Just A Little Spooky!

Hello!  Today I am sharing a few Halloween-themed projects - a seed packet envelope/tag album, and a few little treat holders - that I worked on this week using a variety of Stampin’ Up!® products, including the following die sets, Designer Series Papers, and stamp sets:

• the seed packet die from the recently retired Grow With Love dies (item 164803) to cut the four Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) envelopes for the seed packet envelope/tag album;

• Fright Night dies (item 166106) - I used the smaller of the two label/tag dies to cut the base tags for the seed packet envelope/tag album.  I also used the spider web, banner, spider, and both the "Eek!" and "Boo!" dies;

• all three of the frame dies from the retiring, and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products, Storybook Friends dies (item 164674) - I also used the inset pieces from both the oval and arch frames as background panels on three of the tags;

• bow and lollipop dies from the Gingerbread Man dies (item 165784) featured in the September-December 2025 Mini Catalogue;

• Everyday Arches dies (item 164629);

• rounded corner rectangle and flag dies from the Nested Essentials dies (item 161597);

• Alphabet À La Mode dies (item 160750) - numbers - all the numbers were die cut from Basic Black cardstock;

• Light & Wonder dies (item 165762) - small cloud (die cut from watercolour paper, and coloured with washes of Basic Gray ink refill - item 149166 - mixed with water);

• Perennial Postage dies (item 162607);

• Autumn Trees dies (item 165899) - detailed overlay leaf die, and, for the pumpkin stems, the small tree die (all die cuts were trimmed - for the pumpkin stems I used the bottom portion of the trunk of the small tree die cut.)  The Autumn Trees die cuts were cut from Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953), and shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) and Early Espresso ink (item 147114);

• recently retired Around It All dies (item 164725) - thank you to @stampedbycindy who posted on Instagram a card a few weeks ago using these wonky circle dies for pumpkins - what a great idea!  I die cut my pumpkins from watercolour paper, using a stylus to add a few segment grooves, and colouring the pumpkins using Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) and Pecan Pie ink, and adding a few splatters of Crumb Cake ink refill (item 121029) mixed with a little water.  I also used the two smallest wonky circle dies to make the flower on the Gorgeous Grape cardstock (item 146987) treat holder - after die cutting the circles I lightly spritzed them with water (Stampin' Spritzers - item 126185), and scrunched them up with my fingers;

• Gallery Blooms dies (item 165212) - foliage die cuts, including the leaves for my pumpkins.  For the foliage die cuts I used Old Olive cardstock (item 100702), shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111); Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202), shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165); and Basic Black cardstock;

• Impressions Abloom dies (item 165610) - flowers, and flower centers (including the flower center for the Around It All flower);

• Spooky Halloween dies (item 166198) - house and bat dies (including the bat trimmed off the fold-over bat die cut).  For the house die cuts I used Smoky Slate cardstock that had been embossed using the recently retired Timber 3D Embossing Folder (item 156406), one inside panel of which had been dragged with my Basic Gray ink pad prior to embossing, with additional Basic Gray ink used for shading on the die cut; and Gray Granite cardstock (item 146983), shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116), Basic Gray ink, and Early Espresso ink (item 147114).  I used Basic Black cardstock for all bat die cuts.  To add a little shimmer to some of the bat wings I used my Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush (item 141897);

• Stylish Shapes dies (item 159183) - 1 3/4" diameter circle die for the moon (die cut from Soft Sea Foam cardstock - item 146988, and shaded with Basic Gray ink);

• Notes & Totes dies (item 165240) - in addition to the dies used to make the two little treat bag totes I also used the rail fence dies (tearing the ends, or using portions of the die cuts), and the small tag die.  For the fence and small tag die cuts I used Crumb Cake cardstock, shading with Crumb Cake and Early Espresso inks.  I found assembling the 3D treat bag totes a little challenging, but after finally watching several YouTube videos I found that what worked pretty well for me was to (1) trim one of the side tabs off each of the two required bag die cuts (I cut off the tab on the side with the bottom flap tab); (2) gluing the decorative horizontal strips to the front and back bag sections, and then gluing on the decorative bottom strips to the front and back bag sections; (3) gluing the two bag sections together along the bottom - one long bottom flap overlaps the corresponding flap on the other bag section; (4) completing the assembly of the bag (gluing the sides together); and (5) attaching the handles to the front and back of the bag.  For each handle I used two die cuts - attaching the first set of handles to the outside of the front and back panels, and the second set of handles to the inside of the front and back panels, lined up with the first set of handles, and glued together with wrong sides together.  Over the small gap where the decorative bottom strips inevitably didn't quite meet at the bottom sides of each bag - despite my best efforts! - I glued one of the small decorative element die cuts - i.e. the small triangle - after the assembly of the bag was completed;

• key and lock dies from the retiring, and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products, Tags To Go dies (item 165576).  I die cut the two keys, and the lock from silver cardstock I had on hand, and after lightly sanding the die cuts with a very fine grit sandpaper I brushed black acrylic paint over the die cuts, using a small piece of paper towel to then buff the die cut, removing some of the paint.  This fun way to distress metallic cardstock die cuts is a technique learned from Tim Holtz instructional videos;

• small flower edge die from the Scenic Adventure dies (item 165467) - die cut from Basic Black cardstock;

• retired Bag Of Bones dies (item 162218 - featured in the September-December 2023 Mini Catalogue) because skellies are always needed in "spooky" projects - and if they can be epitomes of sartorial elegance then so much the better!  In addition to the skeleton outline die I used the fedora, bow tie, and "dancing" shoes dies.  For the skeleton outline die cuts I used watercolour paper, shading with Crumb Cake ink; for the fedora Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717), shaded with Pecan Pie and Early Espresso inks; for the bow ties Coastal Cabana cardstock (item 131297), shaded with Shaded Spruce ink (item 147088), and Basic Black cardstock painted with my Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush; and for the "dancing" shoes, Basic Black cardstock highlighted with Craft Stampin' White Ink (item 147277) applied with one of the finger Sponge Daubers (item 133773 - package of five);

• the small house with fence die from the retired Scary Silhouettes dies (item 159851 - featured in the July-December 2022 Mini Catalogue).  For the die cut I used Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202), shaded with Basic Gray ink; 

• witch's hat die from the retired Frightful Tags dies (item 156492 - featured in the July-December 2021 Mini Catalogue) - just a perfect fit for the head of the Bag Of Bones skelly!  For the hat die cut I used Smoky Slate cardstock, shaded with Basic Gray ink;

• the two little bottle dies from the retired Potions & Spells dies (item 164141) - die cut from Coastal Cabana cardstock, and shaded with Shaded Spruce and Basic Gray inks.  For the bottle "corks" I trimmed the ends off of die cuts made using the small rectangle dies from the recently retired Tune In Dies (item 163636) - die cut from Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953), and shaded with Pecan Pie ink;

• one of the grayscale patterned papers from the Online Exclusives Botanical Textures 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 165545) for the inside liners of the four Basic Black cardstock Grow With Love envelopes.  I also used this same pattern to cover the front, back, side, and top panels of the "Eat, Drink & Be Scary" treat box.  The edges of all of these DSP liners and panels were sponged with Basic Gray ink;

• Pumpkin Pie and Smoky Slate/Basic Gray patterned papers from the Online Exclusives Spooky Sweet 12" x 12" Specialty Designer Series Paper (item 166191);

• Gorgeous Grape patterned paper from the Perennial Lavender 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 162593);

• Online Exclusives Fright Night stamp set (item 166103) - "Eat, Drink & Be Scary!" sentiment, and "Fright Night" collage tag image.  The sentiment was stamped on watercolour paper using StāzOn Jet Black Ink (item 101406) before the Fright Night banner was die cut.  The die cut banner was shaded with Basic Gray ink.  Both of the "Fright Night" collage tags were stamped using StāzOn Jet Black Ink - one on Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202), shaded with Basic Gray and Early Espresso inks; and one on watercolour paper, shaded with Pecan Pie and Early Espresso inks.  Each stamped tag was die cut using the co-ordinating Fright Night dies; and

• spatter star image from the Online Exclusives Spooky Halloween stamp set (item 166192) was stamped on one of the Potions & Spells bottles using StāzOn Jet Black Ink.  The little jack-o-lantern image was stamped on watercolour paper using StāzOn Jet Black Ink, and coloured using Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086), and die cut using the co-ordinating Spooky Halloween dies.

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

• Paper Trimmer (item 152392) - for trimming cardstock, watercolour paper, and DSP, and for scoring fold lines.  To ensure sharp folds I also burnish the folded scored lines with my Bone Folder (item 102300);
• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (item 149653) for all die cutting and embossing; 
• Blending Brushes (item 153611 - package of three) and Small Blending Brushes (item 160518 - package of three) for applying Classic Stampin' inks to cardstock/watercolour paper die cuts for shading. For a little additional visual texture I sometimes lightly spritz the shaded die cuts with water using one of the Stampin' Spritzers, blotting dry with paper towel to create a slightly mottled effect - often adding additional ink after the blotted cardstock die cut is fully dry; 
• Take Your Pick Tool (item 144107) - the spatula and tacky putty tips are definitely a great help for manipulating and placing small die cuts and embellishments; and
• for the main adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755). 

Since I also did a little heat embossing on two of the Storybook Friends frames I used the following additional supplies:

• VersaMark Ink (item 102283) - I dabbed the ink pad over the frame die cuts;
• silver embossing powder (WOW! Embossing Powders-Metallics - item 165678) - sprinkled over the inked die cuts; and
• heat gun (Heat Tool - item 129053) to heat/activate the embossing powder.

Because I did not want a solid metallic embossed layer over the frames I used my finger to rub off some of the embossing powder from the die cuts before using the Heat Tool.  Before inking and embossing the frame die cuts I stacked and glued a few - two or three - of the die cuts together - just for a little added strength.

On with the projects!

For the seed packet envelope/tag album I used the following additional supplies:

• Timid Tiger cardstock (item 165626), shaded with Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) for the Gingerbread Man bow;
• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), highlighted with Craft Stampin' White Ink (item 147277) applied with one of the finger Sponge Daubers (item 133773) for spiders;
• Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202), shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165) for Impressions Abloom flower die cuts, and spider web die cuts;
• Gray Granite cardstock (item 146983), shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) for Nested Essentials rounded corner rectangle die cut - additional splatters added to this die cut (and to the skeleton die cuts) using Crumb Cake ink refill (item 121029) mixed with water;
• Gray Granite cardstock, shaded with Crumb Cake ink and Early Espresso ink (item 147114) for the Autumn Trees leaves;
• Linen Thread (item 104199) for the loop on the keys/mini tag - to secure the ends I added a tiny dab of Multipurpose Liquid Glue just before the knotted end;
• watercolour paper for both the Perennial Postage rectangle, and the Nested Essentials flag die cuts - shaded with Crumb Cake ink, additional splatters added using Basic Gray ink/Crumb Cake ink refill mixed with a little water.  Splatters were added by flicking a paint brush used to mix the ink/ink refill with water; and
• Basic Black cardstock for the Fright Night tags/base backing tags for stamped and die cut Fright Night collage tags - for each tag I used two tag die cuts - glued together wrong sides together.

I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes, and to set the eyelets I added to each of the envelopes.  The eyelets were purchased at my local scrapbooking shop, and both the black binder ring and 5/8" black & white gingham ribbon were from Dollar Tree.  For this project it was just a lot of fun to mix and match die cuts!  

To complete the two little tote bag treat holders I used the following additional supplies:

• Pretty In Pink cardstock (item 163793) and Gorgeous Grape cardstock (item 146987) for bag bases;
• retiring - and currently available as one of the Last Chance Products - Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker (item 162481) to add splatters to the front, back, and sides of both bags by flicking the brush tip against the marker lid; 
• Pretty In Pink cardstock for the Gingerbread Man bow (the bow was shaded with Real Red ink - item 147084);
• Gorgeous Grape cardstock for Around It All flower (three circles - the two smallest dies);
• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for the trim and handles for both bags, and for "Boo!" on the Pretty In Pink bag;
• Basic Black cardstock for the Impressions Abloom circle center for the Around It All flower - I stacked two black Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (Black Stampin' Dimensionals Combo Pack - item 150893) to attach the center to the flower; and
• Basic Black cardstock and Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) for the Gingerbread Man lollipops - to the center of each of the two lollipops on the Pretty In Pink bag I added one of the small white dots from the Online Exclusives Neutral Matte Dots (item 165561); and to the center of the lollipop on the Gorgeous Grape bag I added one of the large black dots from the Neutral Matte Dots.  I also added one of the large black dots to the center of the Gingerbread Man bow on the Pretty In Pink bag.  To add a little shine to the lollipops I painted the candy portions with a few coats of clear nail polish (before I added the Neutral Matte Dots).

It is always fun to make shred! I used my paper crimper, and some "almost Pretty In Pink" and lighter weight black cardstock I had in my stash to make the shred.  Since chocolate is now getting soooo expensive it might be a good idea to increase the ratio of shred to treats!

Additional supplies used to complete this treat box that measures 3 1/4" tall x 3" wide x 1" deep:

• for the base of the box an 8 1/2" x 5 7/8" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored on the 8 1/2" side at 1", 4", 5", and 8" (1/2" tab is the glue tab); and scored on the 5 7/8" side at 1" (bottom flaps), 4 3/8", and 5 3/8" (1/2" tab is the fold-in flap for the top);

• Basic Black cardstock for the Storybook Friends frame, and the Impressions Abloom flower center;
• Petunia Pop cardstock (item 163801) for the Impressions Abloom flowers;
• Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202), shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165), for the Gallery Blooms foliage and the spider die cuts - make it spooky by just adding a spider to the flowers!;
• Botanical Textures DSP, trimmed 1/8" smaller than the corresponding cardstock panels, for the front, back, sides, and top panels.  All edges of each DSP panel was sponged with Basic Gray ink; and
• black Stampin' Dimensionals and Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (Black Stampin' Dimensionals Combo Pack - item 150893) to attach the two large Impressions Abloom flowers together, the Impressions Abloom flower center to the top flower, and to attach the sentiment banner.

Additional supplies used to complete this treat holder that measures 3 3/4" tall (box is 2" tall) x 2 5/8" wide x 1" deep:

• for the box base:  a 6 5/8" x 5" piece of Basic Black cardstock (item 121045), scored at 2" on all four sides;
• Basic Black cardstock for the four Everyday Arches die cuts that are the front and back panels of the treat holder.  I glued one die cut to the outside of both the front and back of the assembled box base; and glued one die cut to the inside of both the front and back of the assembled box base.  The two die cuts forming each of the front and back panels were lined up with each other, wrong sides together. I doubled up the die cuts to give more strength to these panels;
• Basic Black cardstock, highlighted with Craft Stampin' White Ink (item 147277) applied with one of the finger Sponge Daubers (item 133773), for both the Storybook Friends frame and the "Eek!" die cuts;
• for each side of the box base a 1 7/8" x 7/8" piece of the Gorgeous Grape patterned Perennial Lavender DSP.  I also used this patterned DSP for the one-size smaller Everyday Arches die cut for the back panel.  Around all edges of the DSP panels and die cut I sponged Basic Gray ink (item 149165); and
• Gorgeous Grape cardstock (item 146987), shaded with Basic Gray ink, for the Gingerbread Man bow. 

And finally . . . 

For my "Archie" project this week, included at the bottom of this blog post, I used Memento Tuxedo Black Ink (item 132708) to stamp one of the feline images from the retired Sit Stay Relax stamp set (item 159152), and the "friend" sentiment from the retired Happiness Abounds stamp set (item 159238), on a Basic White cardstock (item 166780) tag die cut using the retired Tailor Made Tags dies (item 155563).  Both stamp sets were featured in the May 2022-April 2023 Annual Catalogue, Sit Stay Relax being one of the host stamp offerings.  I coloured the image using alcohol markers; used Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the tag's hole re-enforcer (also die cut using the Tailor Made Tags dies); and tied a loop using some Crumb Cake baker's twine from Baker's Twine Essentials Pack (item 155475).  This will be a great bookmark - a reminder of how much Archie enjoyed curling up in the chair with me for our reading sessions!

Thank you for visiting my blog!  As always I had a lot of fun working on my projects!

Stampin' Up! advises that the VersaMark Ink (item 102283) is not currently available, but is expected to again be available for ordering the week of September 29, 2025.

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 would be very pleased to be your demonstrator! If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me (lmccoyarchie@gmail.com), and I will try my best to help!  In addition to the digital version of the September-December 2025 Mini Catalogue, the digital version of the May 2025-April 2026 Annual Catalogue is also available for you to access at your convenience on my website.   If visiting the online store don't forget to check out all the Online Exclusives as well as the Last Chance Products!  Just a reminder that all Last Chance Products remain available only while supplies last! 

Have fun creating!

Laurel

*It has come to my attention that quite often email correspondence from me is delivered to the recipient's spam or junk mail folder - if you have corresponded with me I have replied so be sure to check your spam or junk mail folder!  Thank you!! 

"A cat will be your friend, but never your slave."

- Théophile Gautier -