Halloween Icon Blocks and Washi Tape Giveaway

Can you feel that crispness in the air?  We had a week full of rain showers last week and it’s left the feeling of fall all around.  It’s the main reason I LOVE September.  Combine that with the fall projects I’ve been creating, and I’m ready to bust out the decorations and launch into autumn full swing.  Want to see what my latest creation is?

 These Halloween Icon blocks have been in my “in progress” bin forever. (and by forever, I mean at least 3 years)  I had the blocks ready, the wood pieces purchased, but I just couldn’t seem to pull the trigger on how to finish them.  Paint them all the same color?  Different colors?  Add details?  Leave them as silhouettes?  You can see my problem.  But, I finally found the answer- and my oh my was it worth the wait.  The solution?  Washi Tape!!  Ready for the details?  First start with your wood blocks.  Mine are cut from a 2″ X 6″ board to be almost square (so really approx. 5 1/2″ X 5 1/2″)  I painted them black and sanded down the edges.

Decide on the wood shapes you want to use.  (mine were purchased at Michaels’s)  You could also use chipboard or print off shapes from your computer onto cardstock.

Chose your washi tape and cover the shape.  The pattern on this tape runs off the edge, but if you can line up the rows, it will have a more seamless look.

Turn the shape over and use a sharp blade to trim off the excess tape.  (if you are using chipboard or cardstock you will need to be especially careful that you don’t trim off part of the shape too.)

Finish off the shape as desired and attach to the block.  In this example I added just a bit of ink to the edges and added google eyes for some whimsy.  I did use a craft stick to burnish the tape along the entire shape and especially along the edges so that it was all firmly attached.  You could also use a sealer- such as Mod Podge or a clear spray if you want to really make sure it won’t go anywhere.  Hot glue bound the two pieces together in Halloween happiness.

Here’s a detail shot of the witch hat.  I used a fabric covered button for the spider body and twine from Doodlebug Designs for the legs.  The headstone was finished off with rub on letters.  Want another look at the three together?

So fun!! (I may be a little biased though.)
Now, I wouldn’t go on and on about how much I love washi tape- I didn’t go on and on?  Well, I should, because I really do love this stuff.  It’s colorful, easy, dresses up everything and you can find it in so many places.  But my favorite place to find it now is a great new website called Downtown Tape.  All the rolls of tape are just $1.99 and they ship for $2.95 for 1 or many.  If you want to be in on the latest and greatest, you can like their Facebook Page, or sign up for their newsletter– and you’ll be the first to know about new designs, specials and sales.  Plus- if you sign up for the newsletter, you will get a file for printable tags that are just begging for washi tape goodness. (valued at $10)
And, the nice people at Downtown Tape want to share the washi love!  (are you giddy?  because I’m giddy for you)  One lucky reader will win 10 rolls of washi tape and 25 tags to beautify to your hearts content!!  Are you ready to win? a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway is open to all readers (international entries welcome).
*Disclosure:  I was compensated by Downtown Tape to run this giveaway, but the project and opinions are all mine and I wouldn’t offer this giveaway to you awesome friends unless I LOVED their stuff. *
Linked up to Home Decor and Organizing Link party at Organize and Decorate Everything

Good Luck to you all!
xoxo,
Amy