Halloween Happenings

I find Vintage Halloween images both fascinating and beautiful - it is always interesting to see how our forefathers interpreted the holidays with dramatic graphics and bright colors that Anna Griffin brings back to us each year.  With the popularity of "easel cards", I created a black cardstock shadow box, then added elements from both the Vintage Halloween Card Kit and her newest Halloween Die-cutting Set, the New Easel Hinge Die along with a Frame Die, Word Die and Tag Dies for the sentiment. TIP - sometimes I make a "template sample" of 3D cards out of scrap cardstock (a piece I will never use - LOL) just to be sure my measurements, scores and folds are correct - I always have it as a reference.  Remember to create multiple layers for special effects, experiment, play and enjoy!

Above is a close up of the card front, below shows side view with easel back.  Begin by cutting the black cardstock large enough to score 1/2" inch for all sides plus 1/2" to wrap around front/top - basically your card size plus one inch (this is a standard 5"x 7" card so my cardstock piece was 6"x 8").  Score all four sides 2 times at 1/2", then fold to form a box shape, next clip the corners to fold into box ends - NOT a triangular corners - adhere and/or paper glue corners to shape and secure.  Add the center back print to box - this was a small print and needed to be moved upward to fully see, the fence covered the open area below.  Next, add your fencing with foam squares on top of the background, then the front frame, which has been added to another piece of black cardstock, center trimmed away, then adhered to the box frame top.  Additional embellishments, pumpkins and bats are adhered into place where desired - enjoy!  NOTE - fine lines on embellishments were freehand using a 008 fine line permanent black pen, bat eyes were done with a white gel pen. Enjoy!

Some of my personal favorites from this years Dies collection:

Here are some personal favorites from last year's card collection: