Today I’m excited to be able to share a new resource for all you Paper Pumpkin fans out there. The team at Paper Pumpkin have launched their very own blog. Their first post includes some alternate projects ideas for the June 2021 kit called Expressions In Color. I’m thrilled and honoured that a couple of my designs are included. So what better way to celebrate than by posting additional photos and instructions for them here on my blog.

The June 2021 kit contained alcohol ink designs alongside printed vellum die-cuts and a host of other pieces. For today’s alternate ideas I stuck with the pink and purple colour scheme for a coordinated look.

PAPER PUMPKIN PANELS

It might surprise you to know that both the card and gift tag were made using just one card base from the kit. To add a strong contrast for my projects I thought Blackberry Bliss would be perfect.

I started by using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Blackberry Bliss card at 4-1/4″. I folded it along the scored line, sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder and set it aside. Then I cut a second piece of Blackberry Bliss Card at 3-1/8″ x 4-3/8″ and set that aside too.

Next I took a pink/purple card base from the kit and cut it along the pre-scored line. I set the plain back to one side, then cut across the front section to create a piece 3″ x 4-1/4″. The remaining 2-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece was set aside to use later on the tag.

Picking up the plain piece I’d cut from the card base I began to tear around the edges, pulling the torn part towards me. Once done my card layer was roughly 4″ x 5-1/4″ with an interesting white border. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the torn layer onto my Blackberry Bliss card base.

After that I used liquid glue to mount the 3″ x 4-1/4″ alcohol ink panel onto the other piece of Blackberry Bliss Card. Then I added it to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

FINISHING TOUCHES

For the sentiment I took one of the hexagonal labels from the Paper Pumpkin kit. Unfortunately the line printed on the label was in Evening Evergreen which wasn’t part of my colour scheme. So I simply flipped it over to use the plain back instead. From the exclusive Expressions in Color Stamp Set I chose two sentiments; “Thanks” and “for everything”.

First I inked up the “Thanks” with Blackberry Bliss ink. Then I stamped it onto the label as high as it would comfortably fit. Next I inked up the “for everything” stamp, but this time I stamped-off onto some scrap paper to remove a little of the ink. Then I stamped below the “Thanks” revealing a lighter shade of ink. Finally I added the label to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

To complete the design I wanted to add some sequins, but not white ones. So instead I coloured three of the sequins from the kit using a dark Blackberry Bliss Stampin Blends alcohol marker. The alcohol takes a minute to dry so I set them aside. Meanwhile I turned my attention to the card liner and envelope.

First I cut a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Next, using Blackberry Bliss ink I stamped the abstract image from the kit across the top left and bottom right corners. Then using liquid glue I fixed the layer inside my card base.

While I had the stamp and ink to hand, I also stamped the front of one of the envelopes from the kit. So now it coordinated with the inside of the card.

To complete this project I simply added my three altered sequins onto the card front and I was done.

AMAZING TAG

With my alternate card complete, I was ready to begin work on the coordinating gift tag. For this I first cut a 3″ x 6″ piece of Basic White Card and scored it at 3″. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder.

To turn this mini card onto a tag I needed the Detailed Trio Punch. I placed the open tag inside the punch on the oval hole option. Next I adjusted the tag so the crease was to the right of the centre line shown on the punch. Then I squeezed the punch to create the oval hole on the back of the tag. With that done I threaded some white twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack through the hole and tied it in a simple knot.

For the front of the tag I started with a 2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″ piece of Blackberry Bliss Card. Then I went back to the ‘alcohol inked’ piece left over from my first project. I cut this piece to 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ and mounted it onto the Blackberry Bliss layer with liquid glue. Then I cut a 1/2″ x 2-1/2″ strip of Blackberry Bliss Card and fixed that on top about 3/8″ in from the left edge of the printed panel.

Going back to the Paper Pumpkin kit I took another of the hexagon labels and flipped it over. Rather than using it ‘as is’ I decided to trim off the left end just when the point starts. Then I stamped “You are amazing” in the remaining space using Blackberry Bliss ink.

To finish, I added the sentiment to the tag, lining it up with the left edge of the panel and about 1/4″ from the top. Then with three white sequins in a line down the Blackberry Bliss strip my tag project was complete as well.

I have to say that I absolutely adore this kit. I’ve always been intrigued by alcohol inks and this month’s kit gave me the opportunity to try out some ideas without the mess. Now I have to add the Expressions In Ink Designer Series Paper to my next order just so I can play some more.

Oh, and today Stampin’ Up! released the Expressions In Color Refill Kit. The refill kit does not contain the two mini ink spots or the stamp set, but everything else is there. Stocks are limited so make sure you order right away if you want one (or more).

JULY PAPER PUMPKIN KIT

Looking ahead, you still have time to subscribe to the July Paper Pumpkin kit called The Adventure Begins. It will contain everything you need to create twelve cards (4 each of 3 designs) with coordinating envelopes. It features adventure-themed imagery and an easy layering technique.  As always the kit has everything prepared for you and even includes adhesives to assemble the cards. There’s also an exclusive stamp set with inspirational sentiments, and a Classic Stampin’ Spot in one of Stampin’ Up!’s current colours.

The colours used in the July Paper Pumpkin kit will be Basic Black, Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody and Night of Navy. Make sure to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by July 10^th to get the Adventure Awaits kit That said, stocks may be limited towards the end of the subscription period so you might be wise to subscribe sooner rather than later.

Well that’s all from me for today. I’m off to take a look at the new official Paper Pumpkin blog, maybe I’ll see you there.

PRODUCT LIST

Here are links to the products used on today’s alternate projects that weren’t included in the June Paper Pumpkin kit.

If you want to get the Expressions In Color Refill Kit, you will need to become a Paper Pumpkin subscriber before you place your order. This is because being able to order refill kits is a perk reserved for subscribers. Once the order has gone through you can always opt to skip next month’s kit or cancel your subscription entirely if you wish.