…he probably wouldn’t have done anything with it.
But here’s what I did: I made Halloween artwork based on Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven”
I used a 1/4 inch plywood board, primed it, then painted it with Kylon’s Metallic paint in Nickel.
- I used my Cricut and contact paper to cut out the first few lines of the poem. I used the Celebrate font on the Calligraphy cartridge.
- Once all of the letters were adhered to the board, I sprayed a white gloss paint over the top of everything.
- When dry, I created a stencil that said “Nevermore” (this was the came cartridge, but using the Inspiration font.) I did not remove the lettering for the poem, but adhered the “Nevermore” stencil directly over the top of them.
- Next, I free-hand sketched a reasonable facsimile (I’m no artist, don’t you judge me…) of a raven on contact paper and cut that out to create a stencil. I placed that over the top of the poem’s lettering as well.
- I taped off the rest of the board and sprayed the stencils with black paint.
Whatever you want to show up as the “top layer” of your painting needs to go onto the board first. The stencils will appear as being under the poem.
- When dry, I peeled off the lettering and stencils and lightly sanded the whole thing.
- A light wash of silver acrylic paint and water finished it up.
Now I think my Halloween mantel is all done.
I like eerie Halloween, not gory Halloween. This works for me. (Although Poe might find it a bit too cheerful…)
Check the bottom of the blog to see where I link this project.
also linking to: Home Stories A2Z The Idea Room
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driftwoodesign says
October 13, 2011 at 3:43 PMI like it a lot! It feels very classic. I might display it all times of the yr.
Kristy @ 4 the love of WOOD
MiMi says
October 13, 2011 at 3:47 PMOoooh, I LIKE I LIKE!!!
It’s totally creepy!!!!
Christy says
October 13, 2011 at 3:48 PMi love what you did…eerie and beautiful
Lori E says
October 13, 2011 at 3:57 PMA great project and not just for Halloween.
If you could see the size of the crows/ravens at our cabin you would be even more scared. Yikes. They are monsters.
Heidi @ Honeybear Lane says
October 13, 2011 at 4:55 PMGreat job! I love the ominous creepy feel. I did a similar project–check it out!
http://www.honeybearlane.com/2011/09/halloween-memories-and-vignettes.html
Heidi
http://www.honeybearlane.com
Amanda Hill says
October 13, 2011 at 4:56 PMYay for the cricket! Lovely project!
Michelle says
October 13, 2011 at 5:41 PMperfectly eerie! ay yi yi, I just love it!
Impulsive Addict says
October 13, 2011 at 6:40 PMI love what you did but how you did it went right over my head. I’m sure you’re shocked. I still don’t get how you put the bird OVER the words but I can still see the words? Don’t bother explaining. I’ll re-read this again for the 5th time to try and understand a creative genius’ mind.
Lesley says
October 13, 2011 at 7:19 PMThis is a fantastic project that I am totally stealin.
Last week my daughter asked me what food I’d pick if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life. I said, ” My cricut. “
She said, ” But, that’s doesn’t make sense….?”
” I stand by my answer!!” ( I really love my cricut )
The Answer Is Chocolate says
October 13, 2011 at 9:09 PMLove it Viv! And without knowing it you answered a question I’ve had which was about cutting contact paper with the Cricut!
Pudel-design says
October 13, 2011 at 9:17 PMThink genius minds have something in common;)
I love this poem!
And did this right here;)
http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/2011/10/raven.html
Love your piece! Looks great!
Thank you for sharing!
Lovely greetings…
http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/
Nina Patricia @ The Adventures of Nina Patricia says
October 13, 2011 at 9:18 PMI like it!
Susan @ homeroad.net says
October 13, 2011 at 10:32 PMV-
I LOVE this! Great job! I’d love to have one!
Susan
Gigi Baby says
October 13, 2011 at 11:24 PMthat is so awesome and that is one of my favorite poems too coolies
loves and likes ya <3
Gigi
Shawn says
October 14, 2011 at 12:43 AM1 down, 14 to go, I am so proud of you!
I love this one, I know I say that every time but I really, really do!
Jen says
October 14, 2011 at 1:24 AMOk I second Shawn, I really REALLY love this! Never would I find the time to cut all those letters out with my cricut, but WOW! (And how did you figure out the order to do it all in?) Really, really great 🙂
Evelene S says
October 14, 2011 at 2:14 AMI think I’d display it year round it is beautiful!
Holly Lefevre says
October 14, 2011 at 3:58 AMWhat a pretty, I mean eerie piece of art. It turned out great..watch out or Rook No 17 will drive down and steal it! The entire mantle looks great!
Lori Lucas says
October 14, 2011 at 4:11 AMSaid the reader….You should have made more!!
(And sold them). What a great job! Lori L
Johnnie says
October 14, 2011 at 10:27 AMVivienne, I absolutely love this! I have never seen you do anything like it. Pin, stumble!
Natalie @ Johnny In A Dress says
October 14, 2011 at 2:07 PMHow neat! So unique and spooky (in a good way!)! xoxo!
Miss Char says
October 14, 2011 at 2:19 PMI love this piece, I’m not big on Halloween decorating but this one has caught my eye. I need to come sit next to you regarding using my Cricut, I’m so uninformed on its “powers”. Thanks for sharing.
{nifty thrifty things} says
October 14, 2011 at 4:43 PMThis looks great! Love the Halloween mantle! 🙂
Hugs,
Vanessa
Katie @ OhhBaby says
October 14, 2011 at 5:19 PMThis is so cute! It turned out really well and looks great in your house!
I am hosting a really fun giveaway at my blog. Would LOVE for you to come and check it out!
http://ohhbabydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/exciting-announcement-and-giveaway.html
J's mom says
October 14, 2011 at 6:15 PMI would love it if you would link this to my link party. It just started 🙂
http://diycraftstomake.blogspot.com/2011/10/whacha-got-weekly-linky-party.html
Nikki@EverythingUndertheMoon says
October 14, 2011 at 7:42 PMI love that I am seeing so much Poe this Halloween season. I even did Poe myself this year. I love this artwork!! New follower coming over from Everything Under the Moon. Stop by and give us a visit some time 🙂
~Nikki
http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com
Jenn says
October 14, 2011 at 9:33 PMBeautifully done, Viv! Poe is one of my favorite author/poets and you did him proud for sure!
Jamie says
October 15, 2011 at 2:49 AMI lOVE this!
I am from Baltimore… home of the RAVENS (thanks to Poe) and I got married in the church where he was buried (in our city)… pretty cool, huh?!
Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper says
October 15, 2011 at 12:02 PMThis is a fantastic project! I’d love for you to link up to my Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party.
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2011/09/wickedly-creative-halloween-ideas-linky.html
Lorrie Everitt says
October 15, 2011 at 1:57 PMthis is awesome … thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
October 16, 2011 at 12:12 PMLove it, very nice job, how creative. Thanks for sharing.
Sew Rockin' says
October 17, 2011 at 2:12 AMLove this…and I agree it is amazing what you can do with a cricut and contact paper. I have been doing a ton of stenciling. Come check it out some time if you get a chance!
I’m following you now 🙂
jamie@sewrockin.com
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
October 17, 2011 at 2:26 AMOooh…I love it! I am a big Poe fan, so this is perfect! Love the mantel! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie
Shabby Marilyn says
October 17, 2011 at 3:49 AMVery nice, Poe Perfect! New follower well I signed on and it disappeared, I’ll check back? Found you at Sisters of the Wild West! Hope to have you stop by!
Prudently Painted Vintage says
October 17, 2011 at 5:02 AMLove it! I really really need a cutting machine. Santa?! Your mantle looks super ready for Halloween. Love everything you did.
~ Laura says
October 17, 2011 at 7:05 AMOkay, this one rocks my world!! 😉
That is one of my favorite poems and I think this is so clever and amazing!! It could be kept out all year!! And it should!! 🙂
andrea says
October 17, 2011 at 10:14 AMVery neat, love the textures on this. andrea@townandprairie
Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee) says
October 17, 2011 at 11:07 AMAwesome Halloween post! Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Cristy says
October 17, 2011 at 5:27 PMSO wish I had a vinyl cutting machine,
I love the Poe theme,
Truly Brilliant!
Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says
October 17, 2011 at 8:21 PMLOVE this Viv!! So smart!
Marsha says
October 18, 2011 at 12:07 AMWhat clever decorations! I love the Raven theme!
Anonymous says
October 19, 2011 at 3:31 AMLOVE me some Poe!!
I admit it…I covet the Cricut. As in…have considered robbing a bank (or a JoAnn Fabrics) to get one, plus all the fun cartridges. I don’t NEED one, really…but how I LONG for one. For a lottery win – a few mill – which would allow me to hit a craft store and just point and say “put it in my cart, please!!!” Aaah, fantasy. 🙂
Marilyn says
October 20, 2011 at 8:23 AMThis is so unique and awesome..So creative..Im Marilyn and your newest follower..I would LOVE for you to share this at my Pin’Inspirational Thursday creative linky party pweease — TY .. http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/10/pininspirational-thursdays-linky-party.html ..Lovely blog :))
❀ⒹⒺⒺ❀@ A Lapin Life says
October 20, 2011 at 6:45 PMYour so creative! It looks wonderful and Poe like.
Dee
gail says
October 20, 2011 at 8:57 PMvery creative Vivienne! I love your vignette! 🙂
gail
Mimi says
October 21, 2011 at 5:54 PMVery clever project. Enjoyed it and your humor.
Hilary Lane says
October 21, 2011 at 7:15 PMI love it!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
October 22, 2011 at 1:19 AMBest title of a post ever!!! 😉 Love the project, Viv. 🙂 Thanks for linking up your ONE post. 😉 😉 😉
Amy says
October 22, 2011 at 5:17 PMWhat a neat idea…wow! We live in MD and are huge Ravens fans, plus I used to be an English teacher, so I appreciate this in all its coolness! Would you share it here?
http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/csh-thursday-link-party.html
pinktutu72 says
October 24, 2011 at 3:13 AMThat looks really clever. I’ve thought about getting a cricut they look like so much FUN.
Karlene
The Answer Is Chocolate says
October 25, 2011 at 1:44 PMWell I did it! You inspired me to cut the Contact paper and I did. Just posted my project.
Rhissanna says
October 26, 2011 at 8:21 AMIt’s nice to see something that’s dark, but also stylish (and not so much orange) Beautifully done, V.
Bliss says
October 19, 2012 at 10:59 PMPinned the Raven.
Bliss