When Black Cats Prowl and Pumpkins Gleam...

Hello friends and welcome to the brand new Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge! This week our theme is called Shimmer and Shine and we want you to get your sparkle on and think of all the ways you can shine in this challenge...

For my project, I decided it was time to start making some Halloween pieces ready for the big day and created a centrepiece for my table that glimmers and shines in so many ways, especially when you turn the lights on in the little crackled jar. With so many wonderful new dies, it was hard to choose just one but my heart really does belong to the one this gorgeous die that I have used, Witchcraft by Tim Holtz ~ from the minute I saw her, I knew this was my die of the season and here she is standing proud surrounded by many other Tim Holtz goodies!

It's time for a brand new challenge and here's how I created this piece...

 

To begin with I started by cleaning my jar and drying it thoroughly ~ you really do need to make sure your jar is dry before adding any mediums, as even the smallest amount of grease can affect the final result, so I would recommend the dishwasher or if not, just a really good clean, inside and out will do just as well!

I then started by adding a layer of Collage Medium, brushing it over the surface of the jar. I allowed the medium to dry completely before then taking Rock Candy Crackle Paint and applying the paint with a brush over the dried medium. I added various amounts to different areas of the jar, so that some crackles would be bigger than others when it dried.

Once you've covered the entire jar, set aside to dry...I would recommend overnight to get the optimum crackle but if you're a little impatient like me, you might want to keep checking and go in earlier!

For the next stage, I wanted to add some colour to accentuate the crackles and for this, I used alcohol inks in Gold Metallic, Mushroom and Latte ~ applying the ink to the surface using the applicator tool. For the harder to reach areas, I just pull off the felt and using a pair of disposable gloves, apply the ink directly.

For the lid, I used a small amount of the same alcohol inks and just added the colour to create more of an antique feel to the silver.

Finally, I took an ephemera piece and attached the label to the front of my jar using Collage Medium to secure it into place.

Now for the fun part, decorating the top and I began with my witch! I cut five separate pieces of the witch image from a thin piece of chipboard and then using collage medium layered them together to create one very substantial and solid image. I also did this with the little cat.

I then painted the image, (back and front because you will see all around this piece) with Black Soot Distress Paint, allowed it to dry. Once dry, I applied a thin layer of 3D Gel over the top of one side of my witch and then sprinkled with Black Soot Distress Glitter. Allow to dry before repeating on the other side.

Whilst the die cuts are drying, I dyed some cheesecloth with Pumice Stone and Antique Linen Distress Spray Stains and gave them a blast of heat to dry them. I also took a small chunk of driftwood, coloured it with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and then draped the cheesecloth over the piece of wood, attaching it with Collage Medium. This will become the base for my witch to stand against, so it will create a little step behind her and give her some support.

Now to attach all those pieces and for this, I would recommend that you place your lid onto the jar, just so that you know where the centrepoint for your decoration will be.

Cut a circle of paper from Tim's Halloween Paper stash the size of the lid and adhere into place with Collage Medium before attaching the driftwood in place. For the heavier pieces, I do use a hot glue gun to secure them.

Attach the witch to the driftwood, so she appears to be standing in front and then add some art stones around her feet, attaching them with 3D Gel.

Add some mini pumpkins, Boneyard findings and a skull before placing some moss onto the lid.

Remember, you do see all around this piece, so add pieces to the back and the front.

At this stage, I also added a Clippings Sticker to the front of the lid.

Finally, once the Art Stones were dry, I painted them with Unicorn's Hair Alchemy paint to create a very subtle shimmer.

Tie some tinsel twine from the Halloween Trimmings by Tim Holtz and tied this around the jar before adding some battery operated fairy lights inside.

For the cat, I just attached the layered glittered die cut to a Dimensional glittered star that I had left over from last week's project and placed it by the side of the jar but I am going to be making more of these as they will make fantastic place settings for the table.

I hope you love this project and it's given you some ideas for halloween. I had so much fun with this piece, that I think I'll be making one of these for Christmas too as they look fabulous on the table!

As always, if you do need any further inspiration, then look no further than our blog to see all the wonderful creations from all the very talented Design Team members and every week, one lucky random participant has the chance to win a $50 gift voucher from Simon Says Stamp. You have until Monday 8am Ohio time. 1pm UK time, 2 pm CET to join in and good luck....

Thank you so much for stopping by today and see you again very soon!

Love Emma xxx

Recipe for project:

Tim Holtz Sizzix Dies: Witchcraft, Dimensional Stars
Distress Spray Stain: Pumice Stone, Antique Linen

Distress Paints: Black Soot
Idea-ology: Boneyard Findings, Skulls, Mini Pumpkins, Halloween Clippings, Halloween Ephemera, Halloween Trimmings
Mediums: Collage Medium, 3D Gel, Clear Rock Candy Crackle Paint
Glitter: Sterling Glass Glitter, Black Soot Distress Glitter
Art Stones: Mini and Mega
Alcohol Ink: Gold Mixative, Latte, Mushroom
Surfaces: Halloween Paper Stash
Prima Alchemy Paint: Unicorn's Hair
Ranger Craft Sheet
Prima Lumies Light Strand
Sanding Tool

Big Shot

Heat Gun
 Chipboard, driftwood, moss, cheesecloth and jar from my own stash