Happy Halloween!!!!

Wishing you all the very spooky best on this

31st day of October!

 

 

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!

 

King of Halloween Shrine

Today I wanted to share a really fun shrine with you dedicated to the

King of Halloween....Edgar A. Poe!

This is a fun shrine kit that you can find here...Skeleton Reliquary.  It comes with the parts to assemble the shrine plus some extra goodies which you may or may not choose to use in your shrine. 

You're going to start by assembling the shrine body - I am using super glue because I don't want to wait for other glues to dry ;) 

Then I painted the front and back of both the shrine box and front cover with black acrylic paint.

While my shrine was drying I printed off my image of Poe and mounted it on a piece of chipboard.  I then carefully cut him from the background.  I say carefully because we're going to use both pieces in this shrine.

Next ink the edges of both Poe and the background.

Now that the shrine has dried, glue the background image directly to the shrine.   Apply one or two layers of double stick foam tape to Poe.  This will pop him right off the background and give you instant dimension!

Here he is in the shrine...

Now, add a few things to the shrine...I'm using a seed pod that looks like a mini pumpkin, some bones, etc...  You will notice I'm using some double stick foam tape to help raise the elements to various heights.  Just adds more interest to your finished shrine.

To spice up the front of the shrine I added a bit of Dresden Trim around the shrine opening.

I also wanted to use some Mica pieces around the top of the shrine...I love the smokey look and jagged feel it gives the shrine.  Very Halloween-ish I think.

Next the extra bits.  I am going to use the skull, wings and one of the ravens the kit came with.  I painted each and added a bit of Distress Stickles for more color & dimension.

It's time to add the bits once the glitter has dried....

And finish assembling the shrine....

And here is how it turned out!!!

Yes, the glue is still wet ~ I couldn't wait to show you :)

Now, it's your turn...

Would you like to win a reliquary kit of your own?

I bought an extra because I thought they were so neat and I'd like to share it with you!  Of course it doesn't have to be Halloween themed, it could be used for whatever theme you'd like.

Simply tell me your favorite part of Halloween...be it the scary movies, the candy, costumes, haunted houses, parties, etc...

You have until 11-11-12 to post your comment to be entered to win!

Good Luck

&

Happy Haunting!

Full Metal Jacket Pumpkin

Full Metal Jacket Pumpkin

Several people e-mailed asking how I made the Full Metal Jacket Pumpkin that was posted on Saturday's Steampunk Halloween Post.

I figured I'd post the directions here an answer them all at one time rather than individually to save time.

The first thing I did was to emboss several colors of metal foil (brass, silver & copper).  If you don't have colored foil you can always use silver and color it with Alcohol Inks or markers. 

I prefer to use the colors because sometimes when you try to cover the AI's it reacts with other mediums and it's harder to get the intense colors of the real metal colors.

I embossed the foils using Paper Studio's Gears embossing folder.

I then cut the embossed metal into small random shapes.

It's time to adhere the metal to a faux or real pumpkin.  I used a resin pumpkin I bought at the Dollar Store.   Now, you are not going to believe this but I tried 3-4 different types of adhesive trying to find the best and quickest way to adhere the metal to my faux pumpkin...  I tried various liquid glues, super glue, double sided sticky tape, etc.  The best adhesive I tried...My ATG tape!!!  I know you wouldn't think so but it is THE BEST!  Worked like a charm.

I simply applied the adhesive to the back of the metal pieces and stuck 'em on the pumpkin.  I slightly overlapped each piece so none of the orange showed through.   This is a bit time consuming because the pieces are small and you have to form each piece of metal to the contours of the pumpkin but I found it to be relaxing.  I was finished before I knew it.

Next I painted the entire pumpkin with a coat of burnt umber acrylic paint and immediately wiped it off with a dry cloth. I then randomly applied splotches of black acrylic paint and again wiped it off with a dry cloth.  This second coat just adds a bit more depth to the pumpkin.

(you can't really see the paint in the above photo because the flash washed to color out....it's too dark here to take it in natural light.)

That's it! 

That's all you have to do.

Very easy but the results are amazing!

Steampunk Halloween Blog Hop

 

And here are my Spooky Steamy Creations.....

 

 

My fun little spider....

 

 

A Steampunk/Halloween/Birthday Paper Cupcake Graveyard....

 

 

My full metal jacket pumpkin... 

 

 

My Steampunk Skeleton...

 

I made the hat entirely from chipboard then embellished him with die-cuts, charms, chain and other fun goodies.  He's even got a pet spider dangling from his watch fob.

 

 

 

And of course my Steamy Helloween card I previewed for you yesterday!

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed my little Steamy Version of Halloween!

Be sure to check out all the other fun creations...

 

As an added bonus since it's my birthday I will send some fun Halloween rubber stamps to one lucky person who happens to comment on this post from now until Halloween...

 

Good Luck

and

Happy Halloween!!!

 

 

---

---

Steampunk Helloween

I thought I'd give you a little preview of tomorrow's Steampunk Halloween Blog Hop with this card...

Steamy Helloween

All images are Third Coast Rubber Stamps

Hope to see you all tomorrow!

Have a WONDERFUL Friday!!!

Rubber Stamp Madness - Holiday 2012 Edition!

TGIF!!!

 

Yes, it's Friday :)

 

Yesterday I rec'd my Holiday Issue 2012 of Rubber Stamp Madness ~ funny thing was I got 2 copies?!?!?  

 

As it turns out I rec'd two because one of my Christmas cards was included in the magazine!  It's on page 21/22 for those of you that subscribe.

 

Here's a little snippet of the card...

 

 

 

For those of you that don't I'd like to offer my extra copy :)

 

Since this is the holiday issue post a comment telling us how many Christmas cards you have made or are planning to make this season.

 

You have until 11-4-12 to post your comment to be entered to win!

 

Good Luck Everyone!!

Spring/Valentine's Day Swap Due Date

EDIT -

Well, I'm not sure what's up with the poll...there were at one point 7 votes then they started to disappear.  I'm not sure what's going on with it so I just deleted it.

Here are the choices ~

1-26

2-23

or

3-16

I'm leaning towards 3-16 but it seemed there were several votes (before they went MIA) for 2-23. 

LMK what you think.

Original Message....

Hi Everyone...

I posted a poll which allows you all to choose the due date for the next charm swap which will of the following groups - Valentine's Day/Love;  Spring Holidays (St. Pat's, Easter, Spring, April Showers, May Flowers) and General (anything besides the above).

I listed 3 different specific dates or the option to post something else here.

LMK what you think...Majority rules so please vote if you're planning on joining in the fun.

Black to White Fade Technique

Hope you're having a wonderful day today!

A few weeks ago Amy e-mailed me asking for a technique that she could use her Black and White Distress Stains.  She said she bought them thinking they'd be really fun to use but hasn't really touched them since.

Well, I put on my thinkin' cap, started playing with the Stains and this is what I came up with....

Black to White Fade Technique

Supplies:

Background Rubber Stamp (Stampers Best)
Colored Cardstock (Heavy)
Clear Embossing Ink
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Black, White & Coordinating Color Distress Stains
Ink Blending Tool & Foam
Dry Cloth

Instructions:

1. The first thing you're going to need to do is stamp your image design on your cardstock, sprinkle with embossing powder, shake off excess, heat and melt the EP.

2. After your image has had a chance to cool it's time to start adding inks.  Shake up the white Distress Stain to mix well.  In the center of your image apply the DS in a circular or oval pattern depending on the size & shape of your background image.  In this case it's an oval.



3. Next take your dry cloth and work the ink into the cardstock center and wipe off the excess stain from the embossed areas.




You'll have something that looks like this.....



4. Dab some of the Black Distress Stain onto your Ink Blending Tool & Foam.  Originally I tried to apply it directly but it ended up being way too intense.  The IBT helps give you an even color that isn't too over powering.



5. Finally you are going to blend the two by applying a coordinating color (in this case Chipped Sapphire) to the area between the black and white.    Use the dry cloth to blend and remove any excess stain from the embossed areas.

And this is how it looks....

 

You get a really great fade from black to white!!

 

 

Here's another example using red....

Now, doesn't that make such a striking effect! 

It's really lovely and by simply changing the background stamp you can create any number of amazing bases for your cards or other projects!

 

Best part is....it's all stuff that's either in your stash or inexpensive to purchase!

Just For Fun Rubber Stamps Design Team Call!!

Just For Fun Rubber Stamps is announcing their first design team call!

 

We are looking for committed and talented designers who love to create with Just For Fun Rubber Stamps including stamped cards, scrapbook pages, home decor and altered art. 

Design Team Requirement:

 

•Term is for 6 months starting January 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013

•Each DT member will receive a starter kit with various stamps with which you will be required to use to create projects once a week.

•Each DT member will be required to post weekly their projects on the JFF blog on your assigned day as well as upload projects to the JFF Facebook page. We encourage you to post projects to your personal blog as well as other online galleries.

•DT members main requirement is to promote JFF Rubber Stamps as the main focus of the projects created.

•At this time the call is only open to US residents.

 

Design Team Benefits:

•Free stamps to design with.

•A link to your blog from our web site and blog.

•Design Team badge for your blog.

•Yahoo group for DT members only.

 

 How to Apply:

•Submit two original stamped projects, (if you have JFF stamps please use them but it is not necessary) photograph your completed projects, include any special technique step shots as well as a supply list, simple instructions.

•Submit a short bio, including your name, address phone number, link to your blog, facebook page and any online galleries.

•List of current and past design team positions.

•Email photos and all requested information to jffstamps@gmail.com

•Deadline to apply is 11:59 PM EST November 30

•DT announcement will be December 10

 Good Luck Everyone!!!!

 

 

"25" Altered Ruler Chirstmas Charm

I know I said I'd wait but I just love this charm and thought some of you might like to get started making some charms as Christmas gifts.

This one is made using one of my favorite "found" goodies.... Foldable rulers!!!!!  I don't know why but I have a real thing for rulers - 12", 36, foldable, fabric, etc.  It doesn't matter to me, I love em all!!

Here's what I did....

I cut the # 25 from several of my foldable rulers. 1/2" above and below the actual number.   These are old rulers I've found at flea markets, garage sales, auctions, etc.  Most are a bit grungy and worn but that's what I love about them. 

I then drilled a hole at the top and bottom of the chunk of wood. 

I sanded all sides to remove any splinters then inked the edges with Sepia Archival Ink.  I find that when making charms Archival Ink works better than a dye ink as it's got more staying power.

Next on the back of the ruler I glued on a theme appropriate mini collage image...in this case - Santa :)  I then covered him with a layer of Crystal Lacquer.

After the CL had dried, I affixed my focal bead at the top and a nice tear drop bead at the bottom.  Of course you could change up the beads for anything you have on hand.  You could even add a nice Christmas themed charm at the bottom if so desired.

Now the best thing about these charms is that you could take this basic concept and use it for many different occasions....Valentine's Day, St. Pats, 4th of July, Birthdays, Anniversary, etc.  The possibilities are endless!

Altered Christmas Charm Swap In The Mail!!!

YES!!!

I was able to get all of the envies posted before my mail lady arrived today so EVERYTHING is in the mail!!!!!

Some of them should start arriving maybe tomorrow for the really close folks and shortly there after for everyone else....well, other than the out of country ones but hopefully since they had a day's head start it won't take too long.  I never know how long it takes to arrive in CA, EU & Aust. Sometimes it seems like things arrive quickly and others it seems to take a couple weeks ~ there's no rhyme or reason as far as I can tell.

Anyway, it won't be long now!!!

Thanks to everyone who participated ~

it's been another grand swap :)

Temptation Tuesday - Dragonflybuzz's Rubber Stamps

Today I wanted to tempt you with an amazing Etsy Shop -

Dragonflybuzz's Rubber Stamps

O.k...you all know how much I LOVE vintage rubber stamp images well this place is a treasure trove of very cool vintage images.... absolutely TONS of awesome looking stamps for a very reasonable price.

It is actually an Etsy store that I've had on my favorites list for quite sometime. 

This little girl is what originally attracted me to their images... 

Girl w/ pussywillow and flowers.

Isn't she just precious?

Well, as I was digging around their site I realized that they also have a web-site called: Dragonflylaser Rubber Stamps  which offeres even MORE stamps!!!!

Many of their stamps come with three options - Wood Mounted, Un Mounted & Cling Mounted.  and they are made right here in the USA (Massachusets).

Check out just a few of their awesome images....

Halloween Ball

Front Door

Mini Tractor

Vintage Christmas Girl

So, if you're in the market for a new stamp or two (who isn't???)

then I hope you take a moment, stop by and check em out...

either on Etsy or their web-site.

Either way I'm sure you'll find something you fall in love with.

Charm Swap Update

Hi Everyone...

I wanted to let you know that I've been a busy little bee the last several days!

This weekend I swapped all of the charms - I don't have the total yet but there were LOTS of them!!!

Anyway, the first batch of envies ~ all over seas went out with today's mail.

I am going to start mailing the US boxes tomorrow.  I'm hoping to get them all posted but it all depends on how quickly my mail lady gets here. 

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the results!

I will be sharing photos of the charms in early November to give the charms time to arrive here and abroad.

Thanks for a wonderful swap everyone!!!

Going to post a poll on the Valentine's Day Swap to see what your thoughts are. I'm thinkin' I might do a Spring swap to cover New Years, Valentine's, St. Pats, Easter & Spring all in one.

Ivy Hollow 25% off Discount Coupon & Winner

I was contacted by Doug & Meegan at Ivy Hollow and it seems that many of you have decided to give their glue a try! 

 

Here is what he had to say...

 

"Thank you for the wonderful review and it has sent us some new business.

 Your referral fits with the decision we made at our beginning (2004) to let

 our business grow at the rate of word-of-mouth.  We had also made a decision

 to not even try and sell to the big chain stores.  We did have a number of

 Mom-and-Pop stores happy to sell our glue, but most of them have gone out of

 business following the economic collapse of 2008.  So now we sell mostly

 straight to the scrapbooker via our web store.  So we are thrilled with the

 wonderful review you put in your blog."

As a thank you he has given me a 25% off coupon code for all of you!!!!

 

The code is:

 

Roni10-22-12

It is good for 25% off any of the glue items. 

It can be used once per customer. 

They can tell others about it if they want to. 

It is good for 2 months, It expires on 12/22/12.

AND

 

For anyone who has already ordered at the full price, 

You can contact them within 2 weeks,

give them the coupon code and they will refund the 25% discount!!!

 

How cool is that!!!

 

I also have the winner of the bottle of glue and it is......

 

Miriam!!!!

 

~Miriamsaid...

dauber top! and if i sadly dont win this is a great idea for converting the glue i now have

October 16, 2012 8:18 PM

 

Congratulations Miriam!

Please e-mail me your snail mail addy so I can get your glue in the mail.

Cigar Purse Kit Winner

The winner of the

Cigar Purse Kit

is....

 

(drawn by random.org)

 

Lynda
(e-mail entry)

I would carry mine at the open house at the Museum that I am curator of, and decorate it with copies of things that we have on exhibit!! I think it would be neat to show off with!!!

Lynda

 

 

Congratulations Lynda!!!

I have your snail mail addy so I will be posting your kit in the next couple days.
I hope you share your creation ~ I'm sure we'd all love to see it!

 

Thanks to all who participated!

Only 9 Days till Halloween!!!

YES!!

It's quickly approaching the Witching Hour so I thought I'd share some fun Halloween cards with you for a bit of spooky inspiration!

                           

 Tomorrow I have a fun little Halloween Shrine & Give-A-Way to share with you all!

Hope to see you then :)