Gothic Darling

Welcome to Gothic Fashion and Culture from New Orleans. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or use myself. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Category: Crafting

  • How to Decorate a Valentine’s Day Skull & Hearts “Valloween Christmas” Tree

    A Gothic Valentine decorating guide by Monique Lula, New Orleans

    Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all pink glitter and roses—it can be spooky, romantic, and delightfully dark. A Skull & Hearts Valentine tree blends gothic charm, Halloween attitude, and Christmas-style layering into one dramatic seasonal statement. Whether you lean bold and black or soft and pastel, this guide walks you through creating a show-stopping Valloween Valentine tree that feels intentional, magical, and full of love.

    Example Valloween Valentine’s Christmas Tree in Pastel Skulls and Hearts

    The Tree

    Start with the tree itself. A black artificial tree creates the strongest gothic base, but white trees work beautifully for pastel or romantic skull themes. Slim trees feel elegant and moody, while fuller trees give you more space to layer skulls, hearts, and ribbons. For a Pastel Skull Tree, a white or blush-tinted tree sets the stage for soft pinks, lavender, and pearlescent accents while still allowing skull details to stand out without feeling heavy.

    Find a Tree on Amazon #ad

    The Lights

    Lighting sets the mood. Warm white lights give a candle-lit romance, while pink, red, or purple lights add Valentine drama. For gothic flair, mix in flickering LED candles or dimmable fairy lights. On pastel skull trees, soft pink or champagne lights keep the look dreamy rather than spooky. Weave lights deep into the branches first so they glow from within instead of sitting on the surface.

    Get Skull Lights from Amazon #ad

    The Ornaments

    This is where the personality shines. Mix skull ornaments, heart shapes, bows, roses, and beads just like you would on a Christmas tree. Use a blend of textures—matte skulls, glossy hearts, velvet bows, and metallic accents—to avoid a flat look. For a Pastel Skull Tree example, choose baby-pink skulls, lavender hearts, pearl strands, and soft black accents for contrast. Let skulls and hearts alternate visually so the tree feels balanced, not cluttered.

    Find Skulls & Hearts Ornaments on Amazon #ad

    The Tree Topper

    The topper should feel intentional and symbolic. A heart with thorn details, a skull crown, a gothic bow, or even crossed roses make striking toppers. For a softer Valentine look, oversized bows in velvet or satin work beautifully. On pastel skull trees, a glitter heart, angelic skull, or layered ribbon topper keeps the tree romantic while staying true to the gothic theme.

    Find Tree Topper on Amazon #ad

    The Tree Skirt

    Finish the look from the ground up. Faux fur in black, blush, or white adds luxury and softness. Lace, tulle, or velvet skirts bring Victorian romance, while printed skull or heart fabrics lean playful and bold. For pastel gothic styles, a fluffy white or pale pink skirt helps lighten the overall look and frames the tree like a display piece rather than a holiday leftover.

    Find a Tree Skirt on Amazon #ad

    General Tips for Decorating a Skull & Hearts Tree

    Decorate this tree the same way you would a Christmas tree: lights first, large elements next, then fill in with smaller details. Step back often to check balance and spacing. Use repetition—similar skulls, repeated heart shapes, or consistent ribbon colors—to make the theme feel curated. Most importantly, let the tree tell a story: gothic love, spooky romance, and Valentine magic with a twist.

    A Skull & Hearts Valentine tree is more than décor—it’s a mood, a statement, and a celebration of love in all its beautifully strange forms. Whether bold and dark or soft and pastel, it’s a perfect centerpiece for a Gothic Valentine season, styled with heart and imagination in New Orleans spirit.

    — Monique Lula 🖤💀💖

  • Crochet Skull Blanket

    Crocheting a black-and-white skull-themed blanket is the perfect project for anyone who loves gothic style, bold contrasts, and handmade artistry. This type of blanket blends cozy comfort with striking visual design, turning a simple crochet project into a dramatic statement piece.

    Get Crochet Supplies on Amazon #ad

    The black-and-white palette instantly gives the blanket a crisp, timeless look, while the skull motif adds personality, attitude, and a touch of spooky charm.

    Whether you’re crafting it for Halloween decor, a gothic bedroom, or as a gift for someone who adores skull aesthetics, this blanket becomes a functional work of art.

    One of the most satisfying aspects of crocheting a skull blanket is watching the pattern slowly emerge. Skull motifs can be created using tapestry crochet, corner-to-corner (C2C) techniques, graph patterns, or appliqués stitched onto squares. With each row or block, the shapes become clearer—the eyes, jawline, and silhouette forming from nothing but yarn and careful counting. The high contrast between black and white makes every skull pop, creating a bold graphic effect that looks incredible draped across a bed, sofa, or cozy reading chair.

    The finished blanket is both warm and striking. The textures of crochet stitches add depth, and the skulls give it a personality that’s equal parts spooky and stylish. It fits perfectly into gothic, punk, alternative, or modern monochrome decor. Pair it with black pillows, candlelight, and moody accents for a full gothic vibe, or use it as a playful contrast piece in a neutral room. Crocheting a skull-themed blanket isn’t just a craft project—it’s a creative journey that blends comfort, craftsmanship, and dark aesthetic flair into something you’ll treasure for years.