Oh my goodness I have such a busy day ahead of me I barely have time to breathe. So this blog post is going to have to be super quick. Today’s Christmas project is an alternative idea using the October 2023 Paper Pumpkin kit called “Home for the Holidays”. However even if you weren’t able to get the kit you could still use the concept on cards you’ve made. In fact I think it’s a great way to repurpose old Christmas cards that were simply too pretty to throw away.

HALF A CHRISTMAS CARD

I started with one of the portrait oriented cards from the Paper Pumpkin kit. This has a scene printed in the top half, with the lower portion meant for the additional layers. Instead I took that card base and cut it in half down the scored line. Then I set the plain back section aside as that might come in handy later for other alternative projects.

So now, taking the card front I placed it on my Paper Trimmer with the long side at the top and scored it at 2-3/4″. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

After opening up the folded card I used a pencil on the back to mark the centre of the top. Then I went looking for a punch to add a thumb notch. As it turned out the punch that was closest was the Trucking Along Punch. So instead of a curved notch I ended up with a more triangular one.

With that done I put some Tear & Tape Adhesive on the inside along the left and right edges. Then I simply folded the card again and pressed down firmly. And just like that I had a pouch that was perfectly sized for a gift card.

Going back to the Paper Pumpkin kit I found one of the white banner pieces and the included stamp set. Using the Real Red ink spot from the kit I stamped “Merry Christmas” on the right-hand end of the banner. Then I trimmed off the excess part from the left end before adding the sentiment to the gift card holder with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Finally I decorated the roofs and window ledges using the glitter glue in the kit. And just like that my project was complete.

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS KIT

If you haven’t already done so, you still have time to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin and get the November kit called “Warm Wishes”.

This kit is designed to coordinate with the October 2023 kit “Home for the Holidays”. However you don’t need the October kit to be able to make up the November one. The November kit contains everything you need to make eight gift boxes with cellophane bag liners (4 each of 2 designs). The assembled size of the boxes are 4-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ x 1-1/2″. Everything is cut and prepared, and as well as the pre-cut card pieces you’ll get a Mossy Meadow mini ink spot, adhesives AND an exclusive Warm Wishes Stamp Set.

Not sure you want or need 8 treat boxes? Stampin’ Up! has thought of that. So while stocks last, Paper Pumpkin subscribers have the option to buy the Warm Wishes Card & Envelopes Add-On (20 of each). The folded cards are 5″ x 7″ and larger than we usually get. They also coordinate with the treat boxes (and the Home for the Holidays kit) making the stamp sets, and other parts of the kits even more versatile.

If you’re new to Paper Pumpkin your first kit will automatically include an acrylic block too so you can start creating right away. What’s more, every kit comes with a satisfaction guarantee, and you’re always free to cancel your subscription at any time without penalty. So why not try Paper Pumpkin this month and see what you think?

The colours used in the Warm Wishes kit will be Balmy Blue, Blueberry Bushel, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lolly, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Pecan Pie and Real Red.

To get the Warm Wishes kit simply make sure you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by November 10^th. However bear in mind that this kit is likely to be very popular and stocks may be limited towards the end of the subscription period.

MORE INSPIRATION

So that’s it from me for today. For more Paper Pumpkin inspired projects make sure you visit the rest of our blog hop by clicking on the links below.

PRODUCT LIST

When I checked this morning the Home for the Holidays Refill Kits (no stamp set or ink spot included) were still available to buy. But you’ll need to act fast as I doubt they’ll be available for much longer. Just one note, you do need to be a Paper Pumpkin subscriber to buy these.

Sadly the full Home for the Holidays kit is no longer available. However the additional products I used from my stash to create this quick project are listed below. I’ve also included links to the full-size Real Red ink pad and additional Stampin’ Dimensionals.

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Trucking Along Builder Punch in a bundle with the coordinating Trucking Along Stamp Set (not used today). Buying the two items using the single ‘bundle’ item number saved me 10% off the cost of buying them separately. I’ve included a link to the bundle in care you want to explore this option.