One week from today children in the U.S. will put on their costumes and venture out on a mission for candy.  Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween each year. Bob the Builder and I put a nice dent into that amount when we purchased three massive bags of chocolate for our trick or treaters.  We’re talking the big bags – the kind of bags you buy at Costco- the ones filled with the best chocolate!

Our annual tradition begins with setting up our lawn chairs in the driveway.  Our neighbors know this is the spot to gather since we have the corner house.  We look forward to catching up with everyone, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers and sharing side dishes brought by different households. The best part is seeing the little ones dressed up.

Halloween isn’t like it used to be when I was a kid.  My sister and I trick or treated on our block alone. No parental supervision was necessary. Ahhhh, the good ole’ days. Nowadays parents walk with their children. Having mom or dad in two give provides us the perfect opportunity to talk to people in our community that we wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to meet.  Many new friendships have been built over the years because of our annual lHalloween tradition.

I used the Spooky Cat stamp set for today’s card.  The Lots of Labels Framelits provide the perfect spot for this text kitty.  I created the border using the textured line stamps in the same stamp set and topped them off with a row of rats.  Oh, and don’t miss that beautiful black shimmer ribbon. I’m in love with these ribbons! They are available in four colors, Pool Party, Powder Pink, Pear Pizzazz and Basic Black. You can find them by clicking HERE.

However you choose to spend your Halloween, be sure to have at least one piece of chocolate. I know I will! ((smile))

Blend it!

Create images that look professionally colored with the new Stampin’ Blends. These alcohol-based markers are making their debut on November 1st!  The Blends are double sided allowing you to choose the brush or fine-point tip.  Each color (except Ivory and Bronze) has a light and dark shade and are available individually or as a combo pack. The separate Color Lifter will allow you to reduce ink coverage to create even deeper shading.

Spooky Cat Photopolymer Stamp Set – 144749

Spooky Cat Photoplymer Bundle – 146014

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 105117

Very Vanilla 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 101650

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad – 132708

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126945

Basic Black 3/8″ Shimmer Ribbon – 144129

Black Rhinestone Jewels – 144639

Big Shot – 143263

Lots Of Labels Framelits Dies – 138281

Stampin’ Dimensionals – 104430

Supply List