Last week's post featured pumpkins.... I regret to inform you that today's post features more pumpkins!  I hope you'll bear with. I didn't want anything too formal looking, but not quite prim either.  Maybe this leans a bit more on the whimsical side... so here goes!

We've been shredding a bunch of old paperwork the past several months.  This last batch of shreds didn't make it out for the latest pick-up -- so we decided to put it to good use.

You'll need:
shredded paper (or crumpled paper would work too)
garbage and grocery bags
twine
masking tape
eBrush and siphon adaptor
Createx Airbrush paint
Hammered copper paint (spray can)
Patience ( you have to wait for the paint to dry)

Partially fill the garbage bag and two small grocery bags  (our local markets are still using plastic) with shreds.  loosely shape into a circle and tie the tops into a knot.  The largest and middle bag knots should lie pretty flat.

Using the twine, shape the pumpkin by wrapping the twine over and under the bag.  Tie off .  Repeat for each "pumpkin."

Make sure your work space is protected -- I worked in the garage and have lots of cardboard to protect surrounding surfaces from any overspray.  If you're sensitive to fumes and choose to use the copper spray, make sure the area is well ventilated.  TIP:  Allow at least 2 to 3 days for all your paint to dry on the plastic surface of the bags.

Wrap some masking tape around the knot of the smallest pumpkin to create a stem.  Using the eBrush with the siphon adapter, spray the stem and the area where the twine is wrapped.  Just to add a little depth to the colors you'll be spraying on top.  Your paint may pool a bit and will not dry immediately.  This is where the patience comes in.  LET IT DRY completely before going to the next step.

(sorry, the pics for this step and the next did not turn out) 

I wanted a bit of metallic - so I sprayed with some hammered copy spray paint -- since I didn't have any acrylic or enamel metallics for use in the eBrush on hand...  LET IT DRY completely.  We were experiencing some heat and humidity the days I was working on this, so the pumpkins had to sit for a couple of days.....  can you see me pacing and checking to see if the paint was dry yet? 

Once the metallic paint is fully dry, get your eBrush ready with some orange paint and spray to give the copper paint a hint or orange.  Spray more in some areas and lightly in others.  This adds to the look. 

Use some E6000 to secure the pumpkins in a stack.  You can spray with 2 coats of sealer for a little more weather proofing if your pumpkin stack will be directly exposed to the elements and not protected.  Add some foliage, raffia or ribbons to finish.



If you try this, and put your own spin on it, I would love to see the pictures!  In the meantime, I hope you'll build in some creative time this week and every week!  Nurture your creative soul! 

Don't forget that the rest of the Craftwell team will be blogging for the next two weeks this month.  Don't miss out on any of their creative projects. 

We've put all the jack o lanterns, mummies, ghosts and trappings of Halloween away -- Turning the calendar to November still brings lots of fond memories of crisp leaves, pumpkins, apple cider and most importantly, family gatherings.  Pumpkin puree for pies, bread, cookies and soups and roasted seeds for late afternoon and evening snacking. Our focus word for November this year is Gratitude.  This year, I wanted to share something a little different than what what we have done in the past.  

A fun project for a simple gift to special friends is this 3-d paper pumpkin.  I love how it turned out with dry embossing and additional addition of color using the eBrush and siphon adapter.  

You'll need:
Paper (AC paper - textured burnt orange, textured dark brown and smooth white)
Electronic die cutting machine and software
SVG file (SVGCuts' Pick a Pumpkin SVG Kit)
Cut-n-boss, embossing folder and appropriate plate for the folder you're using
eBrush and siphon kit
Marker and adpator (Tombow)
Createx Airbrush Paint (orange, green)
adhesive
Hot glue gun and glue stick

Using the electronic cutting machine, cut the paper using the orange for the pumpkin and the panels, white paper for the leaf, flower and centers, brown for the stems.  Set the white paper pieces aside for right now.

Emboss the orange panels for the pumpkin in the folder you desire.  Let the Cut-n-Boss do the work.  Remove from the folder.

Using the eBrush and the siphon, spray the edges of each panel lightly with orange.  The Createx paint is pretty close in color to the AC paper. 

Change the color on the siphon (You  may also want to clean the straw so you have no orange bleed through with your green)  Using the green paint, spray on the fold lines of the pumpkin base. 

This adds just a bit more depth to the pumpkin, you could choose brown or create a burnt orange that was a little deeper -- even a red.  Most importantly, have fun. 

Once you have the pumpkin and panels sprayed (and cleaned your siphon), switch to the marker adaptor.  I used a couple of yellow markers, a deep brown and a dark yellow green to color the remaining white pieces for the flower and leaf.  Here's the leaf --




Glue the pumpkin, leaf and flower together as directed in this video.  

Display or gift as you desire.  As part of our gifting this year, we're including a personalize thought and card of gratitude for each person receiving one of these from our "Pumpkin Patch."

Trick or Treat Banner

Now, cover the upper portion of the tag while you spray the bottom section of the tags.  Adhere the black backing now.  If desired, you can use the eBrush and the brown sharpie and lightly spray the edges of all the tags for an antiqued or distressed look.

String your banner together.  I used a button to secure the cording to each tag.  Add fibers, netting, beads, buttons or any other embellishments you desire to complete your banner for hanging. 

Thanks for dropping by and hope you'll enjoy some last minute Halloween crafting for your home or as a gift!
Jan

Wonderful Project, Jan! We love Jan's creations and you can learn and share with her by visiting her blog. Also  don't forget to join eBrush by Craftwell Facebook group!