Sunday, October 11, 2026

Midnight Magic with Pumpkin Kisses and Halloween wishes

 


Hello, my Art Impressions friends!

         


Halloween is the perfect time to let our imagination fly, and today I’m excited to share a fun, interactive Halloween card featuring the **Art Impressions stamp set 5190**. This card is full of Halloween mischief, with a broom flying toward the moon, carrying some unexpected passengers!

 The dog and mouse enjoy their magical ride, while the scary cat hangs from the broom, making this spooky scene even more fun. Add a few ghosts and pumpkins, and we have a Halloween card full of personality!

## Step 1: Create the Watercolor Background


I started by creating a paper mask for the moon and adding masking fluid for the stars. Then, I painted the background using watercolor paint. I wanted to give the card a spooky Halloween atmosphere, with a colorful night sky that would complement the moon and the flying broom, so I added black and purple clouds using a wet-on-wet technique. Finally, I painted a bright yellow moon with orange and gray shadows. 

Once the watercolor background was completely dry, I removed the masking fluid and painted the stars with shimmer. I stamped pine trees on the background and dormant trees over the moon for extra spookiness. I printed a copy of the finished background to use behind the original panel. This little trick is important for an interactive card because I needed to cut a slit in the background for the slider mechanism. By placing the printed copy underneath, the design continues seamlessly behind the opening, keeping the background looking neat and continuous as the broom moves.

 

 ## Step 2: Stamp, Color, and Die Cut the Images

 Next, I stamped the Halloween images and colored them using Tombow markers. I used stamp set 5190 for the broom and its funny Halloween passengers, and stamp set 4927 for the ghosts. I also added pumpkins from sets 5456 and 5190 to complete the spooky scene.

 After coloring all the images, I die-cut them so they were ready to be arranged on the card.


## Step 3: Make the Broom Fly!

 Now for the most exciting part: making the broom actually fly!

 To create the interactive movement, I used the **Snap 'N Slide Slider from Pear Blossom Press**. This mechanism allows the broom to move across the card, creating the illusion that the dog and mouse are flying toward the moon while the scared cat hangs on for dear life.

                         

I carefully created the slit in the watercolor background (the original) for the slider to move through. Then, I inserted the back of the slider mechanism on the slide from the back of the front panel; the other piece snaps on top. I added foam tape around the back of the card to allow the piece to slide freely.  The extra printed background underneath helps conceal the opening and maintain the look of the watercolor scene. 

 


Finally, I mounted the card on an A2 (5.5 x 4.25 in) black mat, and I snapped the broom to the front piece of the slider so it could travel along its path. 



 Watching the broom move makes this card extra special! Here is a short video or find it on my YouTube channel "Crafts and Designs by Neema".


My second card: The Haunted Mansion





My second card is a spooky yet whimsical 5 x 7 card featuring the newly released stamp set 6259. For this card, I created a spooky night sky using Tombow markers in shades of deep blue and purple, gray clouds, and a big glowing full moon illuminating the scene. In front of the moon sits a haunted mansion guarded by four laughing pumpkins at the bottom of the hill. In the foreground, a cute little owl perches on a wonky tree, keeping an eye on everything happening around. The glittery border adds up to the fun!
 
I really enjoyed making these cards; they're very fun and perfect for sending pumpkin kisses and Halloween wishes to friends and family.

What do you think? Would you dare to take a ride on the magic broom or visit the haunted mansion? Let me know in the comments.

Wishing you a Watercolor Sunday filled with spooky fun and a lot of crafting.

Neema




 


Saturday, October 10, 2026

Happy Fall Story Tiles Card and Farm Fresh Card by Diane Mason

 Hello, and welcome back for Watercolor Weekend!

Hello, my Ai Watercolor friends and fans! I have two fall projects to share with you today featuring some awesome newly released sets. The first card showcases the new Story Tiles 2 set 6257 – ST Happy Fall, and the second highlights the adorable 6263 – Farm Fresh set from the Country Holiday Lane release.

It has been unusually hot for this time of year where I live, but I’m still very excited for Fall. And luckily, the newest releases are celebrating the season right along with us!

Happy Fall Story Tiles Card:

The new Story Tiles 2 set (6257 – ST Happy Fall) is just so adorable. In real life, I find squirrels to be a bit of a nuisance—but the little squirrels in this set have completely stolen my heart. You might also notice the super‑cute barn in the photo above. That’s the newly released 6244 – Country Barn Die Set, an add‑on for the original 6114 – Box Village Template Dies. I love how Bonnie keeps growing the village with new themes and clever add‑ons. It makes creating seasonal scenes even more fun. 

Colors and Supplies Used:

Paper: Canson XL Watercolor Paper

White A2 Cardbase

Patterned Paper: 5973 – Fall Series 2 Paper Pack

Brushes: No. 4 round brush, No. 0 round brush

Stamps & Dies:

  • 6257 – ST Happy Fall
  • 6271 – Flower Set 7
  • 4051 – WC Foliage Set 1
  • 5126 – WC Foliage Set 4
  • 6270 – WC Foliage Set 6
  • 4964 – WC Branches Set
  • 6158 – Story Tile Template Die
  • 6274 – Country Barn Accessory Set

Ink for stamped images: Versafine Vintage Sepia


Tombow Dual Brush Pens: 177, 228, 555, 565, 772, 856, 925, 933, 946, 947, 969, 977, 992, 993, N57, N79

 

Other:  Brown TwinTone marker, thin foam tape strips, and Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White


Stamping:

To begin, I traced the interior sections of the 6158 – Story Tile Template Die with a pencil onto a piece of Canson XL watercolor paper. Using this as a guide, I stamped each of the images from (6257) in Versafine Vintage Sepia using a stamp platform.



I used a branch from (4964) to stamp in a few extra branches inked in 969. The top part of the small vine from (5126) was used for stamping in leaves (856, 177). The grass is from (4051) and inked with 177. For the flowers in the basket, I used a floral stamp from (6271 – Flower Set 7) inked in 856 and 177. For the white flowers in the pot next to the basket, I stamped the greenery with a foliage stamp from 6270 – Foliage Set 6 inked in 228 and added white flowers with Dr. Ph. Martin’s.

 

Painting:

I brushed in the sky with a watery mix of 555. For the squirrels’ bodies, I used a combination of N57, N79, 992, and 977, with 772 added to their cheeks. The fall leaves were painted with 993, 933, 925, and 836. For the roof of the feeder, the flower pot, and the acorns, I used 947 and added stripes to the pot with 856. The pumpkin stems, tree branches, and tree stump were painted with 977, while the pumpkins themselves were painted in 933, 993, 925, 946, and 228. The baskets were painted in 992 with bands of 933 and 925 or 228, and the base of the feeder was painted in 228.

White details were added with Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White, and 565 was used to add shadows throughout the painting. I finished by adding small details where needed with a brown TwinTone marker.

Card Assembly:

I die-cut a piece of patterned paper from (5973) using the 6158 – Story Tile Template Die. I adhered the die-cut frame to the painting with thin strips of foam tape and then adhered to the front of a white A2 card base.



Interior:

I die‑cut a 3.75" x 5" stitched rectangle from white cardstock and added a ¼" strip of dotted patterned paper along the bottom edge. Next, I die‑cut the sunflowers, basket, and pumpkin from the newly released 6274 – Country Barn Accessory Set and adhered the grouping to the bottom right corner. 

Don’t you just love this new Story Tiles set? My favorite image is the one above with the sneaky little squirrel scampering off with his acorn treasure. He’s just too cute—and so full of personality. 

Farm Fresh Card:

My bonus project uses the farm truck image from 6263 – Farm Fresh. I absolutely love the cute pup riding in the back of the pickup truck—he looks like he’s living his best life! It adds such a sweet, carefree touch to the whole scene. 



I die-cut a piece of Canson XL watercolor paper using an oval die from 5065 – Oval Double Stitched Dies. I inked the image with Versafine Vintage Smokey Gray. I used floral and foliage stamps from 4868 - WC Flower Set 2, 6271 – Flower Set 7, and 6270 – Foliage Set 6 for the baskets of flowers.


Colors used: 177, 526, 555, 565, 837, 856, 933, 925, 993, 946, 947, 969, 977, N25, N75, Silver Winsor Newton Paint, Dr. Ph. Martin’s, and a black Micron pen.


The decorative papers used on the card front are from 6273 – Country Barn Paper Pack.



For the interior of the card, I die‑cut a 3.75" x 5" stitched rectangle from white cardstock and added a decorative ½” strip of patterned paper to the right edge.



Thank you so much for joining me for Watercolor Weekend! I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s projects featuring some of the newly released products. Here’s to cooler temperatures ahead and all the fun things the Fall season brings. Until next time, Happy Painting! 


Fall Squirrels Times Two by Patty Sprague

 Hello Art Impressions fans!

Today we have our final projects from Guest Designer Patty Sprague.
She stepped in for a designer that needed a bit of time off.
Please enjoy her two gorgeous creations, both featuring adorable squirrels.

First up we have a beautiful fall Story Tiles card.




Supplies & Materials

  - Paper: Canson XL Watercolor Paper, Concord & 9th Seaglass Cardstock (for A2 card base)
  - Patterned Paper: 6009 - Basic Green Cardstock
  - Brushes: No. 4 round brush
  - Stamps & Dies:
      - 6158 - Story Tile Template
      - 6048 - Scalloped Rectangle Dies (inside card)
      - 5952 - Portfolio Template Die Set (inside card)
      - 6257 - Happy Fall
      - 4868 - WC Flower Set 2 (mums)
      - 4051 - Foliage Set (teeny tiny grass)
      - 4867 - WC Foliage Set (vine)
      - 4964 - WC Branches Set
      - 6271 - Flower Set 7
  - Ink: Ranger Archival Ink in Coffee
  - Markers & Pens: Tombow Dual Brush Pens (025, 249, 312, 565, 856, 925, 933, 942, 947, 969, 977, 985), Brown TwinTone Marker (for details)
  - Tools: Post-it Tape, Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White

Instructions

1.  Stamping: Cut a template using the Story Tile Die to align the stamps in a stamp platform.
2.  Painting:
      - Sky: 565
      - Squirrels: 942 & 977
      - Acorns: 947 & 969
      - Birdhouse, large pumpkin, pot, and baskets: 312
      - Details: Add the flowers, foliage, and branches.
3.  Assembly:
      - Card Base: Cut cardstock to 5.5" x 8.5" and score at 4.25".
      - Front: Cut the template for the Story Tile and glue it to the 4.25" x 5.5" painting.
      - Inside: Glue the scalloped border to the rectangle. Stamp and die-cut the sentiment, then attach it to the scalloped rectangle.



For her second project, we have a watercolored bridge.




Colors & Supplies Used

  - Paper: Canson XL Watercolor Paper, Cardstock Warehouse Stardream Collection 105 lb (for the A2 Card Base)
  - Patterned Paper: 6130 - Halloween S3 PP
  - Stamps & Dies:
      - 4868 - WC Flower Set 2 (mums)
      - 5059 - WC Harvest Set (twigs)
      - 5371 - WC Barn Set (fence)
      - 5196 - WC Desert Set (branch & tall grass)
      - 5594 - Harvest Scarecrow Set (sunflowers)
      - 6125 - Dwelling Fall Set (pumpkins)
      - 5866 - Mini Birthday Set (and others from stash)

Instructions

  - Stamping:
      - Use the stamp platform for the covered bridge and fence, inking with 565 & 969.
      - Ink the squirrels in N79, sunflowers in 946, trees in 969, and pumpkins in 977.
  - Painting:
      - Brush the sky with a light wash of 565.
      - Paint the bridge with a mix of 947, 969, 977, and 990. Add details with the Micron 005 Black Archival Pen and paint the windows in 565.
      - Paint the fence with 947, 977, and 990, adding details with the brown TwinTone marker.
      - Paint the squirrels with a mix of N79 and 977, adding details with the black archival pen.
      - Add 025 and 969 to the sunflowers.
      - Add tree leaves inked with a combination of 027, 946, and 757, then add the flowers and foliage.
  - Assembly:
      - Card Base: Cut cardstock to 5.5" x 8.5" and score at 4.25" using a score platform.

Thank you Patty for all of your lovely inspiration over the last couple of weeks.



      - Cut a rectangle for the card front and die-cut the painting using the large scalloped oval die.
      - For the inside, use the scalloped die with the fancy border alongside a smaller scalloped die for the sentiment.

Friday, October 9, 2026

Time to Trick or Treat! Card by Tasha

 Happy Friday Art Impressions friends!

Tasha here sharing a Halloween card created with the fun 5778-FB Frog Costume Set!

Now that we are in the month of October, I am having so much fun playing with my Fall and Halloween stamp sets! This little trick-or-treater is just too cute in his froggy costume with his pumpkin bucket, totally ready to collect some candy!

I started by stamping the image with black ink and coloring it with my Copic markers. I also created a fun background with purple ink blended clouds. I love how the different shades of purple turned out and thought they added a fun Halloween feel to the card.

To finish the design, I added some black spiderweb patterned paper and layered everything with green and pink cardstock. I just love these colors together! Lastly, I attached an embossed "Trick or Treat" greeting to complete my card.

I hope this little froggy brings a smile to your face and inspires you to pull out your Halloween stamps!



Thursday, October 8, 2026

Bats in the Belfry Challenge #438 Week #1

 

Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to week #1 of our

Bats in the Belfry

Challenge.


We're looking for all of your Halloween creations!
Show us your cards, treat bags and boxes, Halloween decor...
Whatever makes your Halloween loving heart happy.
Bonus if it has bats on it!

Our Featured Artist is Tasha and she absolutely loves Halloween.
Check out her hotsy-totsy, hot pink Halloween Matchbook.
After checking out her tutorial, be sure to scroll down to see who won
our Spread Kindness challenge.

Bats in the Belfry Halloween Matchbook

Hi Art Impressions fans, Tasha here sharing a batty inspiration project created for the "Bats in the Belfry #438" challenge.

I had so much fun creating this Halloween Matchbook using the 5446-MB Halloween Set and 5317-MB Template Dies. I love making Halloween projects, and this little room was so much fun to put together!

I started with the purple bat pattern paper for the Matchbook and added the striped paper to the base. I love how all the bats fit perfectly with this week’s challenge!

Next, I colored all of the Halloween images with Copic Markers. Of course, I had to use lots of bright pink! I also added orange, purple, and touches of black and gray to give everything a fun Halloween look. The little ghosts, sleeping cat, pumpkin, clock, and all the tiny room details are so cute!


After the coloring was finished, I cut out the pieces and started building the room. I love how the chair, window, clock, cabinet, and bookshelf all come together to create a little Halloween scene. I also added the pumpkin and Happy Halloween greeting to the front.



One of my favorite things about the Matchbook cards is how much detail you can fit inside such a small project. It folds up, but when you open it, you get this whole little Halloween room filled with bats, ghosts, webs, and lots of color.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are inspired to create something batty for the Bats in the Belfry #438 Challenge!

Supplies Used:


This is just the CUTEST little matchbook card!

Thank you Tasha for the amazing inspiration.

Now, let's see who won our last challenge.

For our Top Spot we selected:

Consuelo G.

for her beautiful fall sunflowers.

Be sure to grab and share your Top Spot banner and then,
please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com
to claim your free stamp set.

Our Lucky Random Winner was #8 Barb E.


Grab your badge to share on your social media.

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com
to claim your free stamp set.

Congratulations to our winners!
Enjoy your new stamps.



Here are the rules...

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation using either stamps, dies and or designer paper from Art Impressions. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)

✻ Limit two submissions per person.
✻Top Spot Winner and Lucky Random Winner each receive a free 
stamp set from Art Impressions
 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission. You may include your entire last name, but it's not necessary.
✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.
✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!
✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!
✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.
✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.
✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 


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Click here to enter