Just a couple of days ago I received the latest Paper Pumpkin kit called Kisses & Hugs. It contained enough supplies to make 10 heart-shaped tri-fold cards, along with an exclusive stamp set and Gray Granite ink spot. As usual I made one of each design and then decided to bring in the One Happy Family Stamp Set. In no time at all I was able to create lots more alternate projects celebrating my amazing family. Here’s just one example adding in some coordinating card and an envelope from my stash.

XO BACKGROUND

I began by taking one of the envelopes from the kit. While it was Flirty Flamingo (bright pink) on the outside, the inside was printed with a stunning XO design in gold foil on a Very Vanilla background. All I had to do was cut open the envelope to access this hidden gem.

Once it was opened up I trimmed the front of the envelope down to 3″ x 4-1/4″. Then from another piece I cut a 3/4″ x 4″ strip keeping the XO design in the centre.

Next I cut a 3-1/4″ x 4-1/2″ piece of Gray Granite Card (to coordinate with the ink spot included with the kit). Then using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I mounted the larger XO background piece onto the card.

For the card base I used my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Thick Very Vanilla Card. After folding it along the scored line I sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder. Then I glued my layered background onto the front.

Going back to the smaller strip of XO background I glued that along the bottom of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Very Vanilla Card. Then I glued a 1/8″ x 4″ strip of Gray Granite Card along the top edge of the XO strip before adding the assembled piece to the inside of the card base.

ONE HAPPY FAMILY

Now I was ready to create the focal point for the card, starting with the One Happy Family Stamp Set from the Stampin’ Up! 2021/2022 Annual Catalogue. There are 18 great sentiments in the set, but for this card I chose “I’m so proud of you”.

First using Gray Granite ink I stamped the sentiment onto a 1/2″ x 2-3/8″ strip of Very Vanilla Card. Then I shaped the left end using the pointed option on the Banners Pick-A-Punch.3

Next I cut a 3/4″ x 2-5/8″ strip of Gray Granite Card and shaped the left end to match the sentiment. The punch made that easy as it has channels to guide 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ strips in both end shapes. Then I glued the sentiment onto the card strip.

Going back to the Kisses & Hugs kit I was ready for the large white heart and iridescent sequins (with attached glue dots). After attaching three sequins around the top left of the heart inside the gold foil line, I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to add it to the card front.

Finally I added the sentiment with more Stampin’ Dimensionals (stacking them where it extended past the edge of the heart). At last the card was finished, but I still had a naked envelope…

So to complete the project I took the “sending you love” stamp from the Kisses & Hugs Stamp Set included with the kit. Then using Gray Granite ink I stamped it in the centre of the flap on a Very Vanilla Medium Envelope. Finally my project was complete and ready to send to a cherished family member.

For more ideas using the Kisses & Hugs kit check out today’s official Paper Pumpkin blog. I’m honoured that my project is one of the alternate designs being showcased there.

FAMILY FUN

Looking ahead, the February Paper Pumpkin kit is called Safari Celebration”. This kit will include enough supplies to create nine A2 cards with coordinating envelopes (3 each of 3 designs).  Plus there’s an exclusive two-step photopolymer stamp set and Rich Razzleberry Stampin’ Spot that you can carry on using long after everything else been used up.  The colours used in the February Paper Pumpkin kit will be Bumblebee, Fresh Freesia, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Succulent and Soft Suede.

I love that the Safari Celebration kit has been designed to work for all sorts of celebrations.  Plus with its animal theme it will be great for making those pesky masculine / gender-neutral projects so many of us struggle with.

To get this all-inclusive card kit simply subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by February 10th.

Did you know that unlike many other subscription services, when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin you are not committing to a fixed number of months.  You’re always free to skip a month if you choose, or even cancel entirely at any time.  If you’re unsure about subscribing, my suggestion is to take it for a test drive. Every Paper Pumpkin kit comes with a satisfaction guarantee, so if you don’t like a kit after you receive it, just contact Stampin’ Up! for a refund.

PRODUCT LIST

If you missed the Kisses & Hugs Paper Pumpkin kit you can now order the Kisses & Hugs Refill Kit. The refill kit only contains the consumable items (everything except the ink spot and exclusive Kisses & Hugs Stamp Set) so it’s cheaper than the full kit. However to order you must be an active Paper Pumpkin subscriber. If you’re not, simply subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, then place your order for the refill. Once that’s done you can go back into your Paper Pumpkin account and unsubscribe if you want.

Listed below are all the other Stampin’ Up! products I used to create today’s project. Now I’m off to prepare for yet another winter storm. See you tomorrow, hopefully!