Saturday, October 30, 2010

Happy Howl'o'ween! Stitched Web & Swinging Spider

Happy Howl'o'ween
To You!


I have MISSED You so much it's scary! Sorry, I certainly wish it hadn't been so long since I've been here. As you can imagine, given my prolonged absence, I'm still not feeling well enough to blog. My migraines and nasty respiratory jazz still has got me down and out and daily things are still a struggle...

BUT far be it from me to let Halloween go by without saying hi to You... and making a card for my sweetheart! So, without further ado...

A Halloween card...

stitched spiderweb with swinging gem spider

With a stitched spider web & a teensy wee spider...

stitched spider web with swinging spider hanging by a thread

To weave a web:

  1. Cut a piece of heavy black cardstock with a label die shape (this is Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Five)
  2. Draw a spiderweb on with white pencil crayon
  3. Pierce holes along the drawn lines of the web
  4. Stitch with white thread
  5. Edge around the label shape with a silver pen for definition
  6. Add spider!

...(The spider is made of 4 black gems, glued onto some black thread legs):

4 gem & thread spider

(You can see the arachnid "construction" a little better from the side, hopefully):


To make a Do It Yourself Gem Spider:

  1. Tie 4 black pieces of thread in a knot and trim them to look like legs
  2. Thread a needle with 1 piece of white thread
  3. Knot the end of the white thread onto the black knotted thread legs (the white thread makes the spider web thread that he hangs from)
  4. Glue 4 black gems onto each other (back to back) on top of the knotted thread
  5. Stitch the spider onto the web (through the back)
  6. Secure the end of the white thread with adhesive
(It's not completely flush as you can see, but you can't tell in real life since he is itty itty bitty.)

Mr. Gem Spider is hanging from a thread...

gem spider hanging from stitched spider web card

...so he swings on the card, like a real creepy crawly! ;o) (our kitty Miss Mouse tried desperately to eat him. She thought he was the real deal.)

I'll be back soon to fill in the blanks with more pics, the supply list & the distress clear crackle cardstock technique, etc...

For now, I think a zombie ate some of my "BRAINS!!!"


Here's an oldy and a goody...

The Spider and the Fly


Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"


Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

Mary Howitt (1799-1888)
First publication date: 1829


Here's hoping your Howl'o'ween is silly & safe!

>:o)= (<-- the crazy stampire)
P.S. Do your kids need something quick & fun to do this weekend?
Here's a sweet last-minute kid's craft:
Children's Embroidered Spider Web Project

32 comments:

melanie said...

We've missed you!! I'm sorry you're still not feeling well!! I sure hope you feel better soon!! You've been through a lot!! I absolutely LOVE how you made that spider!!! Simply GEE-NIUS!!!!!!!!! Happy Howlween to you too!!

cristinoel said...

That spider is too much!!! So is the whole card! Hope you're feeling a lot better. Happy Howl'o'ween to you too!

Anonymous said...

Well Hello and Happy Halloween to you Ms Mel!! Sorry to hear that your health hasn't improved much. That must be a really frustrating thing.
I'm loving your spider web and that gem of a spider!!!
Your creativity continues to be awesome!!
Thanks for sharing your Halloween card and best wishes for you to feel better real soon!
Beth Greco

maryvernau said...

Super cute card Mel! Miss you and hooe you start to feel better soon! Have a great pumpkin of a day tomorrow!

Chrisd said...

So sweet. I'm glad you felt up to saying a Happy Halloween to us. And a big Boo to you too!Hugs from Michigan.

Catrick said...

Happy Hallowe'en Mel...the gard is so gorgeous! Really sorry your migraines are still at it. Thankfully, mine have abated again...Zomig killed the pain but, made me soooo sleepy!

Cat

Erum Tasneem said...

oh my god MELLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!! i was thinking about you only YESTERDAY!!!!
I love your card! you always do that something extra! The spider rocks! love love love the web!
oh missed you so muchhhh PLEASE get better soooooon!

czarownica said...

hi MEl
I hope soon you will feel better.
I love your blog- since you were not posting new things I have read all old posts- GREAT!
Hugs from Poland
Agnes

Eni said...

Hello Mel,
sorry to hear that you are still not feeling good.

All my best wishes for your - get well soon!


this card is amazing - love the stitched net and the itsybitsy spider ;-)

Happy Halloween!

ileana said...

Hi Mel, happy halloween to you too! another wonderful creation of yours, thanks for sharing it! hope you feel better soon and take your life easy :-) have a great day!

Dawn said...

oh....it's MEL! a little you is better than no you!!

toooooo cute!! genius once again!

haha, I stitched on a card the other day (long time since doing so) and thought of YOU with every stitch!!!

xoxoxoooo

Anonymous said...

Mel, so sorry you are still not "on top" of things. Sending a big BOO and Avoodoo wish for better health. Hope you have a good Halloween and feel better please?

Axes DesigNs said...

Yes.. we missed you... I'm so sorry you didn't feel good.. your card is beautiful.. the spider detail is so cute.. Happy Hallowee from me ;)
Magdalena

Mari said...

Oh, Mel! It's such a bummer that you're STILL not feeling well! :( But you can't tell from this uber cute spider - even dh was impressed. :)
Love ya Mel!

leslie (crookedstamper) said...

Sorry you aren't feeling well, but SO glad you've come to show us this little spidey. How stinkin' clever!

FEEL BETTER!

PS: LOVE "the crazy stampire" :)

wwilloww said...

Hi Mel, I love that card!! Thanks for the instructions too!!!

Libby Hickson said...

So sorry you've having a rough time sweet girl!! It's so nice to see you on here - your card is WONDERFUL, love that awesome web & spider. Take care!

Suzi said...

Love your silly spider! Great card. Thanks for sharing with us! FEEL BETTER!

Whimsical Wendy said...

Genius idea with the labels die for the cobweb! Really missed having you around in Blogsville, glad you could come and say hi for Halloween.
Hugs,
Wendy =)

Tina said...

What a lovely card and a very good idea to create the spider like you did.

Tina

Helen said...

MISSED YOU...your cardis, as usual stunning...Here's hoping November sends you relief...HUGS

Holly Young said...

I've been missing your posts so much Mel and have been thinking about you. I'm so sorry you have those migraines to deal with and I really hope you start to feel better soon.
I love your card! the stitched web is wonderful and the little black gem spider is creepy and so creative!

Cassie_lu said...

amazing card as that stitched web and beautiful spider really rockes!

Holly Saveur said...

So sorry to hear your still not well.... hope you feel better very soon!
Loved the story and your card is so spooky gorgeous!!!!
Love it so much work too!

CarlaKH said...

Fantastic card...love the texture and the design is fabulous!

Tabitha said...

Praying for healthier days ahead. Very cute card. I love that spider.

Whimcees said...

Hello!

It was so nice to see your post again! I love your Halloween card and the great spider!I am keeping you in my prayers and hope that you will soon be feeling better!

Wishing you a good week!

Hugs,

Barbara Diane

Marfa (Crafting Marfa) said...

Great spider web! I'm saving this tutorial for next Halloween. Thanks for sharing it.

Chris said...

Miss you too! I just wish you were feeling better - hugs going out to you. I still come and check out your blog for old ideas to become "new" ideas...you are so clever and talented!

CharityHand said...

Holy cow! That's awesome!! Love your creativity!

Kathy said...

Oh my Mel...you work is just awe inspiring!! Every time I stop by I just sit and shake my head ...like wow what will she do next? I am so honored that you stoped by my blog what a thrill that gave me. Thanks for making my day and the inspiration!
Hugs,Kathy

Paper BLessings said...

Well, welcombe back! I wondered when you returned and I found you today...again! TFS all your goodies. You really bless me and I am believing for great healing wholeness for you in the new year!!