
Summer has finally arrived in Nova Scotia and the weather is hot and humid. It’s as if it was waiting for the June 2020 Paper Pumpkin Kit “Box Of Sunshine” to be delivered. So grab a refreshing drink and enjoy some alternate projects using this gorgeous kit.

SUNSHINE CARD
For my first project I wanted to create something that was more about the stamp set.
If you saw my blog on Sunday you’ll recognise the ink swipe technique used for the front of the card. This time I decided to change it up slightly by layering three different colours on top of each other.
I began with a layer of Whisper White Card and dragged a Daffodil Delight ink pad over the surface. Then I went over it using a Mango Melody ink pad, before doing it again with a Bumblebee ink pad. The three layers of ink created an amazing one-of-a-kind background, so I decided to make that the focus.
I took another layer of Whisper White Card and covered all but a 1″ strip along the top. Then I swiped the three ink pads over the visible strip just as I had for the main piece.
Finally I used the same three colour ink swipe technique to colour the flap on a Whisper White Medium Envelope.
With the backgrounds done I stamped the sun image from the set in the top right corner of the envelope flap and the piece with the inked strip.
BRIGHT AND BOLD
Next, using my Paper Trimmer I cut and scored some Basic Black Card. I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base. Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I fixed the layer with the inked strip inside the card base.
On the main inked layer I stamped the sun image from the Box Of Sunshine kit using the Basic Black ink spot that was included. Then I fixed this layer to the front of the card base.

To finish off the card I chose the “A little something to brighten your day” sentiment from the kit. I stamped it onto the hexagon label in the kit and then attached it to the card front. In no time at all my first alternate project was complete.
If you’re not familiar with the ink swipe technique, check out my earlier blog post Field inspiration for a simple card. That blog post also includes a short video tutorial for the ink swipe technique.
MAKING LEMONADE
Here’s the thing… I’m not a fan of fruit-themed projects. Don’t get me wrong I love fruit, it’s just that I’ve never been inspired by fruit stamp sets or paper. So I was a little nervous when I realised that there’s a lot of fruit die-cut pieces in the box.
What to do…?
I decided to make lemonade, take a leaf out the box and turn one of the lemons into a flower.
Using Mango Melody ink I stamped the large tulip from the Timeless Tulips Stamp Set onto the lemon die-cut. Then I cut it out using the coordinating Tulip Builder Punch.

When I was out recently I found a sweet frame for a 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ photo. It was quite a dark wood and the lemon yellow tulip would be just the thing to brighten it up.
So using liquid glue I fixed the leaf die-cut to the bottom of my tulip. Then I attached the assembled flower to the corner of the frame with a couple of Mini Glue Dots. All I had to do then was add a photo of me and my granddaughter and project number two was complete.
BOX OF SUNSHINE
One of the ideas behind the Box of Sunshine is that we re-purpose the box and use it to send ‘sunshine’ to someone. You can probably guess where my box is headed. As well as the photo frame, I’ve included a flower hair tie, some smiley stickers, chocolate Toonies, hand puppet eyes and a Minion inspired luggage tag. Now to get my box of sunshine in the mail.

JULY PAPER PUMPKIN
If you’re not already a Paper Pumpkin subscriber you still have time to join in the fun with the July kit. This is called Summer Nights and includes everything you need to create nine 4″ x 5-1/4″ postcard-style cards with envelopes, plus nine die-cut tealight bags. If you prefer folded cards there’s also an add-on kit containing 24 printed card bases (8 each of 3 designs) with envelopes. The ‘postcards’ are sized to fit onto the card bases perfectly! The add-on will be available to purchase separately from July 1st, while stocks last.
Just remember to get the July kit you need to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin before the July 10th deadline.

HOP ALONG NOW
For more inspiring ideas using the June “Box of Sunshine” kit make sure you visit the blogs for the rest of the team. You are currently at #5 – Tracy Elsom.
The card is stunning. So simple and really elegant. What a great idea to punch a tulip from a lemon!
Thank you Candy.