Category: Blog

Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

I often talk about the Paper Pumpkin kits but I don’t often share what I make with all the supplies once I receive the kit. I am sharing that with you today.

I usually make up a single card of each design (pictured above) as per the instructions. The October kit entitled “Joy to the World” gives you enough supplies to create 8 cards (4 each of the 2 designs) along with the stamp set and ink to complete the project.

This picture below shows just 5 alternative cards that I have made so far but I have so many other ideas that I will be working on this week. I also deconstructed some of the envelopes (love the printed red paper) to add even more supplies to my stash.

As you can see, each kit can be stretched to make many more cards so you always get more bang for your buck with each kit. There is even a Paper Pumpkin Fan Club on Face Book where people showcase all the alternative cards and projects they make from each kit. It is a great source of inspiration and you would be amazed at what people create.

November’s cute, gingerbread-themed kit contains enough supplies to create one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts! Whether you use the kit to create cute gift card holders or traditional cards, the choice is up to you. You can also create tasty-looking gift tags. With curly cutouts, sugary stickers, and delicious die-cut designs in a special-edition box, a jolly holiday will be on its way with this kit! If you want this kit, you will need to Subscribe by Nov 10th.

I also wanted to remind you that the Designer Series Paper sale is coming to an end as of Oct 31st. You can save 15% of selected paper packages so it’s a great time to stock up.

Now for a sneak peak. On of the perks of being a demonstrator (aside from the discount) is that I can access select products before they become available to the general public. I would like to show you this card I made from one of the new products which will be available in January as part Sale-A-Bration. I absolutely love Dragon flies and this set doesn’t disappoint. There is even coordinating Designer Series Paper to make your projects even more appealing.

Lest we Forget

Painted Poppies Thank you Card

I decided to take a break from making Christmas gift card holders for an upcoming virtual market and create something different. With Remembrance Day coming up and due to covid, the ceremonies normally done to honour our veterans will be very different. I created this card using the Poppy Parade and the Peaceful Moments stamp set. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out.

The two stamp sets below work so well together and I find I keep using them over and over again. The also come with coordinating dies so you can stamp the image then cut it out which makes card making so easy. Should you wish to purchase either of these stamp sets, you can visit my online store by clicking here.

Directions

Cut rectangle out of centre – 2 ½ x 3 1/2”. You can use a paper trimmer or if you have a rectangle die, it makes it easy to cut out.

Stamp large flowers on scrap paper and cut out to use as a mask and set aside (I used one large and stamped several smaller images)

Position and centre the rectangle within the cut-out piece of whisper white (secure with a mini glue dot on the back so it doesn’t move)

Stamp large Poppies on the cut-out rectangle ensuring a couple of the flowers go off the paper onto the larger white piece

Using the mask place the flowers over the stamped images of the rectangle (use a mini glue dot to secure them in place)

Leaving the mask in place, stamp the smaller flowers across the paper leaving room on the bottom for the sentiment.  

The mask will prevent you from stamping on the larger flowers.

Stamp the background stamp in Mossy Meadow across the paper to give the greenery some colour.

Stamp the sentiment on the bottom of the whisper white

Remove the mask and colour the flowers using the blender pens.

Adhere both pieces of Whisper White to the front of the card base.

Tie a piece of ribbon in a knot, trim (on an angle) and use a mini glue dot to secure to the front of the card.

Optional

Stamp an image to the other Whisper white piece 

Stamp Sentiment  if desired or leave blank

Adhere to the inside of the card.

Products used to make this card

Mossy Meadow Card Base – 5 ½ x 8 ½” (scored at 4 ¼”)

Whisper white – 5 ¼” x 4” (cut 2)

Scrap paper (for the masking technique)

Stamp Set – Poppy Parade (large and small flowers)

Stamp Set – Peaceful Moments (Sentiment)

Ink – Mossy Meadow

Blender Pens – Cherry Cobbler (light & dark)

Blender Pens – Rococo Rose (light & dark)

Blender Pens – Mossy Meadow (light & dark)

Ribbon – Ornate Garden

Making Gift Card Holders

Another option for gift cards, is to bake up a batch of cute Christmas crafts with the Jolly Gingerbread Paper Pumpkin Kit!

November’s cute, gingerbread-themed kit contains enough supplies to create one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts!

Whether it’s a gift card holder, a traditional card, or a tasty-looking gift tag, this sweet and seasonal kit is the key to heartfelt holiday gifting. With curly cutouts, sugary stickers, and delicious die-cut designs in a special-edition box, a jolly holiday will be on its way with this kit!

Details

  1. Kit contains enough supplies to create 15 gift card holders with coordinating envelopes.
  2. Kit contents can also be used to design traditional holiday cards, gift tags, and other paper projects.
  3. Contents arrive in a collectible, special-edition box!
  4. Project size: 2-1/4″ x 4″
  5. Envelope size: 2-3/4″ x 4-3/8″
  6. Coordinating colors: Cinnamon Cider, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Mint Macaron, Shaded Spruce, Blushing Bride, and Whisper White

There are several options to choose from. You can sign up monthly and receive your own unique kit every month. If you don’t want to commit, you can try it out by purchasing a pre-paid kit for 1 month, 3 month, 6 months or 12 months. Click on one of the links below to see more.

Monthly – click here

One month – click here

Three months – click here

Six months – click here

Twelve months – click here

Speaking of newer Designer Series paper (DSP) , now is a great time to stock up with some beautiful papers. A select group of designs shown below are 15% off until the end of October and there are no limits on what you purchase. Tick! Tock! Time is running out. To shop now, click here to visit my online store.

I recently made up these gift card holders with some retired Christmas paper from last year. Small items like treat boxes or gift card holders are a great way to use up the old papers and make way for the newer Designer Series paper. I also used the new Poinsettia Petals bundle to stamp and cut out the flowers. I am loving this bundle as there are so many possibilities and different sized Poinsettia’s that you can stamp or cut out. Odds and ends of other stuff I had on hand were used to complete them.

This is a picture of the Poinsettia Petals Bundle I used on the gift card holders. As you can see, there are so many different sized flowers and leaves that it will suit just about any project you have in mind. These lovely flowers also suit very well in whites, silvers, blues. Who doesn’t like design options?

To purchase this bundle, click here

Card Kit now available

Card Kit featuring the Snowflake Wishes Stamp set

Would you like to make your own cards to send out to friends and family? This month I am offering a “Christmas Card Kit” so you can do just that. It’s a great activity to do at home, adding a hug between the folds of a card and sending to friends and family members. It is also a great way to get a head start on your holiday activities. You will receive a fun and festive package sent right to your door! This kit is available to anyone in Canada and is intended for all levels of crafters.

Register by the Oct 30th deadline. Kit’s will be shipped by Nov 6th or sooner and they will be delivered right to your door. You will also receive an email from me that includes step-by-step instructions with pictures. To register for this month’s kit or sign up for news on future monthly kits, please send your email to susanbeale@canadianstamper.com to let me know you are interested. Payment can be made through Pay Pal or via an email transfer.

Your kit will include the following;

All Paper is pre-cut and ready to create 8 cards (2 each of 4 different designs). This includes all die and punched elements.

Envelopes for your cards

Adhesive-backed Pearls

Elegant, silver Satin Ribbon 3/8″

1 Sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals 

Exclusive PDF Tutorial providing you with step-by-step instructions. The Tutorial will be emailed to you directly so you can use it over and over again.

** Please note that the stamp set nor the stamped images are not included with your kit but you can substitute the sentiments with your own stamp set or you can add the stamp set to your kit (see below) **

Additional supplies required to complete the cards: 

– D Block for your stamps.

– Selection of adhesives (Mini Glue Dots are also recommended).

– Ink colours used; Pool Party and Balmy Blue

To sign up, you have two options;

OPTION 1: $45

– Your cost includes the entire kit along with all tax and shipping costs

OPTION 2 (Stamp Set Add-on) – $79 

– Includes all items noted in the Kit details above along with the “Snowflake Wishes” Stamp Set shown

Snowflake Wishes

If you wish to purchase the stamp set separately, please visit my store online and use the October Host Code – ATBZRUWZ for all purchases under $200.00. The stamp set can also be purchased as a bundle (with a 10% savings) for both the stamp set and corresponding die cuts.

As the holiday season approaches, something I look forward to most is designing one-of-a-kind holiday cards for my friends and family. This time of year can be expensive though, and I’m always looking to save where I can. Fortunately, the Designer Series Paper Sale this October will help me (and you!) do just that.

During this promotion (1–31 October), you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from the 2020–2021 Annual Catalog and August– December 2020 Mini Catalog! It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up and save on gorgeous Designer Series Paper that you can use in all of your holiday projects.

Let me know if you’d like take advantage of the Designer Series Paper Sale. I’d be happy to place an order for you or you can visit my shop today and stock up on some beautiful paper.

Gift Card Holder

Each year, my hubby asks me to make up a bunch of gift card holders for his team and every year, I look for a new way of presenting gift cards. I decided that this year I would create a wallet so came up with this design. I love how it turned out and there is a spot inside the card to write a personal message. To see the recipe on how to make this card, click here

This is the very last day to sign up and receive all the freebies.

Whether you craft as a hobby or are looking to start a business, this is a great time to join my team and become a demonstrator. When you purchase a starter kit for just $135 (CAD) you get to pick $165 (CAD) of products that appeal to you and your crafting style. So right off the bat, you’ll receive an additional $30.00 of products of your choice FREE

You will also receive the new “So Much Love” stamp set, ($20.00) and the “Queen Anne’s Lace” stamp set ($17.00) as well as a pack of Rhinestone Basic Jewels ($5.00) to embellish your card or crafting projects as well as 8 packs of pre-cut card stock of the coastal cabana pack and 8 packs of pre-cut card stock of the Granny Apple Green pack, to make a total of 16 cards (packs include envelopes).   So just for signing up you will enjoy over $75.00 of FREE products. To join my team and become a demonstrator click here I know you won’t regret it because there are so many amazing products, ideas and support available. Don’t forget to sign up with my September HOST CODE 29XEDHSU for all orders under $200.00 and receive a gift from me, just for signing up and joining my team.

Paper Pumpkin kit

Paper Pumpkin kits are a wonderful way to craft. They include everthing you need to make the monthly projects. They also make a wonderful christmas gift

This months kit is called Joy to the World because it is bringing people from around the world together. The Joy to the World Paper Pumpkin Kit is an exclusive holiday kit that provides a specially-designed box with enough supplies to create eight elegant cards, and an opportunity to connect with the Stampin’ Up! global community.

Sign up and join my team of Paper Pumpkin subscribers before Oct 10th and you will receive your kit by the end of the month. Once you’ve signed up, you can then join the Paper Pumpkin facebook page to see all the alternative cards people make using the same kit. It is inspiring! You can also become a pen pal to people all over the world, sharing cards and ideas. I now have seven pen pals and have already received three beautiful cards from around the world. I love this.

If you have never tried paper pumpkin (or would like to reactivate your subscription) Now is the perfect time. It makes a great gift for yourself or a perfect christmas gift for someone else. You have several options to choose from. You can subscribe monthly to receive a kit every month or you can choose a pre-paid kit for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. As a monthly subscriber, shipping is included. Pre-paid prices do not include shipping. To subscribe, just choose whichever option works best for you. Click here to find out more

We all love gorgeous Designer Series Paper, and during this incredible sale, you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from our current catalogs! Now is a great time to stock up and save on some of our most popular paper designs! To visit my online store and see all the beautiful papers available, click here.

  1. There is no limit to how many packages of Designer Series Paper may be purchased during this promotion.
  2. Only select Designer Series Papers are available at a 15% discount during this promotion.
  3. Orders must be placed—and closed—during the promotion period for the 15% discount to apply.
  4. Designer Series Paper ordered as part of a Starter Kit or with Stampin’ Rewards qualify for the 15% discount

24 hr Stamp Flash Sale 2020

WHAT IS A 24-HOUR STAMP SALE? HOW DOES IT WORK?

A select number of cling and photopolymer stamp sets from the 2020–2021 Annual Catalog will also be available for purchase at a 15% discount.

This sale runs for just 24 hrs, on 23 September from 12:00 AM to 11:50 PM (MT) so you don’t want to miss out.

Orders can be placed three ways.

  1. Send me your wish list by Tuesday evening and I will place the order for you on Wednesday, Sept 23rd. I will need the name of stamp sets you want.
  2. Place your order directly online Sept 23rd, by clicking here, and use the host cost 29XEDHSU for any orders under $200.00
  3. Place your order over the phone by calling 1-800-782-6787. Don’t forget to choose me as your demonstrator and provide the host code 29XEDHSU for any orders under $150.00

Sale prices listed below are only valid only during the flash sale period. If there is a discrepancy in pricing, the Stampin’ Up! website will be deemed the correct price.

The store will have a category entitled “Stamp Sale” that displays every stamp set on sale to ensure a quick and easy shopping experience.

Have fun shopping

Joy to the World is here

I love subscribing to Paper Pumpkin and receiving a monthly surprise the kit offers each month.

This month it gets even better because the October kit is going global. October’s Paper Pumpkin kit was designed to bring people together—connecting to one another and spreading joy with each other around the world! 

The Joy to the World Paper Pumpkin Kit is an exclusive holiday kit that provides a specially-designed box with enough supplies to create eight elegant cards, and an opportunity to connect with the Stampin’ Up! global community.

If you have never tried paper pumpkin (or would like to reactivate your subscription) Now is the perfect time. It makes a great gift for yourself or someone else. You have several options choose from. You can subscribe monthly to receive a kit every month or you can choose a pre-paid kit for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. As a monthly subscriber, shipping is included. Pre-paid prices do not include shipping. To subscribe, just choose whichever option works for you.

Monthly – You will be surprised every month with projects like cards, gift packaging, home décor, and more for just $30.00 a month (shipping included). Talk about happy mail!

1 Month – Enjoy a prepaid one-month delivery of Stampin’ Up!’s subscription kit for just $28.00. After you order, you’ll receive a code via e-mail to redeem your subscription at http://www.PaperPumpkin.com.

3 Months – Enjoy a prepaid three-month delivery of Stampin’ Up!’s subscription kit for just $82.50. After you order, you’ll receive a code via e-mail to redeem your subscription at http://www.PaperPumpkin.com

6 Months – Save $1 every month and enjoy a prepaid six-month delivery of Stampin’ Up!’s subscription kit for $158.00. After you order, you’ll receive a code via e-mail to redeem your subscription at http://www.PaperPumpkin.com

12 Months – Buy 11 kits and get one free when you purchase a prepaid 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscription for $300.00. After you order, you’ll receive a code via e-mail to redeem your subscription at http://www.PaperPumpkin.com

In order to receive this kit, you will need to subscribe by Oct 10th and not only will you get a head start on your holiday crafting—you will be able to create Christmas cards, share project ideas, and spread holiday cheer with Paper Pumpkin subscribers all over the world. There’s no better time to reactive a Paper Pumpkin subscription than for this very special edition kit! 

After you receive your kit, join the Joy of Paper Pumpkin Facebook group to make the most of this month’s kit.

Each Kit contains enough supplies to create eight cards, 4 each of two separate designs along with coordinating envelopes.

Kit includes die-cut pieces in English, French, and German. This will allow you to create cards you can use to connect with other people all around the world—in their language!

So how cool is that? Our world just got a little bit smaller.

Coordinating Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Just Jade, Soft Sea Foam

Gift box thank you cards

Gift box holds 5 cards and envelopes

I made up this gift box using the new in-color Card stock and Matching DSP. The gift box is approximately 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. It holds five 3×3 cards with matching envelopes I left the inside of the cards blank.

I think this would make a great gift for a friend or to keep a stash of cards for yourself so you always have a gift tag on hand. Tuck a few of the cards in your purse and hand out to your favourite hairdresser, a waitress, a care giver or anyone you wish to show appreciation for. They are also perfect to attach to gifts as a gift tag.

Note: The cards are too small to stick in the mail.

To make the cards

Cut a piece of 3 x 6″ card stock, and score at 3″. Fold in half and crease with your bone folder to make a nice crisp fold. I love using the bone folder for that. The DSP is cut at 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ and adhered to the front fo the cared.

I added the sentiment to the front. It is cut in white card stock with the 2″ circle punch. I also used the starburst punch in matching cardstock behind the sentiment to finish off the look. Voila! you have a card and really, how easy it that?

To make the envelopes

Cut coordinating DSP at 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″. I used the envelope punch board to make the envelopes for the cards, following the punch and scoring lines for the 3×3″ cards. However if you don’t have a punch board (retired now) you could just fold all the corners in so that you have a 3 x 3″ square. Tacking three sides down with adhesive.

To make the card box.

Cut your Card stock at 9 1/8″ x 8 1/4″. This is for the card box.

Score on the long side at 7/8″, 4 1/8″, 5″ and 8 1/4″

Score on the short side at 7/8″ and 7 3/8″

It should look like the picture, when finished.

FYI, I made a couple of these boxes so chose two different colours in the pictures to best show off the score lines

Trim up the tabs as shown then crease all the fold lines using your bone folder. I find trimming is easier before I fold but that is a personal choice.

Adhere the tabs using the Stampin Seal Plus as this gives it a stronger seal for 3D projects.

This is what it looks like when completed. I notched the top of the lid with a 1″ punch to provide a bit of an opening.

As you can see, the notch is slightly off centre because I eye balled it. I recommend you make a small pencil mark for the centre before punching. Live and learn right? It never ends…

Cut a second piece of card stock at 7 15/16″ x 4 1/16″. This if for the insert

Score on the long side at 3 1/4″, 4″ and 4 3/4″

Score on the short side at 1/2″ at ends

Trim ends so it looks like this then fold. The middle score line is mountain and the other two are valley folds. The tabs should be folded outwards

This is what is will look like.

Add adhesive to the tabs on the sides then position it inside the card box, gently placing the tabs to the front and back on the box.

This is what the finished box looks like with the insert and cards inside.

Cut matching DSP at 6 1/4′ x 3″. This is for the top of the box

Cut a mat (Optional) at 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Adhere to the front of the box. I chose to add the same sentiment to the front of the box as the cards inside.

This is a similar design. If you choose to create this card box along with the cards/envelopes inside, a word of caution. They are very addictive to make.

Supplies used

Card stock

Fall treats or give thanks?

Sadly Summer is coming to and end but as the autumn season approaches, prepare to celebrate with the September Paper Pumpkin Kit! There’s so much to love about fall. Some people love the haunts of Halloween while others love this time to give thanks, and still others love the changing colours of the season and the cooler temperatures. Whatever you love most about fall, September’s kit has everything you need to celebrate the season your way! Between a multi-occasion stamp set and enough supplies to design 20 cracker box treat packages, you can create custom fall crafts to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkins, and leaves. Whether you make them all the same or mix ‘n’ match your crafts, there’s something for everyone in this kit!

There is just two days left to sign up for this month’s kit. Click here to subscribe before it’s too late and you will be creating in no time.

Details

Each Kit contains enough supplies to create 20 cracker box treat packages.

Each cracker box treat package can be customized to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, the autumn season, or all three! So whether you want halloween treats or that perfect something, to place at each place setting on your thanksgiving table, we have you covered.

September’s kit is a must-have for those who love to celebrate all things spooky. But, for those who don’t enjoy the Halloween haunts, the multi-occasion stamp set combined with a variety of die-cut and reversible paper pieces offers many ways to customize your fall crafts!

Coordinating Colors: Bumblebee, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Cinnamon Cider, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, white

Back to school – Back to the basics

When all the back to school activity is going on, it always makes me think of new beginnings and of trying new things. It’s a time to take a fresh look and take stock of what is going on. The same applies to crafting. I know when I started making cards, I didn’t have a clue what I needed or where to even start. Cards can be made with just paper but stamping an image or sentiment will allow you to expand on your skills and also tailor the card to something more specific, such as a birthday or anniversary. Personally I like how it just adds to the overall look of the card.

As an example, adding a stamped image, a die cut or a sentiment adds to the overall impression and a little bling or a piece of ribbon is always a bonus and makes the card “pop” just a little bit more.

If you want to try your hand at card making or any sort of paper crafts, there are a few essentials you will need

Paper Trimmer – A good paper trimmer will cleanly cut your card stock and paper without leaving rough edges. I’ve tried the cheaper versions and was forever changing the blades to get the clean cut,(which are not cheap) so I decided to purchase a better trimmer from Stampin’ Up! (SU) and have never regretted it. The SU trimmer can hold paper up to 12″ x 12″ and comes with it’s own scoring tool as well so it does double duty.

Small pair of paper snip scissors (for delicate trimming). I love these for the more intricate cuts

Larger or normal pair of scissors (cutting paper or ribbon). I am pretty sure you have a pair lying around at home.

Bone Folder – This is used to burnish card stock to create a crisp and clean fold line. It can also be used to score a line when needed. It is not essential but it is a tool that is nice to have on hand

Adhesive – Comes in many types and some are better than others. I personally don’t skimp and buy the good stuff. Some of the cheaper dollar store variety just don’t hold up over time. However it really comes down to your personal preference and what works for you. Personally I use a variety depending on the project I am working on.

  • Liquid Multi-purpuse glue – Great for cards because it dries clear and has both a fine tip and a broad tip. It also allows a few seconds to position your paper before fully sticking.
  • Tear & Tape (double sided tape) – I like to use this on 3D projects such as gift boxes. I find it holds well and love how easy it is to use.
  • Stampin Seal Adhesive is a roller tape and comes in both light and heavy duty. The light is great for cards and refills can be purchased separately.
  • Stampin Seal + Adhesive is exactly the the same as Stamin Seal but it is designed for more heavy duty projects such as gift boxes or other 3D projects. Refills can also be purchased separately

Pencil & Ruler – both essential to mark a spot or measure a line.

Grid paper – This is not really essential but I like the grid paper as a work surface and protects your table. It also comes with grid lines for easy measuring.

The selections of stamps is massive but it’s important to know what you are looking for. There are three types of stamps, Clear Mount, Wood Mount and Photopolymer stamps. Most Stampin’ Up! stamps are available in either the Clear mount or the wood mount while some are only available in photopolymer. Personally I like the Clear mount or the Photopolymer stamps because they are easier to position on your paper.

Acrylic Block – Blocks are used to mount your stamps on before stamping and the clear blocks come in 9 different sizes to suit the various sizes of stamps. I highly recommend the Stampin’ Up! blocks over store brand ones as they are 1/2″ thick and the sides have finger grips so there is less slippage when your are stamping. The one I use the most is a 3″ x 4″ block but you will need a larger block for some images. I would recommend having at least 3-4 different sizes if you plan to craft a lot. To see the full set of blocks available, click here. There is even a Caddy to store them all in for easy storage.

Last but not least, you will need ink and paper for your projects. I highly recommend kits for beginners. They are wonderful projects that include everything you need to make up your project. As an example, the Joy of Sharing kit includes everything you need to make 15 Christmas cards/envelopes and includes a 7 piece stamp set, ink and a block to use when stamping which you can use over and over again. The kit even includes a lovely box to store your finished cards. So how easy is that?

As you move forward with crafting you may decide to purchase a die cut tool. The Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine makes precise cuts and detailed embossed images every time. You can use this machine to die cut images or with embossing to easily create accents and elements for cards, scrapbook pages, party invitations, classroom projects, and more. This machine has a wide 6″ platform for larger dies and full-size embossing folders. Works with all Stampin’ Up! dies and embossing folders. Includes 1 Base Plate, 1 Die Plate, 2 Cutting Plates, and 1 Specialty Plate.

Should you wish to explore crafting further, I would love it if you were to join my team as a customer or as a new demonstrator. As one of my team, I will help you become inspired and offer 100 percent support. Now is also the perfect time to sign up as a new demonstrator before Sept 30. There are so many freebies, including pre-cut card stock to make 8 cards, two stamp sets, rhinestone jewels all just for signing up. Please contact me for all the details or visit my online store to find out more then click on “Join Now” I look forward to welcoming you to my team.