This month Paper Pumpkin subscribers were treated to a great kit called Gifts Galore. It contained an exclusive stamp set, ink spot and enough supplies to make 9 treat packages. What was unusual about this kit though was the extra large size of the three different designs. The Christmas tree version was the smallest at 5″ x 6-1/16″. Then the pile of gifts came in at 4-9/16″ x 6-3/8″, and finally the snowman was 4-1/2″ x 6-7/16″.

While these large images were the most obvious part of the Gifts Galore kit, what turned them into treat packaging were the snowflake printed cellophane bags and white boxes they sat in. All in all it’s an amazing kit but not everyone wants or needs nine large treat packages. So today I wanted to bring you an alternate card idea. If you didn’t get the kit there’s also a simple technique to use on other printed elements or paper.

SNOWFLAKE START

With the size of the large printed pieces it was impossible to fit them onto the front of a standard A2 card base. But I didn’t have any larger envelopes to hand so I knew I’d need to adapt my snowman a little.

I began by using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score some Pool Party Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create a card base.

Then from the stamp set included in the Gifts Galore kit I chose the image of small snowflakes and dots. Using Tuxedo Black ink I stamped the snowflakes over the front of the card base to create a custom background.

While I had the stamp set and ink pad to hand I decided to make the snowflakes the coordinating feature for the rest of the project. So next I stamped the them over the flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Then I created a snowflake border along the top of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Finally, using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) I attached the stamped Basic White layer inside the card base.

Now I was ready to work on the front of the card.

SHAVE YOUR SNOWMAN

Taking one of the large snowmen from the kit I held him up against the front of the card base. I adjusted him slightly so the top and left side of the snowman were level with the edges of the card base, this meant the snowman had to be tilted just a little. Then holding everything very firmly I turned the card over so I could see how much of the snowman had to be trimmed off. Using a pencil I drew on the back of the snowman piece using the edge of the card base as a guide. Then I cut off the excess with my Paper Trimmer.

As I was about to attach the snowman to the front of the card I decided he needed a little more definition. So using the writing tip of a Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker I drew around all the printed areas, outlining each of the various colours. Oh my goodness, what a different that made!

So now I was ready to attach the altered snowman to my card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Finally from the kit I took one of the white banner pieces and stamped “Merry Christmas” (from the kit stamp set). With a few more Stampin’ Dimensionals I added the sentiment to the card and my alternate project was complete.

GIFTS GALORE REFILL KITS

If you’re looking for a quick and easy option for Christmas Cards you might want to consider getting the Gifts Galore Refill Kit. The refill kit doesn’t contain the exclusive stamp set or ink spot, but all the other parts are there. That means among everything else you’ll get 18 large images (6 each of the snowman, the tree, and the pile of presents)

To order the Gifts Galore Refill Kit you must be a Paper Pumpkin subscriber. So if you’re not, subscribe now. Then order your Gifts Galore Refill Kit (and any other past Paper Pumpkin kits or refill kits you want). Finally, if you don’t want to get the Lots of Pun card kit when it’s released next month simply ‘skip’ the kit, or unsubscribe completely. It’s as easy as that.

For more information about the Gifts Galore Kit and other alternate projects, check out the official Paper Pumpkin Blog.

PRODUCT LIST

In addition to the pieces taken from the kit, here’s the other Stampin’ Up! products I used on today’s card project.