Why not Halloween?

Those who know me know that my love to create means I'm always working on some kind of project, and usually several at once. I've found that I feel most inspired and creative during the colder months of the year. Autumn and winter suit me just fine; I'd take cold over hot any day.

Considering this, it's odd that I almost never create anything with a Halloween theme. I enjoy makings things for other holidays, so why not Halloween? This year, a dear online friend mentioned that she loved Halloween and the ensuing crafty endeavours, and for some reason, it sparked something in me to make some Halloween-inspired items. Looking back, I realize it had me thinking outside the box, and getting out of my comfort zone. So I had some fun with traditional Halloween colors and images. These little creations helped me break through the wall that is artist's block, and got me back on track, artistically-speaking.

 Witchy Woman ATC

 

Witchy Woman ATC #2

These artist trading cards may not be masterpieces or artwork on a grand scale, but they're fun to make and trade, and there's not much I let get in the way of my fun.

Halloween made with glitter and salt...

Another Halloween card! Amazing, considering i used to never make them.

i also never use glitter on a card (i like glitter glue more) because it's so messy, but i had this black glitter and just went for it. It's a chunky glitter, not fine enough, so it didn't work as well as i'd hoped. Still, i think it came out ok. i might give this one to my son.

The background was made using one of my favorite techniques. It's normally something you'd do using watercolors or watered-down acrylics, but i used Distress Inks - i rubbed them on the paper and then sprayed it with water. No matter the medium, make sure it's wet on the paper and then sprinkle salt over it. i find kosher salt and rock salt work best, but try table salt, too. What happens is the salt absorbs some of the color and leaves some neat effects. Try it! Just wait until it's completely dry before you rub the salt way.

Ingredients: CS-stash; stamps-Autumn Foliage by Inkadinkado, grass from Tree Time (?) by Inkadinkado, alphas by Studio G; ink-Ranger Distress, Ranger Archival, Colorbox pigment (white); Elmer's glue; black glitter; dimensional adhesive; Stickles; pop-dots; orange marker.

Thanks for visiting! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Happy Halloween...almost...

Happy Saturday! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Here's another of my attempts at a Halloween card. i liked this card up until i added the birds at the end. Ofcourse i once again used Distress Inks in the background. i really love all that those inks can accomplish.

Thanks for looking!

Ingredients: CS-stash, glossy cardstock by Ranger; stamps-Winter Trees (i think), can't remember who makes it, Rummage Alphabet by Making Memories, bird from Maison Frames by Inkadinkado, french script from Travel Time by Inkadinkado; ink-Ranger Distress, Ranger Archival; brads-Jo-Ann's; Stickles; pop-dots.

Not your average Halloween card...

i make cards for all kinds of occasions, but for some reason i rarely make any for Halloween. Recently, though, i've been inspired by non-traditional and vintage Halloween images from back issues of Somerset Studio and RubberStampMadness. i'm realizing that Halloween cards don't always need to be cute or covered with pumpkins and ghosts. This card came from that recent revelation.
i love playing with Distress Inks, so this card was a blast to make.

Ingredients: CS/paper-Colorbok, stash, watercolor paper; stamps-Square Face Frame HamptonArt, sun unknown, swirls/star from "Chocolate Chalet" Cloud 9 Design, star "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" Technique Tuesday, text "Distress Background" Limited Edition, Be Magical unknown; ink-Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Ranger Archival; star brad-Jo-Ann Scrap Essentials; Stickles; pop-dots.

Have a magical and inspiring day!