I’ve been a crafter for as long as I can remember, but my focus has changed over the years. I started out with paper crafts, then migrated to sewing and fiber crafts like knitting, crocheting, and weaving. I was drawn back to paper several years ago and started getting Paper Pumpkin kits from Stampin' Up in 2016. I didn’t have any experience with stamping yet but enjoyed the projects because all the supplies were provided, and I could follow the directions to end up with a great-looking result! Through some talented friends, I started to learn there was a whole world of options with stamping, and I absorbed as much as I could from them and from online resources. Fast forward a few years, and I still recieve the kits! Sometimes I make the projects as directed, but often I use them as the launching point for new ideas. I love that there’s flexibility to enjoy the supplies in all kinds of ways! I’m sharing 4 different projects from this month’s kit, so scroll down to see them all because I saved the best for last!
November’s Paper Pumpkin creates 15 gift card holders with a gingerbread theme, and they are so cute!
I did assemble some as gift card holders and stepped them up a bit using Beth Rush’s idea of adding a ribbon pull.
There were still tons of supplies left after I made the gift card holders I needed, so I converted some into gift tags and ornaments by cutting apart the houses to use as separate pieces. I added a little extra interest on some of them by creating an interactive door on the white overlay. I cut a 1/2” x 3/4” rectangle of scrap paper and scored it at 1/4” on the short side. I glued it to the back of the white tag to act as a hinge for the door, with a second door glued on top to hide the hinge and keep things tidy. When the door is open, you can see the sentiment from the included stamp set and a repurposed heart punched out from the top of the tag.
Next, I paired more kit components with trees from a retired Stampin' Up stamp set called Yummy Christmas to make an easel card.
Now, if you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know that I love interactive cards and pop-ups! I really wanted to make a pop-up with this kit and managed to get a house to just barely fit inside an A2 card for a fun surprise. I really love this card and hope you do too! If you would like to make your own, check out my free tutorial. The amazing and supportive Rachel Tessman was kind enough to also create a video, which she’ll post on her blog on December 3rd. ETA: Rachel has posted!
If you don’t already subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, check it out! The full November kit that includes the stamp and ink is no longer available, but there are currently refills if you’re already a subscriber.
Judging from the sneak peeks, next month’s kit will be ”beary” cute and is available to order until December 10th! If you‘re in the U.S. and would like to subscribe with me, I’ll send you a handmade thank you card, and I’ll be sure to let you know when I post new ideas!