October 9, 2016

HAUNTED

I apologize because I am not bringing any sort of inspiration to you in this post. Just a little

HALLOWEEN HORROR


A few months ago, I got myself a set of Brushos. I've used them quite a lot since then. They are fun and unpredictable. And give really cool effects that you have very little control over. 

Since they ARE so unpredictable and to some extent, sort of creepy, I thought they would make the perfect background for this old haunted house stamp from Stampin' Up!

I made my background first, of course, on watercolor paper. After it was dry and I deemed it perfect for a spooky sky, I was ready to stamp the focal point: the haunted house. This is a very solid stamp -- obviously. So, wanting to get a really good stamped image, I reinked my Memento Tuxedo Black stamp pad, and went to work. 

Pretty bad arthritis in my hands keeps me from stamping easily like most people can. So, to give it a really good strong impression, I stood up and gave it the most even pressure I could. 

When I lifted the stamp, expecting to see a really creepy house against a perfect Halloween sky, I was met with horror all right. The horror was that I got a seriously awful image. Not one to give up easily, I went through my watercolor paper stash and came up with a nice paper that wasn't quite as textured as my first choice was.

Back to work with the Brushos. I got another good background going, and once again did my stamping magic. 

Lift.

Uh oh.

Not much better than the first attempt.

I was NOT going to give up! This house was gonna find a home against a creepy background.

Grabbing a few of my Sakura Pigma pens, I proceed to fix my horror. Using the index stamp on the back of the stamp block as my guide, I essentially re-drew the design and filled it in with black ink. It took me awhile, but . . . yay!

Are you properly spooked??


Haunted
Smiles.



7 comments:

  1. I have arthritis too, so I can totally relate to the horror of less-than-perfect images! I was slow getting on the bandwagon, but when someone told me that a MISTI could help with my problem, I started saving up. When I finally got one into my grubby little hands, it was a game changer. No more "oopsies"! I can't recommend the MISTI enough, especially if your hands aren't in optimal working condition.

    Geez, I sound like an advertisement, don't I? I don't use my MISTI for everything for fear of forgetting how to stamp without it, but I really do see it as a necessity, both for general stamping and special techniques. If you have any questions about it, Linda, I'd be happy to tell you more. Or maybe you already have one...?

    Anyway, I do love your card! I haven't broken into my Brushos yet, but I have played with Color Burst products which are similar - and they're a blast! The background you used is a perfect mood setter, and I admire your patience with a pen. Nice work!

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  2. I saw this at another blog hop and was hoping you'd share on ours!! This is awesome! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY party!

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  3. Living with arthritis is not fun at all. It really bothers me if I'm doing long or intricate work on my cakes. I love this photo and the watercolor background is perfect and unexpected! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great week.

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  4. This is SO adorbs! LOVE it! :)

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  5. Hello Linda, your card is so awesome! Quite the skills you have. I have some arthritis as well. my Mother has it pretty bad in some fingers. I would like to invite you to share this lovely post at our link party, Dishing It & Digging It. The party is live every Sunday 4:00 EST. Happy haunting!

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  6. Veeeerrry spooky - and such fun! So glad you joined us again for #FridayFrivolity!

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  7. Oh I totally love the colors! Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma's house we go link party - hope to see you at the next one that starts tomorrow! Pinned!

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