Happy Halloween!

I'm happy to say that although we were in the path (southeastern PA) of hurricane Sandy, we were really lucky and didn't have any issues - no loss of power and no damage.  In fact, the kids ended up with a couple of days off from school which gave us a much needed break from our crazy schedule lately...it's band season.  :)  My thoughts go out to those effected by the storm...be safe and I hope there's a quick recovery for all.

I've made a bunch of Halloween projects recently that I've been meaning to share.......


This first one is a project that I made for Therm O Web...click on the project name below to see more photos and instructions on the TOW Blog:

Halloween Topiary 

Here's another "topiary" that's a bit smaller...
Trick or Treat Topiary

Jack-the-Lantern

I lined the inside with yellow vellum and tucked a LED candle inside that flickers...so cute!

Jack Decor Sticks (or wands, if you like)  I put one in a potted Chrysanthemum.

And last but not least...Jack Pins/Magnets  Can you tell that I like Jack-O-Lantern faces?

By the way, stop by the Therm O Web Blog to check out a couple of contests that they still have active...The Pillowcase Challenge & Operation Write Home.  

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!  Be safe & eat lots of candy!  I got dibs on a few chocolate bars!  :)

Operation Write Home...

Over the next few weeks, Therm O Web is working with Operation Write Home to support their ongoing campaign in "helping heroes keep in touch with home". 

 

Currently Operation Write Home is requesting holiday cards with the theme of Valentine's Day / Love.  Therm O Web would like YOU to join us in creating your very best cards to send their way so that our troops will have beautiful handmade cards to send to their family & friends.  Please visit this link for Therm O Web's details.  By the way, Therm O Web has a special prize package for 3 lucky winners who participate through them.  Check it out!

Also, before you get started please visit Operation Write Home website's GUIDELINES page(pdf) OR this other GUIDELINES link.  They have very helpful requests (PLEASE, no glitter!, card size, etc) in the creation and care of your special card.  I also suggest you take a few moments to peruse the Operation Write Home website, as it is chock full of information on how you can continue to help their cause.  There are also great photos and videos of our troops and how they enjoy the cards provided through OWH as well as a link to their blog and a calendar for card deadlines.

 Here are a few of my own cards.......

Therm O Web Supplies:
Tape Runner XL Permanent
Zots (Small, Medium, 3D)
3D Adhesive Foam (Squares & Strips)

It was a blast doing this in the midst of all the Halloween & fall projects I've been working on.  I made several of each design and kept them pretty simple but I think they turned out cute. 

I hope you'll join in on the fun and create some beautiful cards yourself for our heroes!  Besides, in the season of marking our gratitude for all that we have, what better way to show our appreciation of the troops, their families and all that they sacrifice than by making it just a bit easier for them to keep in touch with each other.

Happy crafting & thanks for visiting!!!  :)

Very Thankful...

I have been a lucky girl in many ways.  And recently, I can add an invitation to join the Therm O Web Design Team to that list.  I'm over the moon excited to be joining this incredibly talented team of designers lead by the equally fabulous, Julia Sandvoss.  She is a peach! 

Julia arranged for this lovely box of goodies to be sent my way.......thank you, Julia & Therm O Web!

A mix of adhesives for paper, fabric and for just about anything you want to create.  AND a can of Glitter Dust spray!  Woot....woot!!  Right?   :) 

So...for one of my first projects, I created this decorative frame to dress up a fall wreath I have hanging on the hall closet door.  I really like the wreath but it's seen better days and I thought this small addition might give it new life. 
"Autumn Harvest"
















To start, I made a "frame" from chipboard.  Paint, fleck & seal with acrylic spray.  Then I assembled it using Zots.

Next, I stamped the letters onto pattern paper with foam stamps and acrylic paint.  I adhered them to tags and to the background frame using 3D Foam Strips.

Once the letters were complete, I made paper pieced pumpkins to embellish.  I also made a small bird like the one in a previous post.

To finish, I punched holes in the top of the frame and attached some curled wire - wrap it around the end of a paint brush in uneven segments.  Add beads as you're wrapping.  Then tie a few pieces of ribbon/fabric strips to complete.

Supplies:
Therm O Web:  Zots (Singles & Medium); 3D Foam Squares, 3D Foam Strips; Permanent Tape Runner
DCWV: The Wild Splendor (stack)
Other: Chipboard 12x12 sheet; 18 gauge wire; beads; ribbon; foam stamps; assorted punches

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by the Therm O Web Blog to see what's new!

It's World Card Making Day!

Hello! In honor of World Card Making Day  I have this Halloween card to share with you.......

"Haunted Halloween" Card

A few details about the card......

• The pumpkin is simply 3 ovals layered over a circle.  I used adhesive foam under the top center oval to give it dimension.
• The rosette is a 1 1/2" x 12 paper strip that's been scored at 1/4" increments.  Hot glue the ends together, form the rosette and secure it with punched circles hot glued to the front and back of the rosette.
• The scalloped border is made up of layered circle punches.

Supplies:
Authentique - Glowing patterned paper & embellishments
G45 - Curtain Call & Communique
DCWV - The Midnight Spell

This card is my own personal kick-off to a weekend full of card making & crafting.  I have a few craft shows this season that I'm committed to and I have cards as well as other crafty projects to make.  And let's not forget the holiday cards I want to make too!  The weather is expected to be pretty cool & gloomy (perfect for card making/crafting!) here AND my family is looking forward to a weekend of relaxation after weeks of a very crazy schedule.  So.... I am looking forward to spending some time in my studio creating...yay!  I'll have photos to share in the weeks to come.  :)

By the way, if you haven't arrived here via the World Card Making Day website, be sure to click the link & stop by there.  There's oodles of inspiration in the Gallery, through the Blog Tour and there's a pretty sweet contest too!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find some time today to create something, make a card & enjoy!  :)
------------------------------
7:00 pm UPDATE:  It's been a great day and I'm back to share another card that I made this afternoon........

"Thankful"Card



















Once again, I made the layered oval pumpkin on a larger scale.  The bird is inspired by primitive craft designs I've seen.

Have a great weekend!