The past few days have not been the easiest ever. Many reasons combined to birth that statement. By far the largest of which is the fact that my sister contracted Covid.
Save for one male cousin who is in his twenties coming down with it last year (thankfully, he did not get terribly ill and bounced by quite quickly), no other close relative in our family had contracted this frightening illness until my sis fell ill a few days.
Mercifully, thus far, she has not needed hospitalization and appears to be gradually improving a little already (knock wood!).
As she is a lifelong asthmatic with some other health issues as well, I have worried a great deal since the pandemic began that my sister might end up getting Covid.
I would gladly come down with this illness a million times in a row if it spared her getting sick with it even once.
Alas, no entities or higher powers have shown up to offer me that sort of Faustian bargain and, sadly, the Coronavirus found my sister. 😞
The past 2 – 3 years have been rather rough on various fronts for my sis (including multiple car accidents – none of which were her fault), and I am certain this is truly the last thing in the universe that she needed or wanted.
On my end, not for the first time since this blog’s inception, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I would be able to get a blog post up this week. 😱
Thankfully, as the week wore on, I was able to briefly spend some time crafting which meant a post was still feasible (yay!!!). The end result is the darling Valoween project featured in this entry.
I needed something lighthearted, upbeat and festive – and in my books, this sweet Valoween card ticks all of those boxes.
The last few days have indeed felt long at times. However, January as a whole has whizzed by faster than a snowflake on a strong arctic wind and that means Valentine’s Day is rounding the corner again soon. ❤️
Hey, ghoul friend adorable Valoween Day ghost themed friendship card
Hard as it is to believe that we are almost 1/12th of the way through 2022, it is even trickier for me to wrap my head around the fact that close to a year has elapsed since I first posted here about Valoween.
If you are not familiar with the concept of Valoween – which is essentially adding a dark/spooky/macabre/Halloween spin to Valentine’s Day – be sure to check out my post Dark and Romantic Valoween Shaker Wand and Card Set for the 411 on this frightfully fun spin on Feb. 14th.
This year, I am planning on bringing you two Valoween project shares – with this super cute card being the first.
It is, admittedly, on the sweeter side of Valoween (which, I should mention, is sometimes also spelled as Valloween).
I doubt very many people would be frightened by the trio of squeal-worthily precious ghost friends here, nor the red-dominant colour palette. 👻
While red does take center stage, other colours find their way into the fold as well. Grey, black, cream, and pink all play supporting roles.
I love the mix of red and white lettering. The white alphabet stickers are Thickers and made of foam, which gives them this fabulously charming quality that I find works sooo well into the context of nearly any type of ghost or otherwise spooky related project.
Naturally, as a project pertaining to Valentine’s Day, this Valoween greeting includes some hearts. This is not required for any take on Feb. 14th, of course, but the perpetual “lover of love” in me can rarely help including at least a heart or two when crafting for February 14th. 😊
Two of the central layering pieces are wonky/wavy-edged ovals, which I opted for as I felt they had a certain ghost shape element all their own that fit the theme here to a tee.
My perpetual addiction to metallic cardstock appears here again, as does my endless love for layers and embellishments.
This handmade Valoween card began with a project concept in my mind’s eye (as many do). However, when all was said and done, the end result deviated somewhat from how I had initially pictured it.
I know this is something that many a paper crafter – and creative soul, point-blank – can wholeheartedly relate to! 😄
Happily though, in the end, I was (am) very pleased with the final result and will keep my original concept in mind for a possible future project.
This card design is quite easy to make. There is really nothing tricky to it and the most time-consuming aspect is simply manually die cutting out the various layers and ghost figures.
This is an enjoyable card that works great for Valoween/Valentine’s Day. While at the same time, it could also be used for a wide range of other occasions as well – provided you swapped out or simply ditched the “Happy Valentine’s Day” part of the sentiment.
I can also see this charming ghost themed card fitting the bill for events such as birthdays, Halloween, and Samhain – as well as thinking of you, missing you, congratulations, and just because cards. Assuming, of course, that the recipient is a fan of sweetly spooky creations. 👻
And given the highly spirited (pun intended) October 31st influence at work on this card, it is my latest #MakeHalloween365 project share.
If you would like to make your own adorable Hey, Ghoul Friend Valoween card, read on for a complete list of materials used and detailed step-by-step instructions that will guide you through doing just that.
Products used to make this super cute ghost themed Valoween card
-Black cardstock – Raven Black Cardstock from Bazzill
-Light grey cardstock
-Cream cardstock
-Light red cardstock – Tim Holtz Distress Collection 4.25”x5.5 (mini pad) from Core’dinations
-Matte silver metallic cardstock
-Red metallic cardstock – Scarlet Organza Mirror Cardstock from Tonic Studios
-Pinkish-red metallic cardstock – Opera Red Mirror Cardstock from Tonic Studios
-Pink polka dot and damask-y floral print papers – Je t’Adore 8”x8” Multipack from Making Memories
-Decorative edge oval die
-Wavy/wonky edge nested die set (you can currently score a very similar looking Wavy Nested Frame Set from Whimsy Stamps.)
-“Wave” decorative edge scissors (Mine are unbranded and likely came from a dollar store at some point; you can, at the time of writing, find a similar pair of wavy edge scissors on Amazon.)
-Ghost and spider stamps – Ghosts 4”x6” Clear Stamp Set from Gerda Steiner
-Happy Valentine’s Day sentiment stamp – Perfect Match Stamp Set from Papertrey Ink
-Black ink – Jet Black Archival Ink from Ranger
-Very dark red or burgundy ink – StazOn Claret Solvent Ink from Tsukineko
-White metallic ink marker – White Metallic Marker from Forever in Time
-Small dark red alphabet stickers
-White foam alphabet stickers – Thickers Rockabye Foam Letter Stickers from American Crafts
-Mini stapler and staples – Tiny Attacher and Staples from Tim Holtz Idea-ology
-Cream/flax coloured paper raffia – Earth Tones Paper Craft Ribbon from Craft Medley (dollar store brand)
-White seam binding (or ribbon)
-Pink seam binding (or ribbon)
-Black rhinestone embellishment strips – Black Jewel Stickers from Crafter’s Square (dollar store brand)
-Grey rhinestone heart embellishments – Pyramid Gems Classic Hearts from Forever in Time
-Sparkly creamy-white gem embellishments – Say It In Crystals Pretty Pale from Prima Marketing
-Dimensional foam, pop dots, or similar to elevate some of your layers
-Adhesive, such as a tape runner, of your choice (I often use my Scotch Tape Glider)
How to Make an Adorable Hey, Ghoul Friend Valoween card
Begin by making a card base from light grey cardstock (you could also use white, cream, medium grey, or black cardstock here instead).
Cut a piece of Making Memories light pink polka dot paper slightly smaller than the card base. Ink all edges with burgundy ink. Adhere to card base.
Cut a piece of Opera Red Tonic Studio Mirror Cardstock slightly smaller than the previous layer. Adhere to the previous layer.
Cut a piece of matte silver metallic cardstock a little smaller than the previous layer. Use the “wave” decorative edge scissors on all four sides.
Using black cardstock, cut two slender pieces about ½ of an inch or so wide and a little less than half the length of the card front long. Cut their outer (left) edge with the wavy decorative edge scissors.
Next, cut a piece of cream cardstock a little smaller than the previous layer. Ink all four edges with burgundy ink.
Tuck one of the black cardstock pieces under the top left-hand side of the cream cardstock. Adhere to underside of cream cardstock. Repeat the same process on the bottom right-hand side of the cream cardstock, then adhere the cream cardstock piece down.
Cut a black rhinestone (gem) adhesive bling strip piece in half and adhere one half to each of the two black (wavy edge) pieces of cardstock from the previous step. Repeat the process, only this time the other half of the rhinestone strip goes horizontally, as shown in the photos.
Cut a piece of elegant damask-y floral paper a touch smaller than the previous layer. Ink all four edges with burgundy ink. Adhere.
Run a piece of pink seam binding (red, white, grey, black, silver, or gold could also be used here instead) across the center of the layers that you’ve composed so far. Adhere in place.
(Note that most of this piece of seam binding will be hidden – you only see a wee glimpse of it on the right-hand side of the center of the card.)
Using the largest-sized die from the wonky/wavey oval die set, die cut one shape out of Scarlet Organza Tonic Studio Mirror Cardstock. Adhere.
Using the second largest wonky/wavey oval die, die cut one shape from light red cardstock. Adhere.
Die cut an oval-shaped piece using black cardstock and a decorative edge oval-shaped die. Adhere to the previous layer.
Use red and white letter stickers to spell out the sentiment “Hey Ghoul Friend” on the black oval layer that you just created.
Take a piece of light grey cardstock (the same cardstock that you used for your card base here) and, in black ink, stamp three ghosts and one adorable little dangling spider from the Gerda Steiner Ghosts Stamp Set. Die cut (or fussy cut) the ghosts out.
Colour the bodies of the ghosts and the whites of the spider’s eyes with the metallic white marker (or paint pen; in lieu of either, you could use anything from a white gel pen to white chalk and a chalk fixative to white Nuvo Drops).
Adhere the ghosts around the wavy/wonky oval layers, as shown. Adhere the dangling spider from the bottom right-hand side of those layers.
Use a stitched (or plain) edge heart die to cut three identical-sized heart shapes from cream, light grey, and black cardstock (one heart per colour). Ink the edges of the light grey heart with burgundy ink and stamp “Happy Valentine’s Day” in the same ink on that heart.
Adhere the three hearts together, offsetting them a bit (as shown) so that each colour is visible.
Punch a hole near the top of the heart stack and string a small piece of cream/natural (or white, black, grey, red, or pink) raffia, paper raffia, or other suitable trim through the hole. Tie the ends of this piece of trim around the pink seam binding layer (or adhere in place instead, if so desired).
Do not adhere the heart stack down to the card layers beneath it. You want the hearts to dangle and be able to move around freely.
Create a multi-loop bow from white (or cream, pink, red, grey, or black) seam binding. Optionally, crinkle the seam binding ahead of time if you are going for the same look as the seam binding bow shown here. Adhere on the left-hand side of the card so that the bow conceals where you tied/adhered the raffia/trim in place.
Adhere one grey rhinestone heart embellishment to the center of the seam binding bow and four others around the card in various spots.
Lastly, adhere a few sparkly creamy-white colour Prima gem embellishments around the card, as shown.
And there you have it. One over-the-moon cute Valoween, Valentine’s Day, or Galantine’s Day card to give to one of your favourite ghoul pals (naturally, you could swap out the word “ghoul” to the less gender-specific “boo” instead, if desired).
There is spooky, and then there is scary
The concept of Valoween as a whole can certainly be spooky, mysterious and/or eerie, but it is unlikely to evoke genuine fear in many people.
As much as I love spooky things – and even some very specific hair-raisingly frightening ones as well – I am rarely looking to be or to feel sincerely scared.
That is one of many responses, however, that most of us feel when somebody we care about falls ill or gets injured. And it is one that countless millions around the globe have contended with since the pandemic took hold.
Though the initial fear I experienced upon learning that my sister had come down with the Coronavirus was powerfully intense, it has subsided somewhat at this point and now sits at a mid-level worry.
I do not see that shifting downwards further very much until we know she is safely out of the woods and doing substantially better again. 🙏
Our family has been exceedingly lucky thus far regarding Covid-19 and not a day has gone by since the pandemic began that I haven’t given thanks for that being the case.
I am acutely aware that many others have not been able to say the same thing and that our own luck could vanish in the blink of an eye. As far as medical science knows, save for a tiny subsection of the population who appear to possibly be immune to Covid, this virus can strike any of us at any time.
In the face of the most real of threats and worries, it is perfectly normal (and healthy) for any of us to be scared. Who hasn’t experienced at least a bit of fear since Covid burst onto the scene?
Creating this card helped me to momentary relax and connect with the fun side of spooky for a few hours.
All the while, never losing sight of the ever-greater poignancy that concepts pertaining to death, the afterlife, and spirits have taken on for many of us over the past couple of years.
Know that whether you, your partner, your child, your parent(s), your sibling(s), or anyone else that you care about is ill or has lost their battle with Covid, my thoughts, heart, and perpetual understanding are with you.
And should you ever need someone to talk to on that front, please remember that I am always just an email away.
Here’s hoping that February is a vastly more positive month for all those who need it to be – and that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t feel quite as speedy. (#wishfulthinking)
On top of the second Valoween project that I will be sharing, I have some really cool content coming down the pipeline in the next few weeks, including an exciting author interview post with one of today’s most beloved + best selling Pagan authors.
So you will certainly want to keep your dial set to Witchcrafted Life as we embrace Imbolc’s return and do our best to stay safe and well all February long.
Have you and/or anyone close to you contracted Covid-19 so far? Do you enjoy the concept of Valoween or are you more a traditional Valentine’s/Galantine’s Day person? 🌹🖤 🌹
PS: On a largely unrelated note, earlier this week my browser crashed moments after I had opened up nearly three weeks of recent blog feeds in my feedreader and somehow that ended up marking them all as read and in turn instantly, irretrievably deleting them from my feed (what? how? why?!!! 😲).
As a result, if I missed commenting on some of your January blog posts (and I normally visit your site), please know that this is the reason why, my dear friends.
Many sincere apologies about that! It is unusual for my computer to freeze or crash (thankfully), even though it is getting on in years at this point. 💻
When it does crash or freeze though, I find that more often than not, this happens so when I am doing something that I don’t want to risk losing or having to start from scratch with (Murphy’s Law all the way).
Oh well! Not a big deal of course, especially in the grander scheme of things – but I did want to mention it here all the same. 💗
I’m sorry to hear your sister contracted Covid, and that on top of all the other troubles which have been coming her way lately. It’s good to hear she is on the mend, though, and I will keep my fingers crossed for a swift recovery. So far, I haven’t got any friends of family who have caught the virus, just a handful of – often online – acquaintances. Both of my American bosses have recently had it, though, one of them only being sick for a day or two. I am fearful of my brother getting it and getting seriously ill, as not only does he have a lung disease, he simply refused to get vaccinated!
Anyway, let’s talk about your card! I think it is utterly delightful, and those little ghosts are simply too adorable to be scary 🙂 xxx
Thank you deeply, dear Ann. Knock wood, my sister has continued to avoid needing hospitalization, though she continues to feel unwell (including having – as so many who have come down with this brutal illness have experienced – her sense of taste and smell impacted) and I sense she has a ways to go still before she feels closer to her usual self again.
I am sincerely sorry about everyone you know – including your bosses – who have come down with Covid and can wholeheartedly relate to the concerns you have regarding your brother.
Just like him, my own brother is very, very antivax and it is my understanding that he has not gotten any of his Covid shots either (unfortunately, for a myriad of long-standing reasons, we are not that close and a lot of what I hear about him comes via other family members).
As for me, I could not get mine fast enough, strongly believe in their safety and efficacy, and can hardly wait to get my booster (aka, my third shot) within a matter of days or weeks at the longest (just waiting on my invite from the provincial health care system to book an appointment for it).
Thank you again very much, my sweet friend. It is my unceasing hope that neither yourself, Jos, nor anyone in your family comes down with Covid.
Huge hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Sending wishes for a speedy recovery for your sister. Your card is fabulous, very cute sentiment and darling ghosts. So many fabulous embellishments Autumn!
Thank you very much on both counts, sweet lady. I wholeheartedly hope that neither you nor anyone close to you has contracted this devastating illness.
It is hard to believe that we as a planet now have more than two years of living with Covid’s presence in our world under our belts. One can only guess and hope as to when we can finally, collectively, put this dark, difficult chapter in human history behind us.
Sending warm hugs your way for these still-chilly days of mid to late winter,
🖤 Autumn
Oh my gosh Autumn, this card is so stinking cute!!!
😊😊😊 Aww! Thank you so much, Celeste. What a happiness-sparking gem of a compliment.
I hope that you and your loved ones have a frighteningly fa-boo-lous Valentine’s Day!
🖤 Autumn
Beautiful card and design. Great showcase.
Sorry been MIA, it’s been very hot here so have been pooling it…xx
If you are on facebook I invite you to join my new craft/sharing group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/273500824852310
Please do not worry for the tiniest of moments, dear Ann. I totally understand.
We went through the hottest heatwave I have ever experienced last summer and even breathing felt like a laboured chore at times when we were in the absolute thick of those (no joke) virtually 50C days (which, yes, did shatter many previous heat records for this area – and Canada in general).
I appreciate both your lovely comment and that you shared about your new FB group. For all intents, I haven’t used FB in the past few years, but should that change in any major way, I will be sure to check it out.
Wishing you nothing but the best with your group, lovely lady.
🖤 Autumn
Beautiful fun card, loving all the bling gems. I hope that your sister will be ok – it is such a worry and people react so differently to it. Sending lots of positive healing vibes. Emmax
Thank you wholeheartedly, dear Emma. How right you are – and it is all the more interesting, I find, because the reactions one might logically expect a given person or demographic to experience are not always the case. This only adds to the stress and uncertainty of this brutal illness.
Your positive, healing energy is appreciated beyond measure. Thank you so much. I will be updating everyone here in due time regarding how my sister’s recovery is coming along. At present, she still has a fair way to go (including regaining her usual levels of taste and smell, and moreover of her energy).
Huge hugs & perpetual wishes that neither yourself nor anyone close to you comes down with Covid.
🖤 Autumn
Your card is a one-of-a-kind fun creation and I love all the layers and embellishments! So sorry your sister has fallen ill, but she’s lucky to have you through it all! Wishing you both better days ahead as this month is now all but gone! Do take good care!
Thank you mightily and with a truly grateful heart, dear Carol.
I am immeasurably thankful that things have not (yet) taken an even more drastic turn regarding my sister’s health and hope that she will be able to, in due, make a complete recovery.
While I rarely wish for time to fly by, I was grateful to put January to bed and am eagerly looking forward to spring’s return in a few weeks and the prospect of both literal and figurative brighter days ahead.
Thank you deeply again, sweet lady. I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are able to stay safe in the face of this brutal ongoing global pandemic.
Big hugs,
🖤 Autumn
So very sorry your sister has had a difficult few years. Hope she will get better soon from Covid. I love your card. The layers, textures and colours are just great. Have a good week.
Thank you deeply on all counts, sweet Anesha. Your care and kindness both mean a great deal.
Let us hope that by this time next, the world will manage to be in a far healthier and less stress-filled state. 🙏🙏🙏
Many heartfelt hugs,
🖤 Autumn
So sorry to hear your sister became ill and wishing her a quick recovery from it! Your Valloween card is THE cutest with those ghosts and your sweet sentiment to go with them! I love all of the luscious layers and your Vintage vibe throughout here! The heart charms and the seam biding ribbon are my faves! Sending hugs my friend!
Thank you deeply on each and every count, my sweet friend.
This upbeat, uber-cute card truly was the creative pick-me-up that I needed shortly after learning that my sister had contracted Covid.
It really is awesome how much our passions and hobbies in life can often help to see us through life’s darkest and most stressful periods.
Many heartfelt thanks again for everything, dear Vicki. I hope with all my might that neither you nor anybody close to you comes down with Covid (and if, goodness forbid, you/they do, it is the very mildest of cases possible).
🖤 Autumn
I’m so sorry to hear that your sister came down with Covid, Autumn! Sending good healing vibes to her that it will clear up quickly with no “long Covid” after-effects! I have been lucky, that only a few friends and distant acquaintances have had it, and no one in either my or L’s family (so far). It’s been such an ongoing two years (TWO YEARS) of fear, worry, stress and isolation, hasn’t it?
I am happy that you were able to channel your anxiety into something creative (that always helps, I find), and that the product is this adorable card. 🙂 Anything can be spooky, right? I’m always up for the “dark side.”
Take care, my friend!
Thank you from the furthest reaches of my heart for your care and support, dear Sheila – as well as for the healing energy directed at my sister. She and I both believe in the power of such and I have no doubt your healing vibes will reach her.
Goodness, yes! Even though, objectively, not nearly as many facets of my life have thus far been radically impacted by Covid as many peoples’ have, things have still been strange, stressful and uncertain all for me/us all the same.
I miss – as so many of us do – the sense of relative safety we usually felt we had when in public, the ability to travel and see others freely, and the way life felt when we weren’t waiting for the next horrible varrient of an already profoundly challenging illness to wreak havoc on the world.
Though it has “only” been two years (and goodness knows that I am using the world “only” here in the lightest of senses), in countless ways it feels more like ten or even twenty.
I already had a sense of things having been a “different lifetime ago” post-fire, and that has only doubled down due to the pandemic.
It is still anyone’s guess (and hope!) as to when we will, with any luck, finally be collectively free of this horrific illness. Sadly, I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon, but hold out unflinching hope that two years will not become some truly long period such as a decade or more.
Thank you again tremendously, my sweet friend. May you, L, and all those you hold dear continue to escape the rath of Covid.
🖤 Autumn
Sorry to hear about your sister catching the Covid virus, I hope it’s one of those less serious variants that have been around and that she’ll get better soon.
Your Valoween card is adorable!!! The perfect mix between spooky and romantic for Valentine’s day.
Thank you very much on all counts, dear Ivana. I sincerely appreciate your hopes directed towards my sister.
Thus far, she continues to have been able to avoid needing hospitalization, though is far from having recovered yet. I sense it will a decently long road for her and hope to no end that she will, in time, be able to make a full recovery.
Aww! Thank you! Creating this super fun Valoween card was precisely what I needed to help take my mind off some of my worries that day.
A powerful reminder of just how much good engaging with our hobbies and passions can do us not only when life is rosy, but when they’re dark and difficult as well.
I wholeheartedly hope that you and all those you hold dear are able to remain safe in the face of this brutal ongoing global pandemic.
Many hugs,
🖤 Autumn
What a great concept valoween is and your spooky love card is great. I really like all the black gems and the little ghosts. I am so sorry to hear about your sister catching covid, I do hope she continues on the road to recovery. Whilst I do know people who have had covid I do not know anyone who has suffered badly, but then we are very cautious and continue to be so. I am hoping that our caution saves us from the distress it can cause. I also want to thank you for the lovely message you left on my blog not long ago. You are so generous and kind, I appreciate it xx
Thank you very much, my caring friend. Your concern and well wishes towards my sister mean a great deal to me and my family.
Thankfully, thus far, my sister has continued to not need hospitalization. She is still feeling very poorly though, with (completely understandably!) very little energy amongst scores of other symptoms.
While I doubt her recovery will be super swift, I have unwavering hope that in time she will be able to return to her pre-Covid level of health (and energy).
I am so sorry about those in your own circle who have fought battles with Covid as well. Thank goodness that none of them have experienced the most extreme sides of this immensely challenging illness. May that always continue to be the case.
You are so very welcome, Hilary. It has been – and, of course continues to be, a beautiful joy to connect with you online over the past few months. I look forward to hopefully continuing to do so in 2022 and far beyond.
Thank you again on every count. You are such a caring, awesome person and I am grateful for your presence in my life.
Huge hugs,
🖤 Autumn
So sorry to read that your sister contracted covid,prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. A beautiful layered card in gorgeous colours with so many beautiful embellishments and those adorable ghosts
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your care and kindness towards my sister.
She is still feeling quite unwell, but thankfully has continued to avoid needing hospitalization. I will keep everyone here updated on her condition as it progresses (hopefully, of course, towards recovery!).
This card was such a joy to make and was just the lighthearted break from the plethora of worries and heavy thoughts that were whizzing around through my head that day.
I have always adored ghost-themed things of just about every sort and type, but have found myself loving ghosties more than ever over the past year or two. As such, it’s safe to say that plenty more ghost-related paper crafting projects are apt to appear here as time goes on.
Many very appreciative thanks again, dear Meg. I truly hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and well during this brutal ongoing global pandemic.
🖤 Autumn
I like this new to me concept of Valoween, and the combination of red and black has such a fantastic, dramatic effect. Your card is a combinaton of cute, vintage and elegant and is one that stands out from the crowd. I really like like the detail of the border with pearls.
I do understand your concern about your sister, I hope and wish she will get through this and be ok.
Sweet Pia, your immensely kind compliments are making me blush nearly as vibrantly as the vivid metallic red cardstock used on this darling Valoween card.
I am tickled pink (and red and black) to have been able to introduce to you the concept of Valoween.
In some respects, I have been telegraphing it through my Valentine’s Day decor, outfit choices, craft projects and so forth for much of my life. However, a few years back when I discovered that this spooky spin on Feb. 14th not only had a name, but that numerous others out there were wild for it as well, I shifted my Valentine’s aesthetic to almost exclusively Halloween-influenced one.
In fact, as I love it so much, little-by-little, I am adding more gothic, romantic, Valoween perfect colours (chiefly red, black, aged gold and brass – with hits of silver, too) to our home decor and really hope, in time, to have that palette be the primary one in our wee abode.
Thank you deeply on every count, very much including your care towards my sister. I hope dearly that you and your loved ones are managing to stay safe and well as Covid shows little sign of vanishing anytime soon.
Many hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Hey ghoul friend. 😉 I hope your sister is well again and nothing serious occured to her. I love your card/art as always, it really is a perfect mix of Valentine’s and cute Halloween. Have a lovely day, dear.
What’s up, my wonderfully dear Danish ghoul friend? 👻
Thank you very much for your care and concern toward my sister. Luckily, she has continued to avoid needing hospitalization. However, she remains a far cry away from having regained her pre-Covid health and energy levels.
I sense reaching that point will (totally understandably!) take a decent while and hope beyond all measure that she does not end up experiencing any “long Covid” effects.
Just as I hope that you, your DH and son, and all those you hold dear will be able to stay safe and well as Covid continues to hold the world in its unrelenting grip.
Huge hugs & the sweetest of wishes for a hauntingly fa-boo-lous Valentine’s Day!
🖤 Autumn
I will keep your sisters in my thoughts/ prayers/ light. Our whole family had covid last month and while I feel Influenza was worse for us symptom wise- recovery wise this DOES remind me of mono but I have chronic illness too. My kids bounced back no problem after being lightly sick with barely cold symptoms for two days. My hubby has mostly recovered but he DID miss two weeks of work and was quite sick for 5 days, but for me, a month later, I still struggle with stuff- its no fun. It hits everyone differently.
I am surprised at how little those around you have gotten it- as I know almost everyone in my circles has had it ( and almost 96 percent are vaxxed or at their booster point- and still had it! 2 hospitalized from that group.) Luckily, only 4 I know have been hospitalized. All have luckily lived. We do not hear the success stories in the news but it is good to hear them!
I have known 3 people now though whom have died from vax complications. I believe in the shot for most populations but for some genetic compositions ( my family has indigenous roots and heart issues) it is not always optimal. I do not believe it is a one size fits all. I can not have it due to the fact that my last vx caused anaphylaxis and I almost died…so I can no longer take vx. Its very very hard. I have to be very very careful..so of course this was my worst nightmare on two fronts…One that people judge so much and force others to take the vx when they clearly can not. And two- getting the sickness without having the vx. I am glad I have had my time though and hopefully have some antibodies but I do know people ( both vx and unvx) who have had it more than once…and it is, like any virus, scary as an autoimmune sufferer to face. I am glad you can feel so confident in the vx for yourself and have seen its success!
Honestly, I think with omicron most people will have had it at some point, and then hopefully we can get back to normal life, or as normal as we can be. I had influenza for a FULL MONTH before covid ( 2 weeks of ‘ health’ in between) and Influenza was worse for me, but Covid was scarier due to all the information. But my team of health care knew what to do, what vitamins to take to help my recovery etc, and I am so very thankful. I do believe in recovery especially, it seems to affect the systems more and is reminiscent of mono for myself, but everyone is different… I hope your sister can also feel better soon.
Thank you very much for leaving such an in-depth comment and for sharing all that you did here with me/us, Kmarie.
I am tremendously sorry that Covid struck you and your family. It is the epitome of excellent that (I am guessing based on what you said) none of you ended up requiring hospitalization. Thank the stars above for that!
Very true. Objectively, we really have been fortunate so far that so few family members have been hit by a Covid (yet).
Two years on, and Tony and I continue to self-isolate (in part because I am quite immune-compromised). Just about the only times that I leave the house are to go grocery shopping, to the pharmacy, to medical appointments, or on nature walks in low foot traffic areas.
The only relative I have had any contact with in person over the past two years (and even there, not all that often, unfortunately) has been my wonderful mom.
While not all of my relatives are taking similar measures still at this point, some (including my paternal grandparents) are and between that + most of us being fully vaccinated, we have managed to keep our Covid numbers low thus far.
As you said though, between the latest variants (and others that may very well emerge still) and the older ones that are still hanging around too, sooner or later it stands to reason that a very sizable percentage of the population with contract Covid.
I fully accept that it may hit our house at some point, too, though of course hope not. I just received my 3rd vaccine last Friday and am grateful for the degree of protection that this “top-up” provides.
It is not all protective forcefield though, so again, Covid could hit me and/or Tony at any time. (Naturally, if that were to happen, I would do my best to get a quick post up about it here to let folks know that I would most likely be out of commission for a while.)
I hope to no end that the mono-like feelings that you are experiencing vanish entirely and that no one at your house (or in your wider circle) is stuck by Covid twice.
Many hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Thanks Autumn! No we were not hospitalized, the recovery was mostly worse than actually having it for us…took a month of the mono feelings. I hope we are not struck twice either, but I am glad for life to be opening up and all restrictions are gone here so that works for my lifestyle nicely! We have being seeing people all through out that are important to us ( but carefully) and it has been a slower but beautiful two years in some regards… Yet I do not want to dismiss the true struggle and it is different for everyone. Compromised systems need different rules. I have that too and have to chose differently often. Luckily we are very rural so our life is slower too usually anyway. I would NOT have had the same rules in an urban area. Its different place to place and person to person and I have immense respect for that. I am so relieved you guys have been well and healthy and you have definitely made the best choices for yourselves. xoxo
What a delightfully charming Valoween card, Autumn! The darling little spider is my favourite element. She’s just the right touch!
And I do hope your sister has fully recovered and that Covid was kept from anybody close to her. The symptoms vary so incredibly much. My boys also have asthma and they’ve been using their puffers regularly to keep their lungs as healthy as possible – just in case.
Aww, thank you SO much for your wonderfully positive words about this super fun Valoween card, my sweet friend.
As well as for your concern about my sister. While she has not fully recovered yet, thankfully, little-by-little she is improving.
That is a very good idea regarding using one’s puffers to help keep their lungs as healthy as possible. I really appreciate you mentioning that and will be passing it along to my sis and my mom (who is also a lifelong asthmatic).
I hope that you and your family had a really nice Feb. 14th and that these last few days of the month smile sweetly on all of you.
Oodles of hugs,
🖤 Autumn
Sorry that your sister has had it rough. Keeping her in my thoughts and sending you both love and hugs.
Oh my ghoulness! Beautiful ghoul-entine card. Those adorable ghosts make me smile. Fantastic color palette. Amazing details and dimensions.
Thank you deeply, dear Trina. Your kindness, love, and hugs are greatly appreciated.
Fortunately, my sister is gradually showing signs of improvement and I remain steadfastly hopeful that, in due time, she will make a full recovery.
Your spooky words are awesome! It makes my heart smile to know that this super cute Valentine’s Day greeting found favour with you. I had a blast making it and look forward to utilizing these darling ghosties on some of my future makes as well.
I hope that you had a beautiful Feb. 14th and that all is well with you + your loved ones as February winds down.
Oodles of hugs,
🖤 Autumn
I’m so sorry to hear that your sister caught covid. I hope she’s recovering without having too many long term side effects. ♥
Those little retro looking ghosts are just to die for! It’s such a happily, fanciful Valoween card!
Thank you wholeheartedly, my sweet friend. I am overjoyed to say that, while she is still recovering, my sister is gradually improving and was even able to return to work again just the other day. I share your hope that she is not impacted by any “long Covid” symptoms and that she recovers fully in due time.
Thank you very much as well for your lovely words about this super fun Valowen card. Though it was both created and posted (here) mere weeks ago, given all that has unfolded in the world since then, it feels more like a couple of months ago.
Hopefully, come Valentine’s Day/Valoween next year, a lot of the major challenges impacting our world will have been resolved (and, ideally, no new ones will have stepped in to quickly fill their shoes).
Thinking of you, dearest Inky, and sending my most heartfelt wishes your way for a sunny, safe, and very enjoyable spring.
🖤 Autumn
I hope you don’t mind me tripping around your blog here a little, there a little out of order! This is such a fun card. I used to chat regularly with a gal that would be over the moon for a ghoulish valentine. Such a great idea to create a Valloween card. My daughter renamed the holiday to _(daughter’s name)’s Day of Snacks. 🙂 Goodness, I was sad as I could be to read that your sister had covid. I sure hope she is better now. I know that it can hang on for a very long time for some. Since my daughter is asthmatic, I know your fear. Well, I am off. Big hugs!
Not in the slightest, my sweet friend. Quite the opposite – I am touched that you are exploring some of my earlier posts from this year and sincerely appreciate the lovely, supportive comments you leave on them for me.
It is awesome that you have a friend who would be wild for a Valoween card like this. If you would ever like me to make a Valoween greeting for you to give her, please do not hesitate to ask. I would be delighted to do so.
I am elated to report that, while she has not recovered fully yet, my sister is gradually doing better. So much so, in fact, she was able to return to work again just the other day.
I am keeping my fingers crossed to the breaking point that she does not experience any “long Covid” systems and that she will, in time, recover fully.
Just as I sincerely hope neither your daughter nor anyone in your family (including yourself, of course!) contracts this horrific illness.
On a cheerier note, spring has returned at long last and that alone is managing to bring a much-needed hit of positivity to my days.
May it do the very same for you as well, dear Angie.
Huge hugs,
🖤 Autumn