I really do love getting my Paper Pumpkin box each month.  Even though I have lots of supplies and make cards regularly I love having something arrive that I can make quickly and without a lot of thought if I'm in a hurry or not feeling inspired. 

I also love that I can create alternatives if I want.  There are always great elements and stamps that allow for lots of individual creativity.  

This card was very easy to put together.  I used the small splatter stamp to recreate the look on the card base.  This saying from the retired Here's To Strong Women set is one that I still use all the time.  

Adding a very simple Happy Birthday to this card completes it.  I simply layered the banners, added the flowers and called it a day! So simple. 

When the envelopes are printed I like to cut them up as well!  The pattern makes for a great focal point on this sample.  

These cards both use the die cut piece as a stencil. 

I simply flipped it over and used the Blending Brush to add color.  Such an easy and beautiful way to create a background.  

I always make at least one of each card as intended.  I do love how these look! 

So which do you prefer?  Doing the kit as intended or creating your own designs? If you are interested in subscribing to Paper Pumpkin or learning more about it click here!  

The Sweet Stockings Suite offers so many options for card making and it's really hard to resist the adorable animal faces!  Notice that there are so many ways to incorporate the matching Designer Series Paper (DSP) in this suite too. 

The Santa Paws card comes together easily by pairing the stamp set with the matching Designer Series Paper.  I stamped the dog in Old Olive ink on Old Olive card stock for my background.  A few strips of DSP and some ribbon and it's looking good! 

Use the Designer Series Paper to provide a quick and easy patterned stocking.  Simply cut out with the largest stocking die.  I cut the top and toe pieces with the Jolly Felt to add some dimension.  Pairing the Pool Party Striped Grosgrain with the Evening Evergreen Chevron from the Annual Catalog is the perfect addition to the card. 

This suite can help you knock out all your holiday cards at once! 

Some coloring with the Blends was the perfect touch on these adorable faces.  Notice that you can cut out the stockings from the Designer Series Paper with the coordinating dies. 

This suite is in my list of top favorite products in the new mini! The other thing I love?  How well it pairs with the Quiet Meadow bundle in the Annual Catalog.  Below are three ideas using the Nature's Harvest Bundle. 

Mixing Annual Catalog products with mini catalog stretches everything further.  I added the font background stamp and the Thinking of You sentiment from the Quiet Meadow bundle for this card.  

Don't be afraid to stick to neutral colors on a card! I used Crumb Cake exclusively outside of the pop of yellow from the Harvest Meadow Designer Series Paper pack.  

This card got a lot more color than the one above.  Bumblebee, Misty Moolight and Just Jade were my go to on this card. 

This card was one we made in my last class (Best of Bundles).  I liked the look of the Diamond Weave ribbon. 

TIP: To adhere it I added my adhesive to the card base and then folded the ribbon and pressed it to the adhesive.  It sticks better when you apply it directly to the paper instead of directly to the ribbon. 

Sponge some crumb cake ink the edges of your banner to create a more vintage look.  

The Penguin Place Suite and coordinating Penguin Playmates Designer Series Paper are a current favorite of mine. There are so many ways to use these products to create adorable cards.  

The penguin can be stamped or punched thanks to the coordinating punch. 

​Above I stamped the cute critter directly on my card stock.  I coordinated with Regals colors to create a fun birthday card. Using the Regals 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper makes an easy background.  It's hard to see in the photo but there's some Wink of Stella on that balloon! 

For this card I switched to the Designer Series Paper and fussy cut some of the cute critters out.  The paper makes putting together a card so easy! The only stamping on this one is the sentiment.  The rest is all thanks to the adorable paper which is a FREE Sale a Bration item you can earn with a $50 purchase.  

Are you a Halloween fan?  Whether you are or not I don't know how you can resist these adorable boxes.  

When I was looking at the sample in the catalog I realized that the ribbon used on the project was purple...but we don't sell a purple gingham ribbon!  It occurred to me that you would be able to color the ribbon with a Blends marker.  

I used my Rich Razzleberry Blend to add color to the black and white ribbon.  Simply run the brush side of the marker along the fabric and you'll add color.  I always do this over scrap paper or something else that can get dirty because the ink will bleed through and I go off the edges! 

​There are so many benefits to joining Stampin’ Up! and I would love to have you on my team.  It’s truly the best value since you choose $125 worth of product for only $99 and get free shipping.  Plus a past Paper Pumpkin kit, plus catalogs, plus business supplies (you can pass on to me or another team member if you don’t need them!) You get the picture!

​And now through the end of September you also get to choose any bundle from the Aug-Dec mini for free. 

Here are some of the other top reasons I encourage you to join:

1. You can receive/earn a 20%-25% discount on all your orders/income on sales (this includes your own Paper Pumpkin subscription). 
2. You do not have to sell anything.  MANY demonstrators join simple for the discount and this is absolutely fine.  You can purchase for yourself only.  These demonstrators are often referred to as “hobby demonstrators”.  In fact, nearly all my current team members are hobby demonstrators.
3. To stay active you must have $300 in sales every quarter. If you do not meet this, you have one month to make it up or you are dropped.  There are NO penalties to dropping.  You also have extra time when you first join.  You have the current quarter as well as the next full quarter for your first $300.
4. You get access to the catalogs early including options to order product early! A copy of each catalog is mailed to you at no cost.
5. As a team perk I offer a discount on my catalog product shares.
6. Access to a private Facebook group for my team—I keep you up to date on what is going on and we meet (some in person, some virtual) most months for a fun crafting time. These are always completely optional.
7. Stampin’ Up! events and trainings.  Currently these are virtual events but hopefully we will be back in person soon.  There can be both regional one or two day events as well as a larger multi day convention.
8. Me! I am always here if you have questions or if you want to build a business. I am happy to offer encouragement and goal setting as well as share class ideas.  I will never pressure you to sell or to participate in any team activities.  That is all up to you!
9. If you want to build a business there are many opportunities to earn more income and free product as well. 

Ask me questions or go here to learn more and sign up.  I've love to have you join me.