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Halloween

October 19, 2016

Halloween Treats by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  Halloween is just around the corner and is a time for fun treats and party favors.  I have two products to share with you today that help make fast and easy bags and containers. First is the Avery Elle-ments Treat Tag and Box.

Avery Elle Treat Tag and Box

Cut two box sections.

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Fold and score along the score lines.

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Apply double stick tape to the bottom of one box section and adhere to the second box section.

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Apply double stick tape to the right side of the four corner tabs and secure them in place to the

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The box is three inches square and the perfect size for candy and cupcake Halloween Treats.  6

I filled mine with candy and decorated the tags with with assorted Impression Obsession Halloween dies.

Avery Elle Treat Tab Box 2

My second set of projects were made using the We R Memory Keepers Goodie Bag Guide.  The gingham paper pattern for the bags was printed on printer paper.  You could use printed designer paper, glassine or vellum.

We R Memory Keepers Goodie Bag Guide

The guide is made up of four sections that allows you to make various size bags. You can make the length of your bags as long or short as you would like.

goodie bag 

I used section A and D for my six inch wide paper. My finished pencil bag is 5.50” long and my finished pen bag is 3.00”.

Lay the guide over the paper and lining the edges up on both sides at the six inch mark. Press firmly on the guide to hold it in place and begin tearing the paper slowly and gently and work your way to the center. 7

Go over to the opposite side and repeat the tearing process until you work your way to the center. 

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Move the guide straight down the paper to the length you would like your bag to be, keeping it in the same position and repeat the tearing steps working from the bottom of the paper.

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There is a special notch on both sides of the guide that signify the scoring line for folding the bag.  See the arrows on the photo.  Line the guide up on both ends of the paper and fold and crease it against the guide.  Repeat on both sides of the bag.

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Line the guide up on the bottom of the bag and allow a small portion on both sides of the paper to be included in the fold.

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Apply double stick tape to one side of the bag and attach to close the sides together.

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Apply double stick tape to the bottom and fold up to close the bottom.  Note:  I folded up a little more on the bag in the photo than I had originally planned to make it fit my pens.

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Have fun decorating your bags.

We R Memory Keepers Goodie Bag Guide 2

You can check out the Oh Goodie Bag Guide video tutorial on You Tube for a closer look.  Thanks for coming by and I hope these projects have inspired you to make your own Halloween treats.

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Avery Elle, Dies, Fall, Halloween, Impression Obsession | | Comments (5)

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September 29, 2016

#throwbackthursdays - Halloween Hot Li'l Pocket by Carly Tee Minner

Hi Friends! Carly here today for #throwbackthursdays, where we find inspiration in The CLASSroom archives! Today I'm excited to share a fun Halloween project!

We're playing with the Fuse Tool this week in The CLASSroom and one of the best projects I've ever seen using a Fuse Tool is the Hot Li'l Pockets created by Julie. Seriously, her genius knows no bounds! Check it out:

The We R Memory Keepers Fuse & Hot Li'l Pockets

I set out to create a Hot Li'l Pocket for Halloween that contained candy because candy is awesome and Hot Li'l Pockets are fun! Here's what I came up with...

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To create this project, start by stamping a sentiment in StazOn ink on a piece of 5-1/2 x 3-1/2 acetate. When ink is dry, insert acetate into the bottom of a storage pocket. 

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Add fun shaker pieces like sequins, spiders and stars.

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Use Fuse Tool to seal pocket above acetate, creating a big shaker pocket. Humble tip from me: I have used a non-stick craft sheet and a glass mat to Fuse but I just picked up a Fuse Mat and it is so much easier to use! I highly recommend adding it to your tool collection. It clings to your table to prevent slipping, has a holster for your Fuse Tool but best of all, the surface helps the Fuse Tool glide along, prevents over or under melted spots.

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After the pocket is made, consider decorating the flap. I created some DIY washi tape using another genius article by Julie:

DIY Washi Tape by Julie Ebersole

Making the washi tape is so easy! Cut a piece of double-sided adhesive to fit the flap. I cut mine a to fold over and cover both sides of the flap.

Remove liner paper from one side of adhesive and apply tissue paper to the adhesive, using a bone folder to smooth out any bubbles. Trim away any excess tissue.

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Stamp tissue paper and let dry.

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Remove remaining liner paper and apply to flap of storage envelope, folding over to cover both sides and trimming away excess.

After the flap is adorned with the DIY washi, fill the pocket with treats!

Then it's time to create a closure. You can fold the flap inside the pocket but I wanted a little more security so I used a small piece of velcro.

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Fold up, secure with twine and add a little tag. Then give to someone who deserves a treat!

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I can't wait to make more! Wouldn't this be cute for Christmas treats?! 

Have a great Thursday!

xo, Carly

Posted at 06:00 AM in #throwbackthursdays, Essentials by Ellen, Fall, Halloween, Pretty Pink Posh | | Comments (4)

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October 31, 2015

Satur-YAY! 10.31.15 Gourd-jus For Fall

Hey everyone!  It's Carissa and I'm so excited to be here for another Satur-YAY!  Satur-YAY is all about celebrating the weekend by getting our craft on.  And today we're going to get gourd-jus for fall!  I have a couple of projects that are quick and easy and will be perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration.  Let's get going...I have a lot to show you!  I'll walk you through both of these projects in the video tutorial below, so be sure to check it out!

COVER1 (1 of 1)

I'm starting with the Essentials By Ellen Gourd-jus die set.  I love the hand sketched feel of these dies.  The images are perfect for fall, but I also spy some images that can be used year round.  I think the pumpkin is my favorite.

I used the Gourd-jus dies to cut some watercolor card stock.  When I was cutting, I was careful to allow the die cut to remain within the negative space of the paper.  This makes it easier to quickly watercolor all of the images at once using some Distress Stains.

 

Once the images were cut, I used some clean water to wet the entire surface of the watercolor paper with the images in the negative space.  Then comes the fun part!  I dabbed some Distress Stains right on the paper.  I used several colors in fall tones to create some beautiful watercolor pieces for the front of my card.  I used Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Peeled Paint and Frayed Burlap.  The damp surface of the card stock allows the colors to mix and blend as you dab them on to the paper.  If you want to soften any areas, you can go over those areas with your damp paint brush.  To intensify areas, just add more stain.

You can either allow your die cuts to air dry or hit them with a heat tool.  Let's be honest, I'm a busy girl AND I'm inpatient.  I hit those babies with my heat tool to speed the process along.  I've got places to go and people to see. ;)

SaturYAY October (24 of 60)

To add a touch of elegance and shine to my die cut pieces, I edged them with some gold embossing powder.  To do this, you can dab the edge of your Versamark ink pad directly to the edge of the die cut pieces.  If you prefer a little more control, or if you really want to get in every nook and cranny, you can use a makeup sponge to dab the Versamark ink on to the die cuts.  I then sprinkled on the Ranger Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder in gold and heat set it.  This adds a a bit of glam to these very organic images and dresses them up for the holiday.

SaturYAY October (9 of 60)

To create my sentiment, I used the Thankful stamp set.  I chose to cut the sentiment stamp so I could just use the thankful part.  However, if you're not crazy about cutting your stamps, you could always mask the stamp instead.  I stamped the greeting on some Essentials By Ellen vellum in Versamark ink.  I added the same Ranger Gold embossing powder and heat set it.  I love that repeating the same gold on the sentiment and the die cut images really pulls them together.

For both of my projects today, I used the Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Dies.  These dies are so versatile and the stitched detail really adds just the right touch to any card.  I used the largest rectangle in the die set to cut my card front.  I used the second largest rectangle to cut my place cards.  To add even more detail to my card front, and to give my grouping a grounding point, I de-bossed a label shape on to the card front.

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Finishing the card was easy from there.  I attached my leaves to the card front using some liquid glue.  I attached the punkins using some foam adhesive.  To attach the vellum sentiment, I used a tiny bit of Multi Medium Matte behind the embossed greeting where the adhesive would be disguised.  I embellished with some sequins from Pretty Pink Posh...and voila!  A quick, easy, Gourd-jus card for fall.

I hadn't originally intended to make place cards, but I had to make use of the leftover shapes I had.  The Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle dies were still laying on my desk and the idea hit me like lightning.  

SaturYAY October (54 of 60)I cut five of the second to the largest rectangles in the die set for the place card base. Luckily, I listened in math...and I was able to divide 2 3/4 inches by 2.  If math wasn't your forte, no worries...I've already done the work for you!  Just score these rectangles at 1 3/8 inch to create your place card.  And don't forget to tell your kids to listen up in math class!  One day they may be making place cards and need to divide fractions!  ;)

SaturYAY October (17 of 60)

Now, I'll admit, I tried really hard to hand write the names on these place cards...but I'm just not crazy about my handwriting.  So I cheated.  I printed the names on some vellum using my laser printer.  I used the Euphoria Script font, in case you're wondering.  I then used my Minc Mini to apply some Rose Gold Deco Foil.  The slightly muted gold was a beautiful addition to the place cards.  I didn't walk you through the entire Minc process in the video below...but you can check out this previous SaturYAY to see exactly how to use the Minc.

SaturYAY October (56 of 60)

To finish the place card, I slid the name banners right underneath the grouping of die cuts and attached them with some Multi Medium Matte.  Then, just like the card above, I finished the place cards off with some Pretty Pink Posh sequins.  And I just LOVE the hint of sparkle these will add to my Thanksgiving table.  I may have to make these for the Christmas table using the Poinsettia and Pine Die set too!

SaturYAY October (53 of 60)

Don't forget to check out the video tutorial below.  I'll walk you through these projects and give you some extra tips and tricks along the way!  I've also linked the supplies below so you can quickly find them in the Ellen Hutson store!

So there you have it...some Gourd-jus fall projects, just in time for Thanksgiving.  These projects came together quickly and could easily be replicated over and over again!

SaturYAY October (35 of 60)

Now it's your turn to get YOUR craft on!  Put on your stretchy pants, grab a cup of coffee and dig in your stash and start creating!  I'd love to see what you're making this weekend.  Be sure you snap a quick pic and share on social media using the hashtag #EllenHutsonSaturYAY so I can check them out!  I can't wait to see what you're making!

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you've been inspired to create something...anything...this weekend.  I'll see you next month for another SaturYAY.  Until then, I hope you have a fabulous day!  

XOXO
Carissa

You can watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.  Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss any of our fab tutorials.

Supplies

Posted at 12:01 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Fall, Halloween, Home Decor, Lawn Fawn, Lifestyle Crafts, Pretty Pink Posh, Ranger Techniques, Sizzix, Tim Holtz, Video, Watercolor | | Comments (15)

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October 06, 2015

#TexturalTuesdays - Halloween Tag with Lisa

Hi crafty people! It's Lisa back with you for another exciting edition of #TexturalTuesdays. Yay! I thought it would be fun to show you how to create a nifty little tag using some cool texture-y stuff and a new technique. Sound like a plan? Let me first show you my tag using Julie Ebersole's awesome Got Candy Stamps & Dies that are exclusive to Ellen Hutson LLC.

LisaAdametz-BooEekTag-10062015-1

I'm so batty for those little bats!! :) So sweet...oh wait, I mean SCAAAARRRY!!

1. From Bazzill Licorice Twist cardstock die-cut a few of the little bats and put them aside. I usually cut at least one more than I need.

2. Since I recently moved and can't locate everything I need, I am using what I DO have. I used the Essentials by Ellen Mini Windows by Julie die to create the mask I needed for my moon. I just rotated it again to create the full circle since the die actually creates a 'hinge" for a window.

3. Once the mask is in place, use Gelatos® in colors that are pleasing to you (I used Orange Soda -from the Brights Collection and Banana - 50's Diner Collection ) and blend the two colors together using your finger.

4. The Metallic Gelatos® look amazing on black and will make for an eerie background. Using the Gelatos® in Metallic Melon, Grape, and Mint rub the color all over the tag and, again, blend with your fingers.

LisaAdametz-BooEekTag-10062015-2

5. Place "brick" stencil over lower half of tag and using metallic silver pen draw with pen just inside the lines of the stencil to create pattern.

6. Tape down stencil with a low tack tape at this point (using a washi or a painter's tape) and with a palette knife lightly scrape some of the Silver Texture Luxe over the stencil. It should be very random. (Allow to dry.)

7. NOW for the super cool part! ;) Using the Chalkboard Paint straight out of the jar let it drip onto the tag over the area where the Silver Texture Luxe was applied. Then MIST it rather heavily. Move the tag around to let the mixture move around. Dab it with a baby wipe to assist in the blending. Heat set with a heat tool. or air dry. 

7a. (Close  up)

LisaAdametz-BooEekTag-10062015-3

8. Add tiny dots of Daffodil Liquid Pearls to make the eyes of the Bats. (Soooooo creeeeeeepy!!) And add one 3D Foam square to the back of each Bat.

9. To make the moon even more dimension, first add wispy clouds around the moon with the Stamper's Big Brush Pen in white and blend with your finger. Then fill in the moon with Glossy Accents. The colors make it look just like the blood moon!

LisaAdametz-BooEekTag-10062015-4

10. The very last thing I did was stamp the Boo & the Eek with Versamark Ink and use the Wow! Embossing Powder to make it all pretty.  That's it!

It's a fairly easy tag to make, just gotta get your fingers a little messy with the Gelatos® and the Chalkboard Paint will get messy if you're not careful.

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today and I hope you learned a little something new today.  

Lisa Sig

Posted at 08:00 AM in Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Faber-Castell, Halloween, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (5)

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September 23, 2015

Witch Brewing Halloween Tag by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom. Fall is just around the corner and that means kids will be looking forward to Halloween and trick or treating. My project today is a fun witchy tag perfect to attach to treats or gift bags. The tag was made using the Memory Box Pinpoint Main Street Tags and embellished with the Impression Obsession Witch Brewing and Swirl Tree.

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The tag base was cut using the new Authentique Moonlit designer paper and attached to a black tag with ATG adhesive. I love making frames for my projects and thought it would be really fun to place one on this spooky tag.

Place black cardstock on the magnetic platform, line up the two tag dies and cut.

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Cut the branches off the Swirl Tree.

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Apply double stick tape to the back of the frame and remove the paper cover. Attach the branches to the back side of the frame allowing the branches to peak out inside the frame opening.

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Apply double stick tape to remaining back portion of the frame and attach to the tag base.

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Round the cauldron and witch lightly with your fingers to add dimension.

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Attach double layers of mounting tape to both sections of the die and attach to the tag base.

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I couldn’t resist making another quick and easy  framed tag using the Impression Obsession Spider and Web set.  It was made with another one of the fun papers from the Moonlit pad.

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Here’s a shot of both tags with a little bit of spooky lighting.

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Thanks for coming by today and I hope you have been inspired to make some fun Halloween tags of your own.

Posted at 12:05 AM in Dies, Halloween, Impression Obsession, Memory Box | | Comments (8)

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September 19, 2015

Got Candy? by Sharon Harnist

The holiday aisles at the grocery stores stocked with candy this time of year inspired today's project!  Hopefully these cute pillow box treat holders will help you get prepared for Halloween!

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Here are the easy steps . . . (bold products are linked below in the supply section)

1. Using MFT's Square Pillow Box die, cut your chosen colors of cardstock; I used Bazzill's appropriately named Candy Corn (orange), Gummy Bear (purple), and Gummy Worms (medium gray)!

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2. Using Julie's Essentials by Ellen Got Candy? stamp set, I planned out which stamps I wanted to use on each die cut box:

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3. Most of the images were stamped in Versafine's Onyx Black ink. Because I wanted to use three different ink colors for the ghost, I cut him apart and stamped his body in Ranger's Glacier White Pigment Ink:

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4. After the ghost dried, I filled in his body with Zig's White Wink of Stella shimmery brush marker:

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Then I stamped the ghost's eyes/mouth with the Versafine Onyx Black and the shadow beneath him in Versamark Dazzle Frost (see photo below).

5. To fold up the boxes, I used my Teflon Bone Folder along the die's scored fold lines and placed X-Press It's 1/4" High Tack Double-Sided Tissue Tape along the small flap, removed the liner, and pressed the boxes closed:

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6. I also stamped on the top flap, so the recipients get a little surprise before they open the boxes!

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A few more box details:  Gray center box -- The bat and his sentiments were stamped with Versafine Onyx Black, the stars with Versarmark Dazzle Frost, and dots of the White Wink of Stella were added for the bat's eyes and tiny stars. Orange box -- The sentiment was white heat embossed, the pumpkin stamped with Memento Potter's Clay ink and filled in with Copic YR16, spider's squiggle line hand-drawn with Copic Black Multiliner.

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7. Fill the boxes with your chosen candy!

Isn't this cute Got Candy? stamp set perfect for Halloween treats?!!  I hope you'll have fun with this project!

~ Sharon

- supplies

Posted at 05:11 PM in Copic Markers, Essentials by Ellen, Gift Packaging, Halloween, My Favorite Things, Zig | | Comments (5)

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August 31, 2015

Hello, Monday 08.31.2015

Pumpkins WEB1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Sometimes, you stare at something and everything just goes "click, click, click!!!" And, ya' gotta sit down and make! :)  This was so fast and fun--CAN'T TAKE IT!!! 

I had to laugh when I opened the jar because it looked like freshly whipped frosting in there!  Almost good enough to eat--BUT DON'T, PLEASE!!! I was a little nervous because it was the maiden voyage of my jar of black embossing paste (which I have had forever and done zip with)! And, I was using it on white card stock!  Um... hello?! BLACK paste? On WHITE card stock?  

Are you CRAZY???!!!  (internal shrieking)

I didn't think about it until I was spreading it out... ACK!  It actually worked just fine, I didn't goober up a thing! *fist pump*

I keep petting the stars (now that they're dry) because I wasn't expecting this type of finish, for some reason.  I thought it would be hard and shiny, but instead it is matte and spongey-ish! And, it didn't take nearly as long to dry as I thought it would, but that's probably because I did put a fairly thin layer on.  And, the weather has been quite warm... 

Pumpkins WEB2

Thanks for tuning in and giving today's video a thumbs' up over on YouTube!

 

 

Before you know it, it'll be time to git yer spook on... Just sayin'...! *wink*

Happy Mundane!

1Julie

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 08:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Essentials by Ellen, Halloween, Hero Arts, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Watercolor | | Comments (11)

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August 13, 2015

#throwbackthursdays - Eek! by Carly Tee

August 13 01 copy

Hi! Carly here for another #throwbackthursday! 

Enamel dots and epoxy shapes are a favorite embellishment of many of our amazing designers and I was curious about creating my own. I searched "diy enamel" in the classroom and found this great article from the fabulous Miss Julie Ebersole.

Creating with Craft-a-Board

Julie included great tips and I thought it would be fun to create some custom faux epoxy/enamel Halloween embellishments with the new Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps Got Candy? and I was right, it was! 

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To create my little embellishments, I used the Poppystamps Dies, 4 Windows to die cut rectangles from Solar White cardstock. I stamped images from Essentials by Ellen Clear Stamps Got Candy? set with VersaFine Onyx Black, Grape Jelly & Tangelo Memento ink.

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Next I used the Poppystamps Dies, 4 Windows die again to cut more rectangles, this time from Essentials by Ellen, Craft-a-Board. Then I adhered my stamped rectangles to my Craft-a-Board ones and as Julie recommended in her article, glue stick works best for this.

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With my rectangles ready, I glue dotted them to my non-stick craft mat (its easy to peel the glue dots off the Craft-a-Board later,) to make it easy to apply the Glossy Accents. Then I applied a thick coat of Glossy Accents, trying to apply it all in a steady stream, right up to all the edges. Applying all in one steady stream helps prevent air bubbles but if you do get a few, you can use a pin to drag them to the edge. (TIP: if desired, this would be the time to sprinkle a little glitter or a few micro beads into the wet Glossy Accents.) And then I let dry overnight.

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A few things to remember:

  • use permanent ink for stamping like VersaFine, Archival or Memento, so it doesn't bleed when you  apply the Glossy Accents
  • don't shake your Glossy Accents, it creates bubbles
  • apply Glossy Accents in a steady stream if possible
  • use a pin/needle to pull any bubbles in Glossy Accents to the edge while its wet

August 13 02

To create my card with my finished faux enamel accent, I used the Poppystamps Dies, 4 Windows die again on my card front. I watercolored the inside of my card with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. I die cut the speech bubble from Essentials by Ellen Designer Dies, Got Candy? set, stamped "Eek" from the Got Candy? stamp set in VersaMark and embossed in white. Then I die cut a second speech bubble. I glued the embossed bubble to the front of my card and then plain bubble behind, sandwiching the card front between them. Next I added a little twine "web", coming from the inside of the front of the card and using Glossy Accents to glue it down. And the finishing touch, a sentiment and sequins!

Check out more epoxy and enamel embellishments in the store by clicking this link.

Thanks so much for joining me!

xo, Carly

Posted at 08:00 AM in #throwbackthursdays, Cards, Essentials by Ellen, Halloween | | Comments (4)

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July 23, 2015

#throwbackthursdays - What's Brewing by Carly Tee

Hi! It's Carly and I'm thrilled to be here today for the beginning of our new #throwbackthursdays! I'm excited to revisit and re-imagine ideas from past blog posts and our family of super talented designers!!!

The Ellen Hutson blogs are like a GIANT idea book right at our finger tips that we can search for inspiration, techniques, information and of course, ideas! For today's card I needed a little Halloween inspiration so I typed "Halloween" into the search bar at the top right of the blog.

Capture

The results were wonderful of course! I was totally inspired by Krystie Hersch's layout & glitter, Jean Manis' use of Memory Box die cuts and Julie Ebersole's use of Distress Inks. You can see the original cards by clicking the links below:

Glittery Ghosts by Krystie Hersch

Trick-or-Treat Die Cut Card by Jean Manis

Easy Distress Halloween Design by Julie Ebersole

Hello Monday 08.19.2013

Using all of this wonderful inspiration, I created this little card:

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1. First I started with a 3.5 x 5 card using Solar White cardstock. To create my background, I masked a rectangle on my card front using Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper but Post-It Tape or Frog Tape would also work well. With my Ranger Ink Blending Tool, I applied Distress Ink Shaded Lilac and Twisted Citron.

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2. Next I misted my card with a bit of water to further blend my Distress inks and I added a few big drops by unscrewing the bottle and tapping the sprayer over the background. 

3. While my background was drying, I die cut. From the Black American Crafts Pow! Glitter Paper, I cut the Memory Box Dies Batty Border and the Memory Box Dies Grim Cauldron. Using Solar White cardstock I cut the Memory Box Dies Witch Kit. And then I cut the Witch Kit again using Desert Storm cardstock.

4. To add detail to my die cut pieces I used the Ink Blending Tool to add Distress Ink Spiced Marmalade and Twisted Citron to the potion bottles. Then I gave them a good coat of Glossy Accents and set them aside to dry. I also added a little detail to the broom with a Clean Color Real Brush Beige 072 marker but a similar color Copic or Pan Pastel would work well too.

5. To make my clear rhinestones match, I gave them a quick color with Copic Sketch Marker YG23. 

6. I assembled all my pieces together over my dry background, adhering the bottles and broom first. And then I 3D mounted the cauldron over them.

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7. Inside I used Mama Elephant's Bella Letters to stamp a cheeky message but Happy Halloween would be cute too!

To find more Halloween stamps and dies in our store use this link!

Thanks so much for joining me for our first #throwbackthursday!

Carly

Posted at 08:00 AM in #throwbackthursdays, Halloween, Memory Box | | Comments (13)

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October 29, 2014

Boo-tiful Bookmarks by Heather Campbell

Heather Campbell for Ellen Hutson_Oct3

I made a commitment to myself to be more involved in my son's school this year. I love volunteering once a week during my lunch break in his 1st grade classroom and getting to know each of the kids and their teacher.  The next day I'll be in the classroom is Halloween and I thought it would be fun to give each one of the kids a fun bookmark!  So yes, I made 24 of these suckers!

EH1

I recently got my hands on a few new goodies - the new Mama Elephant Tags a Lot die set and the Lawn Fawn Monster Mash stamp and coordinating die set.  The new Lawn Fawn Monster Mash stamp set is extremely versatile - not specifically a Halloween set but it lends itself to birthdays, Valentines, Get Well too!  I love when I can get a lot of bang for my buck. 

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Mama Elephant dies are always packed full and designed perfectly!  I thought it would be fun to pull this one apart and show how much is in this set.  They snap apart easily by twisting or using some snips.

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To create the base of my bookmark, I used one of the tag shape dies.  I wanted a little bit smaller canvas to work with since the images are a bit smaller. 

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To create the background for the monster to be in front of, I die cut the cloudy shaped border from the Landscape Trio die.  I simply cut 4 strips from one piece of 8-1/2x11 cardstock to create strips to work with.

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Then, I simply ran them through my die cutter again using the tag die to create the stitched border.

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I did the same thing with the medium grey to create the ground.

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Then I assembled all the layers to create the bookmark base.

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Next, I stamped a bunch of the monsters.  I didn't get pictures of it because there would just be so many is the coloring of all the different monsters.  Since there were so many, I just played with my Copics and found color combinations that I liked.

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I die cut the monsters out and then stamped a cute sentiment on each one.

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To finish each one off, I punched a hole in the top of each tag and ran bakers twine through each one.  Then, to each monster, I added a little glitter and some white gel pen accents.

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Here they are in a book - too cute!

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing part of your day with me.  Have a great day!

xoxo, Heather

Supplies Small

 

Posted at 12:01 AM in Copic Markers, Halloween, Lawn Fawn, Mama Elephant | | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

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September 15, 2014

Embedded Embossing Paste by Catherine Pooler

CatherineToday we are thrilled to welcome Catherine Pooler here to the CLASSroom and have several fantastic giveaways just for you! Catherine is the founder of StampNation, an online community whose membership learns, creates, plays and connects with one another. Catherine's passion for stamping and teaching comes through in her all of her creations and videos. 

House Party SponsorCatherine recently launched her new look and improved site catherinepooler.com and is throwing a fabulous housewarming party! We are proud to be one of her sponsors and are giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to our store! So be certain to head over and join in the fun! For complete details head to this post. 

For all those of you who are joining us here today we are giving away the opportunity for you to join in the fun over on StampNation! By simply leaving a comment on this post today you will be entered in to a random drawing for a one-month membership to StampNation! Please leave a comment on this post before Friday, September 19th to be included.

Catherine has another huge treat in store for you when you visit her blog - she has another project AND video awaiting you there so be certain to head over to Catherine Pooler's blog now! As our way of thanking you for taking the time to visit Catherine's blog we have a package of goodies awaiting your there. Please help us thank Catherine by leaving a comment on her post about being a guest here by September 19th to be included in the random drawing she will be hosting there. You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture of our giveaway.

Thank you Catherine for sharing your creativity with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

Catherine Pooler

Hi Friends! To say that I’m excited to be a guest in Ellen Hutson’s CLASSroom today would be an understatement!

Embedded Embossing Paste 2

The products I got to work with here are so super fun! The stamp set was like playing with paper dolls, the additional images work perfectly with the doll and with the two sentiments, you can’t beat it!

You may notice that I tweaked up the sentiment from how it comes in the set…be sure to watch the video to learn more about that.

I thought some paper piecing would be fabulous with this image and even used it with the bat. A bit of Delicata Gold stenciled on to the background made a subtle, yet still glitzy pop.

The real show-stopper here is the circle accent piece. Gold Mica Flakes embedded in Translucent Embossing Paste. oh, WOW!

In the video, I actually thought this wasn’t quite dry yet…see the white-ish part northeast of her elbow? That is just Mica Flakes with a bunch of Translucent Embossing Paste over them! It is dry, but turned a milky white color.

Embedded Embossing Paste

It’s always fun to play and experiment and find new ways to use any products you have. I hope you have enjoyed today’s tutorial and are inspired!

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Copic Markers: E31 E29, E39, E37, E00, E01, E04, YR02, YR04, YR09, G24, G28, C3, C5, C7

Posted at 12:00 AM in Blog Candy, Cards, Copic Markers, Halloween, Mixed Media, Prima Marketing, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (58) | TrackBack (0)

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August 15, 2014

Pick a Pumpkin by Laurel Beard

LaurelPICWe are so excited to be welcoming Laurel Beard to the CLASSroom today! Laurel is a ray of sunshine in this crafting world - her enthusiasm and energy are so contagious!

Her blog, Papercrafts by Laurel, along with her YouTube Channel, Laurel's Crafts, are a treasure trove of information. I'm not certain where she finds the time to do it all with two young children, but she does so with flair! Laurel is also founder of the Lawnscaping Challenges blog and this is where I first "met" her. It was the common love of the Lawn Fawn images that brought us together in this crafting world and I am a lucky lady to have her in my life.

For even more learning opportunities (yes, Laurel has another project AND video awaiting you) you must visit Laurel's blog, Papercrafts by Laurel! I would appreciate if you would help us thank Laurel for sharing her creativity with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here by August 19th to be included in the random drawing she will be hosting. As our way of thank you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Laurel for sharing your beautiful projects with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

Laurel Beard

Collage

Hi there! I am over the moon excited to be here at the CLASSroom today to share with you a few projects using some creative die cutting combined with some Design Memory Craft Faber Castell products!!! If you are like me, you like to stretch your products to get the most out of them, and that’s what I did here to get the most use out of this fabulous chevron die by My Favorite Things. 

DRY EMBOSSED DIE CUTS

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I decided to do some dry embossing with the die so I ran it thru my cuttlebug die cutting machine. The sandwich I used was: A plate, C plate, die face up, cardstock and two tan mats and this was the result: (if you don’t have the tan embossing mats, you can use several pieces of cardstock to act as a shim)

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After applying some Gathered Twigs distress ink, I stamped the sentiment from this stamp set in Versamark ink and heat set it with Ranger Black Sparkle Embossing Powder.

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I then grabbed some patterned paper scraps in my stash and die cut the pumpkin and leaves from this die set and voila, done!  

GLITTER TEXTURED DIE CUTS

Let’s move on to the next card shall we? This time, I thought it would be fun to add some texture to the pumpkin! PERFECT time to pull out the Glass Bead Glitter Gel by Faber Castell!!! I tinted the medium by smooshing some Ripe Persimmon distress ink onto my work surface (I use the Ranger non-stick craft mat) and mixed in the glitter gel with a palette knife. I then added it to some cardstock and allowed it to dry (approximately 15 minutes).  The texture and sparkle it leaves behind? WOW! 

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While that was drying, I worked on my background panel. I decided to use the chevron die as a stencil so I die cut the chevron, layered it on top of my white card panel, and spritzed it with some Mister Huey’s spray. I use an old shoe box for this so I don’t have to clean up afterwords!

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I stamped the sentiment with Versamark ink and then heat set it with my favorite embossing powder ever because it seems to go with everything, Liquid Platinum by Ranger. Now that the Glass Glitter Gel has dried, I die cut the pumpkin from the textured panel, grabbed some scissors and cut off his head, hahaha.....

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Of course, I added some googly eyes and some twine for the pumpkin insides and popped it up on the misted chevron panel with some foam dimension... As a finishing step, I heat embossed the edges of my card base with some Enchanted Gold Embossing powder! To do this, I applied my Versamark pad directly to the edges of my card base, sprinkled on the powder and heat set.

SPACKLE TEXTURED DIE CUTS

And finally, my last project to share with you today! A cute little place holder or treat bag!

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To create the cute little pumpkin panel, I used some Faber Castell Whipped Spackle. I tinted it with Gelatos.... The pumpkin is from the Impression Obsession stamp set I used in my first project.  Simply color some gelato onto your work surface, grab some whipped spackle and blend together.

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I applied the spackle to the pumpkin using a palette knife, making sure I kept it uneven as I applied because I definitely wanted some texture and dimension.

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I allowed it to dry (about 15 minutes) and then fussy cut the pumkin. For the burlap bag, I used some burlap I had in my stash (actually came in a coffee club order, ha ha) but Ellen Hutson carries these cute burlap bags which would have made things much easier for me! I cut my burlap into a circle and cinched up the top and tied it together with some twine. Then I cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin to weave the twine through and voila! As a finishing touch, I heat embossed an “L” using the same Ranger Black Sparkle embossing powder I used for the sentiment in the first card.

Be sure to head on over to Laurel’s blog for even more projects and a special card accompanied with a VIDEO! :)

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Announcements, Blog Candy, Cards, Dies, Faber-Castell, Fall, Glitter, Halloween, Impression Obsession | | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)

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September 23, 2013

Trick-or-Treat Die Cut Card by Jean Manis

JMHeadShotToday our thoughts are with Julie, her mom and her family. Please continue to include them in your prayers and positive thoughts as they move forwards with their fight against breast cancer. This hits so close to home with the recent loss of my own sweet mom. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to please be vigilent in your own health care. As well, please encourage those who are older who may think they are past the point of ever getting breast cancer to do the same.

We are thankful for the support of so many friends during this time as colleagues step forward to stand beside us in their support of Julie and our team here at Ellen Hutson LLC. The creativity continues on and we hope that we can bring a smile to your faces through this time.

So without further ado I would like to thank Jean Manis for coming to our aid today to bring you a spectacular and boo-ti-ful Halloween card!

I am a very lucky lady to have Jean located right here in Issaquah. When Jean walks through the door Jasper (my little furry mascot who lives to "go to work" --- yep he gets SO excited to come here because he knows he is going to be the center of almost every conversation when someone walks through our front door) rolls over for some fabulous belly scratches. Jean and I talk techniques, trends, industry news and family.

Not only is Jean a wonderful friend, but she is a very talented designer. Her clean, simple style has evolved over the last couple of years and it is a huge honor to have her share her project with everyone today. Her blog right as rain is filled with creative and inspiring projects - please head over and leave a comment or two on the beautiful projects she has created and shared there.

Thank you Jean for sharing with us here in the CLASSroom today; thank you so much for your friendship and support! Please help us thank Jean by sharing a comment for her below :) -Ellen

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. As a child and with my own children, I especially enjoyed trick-or-treating. There was something so powerful about the dark, the crunching leaves underfoot, and the glowing jack-o-lanterns on the doorsteps. It was only natural that I’d be drawn to the cute Trick or Treaters die cuts from Memory Box!

HalloweenDieCuts

I wanted to create an easily-assembled Halloween scene and die cuts make that possible. Because of the size of the Trick or Treaters, I added elements to the card that wouldn’t overwhelm the figures. The gate and fence serve as a backdrop for the duo and help ground them. I took some artistic license with the bats, which would be huge if I was being realistic, silhouetted by a die cut moon. The Trick or Treaters and bats are adhered with foam squares to add some depth.

HalloweenDieCutsCloseUp

The background paper, cut with a square die, allows the black card base to create a frame for the scene. I heat embossed a sentiment from the versatle Hero Arts stamp set, which has a font style that echoes the font in the background paper.

Although I kept my card simple with solid colors, it would be easy to add some bling. For example, the bats and witch figure could be cut from American Crafts Pow! Glitter Paper. Ellen had a great idea to add Distress Embossing Powder in Spiced Marmalade to the die cut jack o’ lantern for texture.

I use Glossy Accents for adhering small die cut pieces; it dries clear and fast. While holding the die cut piece with the tweezers, I carefully applied the Glossy Accents on key points on the die cuts that were applied directly to the card background.

GlossyAccents
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Posted at 07:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Halloween, Memory Box | | Comments (18) | TrackBack (0)

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August 19, 2013

Hello, Monday 08.19.2013

Bat_treeWEB

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Bat_tree_3_WEB

I love Halloween for many reasons, but mostly because it happens to be my husband's birthday! *grin*

I had to laugh when I finished this design because while it goes completely and utterly against my "Type A" personality (Type A's, you know who you are! *chuckle*), I absolutely adore Mister Huey's Color Mists! I can't stop using them! They are a GREAT short-cut for adding a quick splash of color* and I love the way the random splotches add interest, depth and texture without me even having to work at it, all with just a few spritzes.  

NOTE: I keep a dedicated box handy for spritzing/misting/spattering to confine the mess and since the color came directly out of the bottle, there is virtually NO clean-up! *fist pump*

Another great short-cut on this design: POW! Glitter Paper.  This stuff is WOW!  You can punch it, die cut it, use decorative blades on it (rotary or hand-held scissor type), fold it, yadda yadda! It has a thin backing, as opposed to card stock, altho with intricate dies, I would probably back it with card stock to make it sturdier for that. Most astonishing, is that NONE of the glitter flakes off when you rub your fingers across the surface or manipulate it! It's velvety smooth!  I think they should make it in every color of the rainbow. I do indeed. WOW + Paper = POW! I totally get why they call it that. If you need full size sheets of glitter for a project, these are amazing!

Great gobs of glitter, Batman!!!

I also love the woodgrain pattern built right in to the Savvy Woodland Tree die--a great detail!

Enjoy the video here or on YouTube and thanks for subscribing to our channel!

 

 

1Julie

*DESIGNER NOTE: I used "Sunshine" Mister Huey on this week's project, but just realized it is no longer available; a similar color and suitable substitute for this burnt orange hue would be "Desert"

SUPPLIES:

Posted at 09:00 AM in Cards, Dies, Fall, Halloween, Hero Arts, Savvy, Studio Calico, Video | | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)

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October 25, 2012

Halloween Reflections by Julia Stainton

With Halloween right around the corner, it seemed like the perfect time to play with some new papers and product. One of these products in particular has me really excited about it.The new Tim Holtz Mirrored is a reallly great reflective material that comes backed with adhesive and is thin, flexible and can be die cut. My mind is whirling at all the possibilities.

And what's Halloween without a spooky mirror? Perfect timing, I say, to try it on a Halloween card design.

Haloween-mirror-card

The thing I was really excited to try out with Mirrored was so see how reflective it was and how well it die cut. I paired it up with the October Afternoon Witch Hazel line. There are so many great vintage prints in this line. I'm not big on anything too ghoulish so this line is just perfect in my opinion.

Die-cut-mirror

It really impressed me how cleanly and easily the Mirrored product was able to be die cut. The above picture shows the die cut mirrors. It comes with a protective film over the mirror so leave that in place until you are ready to use it on your project. Make sure you leave the film on for die cutting. The left die cut still has the film on it and the right die cut has it peeled away. I wish the pictures captured just how shiny and beautiful a mirror finish this product has. I'm thrilled with it!

 

Die-cut-mirror-backing

In this next image I'm peeling away the protective film on the left die cut. The right die cut has been flipped over and the adhesive backing is being peeled away. It's so easy to adhere this product.

Sanded-paper-edges

Next onto creating the card. I've layered three of the beautiful prints together and sanded their edges for a worn distressed look. Worn and distressed and old always goes with Halloween in my opinion.

Haloween-mirror-card-top-vi

Lastly I used the coordinating Witch Hazel chipboard stickers to make a quick banner over the mirror. The adhesive chipboard buttons can be stacked for added dimension.

Die-cut-mirror-detail

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Supplies:

Posted at 09:00 PM in Halloween, Maya Road, Sizzix, Tim Holtz | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: October Afternoon Witch Hazel, Tim Holtz Mirrored

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October 15, 2012

Hello, Monday Video: GOT CANDY? by Julie Ebersole

SpiderCandyBag1web
(click on the pics to en-biggan)

I had seriously way too much fun making this Halloween design--this tiny shopping bag is to die for--LITERALLY!!!

I can't help but have a lot of fun when it comes to Halloween--it's the Mister's birthday! Candy, cake AND ice cream???!!! Oh, yeah, baby!!!

SpiderCandyBag2web
This week's video shows you how the whole thing came together and you can watch it right here, or hop over to YouTube to watch it in HD!  Enjoy!

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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:

Posted at 07:16 AM in Adhesives, Cards, Cosmo Cricket, Dies, Echo Park, Fall, Glitter, Halloween, Memory Box, Tips and Techniques, Tool Talk, Video | | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)

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September 03, 2012

Glittery Ghosts by Krystie Hersch

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Hello!  The little Ghost Trio die jumped to the top of my wishlist as soon as I saw it!  You can cut felt with them, cut patterned paper, but I really wanted to make glittery ghosts.  

I started by die cutting.  I went ahead and cut Twiggy Tree at the same time.  When I'm cutting detailed dies, I always add the Memory Box adaptor plate to help get all the detailed cuts.

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Now that I have a stack of ghosts, I want to add the glitter.  I'm going to use one of my favorite methods for this, which is the Xyron.  It's a little machine that turns your die cuts into stickers.  The adhesive is perfect for glitter.  It provides a strong hold, doesn't warp your paper, and has no dry time.

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Drop your items in the top of the machine and then manually pull paper out below.  

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Peel back the cellophane and you're left with a sheet of stickers!  Peel them off and cover them in glitter.

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Now I'm ready to add them to my designs.  First, I chose to combine them with some Dots and Stripes patterned paper.  I like non-traditional color schemes, so I went with light blue.

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I used Ellen's new linen-textured cardstock for my card base.  It adds a wonderful texture to your card, and is still subtle enough to capture the detail on your stamps, as you can see on the sentiment below:

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Lastly, I combined the Ghosts Trio die with Twiggy Tree for a spooky scene.  
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I embossed the sentiment in white and added small strips of patterned paper.
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Thank you for stopping by today!  

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Posted at 12:01 AM in Halloween, Hero Arts, Memory Box | | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

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October 15, 2011

A Most Happy Haunted House with Susan Tierney Cockburn

It is such a pleasure to once again welcome Susan Tierney Cockburn here to the CLASSroom! You can find Susan creating some of THE most delicious baked goods on her blog My Mother's Apron Strings, so if you are tempted by wonderful desserts and loving stories you will most definitely want to visit her blog and leave her a comment on one of her delicious creations there! Susan's fine eye for detail ALWAYS amazes me - I hope you enjoy taking in this beautiful haunted house. Yes, I have to laugh when I say it, but it IS beautiful, while still being haunting. Thank you Susan for sharing this marvelous creation and story with us! -Ellen

Haunted House Project

This is the second house I have made using Eileen Hull's house by Sizzix and I find so much inspiration evoking in this case, a childhood memory, into a project I can share.

I was almost eleven and a dear friend had decided to have a Halloween party at her grandparent's old house before the family had it torn down. I helped with re-creating a haunted feeling --- adding spider webs, vats of gelatin, wooden coffins, etc. It was as authentic as anyone our ages could make. We had a great time when the rest of our classmates came for the party and I really hated to see the house get demolished a month later.

After that occasion, I saw haunted houses differently, knowing the family that had actually resided there. This replication I did for my Halloween table centerpiece reflects that feeling --- a little spooky, but also joyful. The urns, lining the path to the front door, with its "Welcome" sign, are full of brightly colored chrysanthemums. The smiling Jack O' Lantern on the fence looks mischievous!
Crow in Tree

Jack the crow on the branch of a "Tim Burton-like" tree acts as the watch dog to anyone approaching, the pumpkin patches surrounding the house waiting for pies to be baked, and the graves with the familiar "pushing daisies" symbol, marks past ancestors --- Emma Gonner and Heidi Osamigo.

Cabbages Mice Maple Leaves

Kale, maple leaves, sunflowers and all things beautiful we find in the fall surround the decrepid structure.

Ladybug

All the colorful fall beauty down to the tiniest of lady bugs on one leaf in memory of my daughter, Kelly. When I showed the house to my 3-year old grandson, he asked "Where's the Ghosts, Mimi?" I said, "Ari, this is a Happy Haunted House!" and left it at that. -Susan

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Eileen Hull's Sizzix 3-D House Die Cut, Precut 3-D House

Dreamweaver Translucent Embossing Paste

Ranger - Distress Ink -- Black Soot, Pumice Stone, Bundled Sage

Punch Bunch Punches: Medium Begonia Petals (Kale), Mini Sunflower (Chrysanthemums and Daisies), Mini Maple Leaf (pumpkin vines), Mini Oak Leaf (fall leaves), Mini Ivy (ivy trailing up house), Small Sunflower (sunflowers by the fence), Small Tri-leaf (side bushes)

Martha Stewart Punches: Spider Web border (shutters), Mice border (mice running across back of the house)

Neenah Paper for Chrysanthemums, Sunflowers, Daisies

Double-sided Mulberry Paper for leaves

Copic Markers: Chrysanthemums - YR09, Y19, V15, RV17; Flowering Green Kale - BG93, YG63; Purple Kale - V15, BV08

Copper Foil - "silver side" used to create smoke stack

Viva Pearl Pen - Red berries and ladybug, Black for ladybug

Flower Soft - Christmas Green and Sage for the landscape; Koala Grey, Sand and Earth for the path to the door and grave sites

Styrofoam sheet to cut tombstones, then wrapped in mulberry paper and colored with Distress Ink

Fantasy Film - Dandelion for the window panes

Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Pen - Gold to make Jack O'Lantern face

Faber Castell - XS Black pen to outline the face

Sculpey Clay - to create flower urns/gray and crow?black (baked as directed 275 degrees for 15 minutes, then brushed with Sculpy's Satin glaze to seal)

Witch hat is a gold charm covered with mulberry paper, then sponged with Bundled Sage Distress Ink and finally Metallic Rub-ons in Olive

Glue - The Ultimate

Spider webbing stretched finely to recreate webbing around parts of the house

Floral Supplies: Sycamore pods for the tree, moss in lichen for roof, honeysuckle vine twisted to construct the tree trunk and branches, as well as small wreath above the front door, flower pods that resemble pumpkins

Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies, Halloween, Home Decor, Punches | | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Creating a haunted house, Eileen Hull Sizzix House Die, House Die, Susan Tierney Cockburn

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September 26, 2011

Easy Distress Halloween Design by Julie Ebersole

 

MBoxHalloween9 *click on the pics to enlarge*

I'll admit it--I very rarely "distress" anything--I love the look, it's just not a technique that automatically pops into my head.

BUT . . . (you knew that was comin', right?!) I adore kraft paper, and when I saw this color coated kraft paper, I had to play with it a little!

MBoxHalloween2

It has a little linen like texture, and when you sand through the color, the kraft core is revealed!  TOTALLY WICKED!!!

So then a Halloween design sprang to mind, and one thing led to another . . . *chuckle*

MBoxHalloween3

I needed a moon.  Not just any moon.  A BIG moon!  So, I grabbed a larger EK Success circle punch and punched a circle from masking paper.  You could use Eclipse Tape, too.  These are great for larger images and when you need ALL the edges securely tacked down while you are working.

MBoxHalloween4

Sponging right over the top with dye ink was quick & easy . . .

Tip:  When sponging ink, you can achieve a smoother blended look--almost airbrushed in appearance--by hitting the paper with a circular motion, as opposed to "pouncing".

MBoxHalloween5

When I removed the mask, I had a nice "orb" to serve as a back-drop to my focal image.

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This really makes the silhouette of the crow & fence "pop"!

MBoxHalloween7

After cutting the image down to size, I mounted a decorative edge punched from black card stock and then I used a scoring board and the single Piercing Bug to pierce a straight line.  I then connected the holes with a fine point black marker to create "faux stitching".  I have a sewing machine. I actually bought it for the express intention of sewing on paper. I have yet to thread it . . . (hangs head in shame)

MBoxHalloween8

Snagged a black button and bow-tied it with some ivory twine (both from my stash) for just a little adornment and voilá!

Isn't this fun?!

MBoxHalloween9
I really like how it turned out! And, it was ridiculously easy! Isn't that an awesome effect?!

Happy Mundane!

 

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Supplies & Materials used:


Stamps:  Old Fence (Memory Box); Happy Halloween Combo (Memory Box)

Adirondack Dye Ink in Terra Cotta
Archival Ink in Jet Black
Eclipse Tape
EK Success
2.25" Circle Punch
Martha Stewart Drippy Goo Edger Punch
Sanding Block
Kraft Card Stock
Kraft-Core Card Stock
A5 Cardstock, Black

Posted at 06:00 AM in Cards, Fall, Halloween, Ink Pads, Memory Box, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)

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September 02, 2011

Lockhart Pumpkin Cookies Foldover Bookmark

There are times when I wonder if I'm living under a rock - LOL! With everything going on in life I don't have any time to blog hop and so I have no idea if someone else has shared a version of this project before. Using a large, shaped die to create a "foldover" is an idea that I just thought was fun and so I had to share it with you - I hope that you enjoy it even if you have heard it before.

Foldover Bookmark Card 2 

I have been LOVING the label dies from Memory Box Company and it was after creating the Halloweenie card with the Chadwick Label that this idea dawned on me. Why not create "foldovers" with my larger dies?!?

Foldover 1 

To create a "foldover" you simply score your cardstock and fold it. Then using a piece of tissue tape attach the cardstock, with the fold line end slightly lower then where the die would normally make the cut, to the face of your die.

Foldover 2 

Run it through your die cut machine and voila a very nifty "foldover." These then can turn into darling bookmarks that have fabulous shapes!

Magnetize 

To hold the bookmark in place use a Basic Grey magnet - these are still the best magnets on the market for something like this.

Copic Colors 

Shown above are the colors of Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils and Spica Glitter pen that I used to color the Pumpkin Cookies. I <3 this image and have used it as our thank you's this month.

I also used the Copic Markers to color the 1/4" white silk ribbon with purple to add a little "pop" to the project.

As a little aside - I must tell you that Indie Bloom has papers in the collection that have a fabulous halloween feel.

Foldover Bookmark Card 

To close I had to share the first version of my project - it is so amazing to me that sometimes when I view my completed project through the camera lens I see missing elements. That is precisely the case in today's project - do you see the difference? It's the littlest of details that can make a card special. By simply adding texture to the edges of the foldover with a pierced design the project comes to life.

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stamps: Lockhart Halloween Cookies

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lavender Spica Glitter Pen

paper: Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Mango CS, Basic Grey Indie Bloom

accessories: Tim Holtz Mini Cabinet Die, Mini Paper Clip, and Design Ruler, 1/4" White Silk Ribbon,

Posted at 09:26 AM in Basic Grey, Cards, Copic Markers, Gift Ideas, Halloween, Lockhart Stamp Company, Piercing/Ornare, Tim Holtz, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: bookmarks, Foldovers, Halloween Cookies, Halloween gift ideas, Indie Bloom, Label Dies, Lockhart

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August 27, 2011

Paper Smooches Croppin', Hoppin' and Halloweenie Fun

September is right around the corner and with it comes the fall buzz for all fun and crafty "Halloweenie" things. This new set from Paper Smooches debuts on September 1st, so you will not find it in the store until that date. BUT I have a special surprise for you! We are using it today in our Warehouse Crop and we do not want you to feel left out. Read through this post and share which Paper Smooches set is your favorite with us in the comments section to be included in this random drawing for an opportunity to win your very own set!

Hey Ghoul Friend 

This little witchie just make one grin - yes, she is a cute ghoul - ha! ha!

To color her I used Copic colors - YG11, YG25, YG00, W00, R02, R08, YR16, YR68, YR09, 100 and V04.

Her hat and dress are paper pieced with the spidery paper from the Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland 8x8 collection. Then using a White Pastel Pencil I added color around the "edges" of the design to add depth. Use the Clear Glaze pen to add shine to her lips and the blacks of her eyes. A yellow Spica Glitter Pen was used on the orange in her socks and the buckle on her hat. It is amazing how much these little details help to create a special image.

Cutting Tips 

Tip: When cutting out fine details such as the heels on the witches boot cut out the areas that have the most delicate parts first. To have the added stability of the remaining cardstock will help you keep them in pristine condition.

Black Boots Tip

Then using a black marker color over the cut out portion - this helps eliminate any white spots!

Eclipse 1

Every witch needs a sparkly moon. When airbrushing I like to create a mask that does not "buffet" in the "breeze." To diecut Eclipse tape, my favorite paper masking material,  I affix the Eclipse to a piece of typing paper or cardstock and then cut out the image. In this case I used the Memory Box Flower Mound die - I felt it created a delightful moon background :-D

Eclipse 2

Firmly affix it to your moon. 
Eclipse 3

Airbrush with several colors to create a fabulous color combination - I used YR09, YR68 and YR16. 
Eclipse 4

Remove mask and reveal your fun new moon. 
Moon Adhesive 

To adhere the Be Creative (Sookwang) tape to your project simply place the moon face down on to the adhesive surface. Using the Fiskars fingertip knife I run it around the exterior of my circle, cutting through the adhesive. Then use your finger to easily roll the excess adhesive away.

Use Warm Highlights glitter and the Burnished Velvet technique (read more about that technique here if you don't remember the details) bring your moon to life.
Sentiment Tip 

One of the advantages to clear stamps is the ease of cutting the sentiments and customizing them. "hey cute ghoul" comes as one long piece. I wanted to create a shorter, stacked version, so I simply cut it between the words rounding the edges on the end.
Sentiment Tip 2 

To then be able to determine the fit makes it so easy to use.
Witch 

Stamp the background using Deep Violet ink, add a few bats (sorry this is an old Martha Stewart punch I just couldn't resist using) and a gemstone for balance and bling.

 
Now don't forget to leave a comment below telling us what your favorite Paper Smooches stamp set is! You have until midnight Sunday, August 28th to be included in this random drawing for the Paper Smooches Halloweenie set!

Supplies Small 
stamps: Paper Smooches Halloweenie (stamp set will be available here in our store on September 1st), Hero Arts Cling Classic Fabric Design

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Archival Deep Purple

paper: Memory Box Granny Smith Notecard, Cantaloupe & Lavender Cardstock, Neenah Solar White

accessories: Memory Box Chadwick Label Die, Citron Gemstone, Clear Glaze Pen, Lemon Spica Glitter Pen, White Pastel Pencil, 4 1/2" Be Creative Tape (Sookwang) or Tape Sheets, Warm Highlights Glitter, Eclipse Tape,

Posted at 12:00 AM in Blog Candy, Cards, Copic Markers, Faber-Castell, Glitter, Halloween, Hero Arts, Paper Smooches, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Burnished Velvet, fussy cutting, ghoul, Halloween, Halloweenie, masking techniques, Memory Box Chadwick Label, Paper Smooches, Witch

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October 29, 2010

A Quick Gift Box For All Seasons and Reasons

Last minute gifts are always tough, and finding a way to package them can be even harder. Why not combine the two using some of your fun paper crafting products?

Spooky Treats sliding matchbox closed

A few miniature chocolates wrapped in beautiful paper and presented in a box that was made to match is an easy way to impress the recipient with your clever and sweet ways. Even if the interior hints at something a little more sinister, they won't be able to resist nibbling on a piece or two before dinner.

The finished 4" x 5" size of these boxes will snuggle 15 little Treasures in ghoulishly delightful comfort. To wrap the chocolates in style you will need to cut 1" x 3" pieces of the different patterns of paper that you like.

Spooky Treats sliding matchbox

For the Halloween boxes I used the Hocus Pocus line from Pink Paislee.

Prepare two pieces of patterned paper of your liking. For the bottom of the box you will need a piece that is cut at 7" wide and 8" tall. Take care in your planning if you are trying to center one of the designs in your project.

For the top of the box you will need a piece that is 12" wide and 5" tall.

Hocus Box 1

Score the bottom at 3/4" and 1 1/2" from each of the edges. You should be left with an inside piece that is the same size and the finished dimensions of the box. 4" x 5".

Hocus Box 2

Fold the inside score up and the outer down. Then you will trim into the center along the inner score just into the box bottom on the top and bottom of the paper.

Hocus Box 3

Then place double sided adhesive tape along the edges.

Hocus Box 4

Remove the protective backing from the top piece of adhesive and fold it back onto itself along the score line. Repeat on bottom.

Hocus Box 5

Place four more pieces of double sided adhesive onto the "tabs" that were created.

Hocus Box 6

Remove the protective backing and adhere to the side of the box after you fold it up.

 

Hocus Box 8

Then remove the protective backing from the tape on the side and adhere into place.

Hocus Box 7

Remove backing from tape on the other side.

Hocus Box 9

Press into place and now the box bottom is complete.

Hocus Box 10

For the top, center your design if necessary and then score the top at 3 3/16" and 3 15/16" and 8 1/16" and 8 13/16". If that is making your brain hurt as much as it did mine to try to describe to you, the idea is that you want the top to be able to slide easily on and off of the box bottom. So the top needs to measure barely over 4" width of the box bottom and barely over the 3/4" over the depth of the box. Hopefully one of those two descriptions will get you there.

Before I adhered the sliding top together I stamped on it and adhered some letter stickers for the sentiment.

Hocus Box final

And with more holidays around the corner to celebrate, why not make neighbor, co-worker and teacher gifts.  :o)

Mitten Weather box
These are fun, easy and so very cute. Sit down and make a bunch at one time, then set a few of them aside for those unexpected situations when you need a gift in a hurry. If you don't have a fan of chocolate on your gift list, it is a great size for other types of treats, photos or for that someone special you could even make a matching mini-album. It is also easy to adjust the size if you have a little patience in doing some math. Just keep the scored widths the same on all four sides. Have fun and happy gift giving!

B-

Supplies Used: Hocus Pocus by Pink Paislee, Mitten Weather by Cosmo Cricket, Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Be Creative double sided tape, Black letter stickers are from the Life's Portrait paper crafting kit by Webster's Pages, White Trim from Prima Marketing.

Posted at 12:12 AM in Adhesives, Gift Ideas, Gift Packaging, Halloween | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

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October 23, 2010

Boo Halloween Banner by Julia Stainton

Boo-closeup

I'm totally loving banners. They are so much fun to create as you can make them as large as you want or start small and add more pennants as you find the time.

Today's project is a Hallowe'en banner for my home. Each of the pennants is 5"x7" and is created on a Jenni Bowlin Bingo Card. I know it's difficult to get an accurate idea of the size and detail as blog width ends up making the banner photo very small. To counter this, I'll be sharing each pennant individually as each is a unique creation in itself. Each pennant is larger than card front size and was so much fun to create. Please click on the smaller images to bring them to their full size for a better look.

Boo-banner


To create the banner, each bingo card is decorated. You could stop at this point and create a mini album or a scrapbook page accent but I've punch a hole in the top corners and strung them together with some hem tape ribbon.

To keep continuity in the banner project I repeated a few elements on each design. I wanted each to be unique but still tie the project together.

  • each pennant is created from a coordinating Jenni Bowlin Bingo Card
  • the edges of each pennant are highlighted by "inking" them with a Black Adirondack Paint Dabber
  • each pennant has some Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland accents
  • each pennant has die cut leaves that I've sponged with distress ink

Now for each of the pennants I'll show you a closeup for the detail and highlight some of the design elements of each one...

Boo-banner-first-pennat

  • star is created by die-cutting Craft-a-board with the Classic Star Nestability die and then covering it with Melissa Frances Silver Glass Glitter
  • a fun Tim Holtz Keyhole accents one of the o's in Boo
  • the bat accent is a Tim Holtz Fragment that has been masked with a bat from the Tim Holtz Seasonal Masks and then painted with a Black Paint Dabber

 

Boo-banner-candy-pennant

  • Tim Holtz Tissue tape crossed over the bingo card resembles crime scene tape
  • a little Memo Pin holds a Kiwi Chandelier Crystal
  • the Paper Rosette Sizzlets die makes a darling black flower rosette from black cardstock

Trick-boo-banner

  • add dates or word accents with Tiny Type and Graphic 45 letter stickers
  • The black cat is another use of the Tim Holtz Seasonal Masks

Boo-banner-treat

  • Ellen's new Ellen's Essentials Doiles are so much fun to use as an achor for a group of embellishments and accents
  • Add a fun chipboard button to the rossette center for extra dimension

Boo-banner-carve-2

  • the fun Halloween ticket stamp is one of many occasions found on the Tim Holtz Odds and Ends stamp set
  • frame your stamped image by stamping it onto a large kraft ticket

So there you have it.

Lots of fun techniques and ideas to try in one fun project. You could also rework it for a different occasion such as Christmas, a baby shower, or whatever you wish. You can find lots of fabulous and varied Bingo Cards by Jenni Bowlin here to use as a base.

Boo-banner-witch-hazel

Supplies: Halloween Bingo Cards & Vintage Halloween Chipboard Buttons by Jenni Bowlin, black cardstock, Jabberwocky patterned paper & Halloween in Wonderland Tags by Graphic 45, twine, Silver Glass Glitter by Melissa Frances, Tiny Attacher , Memo Pin and Market Place Tissue Tape by Tim Holtz for Advantus, Pitch Black Paint Dabber, Jet Black Archival Ink, Crushed Olive Distress Ink, Barn Door Distress Ink & Wild Honey Distress Ink by Ranger, Tattered Leaves die by Sizzix, Orange Halloween Felt by Hero Arts, Medallion Flower by Maya Road, Classic Star Nestability Die by Spellbinders, Tim Holtz Odds and Ends Stamp Set by Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz Fragment and Hinge Clip by Advantus, Tim Holtz Seasonal Masks, Vintage Pearl Trinket Pin and Leaf Trinket Pins by Maya Road, Paper Rosette Die by Sizzix, Assorted Doilies by Essential's by Ellen

Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom and happy creating!

Posted at 09:00 AM in Altered Items, Craft-a-Board, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter, Graphic 45, Halloween, Home Decor, Ink Pads, Tim Holtz | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

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October 21, 2010

Spooky Silhouettes for Halloween and Spooky Blog Candy

OK - I must admit - they really aren't all that spooky - LOL! In fact I find them quite delightful, but I just had to share more simple and fun uses for the silhouettes I showcased in this month's newsletter article.

Halloween SIlhouettes

Printing the silhouettes on decorative paper adds a completely different look to your silhouette. I love the patterns of the Hocus Pocus 6x6 papers and decided to use them as my background.

Once you have your silhouette prepared these are so very simple to create and change out for the different holiday seasons!The silhouette above is the same silhouette that I used in my Optical Lens Ornament Rub On post.

Simple Silhouette
Double click this link for more Rub On details.

For this framed piece I resized and printed my silhouette on copy paper. Using a light box I was then able to position the silhouette under the Hocus Pocus decorative paper, moving it around to find the best part of the pattern to use as the background.

Using temporary adhesive I adhered the decorative paper to my copy paper and then sent it back through the printer again. Voila - spooky prints appear in my silhouettes!

A few gemstones, together with a spider barette and pony tail holder, and the fabulous Melissa Frances frames make a very personalized set of Halloween prints to display :-D

I hope this inspires you to get creative for the upcoming holidays. You will be seeing me pull these silhouettes out of the frames and reuse the frames for the upcoming Christmas season ;-D

For those of you who do not have Photoshop we are offering a custom digital silhouette rendering so that you can use your own silhouettes in your projects. Visit our store for more information.

Once again I would appreciate your input. I am wondering if you would find it valuable for me to share the steps I use to create a silhoutte in Photoshop. Do you have and use Photoshop? If you do --- are you a beginner, intermediate or advanced user? Do you already know how to make your own silhouette? I am so very happy to provide this information, but do not want to use valuable time to create something that you already know how to do and/or share something that is far more complex than you would ever attempt in the first place - LOL!

Please leave your response in the comments section below before midnight Sunday, October 24th to be entered in our random drawing. By leaving your input you will be entered in to our random drawing which will take place on Monday, October 25th for the following:

Supplies Sm

silhouette: get your own Custom Digital Silhouette Rendering, JPG

paper: Hocus Pocus 6x6

accessories: Melissa Frances Large Chiswick and Large Newstead, Gemstone Spiders and Black Crystals, Temporary Repositionable Adhesive

Posted at 12:38 PM in Blog Candy, Gift Ideas, Halloween, Home Decor, Melissa Frances | | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: custom silhouettes, Framed silhouettes, halloween art, halloween decor, Melissa Frances Frames, silhouettes

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October 11, 2010

October Calendar by Sharon Harnist

OctoberCalendarSH 
 
I know October is a third over already, but I'm just now finding time on this school and Columbus Day holiday to finish my October calendar!  So I thought I would share that with you all today.  You may remember when I introduced you to my 2010 calendar for this year, here.  It's a mini-book style, made out of 4-inch square pieces of Ellen's fabulous Craft-A-Board!  You could prep one of these calendar books for next year to give as a gift, leaving space for the recepient to add photos of their own as the year goes along, if you wish!

I started by cutting two pieces of Craft-A-Board 4-inches square and then round the corners with Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper:

OctoberCalendarCAB-SH 

Next, I chose papers from Cosmo Cricket's Matilda Mini Deck and covered the Craft-a-Board with them, using a glue stick.  Then I stamped Karen Lockhart's sweet new Basket of Leaves with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto Copic's new X-Press It Blending Card.  I noticed Ellen has several affordable package options of this fabulous new cardstock available now -- you can find them here!  Your Copic markers will blend wonderfully on this new cardstock and you won't see any feathering of marker color or stamped lines like you might on other cardstocks. 

Here's a quick step-out of the Copic markers I used on the basket image, chosen to match the Matilda papers (click on any photo for a larger view):

OctoberCalCopic1SH OctoberCalCopic2SH
L - E31 on the basket, YR21 on the basket cross weaves and leaves, pumpkin & apples.  R - E33 & E35 on the basket and fruit stems.

OctoberCalCopic3SH OctoberCalCopic4SH
L - YR16 on some leaves and pumpkin.  R - YR18 to deepen the pumpking and some leaves.

OctoberCalCopic5SH G82 & G85 on leaves and one apple.

Sorry I didn't get a photo of the last few steps:

R24 on last apple.
E31 & E33 on what I decided would be pods or nuts in the basket and to finish the basket rim, some E37.
YR16 & YR18 on the flowers on each side of the basket.
W1 & W3 to shade under the basket and for the blowing leaf trails.
Gold Atyou Spica Glitter Pen accents everything.

I cut out the image and popped it up on foam tape.  Now, take a look at my finished colored image next to the papers I chose:

OctoberCal-Ivory1SH 

I love the bright white of the Copic X-Press It Blending Card -- it produces very crisp and vivid colors.  But notice how different it is (bright white) than the ivory of the patterned papers and Neenah Natural White cardstock that I printed my computer-generated calendar on?  Now this may not bother some people, but it bothers the perfectionist in me, LOL!  So what to do?  Here's where your hand-dandy Copic E50 Egg Shell comes to the rescue!

OctoberCal-Ivory2SH 

I used it to color any of the remaining white areas of the basket image.  In the photo above, I started on the right side of the image, up to where the tip of the marker is pointing -- the left side of the image still remains white, so you can see the difference the Egg Shell marker makes!

And here's a close-up of the finished image -- hopefully you can see the nice sparkle the glitter pen adds (click for a larger view):

OctoberCalendarBasketSH 

I used Martha Stewart's Picket Fence Edger Punch and Maple Leaf Punch to punch more Matilda paper for accents on this page.  The leaves were edged with Copic E35, crumpled and added with Mini Glue Dots.

For the right side of my calendar, I cut the Cosmo Cricket Matilda pumpkin background paper a little smaller than the 4-inch Craft-a-Board and colored the edges of the Craft-a-Board with Copic G85 marker.  Next, I die cut my computer-generated calendar with a Spellbinders Labels Four die and sponged the edges with Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink.  It is popped up on foam tape.  

OctoberCalendarCalSH 

Cosmo Cricket's Tiny Type Brown sticker letters make the 'october' word on top of my calendar.  Using Spellbinders Nested Maple Leaf die, I die cut & embossed green plaid Matilda paper, sanded the edges, and then machine stitched it.  Strands of ribbon make "hinges" to hold the two calendar pieces together like a book!

Thanks for joining us today -- Happy Columbus Day!  ~ Sharon

- supplies 
Stamps: Lockhart Basket of Leaves
Paper: Cosmo Cricket Matilda Mini Deck & Tiny Type Brown letter stickers, Copic X-Press It Blending Card
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink
Copic markers: YR21, YR16, YR18, R24, E31, E33, E35, E37, E50, G82, G85, W1; Gold Atyou Spica Glitter Pen
Accessories: Essentials by Ellen Craft-a-Board, Crop-a-Dile Corner Chomper, Spellbinders Labels Four & Nested Maple Leaf die sets, Martha Stewart Picket Fence Edger Punch & Maple Leaf Punch, Sanding Block, Mini Glue Dots

Posted at 09:31 AM in Copic Markers, Craft-a-Board, Gift Ideas, Halloween, Home Decor, Lockhart Stamp Company, Martha Stewart, Mini Books, Punches | | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

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October 08, 2010

Optical Lens Halloween Ornaments

Can you tell I have been having waaay too much fun here at work lately? Life is settling into a more regular (and happy) routine which allows me to do what it is that I LOVE - create and share :-D

The optical lenses from 7 Gypsies are so wicked cool and I have many ideas floating through my brain since first seeing them in July. The first to surface is the use of these as "Halloween ornaments." Come Christmas time I have another whole new set of ideas, yep my brain is exploding and I can hardly wait to share those - ha! ha!

Ornaments

We were seriously laughing today because it took longer for me to take pictures of the finished designs than it did to create them! Yes, the glare on the lens makes these hard to photograph, but I just had to go outside where these orangey-red berries were. The wind was blowing, the sun was placing dappled shadows on my lenses, but I was determined... and I think I won out :-D

Design Adhesive 1

Begin by applying the design adhesive to the lens surface by using the spatula end of the Rub-on tool.

Design Adhesive 2

Mix together black ultrafine glitter and black flock. Apply and burnish with finger. Remove excess glitter and flock with a soft cloth.

Crow Design Adhesive

So pretty!

Rub On 1


Add additional dimension to your piece by first applying a rub-on. Then flip over your lens and apply the design adhesive crow, flock and glitter.

TIP: Cut the rubbing down to size before applying. If it is too large and you just try to pull it apart you will pull the rubbing from your surface. Guess how I know this... just look at the top edge and you will see :-(

Crow and Time Rub On

You must admit that these are rather cool looking! Hang as a window ornament, put branches and berries in a vase and hang these or put it on a chain and wear it as a necklace. Yes, you could even use it on one of your paper craft projects - LOL!

Yes, I am having a barrel of fun! Thank you for stopping in and I hope that I have been able to bring a smile to your day!

Supplies Sm
accessories: 7 Gypsies Optical Lens, 7 Gypsies Chain and Time Rubbings, Memory Box Fright Night Design Adhesives, Doodlebug Flock (Black), Black Ultrafine Glitter RItz, Basic Grey Rub-on Roller

Posted at 11:09 AM in Altered Items, Gift Ideas, Halloween, Home Decor, Jewelry Making | | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: 7 Gypsies Optical Lens, Design Adhesives, Halloween Ornaments, Optical Lenses, Ornaments, Rub-Ons

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October 07, 2010

Hocus Pocus Test Tube Treat Holder

I keep seeing these test tubes arrive and depart here in the warehouse and have wanted to create using them for over a year! EEK!

How to present these has been part of my fascination... I think. Test tube holders are either really expensive, drab looking and/or way too large or small. Our lunch time conversation yesterday turned to the many different ways to hold these test tubes. The template that I have designed is based on the fabulous advice of all the girls here at work. Have I told you how lucky I am to have such fabulous women to work with?!! So I decided to create a template for all those of you who purchase these from us :-D Simply download and use the dimensions attached below. As well, we will be adding this file to the description of the test tubes in the store so that you can easily find it in the future.

Hocus Pocus Test Tube

You are going to hear me raving about Craft-a-board again today - LOL! Two days ago I created the Halloween treat box base using it. I absolutely love how this product is sturdy enough to really hold it's shape for making a wide assortment of projects. I shared how you can cut part way through using the Zutter Kutter. WELL...  guess what!!! Most of you don't have Zutter Kutter's BUT you do have an Xacto Knife and steel edge ruler :-D

Craft_a_Board 1

It dawned on me that if I used my Fiskar's tool together with the Tim Holtz ruler I may have discovered a solution for the others to be able to create the sturdy boxes I have been utilizing. Oh the feeling of jubilation when it worked like a charm! As you can see I held my ruler firmly in place and then gently, yet firmly cut through the first layer of the Craft-a-board surface.


Craft_a_board 2

This picture shows the reason I am so very excited about this. By cutting through the top layer only you can create crisp, clean folds!!!

If you find that you have cut too deep you can always use adhesive or tissue tape to reinforce your fold lines, but I did not have to do that at all on this project. In fact it worked better than the Zutter Kutter :-D

Craft_a_board Base
This photo shows my test tube holder base with all lines, what I am going to call "deep scored" (the top layer of the Craft-a-board being cut through and the bottom layer remaining intact.)

Craft_a_Board Inking

There are many ways to color the Craft-a-board. One of the quickest and easiest is to use an ink blending tool and dye inks. I love the color palette of the Distress Inks and so they are frequently my first go-to-ink for anything involving the blending tool. I inked the edges of the Craft-a-board and then the portions of the holder that were not going to be covered with decorative paper.

For more ways to use Craft-a-board simply click on the category link on simple dreams, In Touch and here in the CLASSroom.

Rub On 1
Another product I cannot remember ever using before is rub-ons :-O Yes, the girl who likes to try everything hasn't tried rub-ons! As we have continued to explore and expand the lines that we carry in the store these have puzzled me.

Decorating a rounded surface can be somewhat tricky for those of us who are stampy stampers and so I stepped off the edge, so to speak, and broke open my first package of "Press Ons."

Sitting at my table puzzling over how I would hold it in place without moving it Cathy came to my rescue. I used basic removable office tape to hold it in place as I worked :-D

Rub On 2
Using the Basic Grey Rub-on Roller I carefully applied my first Press-On. Success! I am hooked! Those optical lenses are now calling my name and I think I must find a way to make a few "dangly" Halloween decorations :-D

Top Hole
The next piece to the mental puzzle of creating the perfect test tube holder was creating the hole that would hold the tubes firmly in place. My circle was a little to large and then it dawned on me. I have seen these funky pinked edges on store packaging. I trace the location of my circle on to my decorative paper as shown above, making certain that it would be positioned in just the right spot.

Cosmos
Look at how perfect the Cosmos flower fits this circle! It was meant to be.

Test Tube Cork
Another rub-on was added to the cork and a gemstone to add just that little bit of bling.

Test Tube Bling
A little more bling with a strip of adhesive and Glitter Ritz, as well as the perfect little amber circle bling and now I have a very fun little vessel and holder in which to present my gift. Purple Nerds to the rescue momentarily for this picture, but soon I will have this filled with some crafting goodies to gift to someone very special.

We hope that you enjoy this little treat holder. Think of all the possibilities!!! You could stamp the decorative paper, add a focal image, drop a tag from it and so much more!!! Add an inch or two to the overall width, cut in additional holes, and you can easily hold two or three test tubes. I would also like to encourage you once again to give Craft-a-board a try. It has SO many uses --- I will continue to do my best to share the many ideas I have to help you bring a higher level of quality to the items you create. Thank you for joining me here in the CLASSroom - now go and get creative!

Supplies Sm

template: Download Test Tube Favor Stand Template

paper: Pink Paislee Hocus Pocus 6x6 Paper Pad

ink: Dusty Concord Distress Ink Pad

accessories: Martha Stewart Test Tube Favors, Craft-a-board, Fiskars Fingertip Knife, Tim Holtz Ruler, Pink Paislee Hocus Pocus Press-ons, Basic Grey Rub-on Roller, Copper Circle Rhinestone Borders, 1/4" Be Creative Tape, Apricot Glitter Ritz, Cosmos Flower Punch

Posted at 03:05 PM in Craft-a-Board, Essentials by Ellen, Gift Ideas, Gift Packaging, Halloween, Martha Stewart, Templates | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Ellen Hutson Template, Halloween Treats, Martha Stewart Test Tubes, Pink Paislee Hocus Pocus, Test Tube Holder Template, Test Tube Treat Holder

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October 05, 2010

Owl-o-ween Trick or Treat Pencil Box

I LOVE the days that our customers stop in to pick up their will call orders and they bring along projects they are working on. Ann, thank you so much for sharing your adorable treat box!!!

Nothing could be more fun than this little creation!

Anns Pencil Holder

Ann is making these for an entire class - I know they will absolutely love this treat!

Anns Pencil Holder 2

Well... I couldn't resist giving this a whirl. I pulled out a rather boring pencil box to get measurements to design this template. When I am back at work tomorrow I will measure my box and add the dimensions here. Then using Craft-a-board and my Zutter Cutter I was able to quickly design the base for this box.

Pencil Box

Craft-a-board is an inexpensive, fantastic alternative to chipboard!

Pencil Box Craft-a-Board

The Zutter Kutter has a very cool feature which allows you to cut part way through thicker materials. To cut through the Craft-a-board I use the regular setting. To cut a deeper score line in the Craft-a-board I set the dial to "3". This creates a cut which allows you to easily create beautiful boxes!

Then using Distress Inks and an Ink Blending Tool I sponged the surface to coordinate with the Hallowe'en in Wonderland spider web paper.

Pencil Box Copics

Above are the Copic colors I used to color the oh, so cute Tufted Owl.

Pencil Box Closeup 2

Resisting opening the latest sketchy tree die from Tim Holtz was futile - it was just too perfect. Cutting the tree and then wrapping it around the box to position the owl within the harvest moon... well - I just had to do it :-D

A little added sparkle (Rock Candy and Wild Honey Distress Stickles), along with Black Enamel Accents on the eyes adds dimension for the finishing touch.

Ann, thank you once again for inspiring me and providing THE most fabulous of ideas!

Supplies Sm

stamps: Memory Box Tufted Owl, Hero Arts ClearDesign Happy Halloween

paper: Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland 8x8 pad, Neenah Natural White, X-Press Blending Card

ink: Archival Jet Black, Distress Ink Pads - Weathered Wood, Faded Jeans, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey

accessories: Craft-a-Board, Nostalgic Tissue Tape, Black Enamel Accents, Rock Candy and Wild Honey Distress Stickles, Tim Holtz Branch Tree Bigz Die

Posted at 08:18 PM in Craft-a-Board, Gift Ideas, Gift Packaging, Graphic 45, Halloween, Tim Holtz | | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Craft-a-board, Halloween gift ideas, Halloween Treat Box, Memory Box Tufted Owl, Owl, Pencil Box, Tim Holtz Tree Branch Bigz Die

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September 19, 2010

Glitter + Halloween = Loads of Fun

Time passes SO quickly! It was July when I had the pleasure of a "playdate" with Heather and Lisa. Heather loves Halloween and so we pulled out the Halloween punches I had and Lis shared the Burnished Velvet technique with her. As Lis demonstrated I was the fetcher and clean-up gal because I knew where to find everything and then could put it away again :-D BUT I had an idea I just had to try so my clean-up role was quickly dismissed as I created the glittered piece below - LOL!

Flying Witch Glitter

To learn more about Burnished Velvet you can read the following posts:

Flying Witch Layers

Begin by adhereing Be Creative tape to the Blackbird paper and then cut out the oval using a Nestability. I have found that sometimes (depending on the weight of my designer paper) I have had to run my sandwich through my machine two times before it cuts all the way through the tape and the paper. It works best if I place my die so that it cuts through the tape layer first, with the designer paper on the bottom.

Remove the  tape backing and position your decorative images punched from the tape backing (remember to position it with the words facing up for best results) I have alphabetically listed the order in which I placed my elements down on my sticky tape in hopes of assisting you with the layering.

  • a - haunted house
  • b - flying witch
  • c - circle

TIP: If you want an image to be used as a whole place it on your sticky surface first - that way it will be the last item to be removed and glittered.

I have then numerically listed the order in which I lifted my elements and applied the glitter.

  1. warm highlights
  2. apricot
  3. java bean

TIP: Remember to thoroughly burnish each color of glitter in place before applying the next color to avoid mixing the colors. This is especially important when working from light to dark as I did in this case. If it is not thoroughly burnished some of the dark colors may migrate into the lighter colors. This can be an added effect in some cases, so think about the final look you are trying to create before making your burnishing decision.

Glitter and Halloween... they go together like bread and butter! SO pull out your punches and see what Spooky creation you can create :-D

Supplies Sm
paper: Memory Box 6x6 Blackbird and Licorice Cardstock

accessories: Martha Stewart Flying Witch and Haunted House, Circle Punch, Oval Nestability, Be Creative Tape 4 1/2" or sheets and 1/4", Glitter Ritz - Warm Highlights, Apricot, Black

Posted at 10:54 AM in Glitter, Halloween, Martha Stewart, Memory Box | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Be Creative Tape Techniques, Burnished Velvet, Glitter Ritz, Glitter Techniques, Haunted House, Martha Stewart Halloween, Witch

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September 17, 2010

Blackbird Halloween Photo Tray

Yesterday when I arrived at work this fabulous project was sitting in our front office. I just had to share it with you as I think Carina did a fabulous job!

Happy Halloween 1

I love seeing the pictures of her kids when they were younger carving their pumpkins! She used the Blackbird paper line together with some Martha Stewart punches to add interest to the project.

Happy Halloween Closeup

I really like how she split the photo in the top right hand corner and added some "bling" to make the project sparkle. I hope this inspires some of you who have had photos of your kids at Halloween tucked away to bring them out and hang them up for the month ahead. Thank you so much for letting me share your beautiful project Carina!!!

Supplies Sm
paper: Memory Box Blackbird 6x6 Paper Pad

accessories: 7 Gypsies Letterblock Printers Tray and Label Holder, Martha Stewart Spiderweb and Spider

Posted at 02:09 PM in Halloween, Home Decor, Memory Box | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: 7 Gypsies Printer Tray, Halloween Decor, Letterblock Printers Tray

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September 03, 2010

Design Adhesives and Glitter Ritz by Susan Roberts

CLASSroom28.1WithWM

CLASSroom28.2WithWM

My last visit to Ellen’s studio had me leaving with some of Memory Box’s Design Adhesives and some of the oh so sparkly Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter.  Of course I had to try these two products together.  Here are the results.

First up is a card made with two of Memory Box’s new Halloween images, “Old Fence” and “Crow” and the sentiment “Happpy Halloween”.

CLASSroom28.3WithWM

One of the Design Adhesives from “Brocade” collection is used with Glitter Ritz “Apricot”.  I wanted to add an additional section to the design under the bird.  Using a Quickie Glue Pen, a small amount of the glue was drawn and then the Glitter Ritz was added over the glue.

CLASSroom28.4WithWM

CLASSroom28.5WithWM

The Quickie Glue Pen was also used to added “Warm Highlights” Glitter Ritz to the spider web.

CLASSroom28.6WithWM

CLASSroom28.7WithWM

Also used on this card:  May Arts Twill, Memory Box 6x6 "Blackbird" Designer Paper and Vintaj "Flowers" Natural Brass Embellishments.

The second card uses Glitter Ritz on snowflakes from the Design Adhesive “Flurries” collection.  I also used Martha Stewart's Around the Page Snowflake Edger Punch "Aspen" and Memory Box's "Build a Tree" stamp on this card.

CLASSroom28.8WithWM

Experimenting with the Glitter Ritz, I mixed it with both white embossing powder and clear embossing powder.   Some fun variations in the look were achieved.

CLASSroom28.9WithWM

CLASSroom28.10WithWM

Besides using the Design Adhesives and Glitter Ritz on plain cardstock, I also used them together on Memory Box’s Designer Paper “Mistletoe”, on a Twinchie and on the May Arts Silk Ribbon.

CLASSroom28.11WithWM

CLASSroom28.12WithWM

Also for this card, the felt on a Prima Flower Center was colored with a Copic Marker.

CLASSroom28.13WithWM

I found that the Design Adhesives and GlitterRitz were easy to use and worked absolutely perfectly together.

CLASSroom28.14WithWM

Thanks for dropping by the CLASSroom today.  Happy Crafting!

Posted at 09:52 AM in Adhesives, Cards, Christmas Inspiration, Halloween, Martha Stewart, Memory Box, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)

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August 30, 2010

Belated Fall Birthday In Wonderland

I loved to do themed birthday parties for my family when I was younger - LOL! OK, I still love to do them, but I just don't seem to have the same amount of time as I once did. For Maddi's 5th birthday party we did an elaborate Alice in Wonderland themed party in which Maddi wore a special Alice in Wonderland dress I had sewed. I dressed up as the White Rabbit, my DH was the Mad Hatter and other friends took on the role of the other characters in this fun tale. I painted large props with characters and scenery for games and created loads of beautiful colored tissue paper flowers. Our back yard was quite the Wonderland.

When Graphic 45 released this line of papers I knew immediately that I would have to do something birthday oriented. It was shortly after, that I saw Karen Lockhart's latest release and knew that the Pumpkin Cupcake was THE perfect fit.

Im Late

I felt that this card needed a "hole" to represent Alice falling down the rabbit hole. I am so literal - LOL! I don't know where these goofy ideas come from, but they do and so I just need to run with them.

Window

I first applied the black rabbit paper, then a strip of adhesive, next the striped paper and last another strip of adhesive. Next I cut the circle out using a Nestability.

Black ultrafine glitter was applied to the adhesive strip and burnished in place using the burnished velvet technique. I am absolutely loving the touch of elegance this glitter gives my creations!

Im Late Closeup

Humor makes me happy and I am always trying to come up with little quips and so I created my custom saying using a font called Harrington in Office Word. I punched out the sentiments with my tag dies and distressed with Antique Linen.

Rather than using a letter in the Tim Holtz Type Charms I simply punched out one of the fun embellishments on the Hallowe'en in Wonderland Tags sheet. We carry the 1/2" circle punch specifically for this purpose. A girl can never have enough options for those little charms. :-D

Belated Birthday Inside

I sewed the last of my tags to the Jabberwocky paper and closed my card to place the Pumpkin Cupcake perfectly in the center of the hole. It was shortly after placing the cupcake that I realized I could have and perhaps should have created a little "flame" to place atop the cupcake.

One little tip that I would like to share in creating this cupcakes coloring to coordinate with the Graphic 45 papers is to color your image with your true bright Copic markers and then once you have the look completed color over the surface of the entire pumpkin with a W2 marker. This helps to bring down the brightness of the colors and allows the colors to blend more accurately with the colors in the papers. Always remember that you can alter your Copic colors with your neutrals!

If you have a fall birthday you might specifically want to be late in sending out a birthday card :-D Never pass up a good reason to be a little late - your birthday recipient will be tickled to receive something on the day that it is not their birthday just to extend the days of well wishes. Or use a similar idea as an invitation to a last minute Halloween party. There are loads of options and with the popularity of Cupcakes and Alice in Wonderland you just can't miss :-D

Supplies Sm
stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Pumpkin Cupcake

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (and Prismacolor Pencils)

paper: Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland 8x8 paper pad and Tags, Memory Box Jack O' Lantern

accessories: Nestability Circle, Tags Trio, Labels Trio, 1/2" Circle Punch, Tim Holtz Typewriter Charms and Mini Pins, Be Creative 1/4" Tape, Black Ultrafine Glitter

Posted at 10:24 AM in Cards, Fall, Graphic 45, Halloween, Lockhart Stamp Company | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Belated Birthday, Graphic 45 Hallowe'en in Wonderland, Pumpkin Cupcake

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October 28, 2009

Trick Or Treat? by Kim Hughes

well, I am sure that most kids will choose treat instead of trick, but who says that it needs to be a sweet treat?  My kids are handed more and more non-treats such as popcorn, toothbrushes and pencils.  So, I created an easy pencil "treat" holder just in time for Halloween

1

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Terra Cotta, Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Pitch Black

Punch, 5/8" Circle

Invisibles, Paper "Dots"

Memory Box - Web Crawler, Halloween Greetings

Cut-N-Dry Stamp Pad Foam

Kim Hughes Paper Pack, Mocha Chica

Basic Grey 12"x12" Collection, Lemonade, Basic Grey Buttons, Wisteria

Martha Stewart Baker's Twine, Solids

3 
Start by adding color to the polka dot Invisibles paper.  I rubbed the ink on with a circular motion.
 
 6 

Once you have covered the paper with ink, rub off excess ink from the resist polka dots.  Use a circle punch that is the same size as the polka dots...or one that is as close to the size as you can get.
 7 

Use a larger circle punch to punch out a "scrap" circle template.

5 

On the back of the orange polka dot paper, line up the inner circle with your template and trace along the top of the outer circle.  Trace paper or a ruler across the center of the circle and hand cut along the line.

 8 

This is what it will look like once you have cut both ends

9 

mat the paper onto yellow paper, add the pencil through the ends

Stamp spider web, sentiment and spider in black onto green paper and cut around it so that it's slightly larger than the yellow base because it needs to go over the pencil.

Punch 2 small holes through the green panel and the base at the same time.

10 

thread the twine through both holes at the same time and wrap around to the front.

11 

tie a bow in front and add a button accent to the center of the bow.

12 

and here's a close-up of your Halloween message

2 

this is what the back side will look like.  You can add it to a card base and include a message inside. 
 
 13
I am hoping that you will find these easy enough that you might consider making some for your child's class.  Change the size of the holes to adapt to a lollipop, toothbrush or a stick of gum.  Experiment and have fun!

Posted at 12:01 AM in Gift Ideas, Gift Packaging, Halloween, Just Stuff, Memory Box, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

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September 17, 2009

Halloween Decor by Sharon Harnist

You've been seeing a few new Fall & Holiday stamps from Karen Lockhart and today I'd like to show you one of my favorites from this latest release, another in her series of "In The Window" stamps -- Halloween! 

BooSignBeforeSH

I thought this image would be cute as a home decor sign or door hanger, so I picked up an inexpensive metal sign on sale at the craft store to alter.  Alternately, you could always recycle something you already have or die cut Craft-A-Board into any shape you'd like and use that as your base.  Above is how mine started out!

And here's my altered decor:

BooSignSH  

I started by adhering some of Basic Grey's new Eerie 6-inch patterned paper to the metal sign, using decoupage glue.  After adhering the paper to the sign, I also gave it a top coat of decoupage glue, to protect the paper.

I stamped the image and colored it with these Copic markers and Spica Glitter Pens in silver (spiders & web) pitch black (banners), and chocolate (pumpkin trendils):

BooSignCopicSH

After coloring and cutting out the stamped image, I layered it onto more of the Eerie patterned paper die cut with Spellbinders Labels Two and adhered everything to the sign with more decoupage glue. 

BooSignCloseSH   

Using Red Liner tape, I adhered the pom-pom trim.  Then to finish, I wrapped silver tinsel pipe cleaners around the wire hanger, to give a bit of a festive feel.  Happy Fall!

- supplies

Posted at 12:36 AM in Altered Items, Copic Markers, Halloween, Home Decor, Lockhart Stamp Company | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

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September 09, 2009

Halloween Greetings by Kim Hughes

Happy 9/9/09 :)

I get excited about Halloween when I see all of the aisles of candy in stores, so I thought I'd create a card to prepare us for such a fun holiday.  I realize that it's a  not a huge card giving holiday, but why not, right?

1

Supplies:
 
 
 
 
Web Crawler Memory Box stamp (web and spider on one stamp)
 
 
 
other:
 
Buttons
 
Cut Craft a board and Stamp pad foam to the same size as the web stamp.
 
2 
Heat the grey side of the Stamp Pad Foam with a heat gun.  I heated it for about 1 minute.  Press the red rubber stamp onto the hot pad.
 
3 
Once you lift the stamp, ink the entire surface with Pitch Black ink
 
4 
Press the foam stamp onto the craft a board.  By creating a foam stamp, you are creating a reversed image of the original.
 
5 
then use the white side of the Stamp Pad Foam to ink the edges of the craft a board.
6 
...until it looks a bit "spooky"
7 
then use some paper scraps to design your card.  Stamp sentiment in the lower right corner
 
8 
And then use the same foam pad to chalk the edges with pitch black ink.
 
9 
Assemble the card and add 2 button accents to anchor the main panel.  I added some machine stitching to add interest.  Stamp a spider accent next to the sentiment and add a dew drop to the spider's body (I think it looks eerily real, but it adds such a fun touch)  As I sit back to look at the finished card, it reminds me of Charlott's web as she hangs out in the barn.  This card will be mailed out to someone, for sure...are you with me?
 
Thank you for joining me today.  :)

Posted at 12:01 AM in Cards, Craft-a-Board, Design Elements and Principles, Fall, Halloween, Memory Box | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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