The Great Pumpkin

For the Great Pumpkin, I used and/or created a new alcohol ink & water technique.  At least I think I did, since I couldn't find it mentioned anywhere else on the web except that you shouldn't do it (but I read that after I had already done it).  It's just like the nail polish technique, except that you use alcohol inks and water.  The key though is that you use glossy cardstock.  Begin by using a metal pan (disposable works great), add a bit of water, and then a few drops of alcohol ink(s) on the surface (I used orange).  Dip the glossy cardstock under the water and act like you are scooping up the drops of alcohol ink.  Let dry.  I must admit, it's pretty unimpressive at this point - but don't throw it away.  Once it's dry, there was a residue left on top of the cardstock (still unimpressive).  I gently rubbed off the reside with my fingertip (you could probably use a tissue as well) and the finished result was very nice (if I do say so myself).  It had a soft and subtle feel /look to it.  It's very pretty in person; the pictures don't really do it justice.

Once I had my background paper made, I stamped my images several times and fussy cut them all out.  The smaller pumpkins are from Stampin' Up and the main pumpkin is from Unity Stamps.  I cut in-between the layers of The Great Pumpkin and pop dotted each layer for a much fuller look.  I used Copic markers to color in the stems, leaves, and the smaller buttons and I found two perfectly sized buttons in my stash for the other two buttons.  I also curled dark green strips of paper to make my vines for the pumpkins.

The dark green background paper was stamped with a leaf background stamp by Cornish Heritage Farms.  (They made great background stamps, and although they recently closed their doors, you can still find CHF stamps around.)  I corner rounded two of the opposite edges and adhered to a lighter green base.

I stamped my sentiment on my ribbon using one of the small alphabet stamp sets by Studio G stamps by Hampton Art.  Before actually stamping the letters onto the ribbon, I dusted it with the Perfect Printing Pouch by Scraperfect so the ink wouldn't bleed.  If you haven't tried this yet, or haven't heard of it before, definitely go check it out.  Very cool product!  None of my ink smeared (and I tested it right away).

So hopefully, the Great Pumpkin will come visit you this Halloween too (or at least show up on your TV).