HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

My SWEET White Owl & Pumpkin

I bought both this  white pumpkin & owl @ Michaels after Thanksgiving a couple years back & just love them.  I use them to decorate for Thankgiving & Halloween.  Just change the surrounding a bit for each Holiday.  Love the big eyes on the owl & the simplicity of the white.  Nice change from orange.  It's an unusual pumpkin too not seen it sold there since either.  It has a realistic stem with vine & leaves attached.

Here's a close up of the pumpkin itself:

The pumpkin, stem & leaf have a dusting of shimmer & just a hint of glow in the dark paint in the ribs of the pumpkin.  You can see some of my sewing handiwork in this photo too!  The runner is quilted with harvest vegetables on one side @ the ends there is a graduating watercolor pieced farm scene.  On the reverse side is a Halloween scene in a watercolor quilt effect with Haunted Neighbourhood full of Trick or Treaters & ghouls of all kinds.  I like how the runner does double duty for the fall holidays.  It's trimmed around the edges with black bias tape for a clean bold look.  It has to be one of my favorite pieces that I ever made.

PS if you click on the bottom pic to enlarge it you can see that I was stamping on my table.  LOL  There is a very noticable imprint of black ink just to the side of the runner.  Oops!  It did come out eventually.  Can't say the same for a watermark left by leaving a real pumpkin on the table overnight without something underneath it to protect the table.  That mark never came out.  So I have a permanent reminder of Halloween past.  : )

Paper Pumpkin & CHALLENGE

I made this adorable pumpkin a couple of years ago after seeing one on another site. You may have previously made these as Christmas ornaments as I have, which is basically the same idea. I altered the instructions slightly to suit the materials I had on hand. This plump little pumpkin was the result.

Materials:
Although I chose a piece of pumpkin colored cardstock for the pumpkin & brown cardstock for the stem, you can choose whatever color you want -  be CREATIVE!

Instructions:
A piece of scrapbook paper -
8” 1/2 x 11” or 12” x 12” size doesn't matter
scrap piece of brown scrapbook paper about 1” x 1”and ½
1” piece of double sided tape
rotary cutter/scissors
12” piece of thin green jute/hemp-like twine
blunt needle – the eye of the needle has to be big enough for the twine to pass through doubled.
hole punch with small hole
Decorative bits: Small piece of ribbon and decorative trim – I used a leafy bit of ribbon
stamp – I used a foam stamp with a vine & leaf design U can use acrylic, rubber or foam stamp etc. doesn't matter, it's to your liking.
Ink pad – again your discretion.

1.Stamp image all over paper, let dry.
2.Cut paper down to 6 x 12” or 6 x 11” depending on size paper you started with.
3.Cut paper into 1/2” x 6” strips.
4.Punch hole on both ends of strips.
5.Fold piece of jute string in half tie a knot, and draw folded end (*Not the Knot end) through the eye of the needle.
6.String all strips through hole at one end.
7.Then thread through all holes at the opposite end while twine is still attatched to needle.
8.Pull slightly so strips come together a bit like a crescent moon; you're giving the pumpkin its beginning shape here.
9.Tie off in a knot.
10.Place double sided tape along edge of brown paper scrap.
11.Roll starting from edge with no tape to opposite edge with tape to create a stem, stick edges together with tape on edge.
12.Thread twine through stem.
13.Add decorative bit to base of stem.
14.Separate each strip of paper a slight bit as you go around you'll create a pumpkin shape. When circle is complete you can squish down on it a bit to give even more shape to your pumpkin.
15.Add ribbon tied bow.

You're done! Now that you've made one, bet you'll make more. Too cute !

You will all get a unique result as each of you will be using your own
stamps, ink and papers choices.
So now let's see what you can come up with.
Post pics and link back to me so we can all see them,
and I will post a picture of a pumpkin patch using them. 
Make one for your Fall - Halloween - Thanksgiving décor  
If you're my fave I'll send you a sweet TREAT – no TRICK!

Looking forward to seeing yours! :)

LEAVE A LINK TO YOUR PUMPKIN!

PS
This is the perfect size for decorating a Harvest or Halloween Buffet, even put one on each persons place setting & give them away as small gifts to each person @ a dinner party!  Make them in any color, use patterned paper instead of stamped, add bling etc.  This is an easy & affordable decor to make!

My Own HALLOWEEN BINGO CARD Clip Art

I created this Halloween Bingo Card Clip Art for use in Cards, Tags, Altered Art etc.  I started with the vintage photograph then searched far & wide for the perfect Witches hat to sport on both the doll & the little girl.  I worked this out in many layers to achieve this look.  Added the primitive style hand penned star highlighting the number 31 for Halloween.  I like how this one turned out.  Who can resist these Sweet Wee Little Witches wearing their sweet little party dresses!

designed & copyright by cathies pARTies 2011

HALLOWEEN WALL POCKETS

Here are some

Wall Pockets

 I made for

Adelas

 'Delicious Fall'

 Wall Pocket Challenge
(3d132)

She provided templates - I downloaded the pdf version for myself. 
I fussy cut the templates traced them onto patterned card stock and in turn fussy cut them out too!  Punched the holes to accommodate ribbon for my choice of hanging the pockets.  The original had a wire hanger, so if you choose to make your own  version you can do that too!

For the first version I used Vintage Clip Art for the main focal point.  Added the stamped phrase 'Trick or Treat!'.  This was actually one stamp.  After stamping, I cut the banner away from the rest of the phrase so I could have the banner at the bottom of the pocket.  I used non traditional colors here for a refreshing take from the usual heavy colors associated with Halloween.  It's a grungy white patterned paper with 1/2 inch polka dots.  The ribbon is a sheer white with the sentiments: 'Happy Halloween!'  I filled it with candy necklace & bracelet - sure to please any Witch!

This was my second version of the wall pocket.  It's got more traditional Halloween colors.  I used my favorite HALLOWEEN patterned paper too!  The main focal point here is a die cut Crowned Crow.  I think this card has a Classic Chic look to it.  Again I filled it with Candy Necklace & bracelet - I know firsthand from a personal traumatic experience just how much these crows like precious gems just as much as we do.  I have yet to see one actually sporting one of these gems though, they must just like to hoard them.  I stamped the sentiment 'Trick or Treat' on a tag & threaded it through the ribbon.

These were very simple to make

&

I am planning on making more

for a variety of

reasons & seasons!

: )

A CLEAN AND SIMPLE CHALLENGE

This card was created for Brenda's CASS CHALLENGE (CASS21) - CLEAN AND SIMPLE SUNDAY CHALLENGE  this week.

The main focal point is clip art. (Doesn't she remind you of someone?)
My first attempt to stamp the sentiment on the clip art, wasn't clear enough.
I stamped it again on a piece of white scrap, fussy cut around it & then popped it off the clip art using pop dots.  I liked this even more.  The original stamped image is now creating a shadow behind making it look more 3 dimensional.
A fern photo corner punch to punch two opposite corners of the green background mat to mount the clip art was used to add just a touch of detail.
I used MY MIND'S EYE 'wild asparagus'  "you are my sunshine" striped paper for the cards background & adhered it to a basic black card. 
Following the template I used a portion of a decorative border from my scraps.
Voila Finished Card!
Definitely Clean & Simple!

Want to play along with BRENDA'S CASS21? Here's a link:
http://www.stampingwithbrenda.com

*********************************************************************************

ALSO DON'T FORGET I ALSO HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU WITH FREE CLIP ART!

Check out my Challenge too for my

 'BEST WITCHES'

PENNANT FLAG BANNER! 

It's @  cathies pARTies

Follow  THIS  Link:

http://cathiesparties.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenges

YOU'LL FIND IT IN THE SIDEBAR UNDER THESE LABELS: 

 FREE CLIP ART,  CHALLENGES

 Just CLICK  & SCROLL TILL YOU FIND IT.

You have till the Witching hour on OCTOBER 31 to get your submission in to win some candy!

GOOD LUCK!

My version of a TEA LIGHT Candle Card

I made this card for a Swap.  We were challenged to make a tea light candle card, use some ribbon on the card, fill the pocket with anything we want & it had to be girly. 

This is what I came up with:

I started with the basic tea light candle card template.  I tweaked the pattern just enough to flatten the pocket so it would ship flatter(hopefully go regular post which it did) and accomodate the width of the Pumpkin Spice Tea bags.  I chose the tea bags to be unique & cost a little less for shipping as they are lighter than candles.  Plus I already have lots of candles & thought others probably did too.  Perhaps they would like something a little different.  It also made the challenge a little more interesting & challenging. 

I added a Black Satin Ruffle Bow to The Black Cat's hat in my paint program & also highlighted the eyes in green to emphasise them even more.

I added just enough glitter to the cat hat, pumpkin, spider web bow etc. to make it girly. I think the little black cat makes it girly too! The classic chair is girly & I added the white floral detail @ the top to make it even more girly.



The last pic shows the tag I made to go in the pocket behind the chair. I made my own clip art sentiment to go along with the theme going on here.

It reads:

"Come Sit for a Spell & Enjoy your Treat!"

I used one of my favorite fonts, I think it works well with Halloween Projects like this.



AUTHENTIC HALLOWEEN POSTMARK CIRCA 1912

Check out the date stamped on the back of this Old Post Card.
It's an authentic date stamped OCTOBER 31 1912 on an actual Vintage Post Card.  The paper stamp has been removed, but you can stamp a sentiment or image inside the borders of the box.  I removed the original name & address of the recipient.  The sender of this Halloween Post Card is a sweet little girl named Charlotte writting to her Grandma in her newly acquired cursive writing skills I imagine.

 I know you'll be inspired to use it on your Halloween Cards, Tags, Crafts, Altered Art, ATC's etc. Available as a pdf  (I will remove the watermarks) only by request & if you shared this post via blog, facebook, twitter, online craft group etc.  Leave a request in my Comments at end of this post showing me a link where I can see you shared this post.  : )

SOMETHING WITCHY THIS WAY COMES!...

This is a new project I am working on. 

Vintage image framed in multiple layers of ornate frames. 

Later added to projects such as

handmade cards, oversize art & gift tags, wall hangings, mini albums & Halloween Decor. 

Check back to see new projects added using this gorgeous image with frames.

*Also watch for my handmade goods using these coming to my etsy shop: cathiespARTies

Want to make your own projects using these images & frames?  Look for inspiration kits there too!

 Or leave a request for me directly with your wishes for the WITCHES (use comment icon below this post & don't forget to leave an email address so I can contact you) Thanks!  ; )

Alice In Wonderland Black Gel Pad

Here's one of MY black gel pads I covered with Graphic 45 Alice in Wonderland Halloween Paper to create a nice little cover that wraps completely around the pad with a closure.

I used decorative paper trim in a coordinating color on each side-end of cover; created using a decorative border punch.

The closure was created using adhesive velcro fasteners that I cut in half.  They are adhered to the end flaps of cover, making it wrap around the pad snugly.

This photo shows the inside view.  Black Gel Pad adhered to back side of Graphic 45 paper.  Here you can see the velcro closure on the side edge of cover.

I LOVE how it turned out!

This one I listed on Etsy.

I have one more I may keep or give as a gift, haven't decided yet.  Maybe I'll use it for a blog give away in the future, never know.

I have another version of a covered gel pad I will post @ a later date when I get the photos/scans done.

I would love some feedback here.  Leave a comment & let me know how you like it.  What your favorite part about it is.  Ideas I may want to use to incorporate in future ones.  Etc. 

Thanks!  : )

PAPER PUMPKIN DIY

Paper Pumpkin

I made this adorable pumpkin after seeing one on another site. 
You may have previously made these as Christmas ornaments. 
I altered the instructions slightly to suit the materials I had on hand. This plump little pumpkin was the result.

 

If you want to follow my instructions here they are:

Materials:

piece of pumpkin colored scrapbook paper -
8” 1/2 x 11” or 12” x 12” size doesn't matter
scrap piece of brown scrapbook paper about 1” x 1”and ½
1” piece of double sided tape
rotary cutter/scissors
12” piece of thin green jute/hemp-like twine
blunt needle – the eye of the needle has to be big enough for the twine to pass through doubled.
hole punch with small hole
Decorative bits: Small piece of ribbon and decorative trim – I used a leafy bit of ribbon
stamp – I used a foam stamp with a vine & leaf design U can use acrylic, rubber or foam stamp etc. doesn't matter, it's to your liking.
Ink pad – again your discretion.

1.Stamp image all over paper, let dry.
2.Cut paper down to 6 x 12” or 6 x 11” depending on size paper you started with.
3.Cut paper into 1/2” x 6” strips.
4.Punch hole on both ends of strips.
5.Fold piece of jute string in half tie a knot, and draw folded end (*Not the Knot end) through the eye of the needle.
6.String all strips through hole at one end.
7.Then thread through all holes at the opposite end while twine is still attatched to needle.
8.Pull slightly so strips come together a bit like a crescent moon; you're giving the pumpkin its beginning shape here.
9.Tie off in a knot.
10.Place double sided tape along edge of brown paper scrap.
11.Roll starting from edge with no tape to opposite edge with tape to create a stem, stick edges together with tape on edge.
12.Thread twine through stem.
13.Add decorative bit to base of stem.
14.Separate each strip of paper a slight bit as you go around you'll create a pumpkin shape. When circle is complete you can squish down on it a bit to give even more shape to your pumpkin.
15.Add ribbon tied bow.

You're done! 

Now that you've made one, bet you'll make more.

Too cute !

You'll all get a unique result from your stamp, ink and paper choices. So let's see what you creative girls can come up with. Post pics and link back to me so we can see them, and I will post a picture of a pumpkin patch using them.

Make one for your Fall - Halloween - Thanksgiving décor
Send a pic to cathiesparties@shaw.ca & I will pic my fave
If you're my fave I'll send you a sweet treat – no trick!

Looking forward to seeing yours! :)

Cathie

I love Halloween!

I love to decorate with all the Halloween treasures our family has collected over the years. Our whole family gets into it and loves find something new to add to our collection every year. We decorate inside and out - make it scary for the trick or treat'rs and see who dares to knock at our front door.

If they are brave they are usually greeted at our door by my husband who loves to thrill them with some shock and awe or some twisted trick he has up his sleeve each year. Sometimes he hands out cans of sardines to any takers. One year he offered bloody fingers on a plate, of course they were the plastic kind all covered with ketchup - ewe!

One Halloween we had made a scarecrow and sat it on our porch, it was his idea for it to be headless and dump a pot of spaghetti noodles with tomato sauce on it, for visual effect. Oh the shrieks we had that night when kids of all ages had climbed our fourteen stairs to the top of our porch and be greeted with that sight. I think it only took them one leap to head right back off our porch and run in fright that Halloween night _ cackle, cackle. :) Another year he hid in a pile of raked up leaves only to leap out at the trick or treat'rs as they came up our sidewalk, eek!