Today is the first Friday of the month and time for another inspirational blog hop. For the past several years I’ve been part of the A Paper Pumpkin Thing team bringing you alternate project ideas using the latest Paper Pumpkin kit. Today we’re showcasing the July kit called “Sending Good Thoughts”. This nautical-themed kit contained lots of fun pieces for layering. So for my alternate projects I decided to pare it right back with a very simple gender-neutral “thinking of you” card. Followed by an even simpler bottle gift tag.

THINKING OF YOU

I began by cutting one of the Basic Gray card bases from the kit in half along the scored line. Then I cut across one of these pieces to give me a layer that was 3″ x 4-1/4″.

Next, with the grey side facing me I tore a 1/4″ strip off each long edge by pulling the card edge towards me. I didn’t waste these torn strips though as I fixed them them along the top and bottom edges inside the another Basic Gray card base.

With that done I mounted the larger torn piece of Basic Gray card across the front of the card base using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

For my sentiment I chose “thinking of you” from the Sending Good Thoughts Stamp Set. Then using Basic Gray ink I stamped it onto one of the narrow white sentiment tags from the kit. With that done I fixed the sentiment across the centre of the torn layer. To finish the front I used Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach the seahorse die-cut piece and cover the hole in the end of the sentiment.

Finally I took one of the envelopes from the kit and used Basic Gray ink to stamp the small seahorse image on the flap. My first masculine / gender-neutral Sending Good Thoughts project was done.

MORE MASCULINE THOUGHTS

My second project was even quicker as I just couldn’t get the idea of a bottle tag out of my head. So from the kit I took the largest of the three bottle pieces. Then using the Label Me Fancy Punch I punched a small hole in the centre of the bottle cork. Next I cut 6″ of Linen Thread from the kit and after threading it through the hole I tied it in a simple knot.

Instead of stamping a sentiment onto the bottle I had an idea for adding a traditional style “bottle label”. I knew exactly what I wanted and found it among the pop-out pieces in the He’s The Man 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper (DSP) pack. There were a few different ones that would have made great ‘bottle labels’ but in the end settled for “You’re a champ”. All I had to do was add the printed piece to the bottle with Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals and my second “Sending Good Thoughts” project was complete.

I have to say that I had a lot of fun creating with this kit but now I’m looking ahead to the next one.

AUGUST KIT

If you haven’t already done it, you still have time to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin and get the Sweet Sunflowers card kit.

This all-occasion kit has everything you need to make NINE full-size cards with envelopes (3 each of 3 designs). Everything comes cut and prepared, and as well as the card bases and envelopes, you’ll get die cut pieces, Crushed Curry and Soft Suede mini ink spots AND an exclusive Sweet Sunflowers Stamp Set. If you’re new to Paper Pumpkin there’ll even be an acrylic block so you can start creating right away. Plus every kit comes with a satisfaction guarantee, and you’re free to cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

In addition there will be a free gift of 8 gold foil honeycomb sheets included in every box. These aren’t needed to complete the kit projects, but are a bonus product to use as you wish.

The colours used in the Sweet Sunflowers kit will be Blackberry Bliss, Crushed Curry, Evening Evergreen, Melon Mambo, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede & white.

To get the Sweet Sunflowers kit make sure you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by August 10^th. Just bear in mind that stocks may be limited towards the end of the subscription period.

SENDING GOOD THOUGHTS BLOG HOP

But now back to this month and the Sending Good Thoughts kit blog hop. Make sure you check out the other alternate project ideas from the rest of the APPT team. You’re currently at number 6 – Tracy Elsom.

Still looking for ideas? Check out this month’s official Paper Pumpkin blog for additional projects, a stamp case insert and much more!

PRODUCT LIST

While stocks last Paper Pumpkin subscribers can now buy the Sending Good Thoughts Refill Kit. The Refill Kit contains everything except the stamp set and ink spot from the original full kit, hence the lower price.

All the other products used today are listed below, along with the full-size ink pad and additional adhesives.

If you’d like to know more about the He’s the Man DSP check out my earlier blog post Cheers for my sneak peek kick-off.