like the look of the bright LED lights. This is a personal decision though, as it is possible to use the battery operated lights along with the added light inside the dog.

Which do you prefer?

Safety Concerns with Blow Molds

Because these blow molds were not made for lighting from within, there is no “venting” for hot hair to exit the mold. Some hints for keeping the blow molds cool and safe are below.

All replacement lights should be LEDs that do not give off heat.

If using the blow mold outside, the light string should be rated for “outside” if using the blow mold inside, lights that are rated only for inside are fine, as are ones that are rated for both “outside and inside”. An example of an “inside” LED light cord with 3 lights, is linked here.

I have heard that the most important thing with Blow Mold safety, is that the lights do not get hot, as that can be a fire hazard. Fortunately, the LED lights I used and linked above do not seem to generate any heat!!

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When I first wrote this post I mentioned a replacement blow mold light (different than the light string I used and mentioned above) this other one is mounted in the hole of the blow mold. I thought it looked like a possibility and I ordered one as well as some LED lights to use with it. They recently arrived and I tested them out in the kitchen (not in the blow mold) and although the light bulb was cool to the touch, the fixture itself got very hot, so I am definitely not recommending either these light bulbs or the fixture. The heat it generated sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. For your safety, please do not use lights unless you have tested them in a safe location (ie not near anything flammable and not it a blow mold) and found that they are safe, and cool over a long period. During your testing period, please check the heat often and stay nearby in case of a problem.

Blow Molds with No Lights

While at Home Depot to buy the 2 new blow mold dogs, I also found a Black lab blow mold that was “dressed” as a skeleton. Since we do so many things with skeletons for Halloween (such as tablescapes and outdoor scenes) I thought it would be fun to buy the Black Lab too. I was surprised that the Black Lab Blow Mold had no lights in it at all, but then I realized that the “bones” were painted with “glow in the dark” paint. When I placed it in our front door area, the paint did not show up well so I decided to add a black light to the display.

From what I read, black lights often get alarmingly hot, so I chose one from Amazon that had a good rating. I was surprised to find, that even this one got a bit hot. Fortunately however, the floor in this area is tile, and the walls are brick so nothing is really flammable. I was very excited to see the way the black light enhanced the dog display!!! (see below)

The Black light I purchased was from Amazon, and can be found here.

Happy Halloween from our all our “Halloween Hounds”!!!!!

Posts I Hope You Will Like!!!

Below are some links to other “Dog Decor” Posts I think you may like.

A Tablescape for the Patriotic “Dog Days of Summer”

St. Patrick’s Day has “Gone to the Dogs” for a “Doggone Good” Celebration!

Celebrate a Canine Christmas with a “Bark-Worthy” Tablescape!!

Lighting Up The Night For “The 4th of July”!!!! as well as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, etc.

Two fun Tablescapes for My Puppy’s 1st Birthday – one for Our People Friends and One for Our Dog Friends!!

Comments

I’d love to hear your comments about this post, and would also love to hear about any decorating or tablescapes you have done with a “Pet Theme”, and would also love it if you could share any Blow Mold Decor items you have used. I love hearing from you!!!! To Comment – please scroll down to the comment section at the very bottom of this post.

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine at Katherine’s corner & Pam at An Artful Mom host the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party

Thanks for Stopping By!!! Wishing you a Happy Halloween!!!!!!!