Creepy mushroom Halloween or Samhain card digitally printed using pigment inks on silky, bright white, acid-free paper. Folded card is 5.25" by 5.25" and comes with a beautifully made, bright white envelope. The paper is super smooth, not slick, and takes gel, ballpoint, and other inks well. The photo of a white Amanita mushroom used to create the artwork is printed on the back of the card with the photo location and a little story about the meaning of Samhain. Interior of the card is blank or choose a seasonal message from the list below.

The card and envelope are packaged together in a plastic sleeve and mailed in a stiffened mailer. Note: one or two cards are shipped USPS First Class without tracking. Three or more cards are shipped via the most economical means, which usually includes tracking.

Interior Message Choices: Blank, Happy Halloween, Blessed Samhain, Happy Samhain in Scot's Gaelic (Oidhche Shamhna shona dhut), or Happy Samhain in Irish Gaelic (Oíche Shamhna shona duit).

Framing. This card is created using high-quality materials, such as might be used in a museum. The print is sharp, bright, and frameable. To protect the vibrancy of the artwork, I frame using UV glass or acrylic, and I recommend it. If you use plain glass or acrylic, make sure you hang this sweet, little piece and all your beautiful art away from direct sunlight.

About the art. I created this piece, titled Samhain Fright, using a photo of an Amanita mushroom against a mossy tree trunk in a leafy wood. The photo, taken very near my home outside Morgantown, West Virginia, begged to be turned into a seasonal piece, complete with harvest moons, spirit lights, and gremlins lurking about to torment you during long winter nights. The Gaelic word Samhain means "summer's end." In Celtic tradition, the observance of Samhain marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of a new year. The blessings of a Blessed Samhain were, and still are, carried by departed loved ones, come back to protect and guide you through a traditionally difficult time of year when the weather becomes bone-chilling and food becomes scarce. The gremlins here might look like strange brown moths and wide-mouthed nightjars, but are more likely anxiety, fear, and other tricks of the mind. Pay them no heed and enjoy the coming quiet months.

The Poem:

Dark wood pierced by eerie lights, endless tiny motes, dancing in the high tree tops, plucking at your coat. Reflections of the harvest moon? Or spirits of the dead, returned to walk the cooling nights that signal summer’s end.

~ artwork and poetry created for you by Linda S. Gribko