A BIT OF HALLOWEEN HISTORY - Plus A Samhain Special Post Coming Soon!

 Merry meet, friends!

Coming in a bit late today. I had to get potato slices on the dehydrator this morning after having them cure in lemon water overnight. Homesteading and Family always come first.

I'm finishing up a project for a special post on Thursday. We are greeted with a turn of the wheel on Friday so I wanted to do something a little different this year, a day ahead so you might include some of the ideas into your celebration. 

I know there is controversy about how Halloween began as well as how the event relates to us. I also am aware that there are several types of witches, giving each a different view of how this came to be and how we celebrate. For this reason, I'm including a couple of different videos for you to watch. I'd love to have your comments below.

Full History Channel Special

Halloween History Channel - YouTube

Blessed Be!

~Rain

TOOLS - BOS Part 1

This was my table the day of the Solar Eclips. I covered the table with a 100% cotton cloth, then topped that with the marine vinyl that will be the cover. The two layers helped protect the papers and other items I have to make the Book of Shadows.
Aside from the almost 500 pg ream of a Nenah paper in a vintage-toned vanilla, I have the tube for the spine, heavy cording for the spine accent, and a couple of crystal dishes with metal embellishments such as protective corners and clasps. I used my crystal to weight the paper down and give it a nice charge at the same time. The other important piece to this project is the  dual deckle-edged ruler from PLAID. Sadly, this product has been discontinued by the manufacturer but you may find one on Ebay...

I've divided my ream of paper by the number of days between now and Sanhaim. If I tear 10 pages a day, that will have the entire ream done in time to put the BOS together a couple of days before.

Tearing the pages doesn't take as long as you might think. But I guess the first question you may be asking is "why are you tearing the edges?" Good question. I've always loved that rough torn edge to old books and I wanted to bring that touch of age to my Book of Shadows. 

I am taking 1/4" off of each of three sides - the top/ bottom and right hand.

I position the edge of the paper at the 1/4" mark then lay the ruler along the closest inch mark. Two tips: 

1) Keep a firm press on the ruler at each point you're tearing as you move along the dge

2) Tear straight up, not out. Pulling the paper out can dislodge the paper from underneath the ruler. 

I've put this week's stack on my worktable in alternating sets of 10. If I get a few extra moments, I may tear another set. I think tearing each set once I got into the feel took less than 5 minutes. 

Next week, I'll show you some of the stamp sets I'll be using to decorate the pages. Stampin' UP! has released two very cool Halloween sets in their Holiday 2017 catalog. Being a demonstrator allows me to pick them up at a discount. Can't beat that!

Blessings

~Rain