Happy Halloween Pumpkin Walkabout

Unique Pumpkin Carvings Photo Collection

Halloween... Each of these pumpkins were showcased in town and were carved / decorated by the shop owners. They are so creative and fun.

So, where does the name Halloween come from, I found this information on the internet, 

Originally spelled Hallowe'en, it is a contraction of All Hallows Even, meaning the day before All Hallows Day (better known today as All Saints Day), a Catholic holiday commemorating Christian saints and martyrs observed since the early Middle Ages on November 1. (directly quoted from About.com)

I guess there is no definitive answer for how Halloween came about, but this is one thought.

Unique Pumpkin Carvings

Several sources say that it dates back to the Celts who believed that on October 31st the spirits of the dead walk the earth / come out of their tombs. They would do things to frighten the ghosts like wearing scary costumes and lighting fires. They also had lucky foods that they ate like apples and nuts.

Unique Pumpkin Carvings

Many of the things we associate with Halloween are from the Celts. Black is the color of winter and long nights and Orange is the color of the harvest. Black cats were thought to have special powers (makes me want to do something on superstitions).

Unique Pumpkin Carvings

This Celtic tradition was married with the Christian practices after the Romans invaded. In the Christian tradition, November 1st was All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day). The mass that the Catholic Church celebrated on November 1st was the mass of all the hallowed (saintly people). So, this meant that October 31st was All Hallows' Eve which later became Halloween.

Unique Pumpkin Carvings

I hope you've enjoyed these pumpkins, I only wish all of my photos had come out, they were fun to see and the kids had a great time!

Happy Halloween!

Don't forget to grab your free copy of the My Memories scrapbooking and photo enhancement software!  Yes, I said FREE as long as you chose the download method!

From October 27th to November 3rd you can get a free copy of the My Memories software simply by using this code FreeTreatLL146 at the checkout!  This is really important, please copy and paste it since it has to look exactly like this  FreeTreatLL146  you will enter the code in the promo code field before checking out.  

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Free Quilled Orange and Black Witches Hat and Broom

If the Broom Fits Ride It free printable project

I promised I would post the instructions for the 

Quilled Witches Hat and Broom 

I made in this fun project (please click here for the printable) where you can grab the funny quote I used in this project!

Ok, now onto the quilling!

Free Quilled Orange and Black Witches Hat Instructions

The hat begins very similarly to another witches hat I shared, check out the picture and link below!

Quilled Witches Hat:

• 3 strips of black quilling paper - Rolled to create a teardrop shape
• Tip: I wanted the hat to be denser, that is why I used so many strips
• Tip: You can certainly use fewer strips if you'd like, that's the fun of making it yourself!

I wanted to incorporate orange, because I do love the way black and orange look, so I grabbed a few leftover orange strips from another project and, this is what I did:

• Pulled off a piece and wrapped it around the teardrop
• This was the fun part, I used these orange strips to create a more cone-like hat
• They worked perfectly to keep that slightly off center, angled hat that I wanted to create
• Tip: You can use accent colors and strips to create special shapes in your quilling as I've done here

Lastly,

• 1 strip of black quilling paper to create a crescent shape for the brim of the hat
• Glue this to the base of your hat

and there you have one quilled witches hat!

Free Quilled Witches Broom Instructions

The Broom was even easier! 

• Cut off a 3/4 inch wide, by 3 inches long strip from a brown paper bag
• Cut fringes into the strip along the 3 inch long side, making sure not to cut through the entire 3/4 inches
• Roll it to create the bristles of the broom.  
• The broom handle is a leftover piece of black paper
• I added the black to the top because I love the contrast
• Tip: Adding the black cover at the top is more than a decorative choice, it is also a great way to keep the broom together

Looking for another option for your witches hat? You can check out this project by clicking on the picture below or clicking this link.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

FREE My Memories Software Free for Everyone

Use code FreeTreatLL146  to get your FREE MyMemories digital software, use Code:  FreeTreatLL146 

I am SOOOOO excited! I have a great offer for everyone of you reading my blog!!!!

Think about this as an early Halloween treat for all my followers…free software!  Who doesn't love free? The best part is that there is no limit to the number of followers who can use this free code, everyone reading this can get it for free!

From October 27th to November 3rd you can get a free copy of the My Memories software simply by using this code FreeTreatLL146 at the checkout!  This is really important, please copy and paste it since it has to look exactly like this  FreeTreatLL146  also, don't forget to enter the code in the promo code field before checking out.  UPDATE Oct 30th: There is something odd with the MyMemories website. Please create an account before you place the order for your software, if you don't you will see an error message indicating that there is something wrong with their website.  I have tested this out today, October 30th, and I was able to successfully order the software and didn't have to pay anything to get it!

Use code FreeTreatLL146  to get your FREE MyMemories digital software, use Code:  FreeTreatLL146 

To get your  free copy of the MyMemories software copy this code FreeTreatLL146 then, go to the My Memories software by clicking here.  It is really important, that you copy and paste the code since it has to look exactly like this  FreeTreatLL146  make sure to enter the code in the promo code field before checking out (if you are like me, sometimes I forget).

If you aren't familiar with My Memories digital scrapbooking kits and scrapbook software, their software makes it easy to create scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, magnets, some of my freebie printables and more. Although I haven't done this, you can create iPhone skins, laptop skins, and jewelry as well.  Included with the software are hundreds of papers, templates, and embellishments, and they always offer freebies as well as hundreds of additional items you can download from their online shop. Now you don't have to search the internet for a free photo editing tool, because you can have your own... the software works on a PC or MAC, so come on, get yours now before time runs out!

Please don't let this opportunity pass you by! I can offer this to you because I am a MyMemories affiliate and you are a follower. Please note that I receive nothing from you downloading the software using my code, this is a gift they have given to me to offer to you, my followers.

Here is an example of a project I made with my little cutie so many years ago!

MyMemories project

Let me know if you take the plunge and then share with me what you've created!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Freebie If the Broom Fits Printable

If the broom fits ride it - freebie printable

It is a beautiful fall day today, a bit brisk, but comfortable with a jacket!  Last night we went to my son's "Trunk or Treat" at his school.  What is a Trunk or Treat? It is a wonderfully fun, safe way for the kids to enjoy trick or treating. Some very fun parents decorate their cars and hand out candy to the kids in the parking lot of the school.  They have a DJ and dancing, and snacks and drinks.

Freebie If the Broom Fits Ride It from Antonella 

So, with the spirit of the season I am happy to share this fun printable with you.  I created a few versions of this quote for you, you can download the pdf file below.  I printed mine on a sheet of orange card stock, I thought it would be nice to see the black against the orange.  I then quilled myself a witches hat and fringed a broom to add to the project. I also took some of my leftovers from my various Halloween projects and added a spider web and the spider who made it, lol... I picked this quote because I thought it would be funny, and I was feeling a little cheeky at the time, so  "If the Broom fits ride it"....

If the broom fits ride it - click to download freebie

This was inspired by a Halloween Wall Hanging project by Sandee from In the Hills of North Carolina

I loved her use of the witches hat and broom. She experimented with paints and I used my quilling to create a project that I hope you have as much fun with as me!

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials, freebies / printables (and now cut files) with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, etc, because I would love to hear from you

• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)

• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.

• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!

• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 

• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

If you recall, I recently shared instructions for making a quilled witches hat that you can find by clicking here, this project modifies that project a wee bit so please click here for the instructions to make the Hat and Broom in this project.  Today, I am sharing the freebie printable of the quote I used in this project.

If the broom fits ride it - freebie from Antonella :-)

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Freebie Every Leaf Printable

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to me, Fluttering from the Autumn Tree

Sorry, I am a little late with this post.... well, better late than never, right?

You may be thinking, this looks familiar, and you wouldn't be wrong, this is one of those projects that I keep changing... Admit it, I know you have many of these yourself... Every time you look at it you change it in some way, sometimes it is just adding fibers or glitter, and sometimes a bit more of  a re-do.... With my new project, you'll note that I've made some slight tweaks by going back to my original file and changing some of the colors and fonts and decided to frame it as part of my fall decor... I am trying not to use up all my color ink, so I printed mine out on a nice bright yellow. I wanted something light enough to display the pretty colors yet a great color for the fall... Hope you like it!

Fall decor you may wonder? Yes, I'm actually working on a few pieces and will share it with you when I'm done (or think I'm done, lol)

Love do this quote from Emily Bronte:

"Every Leaf speaks Bliss to me,

        Fluttering from the Autumn tree" 

This is the same Emily Bronte quote that I used on this card I shared with you... I couldn't decide which version to use and finally selected the rounded tree cutout... Of course, after I sent it thought I just should have skipped the overhanging tree altogether :-)

Every Autumn Leaf quote card

When I see this quote I cannot help but think about all those pretty leaves outside right now... I love all the yellows, oranges and reds outside! Of course, that is until they fall... If they could only stay on the trees (I must confess I don't like them as much when they are everywhere.... does anyone want to rake them up for me? We have LOTS of trees, so there are always leaves!)

There are so many great fall quotes and printables out there, hmmm sounds like that may be my next walkabout!

Every Autumn Leaf Freebie Printable

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials, freebies / printables (and now cut files) with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, etc, because I would love to hear from you

• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)

• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.

• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!

• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 

• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to me, Fluttering from the Autumn Tree

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Walkabout Twig Craft Ideas Edition

What a lovely day, and today I wanted to share with you some really fun and fantastically creative Twig Projects. Yes, really, these are all made with twigs that you can find when you step outside your door or go for a walk in the park or the woods...

So let's be inspired!

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My friend Ann was the one who initially got me hooked interested in these twig projects, here are a few of her creations... she is super talented, stop in and give her a shout out!





You would never believe that this is made with a twig... yes, a beautiful dragonfly adorned with the prerequisite glitter (because really, no project is complete without it, lol)


Some seasonal Halloween fun too... love this spray painted twig wreath with silhouetted Halloween figures and the super cute twig pumpkin that is lit from within!



Love this cute twig Christmas tree ornament, don't you?


How cute, love this rustic twig snowflake ornament, don't you?


What a pretty winter wreath, I may have to do a wreath edition soon because I really like all these beautiful wreaths out there


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Have you done any twig projects lately or has anything here inspired you? I'd love to know!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Freebie Friday Quilled Witches Hat

Free Quilled Witches Hat Pattern

I am having lots of fun with my Halloween crafting this year, I think I may actually be avoiding the Christmas ornaments I have to make, but I'd rather continue to delude myself into thinking I have time, lol.  I had a lot of fun when I first created this Witches Hat, and now that I look at it again I see so many opportunities.  You can incorporate this onto any Halloween project you have, all you have to do is adjust the length and width of the papers you use.... Stay tuned, I may have another project to post based on this simple design!

Here are the quick and easy steps for my Free Quilled Witches Hat Tutorial

Lovely Tall Black Hat

• 1 - 24 in (60.8 cm) Black Shaped Teardrop
• 1 - 12 inch (30.4 cm) Black Shaped Teardrop
• 4 - 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) Purple Spirals (arrange in flower shape and attach to hat)

Simply Divine Green Hair

• 8 Green (6 inch, 15.2 cm) Spiral, 
•  Cut your green paper to 1/16 inch, .15 cm wide before starting your spiral

Arrange as shown in picture.

What have you been working on? Do you have a favorite Halloween icon? Is it the cute ghost, or crawly spiders, or the silly witches? I'd love to hear what you love to do...

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Walkabout Everything Sharpie Pinspiration Crafts, Art, and Truly Inspired

Can you tell how much I LOVE my Walkabout series? It is so much fun to visit with all these talented friends!  Today is Everything Sharpie! A Pinspiration visit to showcase Sharpie Crafts, Art, and Truly Inspired projects!

Do you love your sharpies? Won't leave home without them? Admit it, they are the duct tape of "ink" - you can tell me, I promise I won't tattle, lol!

Why wouldn't you love your sharpies? There are so many different colors to choose from these days, and you won't believe what people around the net are using them for these days... Check out these ideas and please try one or two or all of them!

What have you done with your sharpies lately? C'mon, you know you want to share!

Pinspiration from around the world.....

This is for my sister! Love it!!


Sharpie Cross Stitch even I can do


Take the stress out of wrapping paper with sharpies and post-its (yup, another staple)


Love these ornaments! Imagine the possibilities!


Not just your everyday envelopes anymore... trace a doily and watch the elegance emerge...


Doilies may need to be added to that list... check out these on a cup


The Thomas Edison version... not just another light bulb after you've taken your sharpie to it!


This makes it look so easy... I will continue to be amazed at the beauty...


Makes you want to grab your gum or just run out and buy some... think green and Frankie or how about a pumpkin face for a season appropriate view?


Oh so creepy....

I hope you had as much fun as I have with these projects! I know that some were only pictures, if you know the original source, please tell me because I'd love to update my pin so I can link over

Let me know if you've done anything similar or other sharpie art you've done! I need to uncover some zentangles I did with sharpies (if I can find them I will update this post!)

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Hug Card

Happy Birthday Hug Card

Do you have a certain type of card you prefer to make? I really like these Hug Cards.... I like the fact that the gift card slides easily in and out of the enclosure and they are super easy to make.  By easy I mean that you can adjust the size of the card to suit your needs and you practically cannot make a mistake!

If you want to pop on over to this earlier post, you can get see the tutorial for making this card.

Since this is a Birthday Card, I decided to use my Martha Stewart present border punch - this makes an appearance on many of the birthday cards I make :-)

Here is a shot of the slider enclosed in the card.

Happy Birthday Hug Card

I hope you have a wonderful day!

World Card Making Day 2013 Fun Quilling Happy Birthday Card

World Card Making Day - Happy Birthday Card

Happy World Card Making Day!

Don't you love that there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating Card Making?

Who do you know in your life that you haven't talked to in a while? Someone who needs a bit of cheer? Perhaps give someone a card for no reason at all!

World Card Making Day - Happy Birthday

We give cards for so many reasons, and it is likely if you take time from your busy schedule to visit with me that you too love to create your own cards because you are giving from your heart. On this 2013 Card Making Day why don't you take a moment and create a card for someone to let them know you were thinking about them.

Let's get crafty today, I'd love to see what you've made!  The card I'm sharing is a Birthday card I made. Believe it or not, but I hand cut the stacked present shape, maybe next time I need to create a cut file for this? Oh well, I have another one that I have to use first... The quilled element is a multi-strip design where I took several strips of quilling paper that matched the colors I used on the card, I then rolled the tips and glued them together and then pulled the strips to create this shape.  I did this twice, glued it together and then took my scallop punch and punched a few scallops and fringed them for added texture.

World Card Making Day - Fun Quilling!

I do like making Birthday cards for people whose birthdays are near Halloween... I mean I get to use Halloween shapes (like the spider web border in this card) and all the beautiful oranges, purples, browns, and blacks of the season!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Freebie Friday Autumn Polaroid Frame Cut File

Free Autumn Polaroid Frame

Happy Freebie Friday! I am so excited to share my Autumn Polaroid frames with you today! I fell in love with the Polaroid frames a long time ago... So being able to share my addiction love with you is a treat.

Earlier this week I posted a project using my Autumn frame, and as I was preparing this post I decided to throw in a few other Autumn frames for you. As you can see, the differences are in the shape of the frame, a traditional hard edges shape or my signature rounded corners.  I also played with the fonts I used.

Free Autumn Polaroid Frame

I must admit, my absolute favorite font right now is the one I used on my project - it cuts like a dream and is so delicate in appearance, it meets all of my requirements.

Do you have a love for these Polaroid frames too? How do you use frames in your projects? I'd love to hear.

Free Autumn Polaroid Frame Cut Files (click to download)

As always, I am happy to share my tutorials, freebies / printables (and now cut files) with you, I only ask that you do the following:

• Please leave a comment if you download a  freebie / printable / digi, etc, because I would love to hear from you

• If you enjoy the things I share with you, please become a follower so that you will see all the new stuff when it is posted (no pressure, join only if you want)

• Please do not share any of my digital images, printables, or tutorials directly with others, but please do send them on over to me so that they can peruse and collect the images themselves.

• I would be thrilled and honored if you would send me links to any images or posts that you've done using something that I have shared with you.  If you say it is ok, I will even feature your work here!

• If you want to recolor the images, feel free! 

• If you have a special request, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Most importantly be Fantastically Creative You!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Walkabout Wednesday Great Fall and Halloween Printables

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me

Another Walkabout sharing great finds and inspiration from around the web...

Today I wanted to focus on Great Fall and Halloween Printables.  I am going to share my printable with you on my Freebie Friday post, so stay tuned....

These are some great project ideas, and freebies that I hope will inspire you!

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Every Falling Leaf Card and Autumn Frame

Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me

Good Morning! The wonderful Autumn weather is holding firm, it is beautiful. The leaves are turning all those wonderful golden yellows and reds and you are comfortable when enjoying the outdoors!

You can thank the lovely weather and this fantastic quote from Emily Bronte:

"Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me, Fluttering from the Autumn Tree"

Isn't this just the most perfect quote for this time of year? I absolutely love it!!!  I went searching for a tree image to couple with the quote and went about playing designing.  I created the Autumn Polaroid cut file first, I knew I wanted to do something for the fall, and as you know, I do love those Polaroid frames, so Project Life!  I cut it out of green and backed the letters with purple (I love that color combination).  Here's a close up of the gorgeous font (this font is a keeper for future projects - it cuts really well and is so pretty! Updated - the cut file for the Autumn Polaroid frame is here!)

Autumn Polaroid - closeup

I then worked on the quote, and how to break it apart... and then of course there is the too many fonts for one person to use in their lifetime search for the perfect font and ended up with what you see here.  As I started working with it, I decided that I wanted the tree to extend beyond the frame (I think next time I will go with a smooth semi-circle, or just cut the tree off instead?).

...Falling from the Autumn Tree

I currently have it as a card, but I don't know? I am thinking of maybe adding a fall photo of one of our nature walks and keeping it on my desk at work? Or perhaps simply framing this?

Free Tree Clipart

Oh, I grabbed the tree from http://bestclipartblog.com/25-tree-clip-art.html/tree-clip-art-14
Isn't it a great tree? Will definitely have to stop in and check out all their clipart!

Do you second guess yourself and your projects? Do you ever get to the end and then start over? Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I do, or I store the picture in a folder called - "Someday Do Overs"... I don't hate the projects, but there is something that you know you can do better next time...

I hope you have a wonderful day!