Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Trick or Treat!

The start of October means it's almost that time! You know, when you have to start rearranging the pantry to make room for all the candy? And then we get so sick of it after a couple of weeks (only because we've already scarfed down the ones we like *giggle*) that we start secretly throwing handfuls into the trash so as not to upset the kids?! (I know I'm not the only one!) Well, to help get myself into the spirit, I decided to bust out a new Halloween set I purchased. I don't buy many Halloween sets, but I really liked this one - and what makes it better is that the little peppermint stamp in it can be used at Christmastime, too! Soon, I'll show you another Halloween card using the stamp I'm talking about. For this one, I used candy corn!

I used my Stampin' Write markers on the sentiment and the candy corn to get the different colors. But on the candy, I then went back with a Versamark Marker to re-moisten the different candy segments and then coated it with Clear Embossing Powder and heated it with the Heat Tool so they'd be shiny... here's a closer look in the glare so you can see what I mean:

I wondered how I was going to get the white part of the candy corn to show up, but what I did was allow my stamp to be a little dirty when I stamped it onto the Whisper White cardstock, and the top portion of the candy (which I didn't color at all) was just a little darker because of the stamp not being totally clean. You can't really see what I'm talking about in the photo above... but the the embossing makes that top segment show up regardless.

So don't forget to start stocking up on your candy corn real soon for all the ghosts and goblins that will be at your door in a month... okay, so maybe it won't be ghosts and goblins. More like Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles, and I bet we'll see a couple Wall-e Robots this year. Hey, since I don't have costumes for my kids yet, why don't you leave a comment of what your kids are going to be so I can get some ideas?! Any costume tips would also be helpful. Hmmmmm... all this talk of candy and comments seems like a good opportunity for some blog candy! (Now I'll see who actually reads my posts...) *hee hee* I'll do the drawing on October 8th - one week from today - and since this is kind of a hidden candy, I'll be sure to make it extra "sweet".

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Tasty Sweet
Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Buttons, Linen Thread
Tools: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Tearing Edge

45 comments:

Jenny said...

Cute card! What's blog candy? Does it have any calories? LOL
Yes, I read your posts...you are so creative! I keep meaning to email you...I need to make some simple "thank you" cards...not too cutesy/child-like, more like something classic. What would you recommend for a stamp set?

Carly S said...

Hi Michele,

I love your blog! I read it but don't usually leave a comment. I have a 5yr old son and 2yr old daughter. Like you, I am having a hard time with my son's costume this year. Usually I order something off Disney. The older he gets, the harder that's becoming. There isn't much of a selection for boys. I can't get an answer from him either! Some ideas from him were: Transformer, something Star Wars, Batman or Superman. What ever happened to a simple ghost or pumpkin!

Christina said...

Hi Michelle,
You probably don't even know me, but I'm in Debra Thompsons downline and that is how I found your blog. I love your ideas.
As for costumes we do themes every year. I have a 5 yr old and 2 yr old (both girls) and this year they have decided to be Cinderella. My husband is going to be the prince and I am going to be gus gus (since I will be almost 9 months pregnant on halloween). We have also done peter pan and the Flinstones. The kids love doing themes.

Julie Davison said...

My son (5) is obsessed with Super Mario and wants to be that for Halloween. It shouldn't be too hard to "make my own" with overalls and a red t-shirt. My daughter (3) wants to be Princess Peach from Mario. (I SWEAR they don't play video games all day!)They are starting to get to the age where it's hard to convince them to be something different than they want. I'm having a baby...any day now. Wonder if I can work up a "Toad" costume to go with the Mario theme....

Jenn said...

Love your cards. They serve as a great souce of inspiration for me. Thanks!

I have to watch the candy buying. Can't get it too early, it disappears before Halloween.

Sam said...

Hi Michele,

I love your blog, and I read your posts! We don't do Halloween over here in Oz..so my kids won't be dressed up as anything :-(...but I wanted to say hi anyway.

Sam.

Anonymous said...

My son (35) stopped letting me choose his costume a lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-ng time ago!!! LOL! So the only thing I can recommend is the UPS suit that I saw recently. After hearing about the convention-goers and their fun with Mr. Brown and the free stamp set, I thought that was an outstanding idea......with a Stampin' Up! box of course!

Have fun deciding and thanks for sharing your talent with us. And yes, I'm a reading fan of yours too!

/p

Cass said...

Hi there! I read your blog but often don't comment. I haven't dressed my kids up yet, but plan on making my daughter a princess at the first opportunity! :)

Anonymous said...

I visit your blog almost daily and love it and your ideas. My grandchildren will be dressing up as a bright cheerful flower(8 yr old girl), SpongeBob(6 yr old boy), and my 19 month old grandson might be going as a bear. My husband & I also dress up and we'll be going as the "Tacky Tourists". We love Halloween!!!!

MelissaLynn said...

I don't have any kids of my own, but I DO have 16 in my class. Does that count? lol Some of their costume picks are army guys, SpongeBob, sorcerers and sorceresses, etc. My niece wanted to be Dorothy, so my sister got Wizard of Oz costumes for the family, but then my niece changed her mind! My nephew was a billy goat one year and he was adorable! Hope this gives you some ideas.

Unknown said...

My 7 year old is going as clone trooper this year. He was going to be a Lego brick (found a cute costume to make), but he changed his mind. My 10 year old will be a genie. I think she wanted to show belly! Yikes!

As always, love your card!
Shaunda

Anonymous said...

Great card Michele! Can't believe Halloween is right around the corner. My boys are to old to go trick or treating anymore, and I really miss those fun times. Enjoy them while they are little, it goes way to fast!
Liz K

Anonymous said...

Hi Michele... Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year, & I love your candy corn card! My 2 boys (9 & 11) change their minds about what they want to be about as often as they change their underwear! (Which, by the way, IS every day!! LOL!!) As of this moment, the 11 yr. old will go as Indiana Jones, wearing my husband's old leather bomber jacket that I can't believe ever really fit him, & my younger son wants to be something from Star Wars. Should be lots of fun!

Anonymous said...

Michele: My kids are all grown-but my 3-grandkids are going to be a Princess (5yrs)-A Race Car Driver (9yrs) and Alvin from the Chipmunks (4yrs old). Each of them are CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY for each of these mentioned so they will not only look the part-but be acting it too.

LOVE YOUR BLOG-and every day-I read it from top to bottom...and often times re-reading old post. Thanks for your amazing blog...and this blog candy! Kadie

Maria H. said...

Michele: It's not very original, but my 4 year old is going as a blue Power Ranger. Now, mind you, he doesn't watch them, or know anything about them, but you should have heard the squeal when I said he could wear that! :-) All worth it!

Thanks so much for the inspiration and awesome projects!

Kristie said...

Very tricky! I'm one of your *followers* so of course I read your posts...LOL!
We don't really do Halloween here in Australia...but if we did I'd want to be a fairy princess all dressed up in pink...too much for a 37 yr old do you think??

Anonymous said...

Great card and not overly halloween.Children are grown, but I usually made their costumes then they used them for PJ's.
I appreciate your blog as it is Stampin'Up and I always find things I case for my workshops. Thanks for sharing your ideas and time.

Chani said...

well my four yr old daughter has to be hannah montana of course .... and I told her I would put pretty braids in her hair if she would let me get away with not buying her an all too expensive wig that I know she wouldn't wear!! lol
and my 12 yr old says she wants to pass candy out this yr but still dress up as a dead bride... ok what is this? if you know could you let me know??? Sometimes I wonder...lol ps love your blog!

Anonymous said...

sneaky! I have a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old girl, and a 34 year husband who likes to dress up just as much as they do! I like to do themes - last year, it was a Monsters Inc theme - my boy was Mike, my girl was Boo and my husband was Sully. It was great! this year, I am thinking of Peter Pan - my boy will be Peter Pan, my girl will be Tinkerbell and my hubby can be Captain Hook. now, I just need to find someone to make the outfits... Good luck with your costumes - I'm sure they'll be great!

lostinstamps said...

I love your idea of embossing the candy corn. I too have wondered how to keep the tops white and still show up brilliant idea!

Stefanie said...

Hey Michele,

I, too, read your posts daily. I wish you had more personal/family posts but I do understand that this is a Stampin' blog. I LOVE your Halloween card!! It's that time again...I need to start thinking about Halloween Birthday invites. Any ideas? As if you might not have any! I crack myself up. I have no idea what the older two are going to be but Caden is going to be a little monkey for Halloween. You keep creating and we'll keep reading. Love ya!!

Anonymous said...

Ooooow you are cheeky hiding candy at the very end like that. Of course, we read your post...what do you think:-)) Have a great day and thanks for the chance.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michele,
Cute card! I have added candy corn to my grocery list--love it. That's for your great blog and creative cards. I love seeing your work.
Kathleen.

Anonymous said...

Hello Michelle
Yes I read your blog. I love the candy corn and I love eating candy corn. Isn't Halloween great for all the calories! My children are grown but I can tell you what my grandchilren are doing. The nine year olds are characters from Harry Potter (Hermione and Jenny). They have the robes and the wands. the 3 year old wants tobe spider man. His litte brother has one of his old costumes. It is a dinosaur. Not sure what the 18 month old is doing but probably a princess. good luck with your costumes.
Diane

Diane (DeeDee) said...

Michelle
It's me again. I signed up on blogger so i would have a name.
Diane

Anonymous said...

I read your blog almost every day...just never leave a comment. I always enjoy seeing what new, cute ideas you've come up with. Keep up the great work! As for Halloween, we have no idea yet, but I'm getting some good ideas from the other comments. :-)
Kim S.

Holly Bellomy said...

Cute card Michele!
Zachary will dress as Batman and of course little brother Andrew wants to do the same! We don't know what Claire will be dressed as this year...I guess we'll have to get busy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Michele,

I absolutely love your card. I have two boys (8 & 5). The oldest one is going to be a baseball player. The youngest one is going to be a baseball. I am making his costume out of rolls of felt. Enjoy your Halloween!

Amber said...

Michele,
What a cute Halloween card! I love how you did the embossing on the candy corn. Very nice idea!
I don't have any really original suggestions for costumes. My 9 year-old will probably be a vampire again for the 3rd year in a row, my 6 year old probably will also be a vampire (since he has decided to do what his older brother does lately), and my almost 4 year-old wants to be a lion. I'm not big into buying costumes and would rather just make-up their faces with paint. Last year no one recognized my 6 year-old because his face was so well covered with make-up! :) Good luck with your costume ideas!

Anonymous said...

I read your blog daily! You have GREAT ideas! For Halloween my son is going to be a football player and my daughter is going to be a cheerleader. In the past he has been a cowboy , Davey Crockett and a pirate. I hope these ideas help!

Carpenter's said...

I have two boys and I am really excited about Halloween this year! I think they will get the grasp of it! My 2 year old will be a turtle and my 4 year old will be a robot. I am making the robot costume from family fun.com. Great ideas there too.

I purchased this same stamp set and having trouble making cards with this set. Your card is perfect!

Jeni said...

What a darling card. I love the candy corns.
My 10 year old is going to be Indiana Jones but my 7 year old can't decide between Hannah Montanna or a cheerleader. I really want her to be a witch but my vote doesn't count anymore now that she's growing up.

Anonymous said...

Hi there!
I don't have any kids, but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog. As a new demonstrator (signed up in March) your website has been a big help getting the creative juices flowing and don't worry I always give credit where credit is due when the ideas aren't my own. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas!

Anonymous said...

For Halloween costumes, I love the idea of using a theme. It still allows the kids to "choose" who they want to dress up as, and of course it's really cute! Good luck, be sure to post pics of the costume choices!

Krista said...

Love the hidden blog candy!! I've been toying with the idea of buying this set and your cards have been wonderful. I have two little girls, so we are Disney Princesses!! This year I think we are repeating Belle from the previous year and the younger one gets the Sleeping Beauty costume handed down to her. Unless I totally cave and buy an Abby Cadabby costume! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Only half of my kids have decided what to be but so far the youngest is going to be a White Power Ranger and the 7yo. is going to be a spy. Black pants and shirt and a few of his spy gear toys and he is set. Now if my older 2 would decide I might be ready. DD likes to make things complicated for me! Last year she was Medusa and I sewed snakes on a hat for her after I spray painted them all a neon green color. Good luck with your costumes.

Anonymous said...

my son and his wife have 3 children so my daughter-in-law is thinking of having the family dress as a BLT sandwich. the adults will be the bread and each one of the kids will be the lettuce, bacon or the tomato. :) i love your blog!!!

Lindsey & Kurtis said...

Michele...I'm not sure how I happened upon your blog, but I'm so glad I did. I've been reading it the last couple of months. You have the cutest ideas. I even make my husband come look at your cute cards. :) Someday I'll actually get to making some cards or scrapbooking. I never have time to do anything, yet I always seem to find time to check your blog...go figure. :) Anyway, I debated whether or not to respong because I don't have any kids yet, so I haven't really thought about costumes. However, if you are actually in to making your own costumes, the Family Fun website is great for cheap, not so typical costumes (some are hilarious), and I recently looked on Martha Stewart's website and she has a bunch of cute ideas, too. Just a thought. ~Lindsey

Patty Williams said...

Cute card!

My kids are 10 and 12, so it's usually something homemade that's cheap and easy! My son has gone as a NASCAR driver the last couple of years! He keeps changing the number on the uniform! Kinda cute! I don't know what DD will want to be, it's probably her last year to go out and trick or treat.

Hubby usually takes them out while I stay home and hand our treats out! I love seeing how all the kids dress up...and how they behave!

Stamp with Sandy said...

Halloween costumes this year:

4-year old--race car driver, Backyardigan (Uniquia), cheerleader, Spiderman. He can't make up his mind--too many to choose from :O)

2-year-old--Lightning (which I can't find anywhere--just Lightning) or Elmo (too expensive to get for a 2-yr old). If we go the Elmo route, I will buy an Elmo hooded towel ($15), cut off the hood (it's Elmo's face), use it has a hat and dress him in a red sweat suit (which he already has)--CHEAP! and good use of resources.

BTY: WONDERFUL Blog!!!! You inspire me everyday! Thank you for sharing your talent!

Sharon said...

Hi Michelle,
Love your blog and read every posting! My 8 yo son keeps changing his mind...Ninja one day, Harry Potter the next. The ninja would be much easier to make, black shirt and pants, throw in some plastic swords and I'm done!
Thanks for all of your inspiration.

Jackie Pedro said...

I wish I could help you with ideas, but being that I have two girls and you have three boys....I'm not sure your boys would want to dress up as witches!! LOL! Good luck on your quest for costumes....

And BTW I READ your blog posts...LOL!!

Oh, I forgot to say that I think your card is so cute!!

Anonymous said...

Very cute card! Since my kids are grown and not at home anymore....I will just tell you what my son's favorite costume was. I drew scars and blemishes on his face, then took rolls of white crepe paper strips and wrapped him up like a *Freddie* mummy. He won a prize for that one!!!

Anonymous said...

My son wants to be Speed Racer this year. Ever since we bought the movie for him, that's what he wants! And he already has Speed Racer tennis shoes to boot!! Of course he could change his mind between now and Halloween. Anywho, love your blog and all your creations!!

Debi Calandrelle said...

My kids are grown and I can't imagine either one of them dressing up in costume for Halloween... LOL! However, I do have 2 grandsons who will be dressing in costume. Daevian is 2 1/2 and will be dressed as a dragon and Darion who is 1 1/2 will be dressed as a bat. My daughter found the greatest costumes at Old Navy - who knew they even had Halloween costumes?!? Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful creations - I try to check in each day.