june 2024 paper pumpkin – life is sweet alternatives

june 2024 paper pumpkin – life is sweet alternatives

The June 2024 Paper Pumpkin Life is Sweet arrived in the mail last week and I have been busy creating simple stamping alternative cards. I added 6 sheets of Basic White cardstock and created 8 simply stamped Paper pumpkin Alternative cards in a snap with minimal supplies from the kit – I will be able to create so many more alternative cards!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White: (8) 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Layer” Basic White: (8) 4″ x 5 1/4″ embossed

I embossed the Basic White layers with the Dotted Circle 3D, Distressed Tile and So Swirly embossing folders.

I scored the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ pieces of cardstock in half at 4 1/4″ and adhered the Basic White embossed layer with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
I loved the fruit images that come in the kit and wanted to do some clean and simple alternative cards from the kit with just the fruit die cuts.

I added two cherry images to the card front.

I used a scrap of Basic White and added a sentiment in Poppy Parade ink. I used a Blending Brush to add color to the edges after I die cut it with the Deckled Rectangles die set!
I popped up the sentiment over the cherry images on the card.
I used the dark Poppy Parade Stamnpin’ Blends marker to color the pearls that came in the kit and added them to the card front.
I stamped and fussy cut the “thanks” sentiment out and popped it up over another cherry image. I also colored the Gingham ribbon with the Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blends marker – I love this technique to be able to coordinate ribbon with ANY project!
For my third cherry image card I lightly dragged the Poppy Parade ink pad over the embossed surface to create a colored background!
I used the So Swirly background for the next card and the lemon image from the kit. I stamped the Thanks in Crushed Curry ink and the sweet friend sentiment directly below that in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and fussy cut the words out and popped them up over the Gingham colored ribbon!
I flipped this card on it’s edge to create a colored landscape background in Peach Pie. I added various Peach cut outs and the thanks stamped in Peach Pie and fussy cut and popped up over the peaches>
For this card I added white thread, I stamped the sentiment onto a 1/2″ strip and blended in Crushed Curry color with a Blending Brush. I popped up one of the lemon die cuts from the kit and the card is complete!
This next alternative card used the Distressed Tile 3D embossing folder and a Deckled Rectangle die cut for the sentiment. I popped up the sentiment and one of the peaches, I tucked one of the larger peaches under the sentiment die and adhered one of the smallest ones onto the left corner of the sentiment. I added Peach Pie In Color Shimmer Gems and another simply stamped alternative!
The last simply stamped alternative uses one of my favorite easy techniques. Stamp a long sentiment in one color and then cut the sentiment apart into single words or phrases. Stamp the sentiment in another color and cut out the words you wish to highlight or spotlight! I popped up the Crushed Curry stamped words sweeter and friends to highlight those among the entire sentiment!
I added Black and White Gingham ribbon and the tinsel gems embellishment! Super easy but super cute!
Now it’s your turn to go and create some simply stamped alternative projects – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

delicate wings paper pumpkin alternatives

delicate wings paper pumpkin alternatives

What a great new Paper Pumpkin arrived for April! Have you seen the Delicate Wings kit? It is an all-inclusive kit that includes everything to make 9 cards and envelopes according to the printed instructions or so much more if you make alternatives!
Today’s blog post is all about Paper Pumpkin alternatives!

Here is a photo of the instruction sheet.

Below are all of the contents of the kit and the cards that it will make if following the included instruction sheet.
There is also an add-on package with four coordinating dies a shaped sentiment die, the word thanks, and a butterfly outline and inside detailed die! Such a cool add-on!
One of the great things about this kit is that the cards are printed on the front and back so if you cut them apart and add them to additional cardstock you can double the cards right off the bat! This first alternative card I used a half sheet of one of the card bases (Basic Gray background with butterflies in gold foiling). I adhered that piece to a basic White cardstock base. I cut the envelope apart and used the printed flap as the side piece and matted it onto Basic White cardstock scrap. I adhered one of the colored butterfly punch outs to the upper left hand side of the card and stamped one of the sentiments onto a sentiment piece.
I added Iridescent Rhinestones to finish this card off!
The second alternative card uses a New Basic Colored cardstock called Basic Beige – I really like this new neutral it will be great paired with almost any other color – I would venture to say!
I ran the envelope of Basic Beige through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine and used a small piece behind a quarter sheet of the Lost Lagoon base card. I popped up the Basic Beige large butterfly die cut and added a sentiment and embellishments for an easy and dynamic card!
For my third alternative card I used the embossed envelope piece and cut it in two parts and used a small piece of the Basic Grey card in between the two embossed envelope pieces! I added a Spotlight on Nature die cut for the stamped butterfly image in Basic Grey ink and stamped another envelope scrap for the sentiment. I added three butterfly small die cuts and embellishments to finish card #3!
Starting with a Basic Beige cardstock base for #4 alternative card I added a 1/2 sheet of the Lost Lagoon card piece and cut it down to 4″ x 5 1/4″ (save the scraps for lining the inside pieces!) and I used the middle pieces just like the instructions say to layer them and added them on top of the Lost Lagoon foiled layer. I added Iridescent Rhinestones and card 4 is done.
Alternative card 5 features another Basic Beige cardstock base and a 1/4 of the Lost Lagoon foiled card as a band across the center. I added a sentiment to the butterfly layer and added two small butterfly die cuts and rhinestones to the mix to set this card to fabulous! card #5 is done!
I used one of the diagonal pieces behind the Basic Beige butterfly partial cut out piece and mounted that onto the gold foil layer. I added four 1/4″ strips of the envelope flap gold foiled butterfly image to the base of Basic Beige, I added three Iridescent Rhinestones – I love the speckled image under the butterfly cut out!
Alternative Card 7 used half of a Lost Lagoon card base mounted onto a Wild Wheat card base. I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey ink onto one of the sentiment circle die cuts and added two butterfly cut outs and three rhinestones to complete the card!
For the last of this batch of alternative Paper Pumpkin cards I used a Basic Grey card base and added a 2 5/8″ x 5 1/2″ piece of the Basic Grey and gold foiled butterfly card base. I moounted the diagonal piece to the card base and then adhered the Basic Grey layer over that. I stamped the sentiment onto a scrap sentiment die cut I had laying around and stamped the little butterfly from the set onto the Basic Beige circle die and popped both of those up on Stampin’ Dimensionals! I added rhinestones for the final touch and that concludes and paper Pumpkin alternative cards for now, although I think I will be making more very soon!!

Hope you enjoyed these simple stamping alternative cards! Now it’s your turn – go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Open House today 1-3 pm  -join us for some papercrafting fun!

Open House today 1-3 pm -join us for some papercrafting fun!

Super excited to be able to share the new Annual Catalog with everyone today. Honestly this is one of the best catalogs I can remember – it is a little smaller but looks more like a crafting magazine with all the tips and tricks you could hope for!

From 1-3 pm today at my home, I will be hosting a New Annual Catalog Open house – the last one we had so much fun I had to kick some of you out at the end LOL!!

Just putting the finishing touches on everything and I have the cookies in the oven! See you this afternoon – get ready for so many new samples and products! Prize drawings and a few make-n-take projects as well! Come visit with other crafters and have some fun!

Message me if you need directions or any other information!

There will be an entire section of retired products for sale.
Below are just a sampling of the items that will be for sale
All Die Bundles will be $25
and $35 and $40 for the hybrid and double bundles (prices as marked)
All Single Punch Bundles $20
Stamp sets $10 and $15 (priced as marked)
Punches $10
Embossing Folders $5 or priced as marked
I’ll have my famous chocolate chip cookies and other treats and we will have several FREE make-n-take projects to do!

There will be loads of samples of some of the new Designer Series Paper and sign-ups for upcoming classes and paper shares!

Join me from 1-3pm and see a bunch of new products and fun ideas!

Hope to see you soon!

Natalie

Here are some of the before pictures of today’s set up!
The Upcoming Kit Together on May 20th from 1-3pm sign ups and samples of the two projects available to do – I still have a few spots open!
New catalogs!!
The new catalog has a new Mix and Match section for the easiest card making yet for those that are time challenged!
New Paper Pumpkin and Kits Collection samples and displays!
New stamp sets and bundles, samples and displays of new DSP!
So much fun – hope to see you at the next one!
Congratulations to Gail and Betsy – door prize winners!
new annual catalog open house one week away – come see all the exciting new things

new annual catalog open house one week away – come see all the exciting new things

Well things are busy around here! I am getting ready for my New Catalog Open House and our construction crew is lakeside rebuilding our permanent dock. It is noisy and busy!!

Next Wednesday May 1st the new catalog will go live and I will be hosting a New Catalog Open House from 1-3pm.

Come for a few minutes or the whole time!
It is a come and go event with free projects, lots of samples, snacks and prizes!

Message me for all the details if you did not already get an invitation!

One of the things I will be highlighting are the 2024-2026 In Color Collection featuring Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Returning Pretty In Pink, Shy Shamrock and my favorite Summer Splash (I even like the name!)

This year launches a updated website and new downline and plans for a new Stampin’ Studio!
So much excitement! It also launches a new rewards program! The new Pixie Points Program is highlighted on my website and if you are a regular customer and order from me you can earn rewards! Check out the program in the Rewards tab – Pixie Points Program!
Here are some of the cards and New In Colors I will be highlighting at the Open House.

Peach Pie featuring the New Spotlight on Nature Bundle!

Below is also a comparison to current and past colors! The current colors are on the left below the specific In Color and the past retired colors are on the right.

Petunia Pop is a lovely new purple hued In Color.

Below is also a comparison to current and past colors! The current colors are on the left below the specific In Color and the past retired colors are on the right.

Pretty in Pink is a returning color – so popular and a great pink to compliment our other colors!

Below is also a comparison to current and past colors! The current colors are on the left below the specific In Color and the past retired colors are on the right.

Shy Shamrock is a springtime green!

Below is also a comparison to current and past colors! The current colors are on the left below the specific In Color and the past retired colors are on the right.

The last In Color (my personal favorite) is Summer Splash. A beautiful compliment to Coastal Cabana!

Below is also a comparison to current and past colors! The current colors are on the left below the specific In Color and the past retired colors are on the right.

The In Colors are available in coordinating ribbon, ink pads, cardstock, two different embellishment packs, 6″ x 6″ DSP!
Come check out these and many more fun displays, projects and so much more.

I will also have some of my retired items for sale!

Now go and create some art work of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

2024 march memorable meadows paper pumpkin alternative cards

2024 march memorable meadows paper pumpkin alternative cards

Paper Pumpkin –
A MONTHLY CRAFTING SUBSCRIPTION

If you’re looking for a fun and simple creative outlet paper crafting might be your best option! It’s fun, creative, and handmade projects bring joy to you and to others. And nothing makes paper crafting as fun, easy, and creative as Paper Pumpkin! Everything You Need in a Craft Box

One issue crafters often run into is feeling overwhelmed by their project. Lack of inspiration, proper supplies and crafty know-how might discourage you from even starting a project and unlocking your creative potential!

This never happens with a craft subscription box from Paper Pumpkin. That’s because everything you need for your project is included in your monthly art box. All you have to do is open it up and get started. You’ll be able to make cards, treat bags, gift boxes and so much more with your monthly art box subscription.

March 2024 features a beautiful art box that contains everything you need to make 3 sets of 3 cards – a total of 9 cards from gorgeously printed cards that coordinate with the Online Exclusives suite of products – Meandering Meadows. Today I am highlighting 4 alternatives cards in this blog.

This set contains wood elements, iridescent embellishments, coordinating envelopes and purple vellum pieces. These are the two stamp sets that come in this kit.
The card pieces are printed on both the front and back making them perfect for alternative projects to be cut apart. For the first alternate card I made a simple z-fold fun fold card using half of the card with the tree pattern on them. I cut the card in half and then cut that piece to two pieces of 2″ x 5 1/4″. I grabbed a Gorgeous Grape card base of 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored the card in half at 4 1/4″ and then at 2 1/8″. I cut a Basic White inside piece to 4″ x 5 1/4″ I saved the thin slice to use on the Basic White layer.
I used the retiring Vellum Basics which is on sale for $6 (#160839) and still in stock as of saving this post. I cut the vellum to a 2 3/4″ square and die cut a smaller white square from the Stylish Shapes die set which is one of my all time favorites!
This is how I cut the card and I will use all the vertical pieces of the left side of the card.
I adhered the most left hand piece of the card to the first panel.
Adhere the second 2″ piece to the middle panel.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the right hand panel and then adhere the 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the right hand side of the Basic White layer.
Stamp a sentiment onto the square in a diamond orientation. I stamped off the smaller flower image and stamped the petals around the sentiment.
Adhere the left side of the white diamond to the vellum square with stamping dimensionals positioned in a diamond orientation. Only put Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the left side of the Basic White layer and add to the vellum diamond. Add Stampin’ Seal only under the Basic White diamond on the left side – adhere to the first panel only placing the points of the top and bottom of the diamond directly over the score line between the first and second panels.
I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to the finished card for a little coordinating bling.
The second alternate card I used a half sheet of card base cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″ used one of the purple vellum pieces layered with the wooden tree embellishment attached with the glue dots and the added a sentiment piece. I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to finish off this simple card but by cutting the base in half and adding cardstock I can at least double the cards in the kit!
The third card is a double Z-fold using the brand new In Color cardstock Petunia Pop!
I cut the card in half at 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″, then I cut the other side of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ to 3″ x 11″ and scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″. Flipped the cardstock so the 3″ piece has the larger side on the left and the 4 1/4″ piece has the larger panel on the right .

I cut two Basic White cardstock pieces one to 4″ x 5 1/4″ and one to 2 3/4″ X 2 1/2″.

I cut the daisy printed card base.

I cut the card base at the score line. I cut the left side of the card base to 4″ and then at 2″ x 4″, 2″ x 4″ and 1/4″ x 4″. I took the right hand piece and cut horizontally across at 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″.
Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ to the largest panel of the 4 1/4″ card base. Attach the smaller white piece to the smaller right hand panel of the 3″ card stock base.
Adhere the 2″ x 4 ” pieces to the first panel of the 4 1/4″ piece and to the right hand side of the Basic White piece on the back panel.
Adhere the smaller panel to the middle of the back panel over the Basic White piece.
Adhere the daisy cut 3″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the larger panel of the 3″ Petunia Pop card base.

Adhere the back left hand side to the first panel of the back card base.

I stamped the sentiment from the kit stamp set on the smaller inside piece. and added a few Purple Shimmer Gems for the final touch for this beautiful card.
The last alternate card for today for the Memorable Meadows M Product List

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birthday sparkle kit together alternatives

birthday sparkle kit together alternatives

Well the new design for the website published yesterday! How do you like it? Let me know! While this is not a Paper Pumpkin alternative it is a kit alternative so I placed it within the Paper Pumpkin tab for easy access! Tuesday of this coming week on the 9th of April, I will be hosting the first Kit Together at my home. What is a Kit Together? Stampin’ Up! started selling all-inclusive kits for easy stamping options last year and every month have been releasing new products. To date there are at least 27 past and current kit collections for sale on the website in English and many are available in French as well! The Birthday Sparkle kit released last month and I decided to do an alternatives class with the kit. Interested in joining us from 1-3PM? Send me an RSVP! We are changing the kit slightly and doing four cards instead of 2 cards and 2 tags! One card will be exactly as the directions in the kit, but the others are all alternative cards! If you want to join us the class is $10 for the 4 cards or you can buy the kit for $23 and get the stamp set, ink spot, acrylic block, and all the supplies to make 6 cards and 6 tags.
Below are the pictures from the Stampin’ Up! website of what the kit includes:
” Order # 163865
BIRTHDAY SPARKLE KIT (ENGLISH)
$23.00
Create glittering birthday cards and gift tags with the Birthday Sparkle Kit! This kit includes six cards and six gift tags. Create each project with the included stamp set, die-cut paper pieces, and twine. It also includes other elements such as glitter stickers, pressed wood picks, coordinating envelopes, and gold foil paper pieces! It’s easy to create each project for your recipient or get ahead on your crafting for the year by making quick multiples. Either way, you’ve got a special paper craft that your recipients will love! Also available in French.

Kit includes:
*Birthday Sparkle Photopolymer Stamp Set
*Clear Stamp Block
*Early Espresso Stampin’ Spot
*Predesigned projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
*Make 6 cards and 6 gift tags
*Cards: 3 each of 2 designs; folded card 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
*Gift tags: 3 each of 2 designs; largest tag 2-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ (5.7 x 8.9 cm)
* 6 preprinted envelopes
*Enough adhesive to complete projects
*Gold glitter stickers and pressed wood picks.
*Baker’s Twine in Early Espresso and White
*A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Product colors: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, gold glitter

Kits by Stampin’ Up! are perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects. All-inclusive project kits have everything you need in one box! Give as a gift or try them yourself. Kits are while supplies last. Order today!”

And this is the stamp set that comes in the kit:
I added two Brushed Gold Cards and Envelopes to the mix to change the tags that come in the kit into cards. This item is currently back-ordered but will continue into the new Annual Catalog and should be back soon!
This first card was done exactly according to the kit instructions which are full colored instruction sheets and very helpful for those that do not want to go off-script!

Sweet layers and pop-up balloons make this a beautiful and easy birthday card anyone would be proud to send and happy to receive!

I modified one of the tags and popped it up on the Brushed Gold Cards and Envelopes. Changed the stamping and made a fun and easy card out of one of the tags!
For the second tag card I added a 2″ panel embossed with the polka dots from the Basics 3D embossing folder and popped up the tag over that panel on the Brushed Gold card.
This last card I changed up and added a window sheet and some foam adhesive strips to the mix to make a shaker card with the Iridescent Shaker Circles, which will be retiring. These are a must have if you like to make shaker cards. They are full of fun and whimsy and I love this card!
Come join us Tuesday and if you can’t this is a great kit to buy and have for all those birthday cards needed for the rest of the year! With just a few extra supplies you can double the cards in the kit and get 12 cards instead of 6 cards and 6 tags! there are left over pieces that could easily make another card of two as well!

Now go and create some birthday cards of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie