Frightful and Delightful Bracelets

As I write this post, it is a glorious crisp fall day in northern Michigan. Fall instinctively brings the thought of pumpkins, mums, apple cider, yummy donuts, and especially Halloween.

I always look forward to this holiday to begin creating all things Halloween. While visiting my sister, Peg, of the Crystal Pinecone, in Grand Marais, Michigan this week, we created these sweet bracelets with some of our recent shopping finds. Peg always continues to take my breath away with her so many clever ways to celebrate Halloween.

The Brown Lady Ghost of Rayman Hall, England

This ghost is known as "The Brown Lady of Rayman Hall, England. The picture was originally taken in 1936 by Indre Shira and Captain Provand, photographers working for "Country Life" magazine. The photographers were shooting in the hall when they noticed the apparition.

The first reported sighting of "The Brown Lady Ghost" was in 1836, when Colonel Loftus said he saw her in a brown dress. Loftus reported that her eye sockets were empty. The next reported sighting of "The Brown Lady Ghost" was in 1926 when two small boys saw the apparition.

This was the project I completed last Saturday, October 23rd, when I was lucky enough to be included in a very fun Saturday event entitled "A Halloween Tea" at our local scrapbook store, Artful Scrapbooking.

Even though I cannot take credit for the original design by Ellie,

I did add some of my own images from Moonlight Journey.

A Halloween Tea

The punch was spooktactular with a fine white rising mist, sandwiches, shortbread finger cookies, all amazingly arranged by our hostess Pamela. We even watched some classic scary Halloween movies while completing our haunted houses. Thank you again, Pam, for such great effort and a spooky project to make.

To my delight, I also received this gorgeous altoid tin last week from my sweet friend Becky Loyall, of Whymsical Musings.

This tin created by Becky Loyall.

I was so inspired with her amazing gift, that I created these two tins to share.

Halloween tin images from Seneca Pond and Shabby Cottage Studio.

Ahhh......the fun of Halloween!

'Just can't get enough.

Annabel Lee Artist Trading Card

Did you know that "Annabel Lee"

is the last complete poem composed

by Edgar Allen Poe?

"It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may

know by the name of Annabel Lee . . ."

Like so many of Poe's poems,

it tells the tale of the death of a beautiful woman.

"The wind came out of the clouded night,

chilling and killing my Annabel Lee . . ."

The narrator tells of a man who

fell in love with Annabel Lee

when they were young,

and even says that this love for her

was so strong

that even angels were jealous.

What a sad love story that

remains so strong even in death!

"For the moon never beams

without bringing me dreams of

the beautiful Annabel Lee . . ."

I created these artist trading cards

for a swap this month.

Edgar Allen Poe is probably

one of my favorite poets.

CREDITS: MOONLIGHT JOURNEY COLLAGE SHEETS

Witch Society Halloween Cards

Once upon a time the witches rode

In sinister and ominous parade

Upon their sticks at night, and queer lights glowed.

With eerie noises by the goblins made;

And many things mysterious there were.

For boyish cheeks to pale at through the grime

That held them brown and shadows queer would stir--

Don't you remember? -- Once upon a time.

~ James W. Foley

These "Witch Society" Halloween cards were created over the past several weeks by using some Martha Stewart holiday papers, and Ravenhead Manor Recollection sheets and frames. I love how they work so well with images from Lynne Tears and Becky Loyall of Moonlight Journey. The background within the frames "Extract of Witch Hazel" were stamped with an image from Tim Holtz's Haunted Mansion Collection CMS091. I glitzed them up with silver and gold mini glittered stars and tied with recycled sari ribbon.

Happy Haunting,

Nancy

Halloween Art Journal Pages

It's that time of year when Halloween creativeness just keeps buzzing around me. I made this art journal page for one of my swaps. The tags are hidden in between the pages.

And, there are three artist trading cards in a black lace pocket on the last page.

I really love this time of year!

CREDITS: WINGED WITCHES USED COURTESY OF SENECA POND.

Mysterious Halloween Cards

My candle was nearly burnt out,

When, by the glimmer of the half-

extinguished light, I saw the dull

yellow eye of the creature open...

~ Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

When the latest collage sheet was posted from Moonlight Journey, I just knew I had to make something special with these. The miniature digital designs are just so detailed, that a person can become mesmerized by their beauty.

Here are a few of my favorite Halloween greeting cards using these beautiful images. They truly can be easily created in an evening. I have included some of my favorite eerie quotes in the inside of each card.

Have fun making these!

Halloween Dreams

"Deep into the darkness

peering, long I stood there,

wondering, fearing, doubting,

dreaming dreams no mortal

ever dared to dream before."

~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven

As the night comes sooner, and the days become shorter, I suddenly get into the Halloween spirit once again. This two page spread is for an art journal that I have been focusing on lately. There is something very magical about creating artwork when the moon laughs and whispers, "Tis near Halloween."

Annie Oakley Album

I wanted to give my sister, Peg, something a little special for her birthday this year. Since I had taken the KC Willis Collage Camp more than a year ago, I thought this would make the perfect gift. Inside are pages for a guest register to use in my sister and mom's little store named The Crystal Pinecone Gift Shoppe in Grand Marais, Michigan. She lives in the upper peninsula less than a mile from Lake Superior.

Their shop has an array of softies, painted bottles, jars, knitted and crocheted garments, and painted rocks depicting scenes of the great "up north." Stop on over and view some of Peg's unique crocheted softies of bears, cats, and even a couple of Halloween souls. You can contact her blog for additional information. It is so much fun to stop in their shop and see what they create during the long winter months.

"Trick 'R Treat" Swap on Hallow's Eve

"A Work in Progress" called all witches, vampires, tricksters and ghosts to play Trick or Treat. As you can probably tell, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I can remember "begging" for candy, as we used to call it more than 50 years ago. We would fill pillowcases or those big brown grocery bags practically full. Maybe not really, but as I kid I used to feel like I had really hit the jackpot.

Remember those cranking noise makers? We used to yell, "Help the poor!" No one used to say "Trick or Treat" or ring door bells. It was plain old-fashioned calling or yelling at the front door. And we used to get the huge candy bars, not these mini ones. Practically everyone had hand sewn costumes. There wasn't a Halloween costume superstore even available. Aaaaah, those were the days!

I am so excited to share some of the beautiful treasures I received. A big "thank you" goes to Christine Edwards, who collected all the goodies, and then sorted and mailed them to our group. You did a great job!

Back in August, I signed up to play by sending in two "TREATS" and one "TRICK." Then she randomly chose two treats and one trick for each participant.

This is my first amazing "TRICK."

The Gypsy Witch Book of Magic Potions

I think this book box is the best ever! Nestled in a bed of moss, rests a Mr. Bones extra set of spare hands, a vial of "Graveyard Dust," one black votive candle, one canister of "Spider's Silk," and a test tube of "Moon Dust," and another of poisonous "Zombie Dust." I loved this!! What a very clever and imaginative trick! I will have to show my grandson, who will think this is SO cool. Thank you very much for creating this spooky treasure.

I sent this funny "trickster" pumpkin as my "TRICK" in a fabric bag of rubber snakes. She was cleverly designed and painted by my sister Peg.

And, this was my first outstanding "TREAT!"

Vintage-Inspired Pumpkin with Witch's Hat

This pedestal pumpkin is wearing a pointed witch's hat, encircled with sparkling black tinsel at base, and hat brim. A crepe-paper collar surrounds the neck of a hand-painted pumpkin that resembles something very vintage. I think it is perfect for a table centerpiece! Thank you so much for this very unique piece of artwork.

And, lastly my other beautiful "TREAT."

Unfulfilled Dreams, She Only Wanted to be Loved

I encountered some technical difficulties while trying to photograph this piece due to reflection and color. This picture does not do this piece of artwork justice. Inside rests a frail skeletal figure, dressed as a bride that only wished for a happy life. Along the left edge is a glittered gray flower, and on the right a gossamer black velvet rose. It is really quite lovely, in spite of this sad tale. The poem inside this shadow box reads:

"Everybody wishes

to have a happy destiny.

She always dreamt with a ring on her finger.

She wanted to love and be loved,

but her dreams would never come true."

Thank you so much for this sentimental gesture describing a woman who felt she may have been short-changed in her life by never finding true love. I think it is just too sweet.

And for the two "TREATS" that I sent was this altered composition book filled with sinister tags in the inside pocket. The digital collage sheet image was designed by Becky Loyall, from Whymsical Musings, an Outsiders Artist.

Then I included a bag of my "signature" hand-knitted dishcloths in colors of the autumn season as my second "TREAT" with a box of candy. I may have sent a different color, because I sent my gift not realizing I didn't take any photos. Yikes!

As a "thank you" to the hostess, I sent Christine one "Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid Clock" altered from an old music CD.

And Christine sent me this lovely bag of goodies.

I am so grateful to have been part of this event.

I love these little trinkets, especially the vintage buttons,

bingo cards and that terrifying spooky witch image!

So, today on Halloween Eve, I have revealed my amazing stash! Hopefully, I will be able to show you more photos and links to these participants at a later date! Supposedly, there are no identifying signatures on items received to add to the festivities.

I will miss not be able to seriously play on my computer for the next few days. I will be out of town visiting family in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the Halloween weekend. Can't wait to share some munchkin photos. Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Hauntings!

Nancy

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

Yesterday, I went to the theater with my friends Deb and Vikki to view this one thrilling movie! It was brilliant. The artwork in the prologue is mesmerizing. And by the way, this is another movie filmed in New Orleans! Oh, what fun....just in time for the holiday! A must see!

Wicked Halloween Exchange

I have had just the best time participating in my four Halloween swaps this year. And, ta da.....this amazing doll was one of the wondrous things my partner, Jennifer Wells (also known as "Black October Girl"), from Seattle, Washington sent to me!

Getting to know Jennifer has certainly been inspiring due to the fact that she is a great lover of "The Day of the Dead, All Saints Day, or All Souls Day." She explained to me that these two days are the celebration of the life of a loved one. She has an altar set up at home and it is covered in "Day of the Dead" items, but it also has pictures of her grandma, great aunt, and some of her furry babies.

We, as Americans also have a kind of altar that some people may not realize--having pictures of our ancestors out or items that belonged to someone long gone. She feels that countries all over the world have some form of the "Day of the Dead," but she just happens to focus on the Latin version because she grew up in southern California.

So, when you see a "Day of the Dead" skeleton form, it represents who that person was when they were alive. When you build a real altar, they place images of that person on it, and other things that this person liked and represents them, like food, alcohol, or flowers (mainly mums). This helps their spirit in the after life. To Jennifer, it is a beautiful way of celebrating their memory and this keeps them close to her. She has a very strong spiritual belief and this just fits right in with her thinking.

We have been taught to fear death on so many levels that when we see images like those of the "Day of the Dead," it makes us uncomfortable. But to her, it is just so beautiful!! She makes "Day of the Dead" cookies, and one of her favorites are her homemade Christmas cookies with skeletons holding Christmas trees. She made quite an impression on me.

She adored taking photos of beautiful graves in her hometown of Dana Point, California. I hope to see some of them one day. Here is a photo of her beautiful wall in her home.

Here is a photo of our "Wicked" Exchange.....

I also received this altered composition book with a glow-in-the dark moon on the inside cover. There was also some of my favorite Dove dark chocolates wrapped in miniature coffins, two festive tags, Halloween pencils, a bag of felted pumpkins, and all presented with style.

It was a journey in cultures, and I am so glad I was matched up with such a sweet person on the other side our our country. Thank you so much, Jennifer. I would also like to thank our hard-working hosts, Ramona Alvarado and Samantha Lambert of Altered Art Junkies. I think I am hooked on swaps. Thanks so much.

13 Days of Halloween Swap Partner

Will you check this out!! I just received some wonderful goodies from my "13 Days of Halloween" swap partner, Hope Malott of her blog and Etsy shop called "Hopeful."

The rules are that I can't open her gifts until October 19, and then one package a day until the big day of Halloween. I love the vintage music sheet wrapping paper, and that creepy spider. I am really going to try and wait. It is hard to do this, considering I was one of those kids that opened Christmas gifts (when my parents were gone) and then re-wrapped them. Thank you so much, Hope, for this grand display of surprises. I am so excited to start opening each one to share with you.

Edgar Allan Poe Clock

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe's birth. To celebrate the famed writer's accomplishments, many Poe-themed events take place around Baltimore. The Baltimore Museum of Art hosts the exhibition "Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon" Oct. 4, 2009-Jan. 17, 2010. The exhibition showcases works by 19th and 20th century artists who used the writer's characters and themes as a basis for their own works.

Poe's Obituary in The Sun

Ever wonder how Edgar Allan Poe's death was handled by The Sun? He died Oct. 7, 1849, at Church Hospital in the Washington Hill neighborhood. The note on his passing is very modest by today's standards. With thanks to Paul McCardell, who dug it out of the archives, here it is:

DEATH OF EDGAR A. POE -- We regret to learn that Edgar A. Poe, Esq., the distinguished American poet, scholar and critic, died in this city yesterday morning, after an illness of four or five days. This announcement, coming so sudden and unexpected, will cause poignant regret among all who admire genius, and have sympathies for the frailties too often attending it. Mr. Poe, we believe, was a native of this state, though reared by a foster father at Richmond, Va., where he lately spent some time on a visit. He was in the 38th year of his age.

Michael Powell, who lives in Eugene, Oregon and is an editor at Kinesiology Publications at the University of Oregon has been a lifelong student of the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Powell suggests that the poet died from something "like cardiopulmonary collapse, resulting from exposure (malnutrition, lack of sleep, cold, shock of disorientation), a complication of the starved defenses."

So what took Poe's life? Through the years, scholars and medical experts have suggested--in addition to alcoholism--epilepsy, diabetes, cerebral meningitis, mercury poisoning, a drug overdose and even rabies.

"It has always been a topic of special interest. What happened to Poe is not a pretty picture. We wound up treating one of our best badly," Powell said. "He was a brilliant man, a real genius and under appreciated."

I have always admired the work of Poe, and in celebration of his genius, I have created this altered CD clock. It will be given away to one of my Halloween swap recipients!

Dreamlight Journal

She Comes Not

by Herbert Trench

She comes not when Noon is on the roses--

Too bright is Day.

She comes not to the Soul till it reposes

From work and play.

But Night is on the hills, and the great Voices

Roll in from Sea,

By starlight and candle-light and dreamlight

She comes to me.

This art journal was made for one of my Halloween swaps this year. Inside I attached a black lace pocket with some spooky tags. This digital piece of artwork can by ordered from Moonlight Journey. Thanks, once again, to the talented Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings.

Scary Fairy

My "Scary Fairy" was inspired the day I opened my issue of Somerset's HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS back in 2007.

Brenda Rivera gave instructions on assembling this cute little fairy by placing her on a raven who was then sitting on a white craft pumpkin. I changed her a bit, by adding a tutu, and embellishing the pumpkin with gems. I just thought it would be rather non-traditional by gravitating towards a black-and-white theme with a touch of orange. I think she looks rather mischievous and I can only smile and hope you may be inspired to whip one up too!

Day of the Dead Tag Art

I've been thinking, with the Halloween season right around the corner, why not make some "Day of the Dead" art tags! With my love of vacationing in Mexico and in the southwest, I decided it would be different to create art celebrating both of these holidays.

These beautiful tag shapes were digital and can be purchased from Becky Loyall of Whymsical Musings, and the skeletal and reaper images can be ordered from Itkupilli.

I wish I truly understood the celebration of "Dia de los Muertos" or Day of the Dead. It is just beautiful. I love the colors of Latin America, Mexico, Santa Fe, and just wanted to make something fun to share.

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid Clock

Legends of haunted houses are age-old. But are ghosts real, or are they merely human inventions? Some researchers have suggested that ghosts do haunt houses. I have always been somewhat intrigued by stories of this nature.

My husband once heard of a customer who bought a home a few years back and soon began being visited by the ghost of an old man who sat on a rocking chair in their den, reading a book. She was the only one who had seen him. She said she wasn't scared, but she was definitely uncomfortable living in their house. Can people sue people who sold her the house because they didn't tell them the home is haunted?

Unfortunately, you would have to prove that the seller's knew about the ghost and failed to disclose it. It's doubtful the sellers would admit seeing the grandfatherly apparition, even if he was one of their regular visitors. I suppose you really can't say this is all a figment of the homeowner's imagination.

My advise would be to contact a few local universities to see if their faculty includes an expert on the paranormal. I would also seek the advice of a priest, minister or rabbi.

It's worth noting that experts say many hauntings are only temporary--few ghosts apparently care to spend all of their time in the same place. The Haunted History Channel is always an interesting place to explore as the Halloween season approaches.

In light of specters and the unknown, I had fun digitally creating this altered clock by using an old CD. The background images are from Kirsi, and I Googled the "Addam's Family" image.

Happy Haunting!

Trick 'R Treat Swap Sent

She called all witches, ghouls, goblins, clowns, princesses and hobos....and, I was ready. As Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, this was one of the first stops I made on my Halloween caravan of swaps. Christine Edwards, of "A Work in Progress" hosted this fun event.

We all had to send two treats and one trick. How simple was that? My box is in the mail, following all guidelines. Thank you, Christine, for all your hard work, emails, and for sending all the packages after you get bombarded after the 1st of October.

I am so excited to see what comes my way.

Cupcake Wrapper Halloween Tags

The idea for this project came about when I stumbled upon these wonderful cupcake wrappers by Martha Stewart at Michael's when I was visiting my family in Marquette, in northern Michigan. I opened the box in the store and immediately fell in love with the detail of these stunning baking cups. They are almost too pretty to use them for their intended purpose.

These black, white, and orange retro-inspired images can be downloaded from Melissa Valeriote's "Fantastical World of Holidays." Her simply amazing artwork will stir your Halloween imagination to new levels. No matter how many times I visit her blog, I love how she brings her little critters to life!

Creating these unexpected Halloween tags is relatively simple. Just cut out the bottom of the cupcake liner, and glue to a circular piece of card stock. I added crepe paper rosettes, and then pasted the images that were also adhered to black card stock. My enthusiasm for the Halloween swaps has soared more than I ever imagined. Beginning September 19th, my first package will be mailed and the fun will begin! I can't wait to show you what I receive!