Potions & Spells

(and a few skeletons too!)

Hello!  As it is almost time for the neighbourhood ghosts and goblins to be making their rounds today I am sharing a few more Halloween treat holders I worked on this week using the Stampin' Up! Potions & Spells Bundle (item 164141) - along with a few other favourite retired Halloween products, and of course a few other current dies!  The Online Exclusives Potions & Spells Bundle includes the Potions & Spells photopolymer stamp set (item 164355) and the co-ordinating Potions & Spells dies (item 164141), and, of course, the stamp set and dies can be purchased separate from the Bundle - however when both the stamp set and dies are purchased together using the Bundle item number there is a 10% Bundled Savings, and that of course is a good thing! 

Potions & Spells dies - 164141 

(Bundle - 164357)

The retired Halloween products I used:

• for the skeletons (and skeleton accessories - i.e. shoe), and the large "Happy Halloween" sentiment used on the tall pumpkin box - Bag Of Bones photopolymer stamp set (item 162216) and co-ordinating Bag Of Bones dies (item 162218), both of which were featured in the September-December 2023 Mini Catalogue as part of the Them Bones Suite Collection; and

Bag Of Bones dies - 162218 (retired)

• for the haunted house die cut - Scary Silhouette dies (item 159851), featured in the July-December 2022 Mini Catalogue.

Scary Silhouette dies - 159851 (retired)

Additional current dies I used this week:

• Changing Leaves (item 164138) - using the long oval die I cut three Pumpkin Pie cardstock (item 105117) ovals for the body of the tall pumpkin; using the small oval die I cut three Pumpkin Pie cardstock ovals for the body of the small pumpkins; I also used the "berry" sprig and three-leafed dies;

Changing Leaves dies (also includes Hybrid Embossing Folder) - 164138

• rectangular tag die from Greetings Of The Season (item 164112) to cut the Bag Of Bones "Happy Halloween" sentiment tag - I actually cut two tags, the sentiment tag from Pebbled Path cardstock (item 161722) and the backing tag from Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), gluing the two tags together with wrong sides together; I also used the rectangular tag die to cut the window in the front panel of the skeleton with pumpkin box; and I used the long oval tag die to cut the Potions & Spells "Happy Halloween" sentiment tag on the haunted house cauldron box - tearing both ends of the tag die cut;

Greetings Of The Season dies - 164112

• large circle die (beach ball) from Beach Day (item 162799) for the large bubbles on the haunted house cauldron box; 

Beach Day dies - 162799

• Country Birdhouse (item 163400) - rounded petal flowers, in two sizes, cut from Basic Black cardstock for the tall pumpkin box; and small circle die (perch) for the small bubbles on the haunted house cauldron box;

Country Birdhouse dies - 163400

• Country Flowers (item 163410) for the "leafy clumps" - used on tall pumpkin box, and eight die cuts from Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202) used to create the wreath around the circle window on the raven with books and bottles box;

Country Flowers dies - 163410

• 2 5/8" diameter circle die from Stylish Shapes (item 159183) to cut the windows in the front panels of the haunted house cauldron, and raven with books and bottles boxes; and

Stylish Shapes dies - 159183

• blossom stem (with "cup" for blossom trimmed off) from Simply Zinnia (item 163479) for the pumpkin stems - cut from Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) and shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111).

Simply Zinnia dies - 163479

Stampin' Up! will be launching a new Online Exclusives release on November 5, 2024, and included with these products is the Umbrella Days dies (item 164894), which will also be available together with the co-ordinating Umbrella Days stamp set (item 164891) in the Umbrella Days Bundle (item 164895).  I used the two cloud dies from the Umbrella Days dies to cut the two clouds used on the skeleton with pumpkin box from Smoky Slate cardstock (shaded with Basic Gray ink - item 149165); and the small flower dies to cut from Highland Heather cardstock (item 146986) the ten flowers added to the wreath on the raven with books and bottles box.  

Umbrella Days dies - 164894

(Bundle - 164895)

Just a quick summary of the basic tools and supplies I used to complete my projects this week:

• Paper Trimmer (item 152392) - for trimming cardstock and Designer Series Paper (can also be used for scoring fold lines);
• stylus and scoreboard (Simply Scored Scoring Tool - item 122334) - for scoring decorative lines (cardstock ovals of tall pumpkin), and fold lines  - to ensure crisp folds I also burnish all folded scored lines using my Bone Folder (item 102300)
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (item 149653) - for all die cutting and embossing;
• Paper Snips Scissors (item 103579) - these sharp little scissors are great for doing any necessary trimming of die cuts - i.e. shortening a stem or removing a blossom "cup" (these scissors are also a great help for fussy cutting too of course!);
• Take Your Pick Tool (item 144107) - the paper piercer, mini spatula, and tacky putty tips are a great help for picking up and placing small die cuts and embellishments; and
• for the main adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755).

For the coloured images I used Stazon Jet Black Ink (item 101406) to stamp the images on watercolour paper, using Classic Stampin' Inks mixed with a little water and applied with paint brushes to colour the images.  I also used Stazon Jet Black Ink to stamp the sentiments.

To add shading to cardstock die cuts I used Small Blending Brushes (item 160518) to apply Classic Stampin' Inks.  To add a little additional visual texture I quite often lightly spritzed the inked cardstock with water (Stampin' Spritzers - item 126185), allowing to air dry.

For the heat embossed skeleton on the skeleton with pumpkin box I used the following:

• Embossing Buddy - a small bag filled with anti-static powder rubbed over the cardstock before stamping and embossing to help ensure that the embossing powder will not attach itself anywhere on the cardstock other than the inked areas.  The Embossing Buddy is included in the Embossing Additions Tool Kit (item 159971);
• VersaMark Ink (item 102283) to stamp the images on Basic Black cardstock;
• white embossing powder (WOW! Embossing Powder-Basics - item 165679); and
• heat gun (Heat Tool - item 129053) to heat/activate the embossing powder.

For three of the boxes I die cut a window in the front panel of the box - gluing a piece of acetate cut slightly larger than the window opening to the inside of the front panel before gluing tissue paper (sometimes I crumpled up the tissue paper) to the inside panel behind the acetate, being careful where to add the glue so as to ensure that there would be no glue seepage onto the acetate panel when I pressed the tissue down to secure it.  Behind the tissue paper I then glued a panel of Basic White cardstock (item 159276), trimmed to be slightly smaller than the front panel of the box.  The reason for the extra cardstock panel was to prevent the tissue paper from being torn when treats were being put into or taken out of the box.  Wanting to keep my stash of Window Sheets (item 142314) for some festive shaker card projects I have high hopes of starting😉 I actually used some HP Transparency Film from a box I was lucky enough to find at a local thrift shop a while ago - never know when those thrift store finds will come in handy!  A package of Halloween-themed tissue paper picked up several weeks ago at Dollarama inspired the window box idea - the wobbly white and black striped tissue and bat tissue paper are from that package; the "almost Parakeet Party" tissue paper used on the haunted house cauldron box was from my "re-use" stash.

After securing the window-backing cardstock panels I completed the assembly of the boxes.  Before gluing the additional decorations to the window boxes I used my Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (item 141897) to add some shimmery splatters over the boxes (including the acetate panels) and lids by "whacking" the Glitter Brush against my Bone Folder or paint brush handle (or anything else that might be handy!) 

On with the projects!

This box - which I thought would hold a large cookie (or maybe two) - measures 5 1/2" tall x 4 3/4" wide x 5/8" dee;, and I used the following additional supplies to complete it:

• for the box portion: an 11" x 6 1/4" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored on the 11" side at 4 3/4", 5 3/8", 10 1/8", and 10 3/4" (1/4" tab is the glue tab); and scored on the 6 1/4" side at 5/8" (bottom flaps);
• for the lid:  a 6 1/16" x 1 15/16" piece of Basic Black cardstock, scored at 5/8" on all four sides;
• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the broom bristles - shaded with Pecan Pie ink (item 161665);
• Crumb Cake cardstock, shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116), for the "berry" sprigs;
• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) embossed with the Timber 3D Embossing Folder (item 156406) I had inked with Early Espresso ink (item 147114) for the broom handle;
• Linen Thread (item 104199) - a small length wrapped around the top of bristles before the broom was glued to the lid;
• watercolour paper for the two die cut bottles - coloured with a 
• wash of Highland Heather ink refill (item 147167), additional shading with Basic Gray ink (item 149165).  To add a glass shine I painted the bottles with clear nail polish;
• tiny trimmed scraps of Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) - shaded with Pecan Pie ink - for the bottle corks;
• Highland Heather cardstock (item 146986) for the tiny die cut flowers -before die cutting the flowers I used a sponge to pounce some Highland Heather ink refill onto the cardstock.  To each flower center I added a small Basic Black dot from the retired Classic Matte Dots (item 158146) - I stocked up while they were available a few weeks ago on the Clearance Rack;
• Basic Gray ink and Daffodil Delight ink (item 147094) to colour the raven - I used Crumb Cake ink to shade around the die cut image;
• Basic Gray ink, Pecan Pie ink, Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111), Misty Moonlight ink (item 153118), and Crumb Cake ink to colour the book images - again I used Crumb Cake ink to shade around the die cut images;
• after gluing the raven to the top of the two stacked book piles I used Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430) to attach the completed assemblage to the wreath; and
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (item 144108) to attach the small round (front) bottle to the wreath. 

To make the wreath around the circle window I started by placing four of the die cut leaf clumps evenly spaced around the edge of the circle, adding the additional four die cut leaf clumps, also evenly spaced around the edge of the circle, and overlapping the first four die cuts (https://archiesatelier.blogspot.com/2024/07/it-begins-with-wreath.html).  I then poked in the berry sprigs, adding the raven/books, bottles, and finally the flowers. 

For the second box, which measures 5 1/2" tall x 3 1/2" wide x 1" deep, I used the following additional supplies:

• for the box portion:  a 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored on the 9 1/2" side at 3 1/2", 4 1/2", 8", and 9" (1/2" tab is the glue tab); and scored on the 6 1/2" side at 1" (bottom flaps);
• for the lid"  a 2 9/16" x 5 1/16" piece of Basic Black cardstock, scored at 3/4" on all four sides;
• Pebbled Path cardstock (item 161722) for the cauldron and handles - shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116);
• Basic Black cardstock for the die cut haunted house - behind the house I glued a scrap of trimmed Daffodil Delight cardstock (item 119683) that I had shaded with Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086);
• Basic Beige cardstock (item 164511) for the broom bristles - shaded with Crumb Cake ink and Early Espresso ink (item 147114);
• Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) embossed with the Timber 3D Embossing Folder (item 156406) that I had inked with Early Espresso ink for the broom handle - additional shading added using Early Espresso ink;
• Linen Thread (item 104199) - a small length wrapped around the top of bristles before the broom was glued to the lid;
• retired - but currently available on the Clearance Rack - Parakeet Party cardstock (item 159259) for the slime and bubbles - shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111) - to add a little shimmer (after spritzing with water) I painted the slime and bubbles with my Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (item 141897);
• watercolour paper coloured with a wash of Granny Apple Green ink refill (item 147163) for the sentiment tag - after the ink wash was dry I die cut the tag, stamped the sentiment, and then tore the tag ends; and
• watercolour paper for the two die cut skeletons - shaded with Crumb Cake ink.  I think I have something about skeletons crawling out of a cauldron . . . 

For the third box, which measures 5" tall x 3 1/2" wide x 1" deep, I used the following additional  supplies:

• for the box portion:  a 9 1/2" x 6" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored on the 9 1/2" side at 3 1/2", 4 1/2", 8", and 9" (1/2" tab is the glue tab); and scored on the 6" side at 5" (bottom flaps);
• for the lid:  a 2 9/16" x 5 1/16" piece of Basic Black cardstock scored at 3/4" on all four sides;
• Basic Beige cardstock (item 164511) for the broom bristles - shaded with Early Espresso ink (item 147114);
• Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) embossed using the Timber 3D Embossing Folder (item 156406) that I had inked with Early Espresso ink for the broom handle;
• Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) for the leaves and pumpkin stem - all shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111);
• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the berry sprig - shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116);
• Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202) for the skeleton's shoe - shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165); and
• Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) and Pecan Pie ink (item 161665) to shade the three oval die cuts used for the pumpkin.

And finally . . .

Additional supplies used to complete this box, which measures 5 1/2" tall x 2 1/4" wide x 1 1/4" deep:

• for the box portion:  a 7 1/2" x 6 3/4" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored on the 7 1/2" side at 2 1/4", 3 1/2", 5 3/4", and 7" (1/2" tab is the glue tab); and scored on the 6 3/4" side at 1 1/4" (bottom flaps);
• for the lid:  a 3 13/16" x 2 13/16" piece of Basic Black cardstock, scored at 3/4" on all four sides;
• Pebbled Path/gold script patterned paper from Nature's Sweetness 12" x 12" Specialty Designer Series Paper (item 162616) for the panels for all sides of the box, and the top and all sides of the lid - each panel cut 1/8" smaller than the corresponding cardstock panel.  I sponged all edges of all DSP panels with Basic Gray ink (item 149165);
• Basic Black cardstock for the berry sprig, and the two flower die cuts (large and small flowers of the same design layered for a single flower);
• Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) for all leaves and both pumpkin stems - all shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111);
• Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) and Pecan Pie ink (item 161665) to shade the pumpkins - I shaded the smaller pumpkin with more of the Pecan Pie ink;
• Basic Gray ink, Daffodil Delight ink (item 147094), and Real Red ink (item 147084) to colour the raven image - edges of die cut image shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116);
• retired Pebbled Path 3/8" Textured Ribbon (item 161632) for bow tied around lid; and
• for the flower center, one large Basic Gray dot from the retired Classic Matte Dots (item 158146).

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I had a lot of fun working on a few final Halloween projects!

Unfortunately Stampin' Up! advises that while the Potions & Spells dies (item 164141) - and consequently the Potions & Spells Bundle (item 164357) - are not currently available for ordering they are expected to again be available next week - maybe too late for this Halloween but not for next year!  The Window Sheets (item 142314) are also not currently available and Stampin' Up! advises that they are not expected to again be available until the week of November 11, 2024.

Speaking of Halloween fast approaching, just a reminder that these two October promotions will end on October 31, 2024:

• Kits Collection Sale:  all kits in the Kits Collection are up to 30% off - these all-inclusive kits, which include a range of Christmas projects, include easy to follow step-by-step instructions and all supplies required to complete pre-designed projects.  These kits also make great gifts for fellow crafters!; and
• Starter Kit Special:  for anyone interested in joining Stampin' Up! as an Independent Demonstrator you will receive $206.00 CDN worth of your choice of Stampin' Up! products for the Starter Kit price of $135.00 CDN!  There is free shipping on all Starter Kits, and each Starter Kit also includes free business supplies.  Whether you are an avid crafter who would like to receive a nice discount on personal art and crafting supplies or someone who would like to establish a home-based business, I would be very pleased to have you join my team as one of "Archie's Arties"!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the available Stampin' Up! products I have used in my projects, and you live in Canada and do not have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please do not hesitate to visit my online store found on my website https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/ at your convenience, or simply click under the "Shop With Me" tab on the right sidebar of my blog, which will take you directly to my website and online store.  I very much appreciate your business, and if you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me (lmccoyarchie@gmail.com) - I would be very pleased to be your demonstrator!  The digital version of the May 2024-April 2025 Annual Catalogue is available for you to access at your convenience on my website (https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/) - as is the digital version of the September-December 2024 Mini Catalogue, and the digital only September 2024 Scrapbooking Brochure - the companion brochure to the Mini Catalogue. When visiting my online store don't forget to check out the great deals on the Clearance Rack (such as the 24-sheet pack of 8 1/2" x 11" Parakeet Party cardstock for only $5.50), and all the products now available as Online Exclusives!  New Online Exclusives - including the Umbrella Days Bundle - will be released on November 5, 2024, and that is definitely something to look forward to!

Have fun creating!

Laurel

Some days you need the paw over the face and the comfort of a good friend!