Did you know Summerween is a thing? It’s basically Halloween with summer vibes and a fun excuse to enjoy adorable ghosts and spooky fun for those who want to celebrate Halloween year-round. I guess that explains why Halloween decorations are already sneaking into the stores earlier and earlier each year.
Unity Stamp Company’s new Summerween release inspired this spooky-sweet vellum overlay card, with the cutest little ghost ready to send hugs all year long.
Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.
Featured Unity Supplies
 Petal Boo USC |
 BIG Scallops & Rectangles Dies USC |
 Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC |
 Daisy Bee Mine Paper USC |
Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.
Spooky Sweet Vellum Overlay
The Petal Boo ghost stamped on vellum changed everything on this card. It softened the bold patterned paper just enough and gave that sweet ghost the dreamiest little floaty look. The scalloped topper from the Big Scallops & Rectangles Die Set finished the panel beautifully and, bonus, gave me the perfect place to hide the adhesive.
Pro Tip: Vellum can be a little tricky with ink. Many inks sit on the surface and may not dry enough to prevent smearing, so test what you have before stamping your final piece. Hero Arts Intens-ified Black Ink worked best for me with a very gentle heat set. You can also heat emboss on vellum, but use a light touch with the heat tool to avoid warping or scorching it. For the most foolproof option, grab StazOn. It is made for nonporous surfaces and behaves beautifully on vellum.
I stamped the ghost again on more of the Daisy Bee Mine patterned paper and tucked it right underneath the vellum version. That kept everything lined up while letting the vellum stay loose instead of gluing it flat. Such a small detail, but it gave the ghost that see-through look I was hoping for.
Then came the twine bow. Just a few loops around my fingers added a soft bit of texture without competing with the ghost. Exactly the little something that the panel needed.
How to Tie a Multi-Loop Bow with Your Fingers
The quick video shows the process in action, which makes the steps easier to follow.
- Wrap the Twine: Hold the twine tail between your thumb and second finger, then wrap the twine around your first two fingers three times.
- Bring the Tail Forward: Lay the loose tail across your thumb, then tuck it behind the wrapped loops and bring it forward.
- Wrap the Center: Take that tail and slide it underneath the strand stretched across your thumb. This begins forming the center knot of the bow.
- Tie It Tight: Pull the tail through and tighten it so the twine slides off your thumb and cinches around the middle of the loops to secure the bow.
- Slide It Off: Gently slide the bow off your fingers, fluff the loops, and trim the tails.
Adjust the Size: Want a bigger bow? Spread your fingers a little wider. For a smaller bow, keep them closer together. Super easy, and you don’t have to change a thing about how you tie it.
I love how soft and floaty this little ghost looks over the patterned paper. The vellum changed the whole feel of the card without covering up all that color underneath. That tiny bow was the perfect little finish.
Would you try the vellum overlay, the multi-loop bow, or both?
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it!
Supplies
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Petal Boo USC |
BIG Scallops & Rectangles Dies USC |
Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC |
Daisy Bee Mine Paper USC |
 Vellum SBC |
 Intens-ified Black Ink Pad SB | SBC |
 Mini Clay Hearts {pink, red, white} HA | AMZ |
 Natural Burlap String AMZ |
Most Used Tools
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Big Shot SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Connect Glue SB |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelope AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
 Adhesive Roll SBC |
What a sweet little ghoul!! Love the vellum technique you did here too Lisa!