Halloween – iGirlZoe, Crafter & Tim Holtz Addict

‘Halloween’ Category

Simon Says Stamp Halloween Blog Hop

20th August, 2025 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. Today I’m participating in the Simon Says Stamp Halloween Blog Hop featuring the newly released Simon Says Stamp exclusive coordinating dies to match Tim Holtz stamps. If you’d like to see and buy the Halloween coordinating dies, they are here HERE.

I’m honored to be joining so many talented makers as one of the stops on this hop, you can see the list of hop participants at the end of this blog. You may have arrived from Sandi MacIver’s blog, but if not, you can start the hop on Simon Says Stamp blog.

I am utterly OBSESSED with the coordinating die set to Tim’s Sketch Manor stamp set CMS408. Firstly, a confession, when I received this die set from Simon Says Stamp and pulled the coordinating stamp set out, it had never been inked!!! I’m proud to say that every stamp has now been used and I will be using it a lot going forward. So a BIG THANK YOU to Simon Says Stamp for inspiring me to use the toys in my toy box with this awesome new die set. Let’s get into the details…

I absolutely love the way the dies allow you to build layers on this haunted manor! I stamped the manor several times and then die cut using the different dies and watercolored using Distress ink ready to assemble. It’s not necessary to watecolor the parts that are going to be hidden by the next layer, but it was a good practice run to see that I liked the colours I had chosen. No surprise that it was browns! lol

The Simon Says Stamp 3D foam adhesive squares are a must for this. I have a nice stock pile of the black as they are my favourite of all 3D foam squares. The multi pack comes in small and large foam squares and in 2 different depths. For the layers I used the shallower of the squares with the deeper ones on the base of the manor to raise it up off the tag.

You can see here how much depth the die cut layers give! And the dies take all the work out of this for you. Cool right?!

I really did use all the stamps in this set. Starting with an Etcetera Tag in the Mini size, I added Distress watercolor cardstock, which I inked with various Distress inks (listed at the end of the post). Once dry, I stamped directly onto the tag and watercolored, also with Distress inks. I stamped and die cut the moon with the new coordinating dies and added this to my tag.

I then added the Manor to the tag and squealed a little with delight! I LOVE THIS DIE SET!!

I love how atmospheric the background stamps make this scene.

I used a couple of stamps from the Field Notes stamp set CMS396 to create a banner. Adding a couple of idea-ology Hardware Heads with a little rust paste. I picked up this moss from Simon Says Stamp and it was perfect to add texture to the tag, which I added with a little hot glue.

Thanks for stopping by, the next stop on the hop is the talented Tina Smith.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Zoe

Blog Hop Order:
Simon Says Stamp Blog
Nina-Marie Trapani
Caly Person
Stacy Hutchinson
Nichol Spohr
Tami Bastiaans
Sandi MacIver
Zoe Hillman (YOU ARE HERE)
Tina Smith
Jean Doeringsfeld
Barb Engler

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The products used to create this project are listed below. Thank you for supporting me by using my affiliate links to shop, at no cost to you. I really appreciate it.

Category Blog Hop, Halloween, Simon Says Stamp, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 33 Comments | Views: 1,787
Trick Or Treat Re-Release

4th August, 2025 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. I’m back today to share my second make for the Tim Holtz Sizzix Halloween Classics Re-Release. If you missed the LIVE, you can catch the replay over on Tim’s blog.

This was a really simple make that could be easily adapted to a card or Halloween party invitation. I used an Etcetera tag in the Mini size and covered with paper from the idea-ology Halloween Backdrop pack. Sanded the edges with a sanding disk on a mini blending tool, ready to add my die cuts.

Using the large moon from the retired Moonlight die set and adding bats over the top from the re-released Trick or Treat die set. Using the same die set, I cut the trick or treaters twice from Distress Watercolor cardstock. The top die cut I inked with Black Soot Distress ink and left the second die cut uninked. I then offset underneath to create the look of the moonlight being cast down onto the trick or treaters.

The gates from the retired Vault Series Halloween 2021 set, were cut from Distress Heavystock and idea-ology Metallic Kraftstock. I added grunge with some Distress Paint and Distress Crayon.

I added moss under a trim from the Etcetera Facade set and using 3D foam squares to mount the die cuts to give some depth. Finally I cut the Trick Or Treat from the Re-Released Trick or Treat die set several times to stack the sentiment which I inked with Distress ink.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
Zoe

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The products used to create this project are listed below. Thank you for supporting me by using my affiliate links to shop, at no cost to you. I really appreciate it.

Category Halloween, Sizzix, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 4 Comments | Views: 882
Witchcraft Re-Release

2nd August, 2025 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. It feels like it’s been forever since I last blogged, I had to blow the cobwebs off my website, but of course as it’s Halloween makes it’s atmospheric! Today I’m sharing a make from Tim’s Classic Sizzix re-release LIVE. If you missed the LIVE you can catch up over on Tim’s blog.

This make features lots of dies, old mixed with the newly re-released Classics, plus one of the amazing new A5 Embossing folders, which I’m obsessed with! Let’s get into the details…

This make was built around the re-released Witchcraft die. I wanted to create the inside of her house with a window looking out onto a creepy moon. Starting with a Small Etcetera Tag and covering with a sheet of the idea-ology Halloween Backdrops paper, sanding the edges with a sanding disk on a mini blending tool.

Using a really old school Bigz die Window & Window Box (658780) which is long retired, die cut from Distress Black Heavystock, embossed with the new A5 Cracked Embossing folder, using the new A5 cutting pad. Next I covered with layer of Picket Fence Distress Paint and once dry, brayered on a light layer of Frayed Burlap Distress Paint. I set it aside to air dry and then sanded back some areas to expose the Distress Black Heavystock using my sanding disk and mini blending tool. The Distress sanding disks are fantastic.

The idea-ology Shattered Windows were the perfect addition to my window. Using Simon Says Stamp 3D Foam pads (in black) to mount the window above the background to give it depth. I created an inky backgound to cover the backdrops paper and added the small moon from the retired Moonlight die set with some bats from the re-released Haunted House set.

Of course there had to be skulls, so I stacked skulls from the Vault Coffin die set along the top of the window frame using the 3D foam pads to stagger them.

Using trim strips from the Etcetera Facade sets I created some shelves, covered with Cracked Embossed Paper and added a crow and potion bottles from the Vault Wicked set and a candle from the Frightful Things set, both available (at the time of writing) and linked at the end of this post.

I die cut the top of the Witchcraft witch, snipped off her hat, added a hat band and placed on the final shelf with 3D foam.

I die cut some additional brooms to stack under the bottom shelf. All witches have spares! I wrapped some hemp twine around the broom and used the Sizzix Shaping Tool Kit to shape the broom heads.

Using Etcetera Scallop Trims to create a shelf which I covered with pieces of cardstock cut with the Decorative Trims die set and embossed with the Cracked Embossing Folder. I say this often, but the Decorative Trims die set is an unsung hero, one I use time and time again to cover the Etcetera Trims.

The wicked die cut from the Vault Gothic Portraits die set was the perfect sentiment. Of course it had to be green! I offset it slightly over the sentiment die cut from idea-ology metallic cardstock to create a drop shadow.

I hope this inspires you to pull out your Halloween supplies. If you missed these re-release dies the first time around, I’m so happy that they’re available for you to own.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions.
Zoe

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The products used to create this project are listed below. Thank you for supporting me by using my affiliate links to shop, at no cost to you. I really appreciate it.

Category Halloween, Sizzix, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 5 Comments | Views: 1,221
The Curator

30th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. Tim Holtz has launched his Halloween 2024 stamp collection. If you missed the LIVE, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

It’s probably no surprise that Curator CMS493 stamp set was my favourite set from this release. Creating unlimited tiny labels? YES PLEASE! These stamps make perfect labels for the idea-ology corked vials and tiny vials, which taps into my love for anything apothecary themed and inspired this sample that I made for the LIVE. Let’s get into the details…

Cover an idea-ology vignette box with a layer of distress collage medium to prime the surface. Once dry, add distress opaque crackle paste randomly. Once dry, add distress paint and distress crayon over the top. Add bat trims from the etcetera bat and web trims set, painting with black soot distress paint and once dry, sanding lightly to remove some of the paint.

On the back of the vignette box spread distress opaque crackle paste through the bones stencil.

Once dry, rub walnut stain distress crayon into the cracks.

Next, cover pinked etcetera trims with distress woodgrain paper, die cut using the decorative trims thinlits die set. Glue into the vignette box with distress collage medium and allow to dry.

Time to decorate and label the idea-ology corked and tiny vials. You can use various techniques to alter the bottles, firstly prime by covering with a layer of distress collage medium using a paint brush. This gives the bottles “tooth” for the medium you used to grab onto. Make sure you allow the bottle to dry between each treatment.

For a cool frosted look, add a second layer of distress collage medium.

Another technique is to paint a layer of distress paint over the dried distress collage medium or rub a layer of distress crayon over the top instead of the paint.

For the crackle effect, paint a generous layer of distress crackle translucent paint over the bottle and set aside to dry. Once dry, drip alcohol ink over the top or add distress crayon using your finger and a spritz of water.

Add twine and labels stamped from the Curator CMS493 stamp set in distress archival ink and fussy cut.

The labels make really cool signage. I added one direct to the vignette box with 3D foam squares.

Using a book cover from the idea-ology halloween ephemera pack, I made a mini book and added labels stamped from the Curator CMS493 stamp set, stamping Boo from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set. You can see how to make the mini books HERE.

I added grunge to the Curator labels by rubbing walnut stain distress crayon over the top before adding to idea-oloy corked vials with distress collage medium. Use distress collage medium to adhere the bottles to the shelves.

The Curator labels are a perfect addition to the idea-ology display mini domes. This one has an idea-ology entomology adornment inside, attached with a memo pin. These idea-ology memo pins have been retired so stock up while you can!

Finally I added a label to an idea-ology barrel filled with idea-ology toadstools. Glued into the vignette box with distress collage medium.

I added a trim strip from the etcetera bat and web trims set to the bottom of the vignette box to stabilize so it can be stood for display.

Thanks for stopping by.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 9 Comments | Views: 1,473
Boo Crazy

27th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. I’m on a roll and I’m back again sharing a set of tags I made for the Tim Holtz Halloween 2024 stamp and stencil collection LIVE launch. If you missed the LIVE launch, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

I was so delighted when Tim showed this stamp set during the makers zoom call and revealed that the ghosts were sized for the accessories from Crazy Things and Mini Bird Crazy + Things stamp sets. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love to accessorize a ghostie!!

These tags were so easy to make. Here are the details…
1. Cut a number 5 size tag from distress kraft heavystock
2. Stamp with Ledger Script CMS241 stamp set in black soot distress archival ink
3. Die cut a hole reinforcer using the collector thinlits die set from red kraft cardstock, sand using a sanding disk to reveal the kraft core and glue onto the tag with distress collage medium
4. Die cut a rectangle using the collector thinlits die set from distress watercolor cardstock and drag through a pumice stone distress ink wash
5. Ink up the spider web stamp from Boo Crazy CMS495 with frayed burlap distress ink and mist with water before stamping lightly with your hand instead of a stamp block to give a lighter and uneven print
6. Once dry, edge with walnut stain distress ink and stamp a sentiment using the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set in black soot distress archival ink
7. Stamp and die cut the small ghost from Boo Crazy CMS495 stamp set
8. Stamp and die cut accessories from Mini Bird Crazy + Things CMS250 and colour with distress pencils and a water brush
9. Glue the accessories to the ghost with distress collage medium
10. Mount the ghost to the tag with 3D adhesive foam squares

Tim Boo

Bunny Boo

Grad-Boo-Ate

Red, White and Boo

Witchy Boo

Holly Jolly Boo

I often see people ask what to do with tags… these could be attached to candy bags or attached to the new popular “boo baskets” that people gift at Halloween filled with Fall and Halloween goodies. They can be used as note cards (think postcards but in the shape of a tag), create a banner to hang as home decor or simply tie together with ribbon and gift them to someone to use.

Thanks for stopping by and BOO to you!
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 10 Comments | Views: 1,578
Framed Frights

26th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. I’m sharing a set of mini cards I made for the Tim Holtz Halloween 2024 stamp and stencil collection. If you missed the LIVE launch, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

I absolutely love the art work for the Framed Frights CMS494 stamp set. I made some mini cards that would be perfect to tuck a gift card into, send a little note or give as a bundle of notecards.

The base of the cards are distress kraft heavystock with the framed frights stamped onto distress watercolor cardstock in distress archival ink and coloured with distress watercolor pencils and and a water brush. I created frames using nested square dies cut several times and mounted so they were raised.

Thanks for stopping by.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 4 Comments | Views: 1,163
Boo and Stuff

25th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. I’m back again with a second card I made for the Tim Holtz Halloween 2024 stamp and stencil collection. If you missed the LIVE launch, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

This card was inspired by the “Boo and Stuff” sentiment from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set. It reminded me of all the reels I’ve seen on Instagram of people shopping at Target for Halloween goodies and the current search for this years must have ghosts.

With this in mind the bullseye stamp from the Inquisitive CMS432 stamp set was the perfect image to represent Target (please note I am not affiliated with Target and I’m in Europe so I can’t even shop there, insert sobbing). I stamped in fired brick distress archival ink and added some lines from the edge of the black soot distress archival ink pad before stamping.

While I had the Inquisitive CMS432 stamp set out I noticed the top hat was a perfect fit for the large ghost so I stamped and fussy cut one. I love the new Curator CMS493 stamp set and created a background for the card by stamping in a variety of distress archival inks. I mounted the “Boo and Stuff” sentiment from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set over one of the stamped Curator labels.

I mounted the ghost onto the card with 3D adhesive foam. The card base is distress kraft heavystock with mounts in black and metallic kraft core cardstock from the idea-ology range.

Happy Halloween shopping my friends and remember, even Ghosts shop at Target!
Thanks for stopping by.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 4 Comments | Views: 818
Trick or Treat

24th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. Tim Holtz has launched his Halloween 2024 stamp collection. If you missed the LIVE, you can catch the replay and all the incredible inspiration makes over on Tim’s blog.

I love the ghosts from Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set and it inspired the first card I’m sharing that I made for the LIVE launch. I started by creating a background using an older background stamp from the Tapestry CMS414 stamp set, I stamped in frayed burlap distress ink, spritzing the stamp lightly with water before stamping to give a nice watercolor effect.

The ghost are perfectly accessorised with the Mini Bird Crazy + Things CMS250 stamp set and the balloon was giving perfect Stephen King IT vibes.

I love the new Batty Layering Stencil. I used a blending tool to blend black soot distress ink through the stencil and added clear embossing powder, melting with a heat tool.

I stamped the ghost from Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set and fussy cut with scissors, there are going to be accompanying dies for these stamps which I can’t wait to get my hands on. I dipped the ghost in a pumice stone distress paint wash and dried with a heat tool. The jack-o-lantern bucket from the Mini Birds Crazy + Things CMS250 stamp set was stamped, die cut and watercolored with rusty hinge distress ink.

The hat, also from the Mini Birds Crazy + Things CMS250 stamp set was die cut, stamped and fussy cut and glued onto the ghost with distress collage medium and mounted with a 3D foam adhesive square.

I finished the card by stamping the Trick or Treat sentiment from the Spooky Spirits CMS492 stamp set in black soot distress archival ink.

The card base is distress kraft heavystock with black and metallic kraft stock layers.

Thanks for stopping by.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Sizzix, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 11 Comments | Views: 1,362
Halloween Party Favors

7th August, 2024 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. Tim Holtz has officially kicked off the Halloween season by opening the vault once more with his awesome Halloween Vault Collection from Sizzix. If you missed the LIVE, you can catch the replay, all the incredible inspiration makes and demo over on Tim’s blog.

I love the Vault Collection and was inspired to use the Rosette from the Vault Rosette set released at the beginning of the year with the new Vault Gothic Portrait and Vault Coffin Box sets. Let’s get into the details…

Before assembling the Rosettes I stamped with a variety of background stamps in Black Soot Distress Archival ink, blended in Rusty Hinge Distress ink and edged with Scorched Timber Distress ink.

To see how Rosettes are assembled, check out the demo on Tim’s blog.

Ledger Script Stamp + Vault Gothic Portrait Dies

ZigZag and Diamonds Stamp + Vault Gothic Portrait Dies

Skulls and Cobwebs Stamp + Vault Gothic Portrait Dies

Use hot glue to attach a straw to the back of the rosette, add fringe and they’re ready.
I picked up these awesome Halloween straws HERE.

To see how the coffins are assembled, check out the demo on Tim’s blog.

Cut a hole in the base of the coffin box using a 1/4 inch punch and push a straw in. Hot glue into place at the top of the inside of the box.

Glue on the lid or fill with candy and put the lid on without glue to be opened later.

Big thanks to Tim for adding the idea-ology fringe to these party favors for me. Team work makes the dream work.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Sizzix, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 16 Comments | Views: 1,766
Tim Holtz 2023 Halloween Banner

6th September, 2023 by iGirlZoe

Hello friends. I’m back today sharing some more details of the Banner that I made for the Tim Holtz Halloween 2023 Stampers Anonymous LIVE launch. You can see the replay and all the maker inspiration over on Tim’s blog.

I’ve made a few banners in the past and up until the pandemic I made one every Halloween, so it’s been a few years and I’m excited to be making one again this year. Let’s get into the details…

Ok let’s talk banners… I have a retired Sizzix Banner die (561152) and a retired banner punch board which I use to create my banners. There are banner dies and templates out there and you could also cut your own. I didn’t measure this banner as I was making for a deadline, but I do have some measurements for another banner HERE. Decide what size works best for your design and space.

You want to start with a good weight cardstock for the base so it doesn’t bow over time. I used Distress Kraft Heavystock and backed with idea-ology Black Kraft Stock (kraft side facing in), so the back looks finished and the stitching is hidden.

I’ll call out the layers I used from top to bottom, left to right…

-Distress Kraft Heavystock (machine stitched edges) (backed with idea-ology Black Kraft Stock)
-idea-ology Black Kraft Stock
-Distress Watercolor Cardstock with background stamped using the Shattered stamp set
-FOAM MOUNTED idea-ology Black Kraft Stock + Distress Watercolor Cardstock

This is how the layers look assembled. The top 2 layers are mounted onto foam so they’re raised slightly. I like this dimensional look and you could have something creepy sticking out from under that layer.

I used boot lace hooks to add clips to hang the banner from and used an idea-ology tiny hammer to ding it up. You can get the boot lace hooks HERE.

The background banner panel is inked with distress and stamped with the script background stamp from The Obscure set. Being a smaller stamp, it’s perfect to add a little stamp detail to portions of the background. I added the Halloween Night stamp from The Obscure stamp set, it’s so vintage! LOVE! Both stamped in distress archival ink.

The skull from The Obscure set is creepy AF and had to take center stage of my first banner piece for this years Halloween Banner! I stamped and fussy cut the skull several times to create a dimensional piece and cut out the eye on the top layers.

I added an idea-ology hardware head to the skull’s eye. It lines up perfectly!

I wired a bone from this years idea-ology skulls and bones set and added with some creepy moss. I love that Shattered stamp peeping out! It’s such an awesome stamp!

This tiny label from Mini Halloween 3 stamp set is one of my most used stamps! Stampers Anonymous never retire Tim’s CMS numbered stamps so you can still get this set and it’s a great one for Halloween, it’s linked below.

I added a die cut square frame with idea-ology hardware heads added to the corners to complete the look.

I hope this has encouraged you to make a banner, either for Halloween, Christmas or any other banner worthy day. I’ll be back throughout the next couple of months with more pieces of my banner. Let me know if you have any questions and happy banner making.
Zoe

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Category Halloween, Stampers Anonymous, Tim Holtz | Tags: | 7 Comments | Views: 1,700

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