Today is all about the next three Paper Pumpkin kits but before I jump into that, Stampin' Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75 or more June 11 -13, 2026! That means you can get free shipping when you shop today!
Alright! PAPER PUMPKIN TIME! First up, we have a brand new Paper Pumpkin Kit you can subscribe to now through July 10, 2026 called HOORAY FOR BIRTHDAYS!
There are also 6 and 12 month prepaid options if you are a set it and forget it subscriber or if you don't want to miss a thing!
I want to thank you for spending time with me on the blog today! I hope you enjoyed today's Paper Pumpkin sneak peeks and happy FREE SHIPPING shopping! I'm off to order my Halloween goodies (coming up for customers in July!)
A new subscription period has begun for Paper Pumpkin! You can now subscribe to the Bikes & Blooms Kit which is already giving nostalgic, fun Summer vibes!
Glue the 5" ribbon strip to the book bind spine (between the two score lines)
Stamp "So very happy for you" from Scalloped Wishes Stamp Set in coordinating In Color ink onto the tag die cut. Slide the tag onto the second piece of ribbon when you tie the bow to the ribbon you just glued to the book bind section.
Assemble and glue your flower to the center of the card front DSP. Add your leaves. Finish with a single In Color Dot.
Glue your insert.
MY ORDERING SPECIAL INFORMATION:
I am running an ordering special from May 5 -15, 2026. When you spend $75 or more (before tax) with me in the online store and I’ll send you 3 “mystery” card kits, an exclusive video tutorial and PDF instruction sheet in mid-June 2026. The card kits will be mailed to you via USPS and I’m covering the cost of postage. The video link and PDF will be emailed when the cards are shipped. I will be using Peaceful Pine products and the Relaxing Waterside Bundle for the mystery cards.
If you have questions you can reach out to me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com.
My card kits include card bases, die cuts, and pre-cut DSP and an envelope per card. All you have to do is the stamping and assembly.
NOTE: Stampin’ Up! Is running a special promotion when you purchase the Starter Kitfrom May 5-31, 2026. If you purchase the starter kit you cannot participate in my ordering special. That is a separate promotion and I cannot combine promotions.
The Starter Kitoffer is awesome! I am just making it clear I cannot count that toward my ordering special per Stampin’ Up! Policy. Promotions cannot be combined.
New Starter Kit Promotion From May 5 - 31, 2026:
Per Stampin' Up!:
When you join as a demonstrator between 5/5-31/2026, you’ll get the new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit!
OR
If you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, Stampin' Up! has you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 worth of products to your Starter Kit.
You'll also enjoy all the perks that come with being a demonstrator, like a 20–25% product discount, early access to the latest products and catalogs and so much more.
Want to check out the Starter Kit offer? Click here
I am celebrating catalog launch day with this Center Step Fold Card and an Ordering Special!
Would you like a free project sheet for today's Center Step Fold card? You can get the PDF here when you sign up for my email list. You can unsubscribe at any time. PDF TUTORIAL HERE
I am going to talk about the card and special first... if you want the details of all of today's releases (and there's a bunch of new goodies) I will include all of that information at the end of this blog post!
MY ORDERING SPECIAL INFORMATION:
I am running an ordering special from May 5 -15, 2026. When you spend $75 or more (before tax) with me in the online store and I’ll send you 3 “mystery” card kits, an exclusive video tutorial and PDF instruction sheet in mid-June 2026. The card kits will be mailed to you via USPS and I’m covering the cost of postage. The video link and PDF will be emailed when the cards are shipped. I will be using Peaceful Pine products and the Relaxing Waterside Bundle for the mystery cards.
If you have questions you can reach out to me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com.
My card kits include card bases, die cuts, and pre-cut DSP and an envelope per card. All you have to do is the stamping and assembly.
NOTE: Stampin’ Up! Is running a special promotion when you purchase the starter kit from May 5-31, 2026. If you purchase the starter kit you cannot participate in my ordering special. That is a separate promotion and I cannot combine promotions.
The starter kit offer is awesome! I am just making it clear I cannot count that toward my ordering special per Stampin’ Up! Policy. Promotions cannot be combined.
Card Base: 5-½ x 11" (Bubble Bath or Berry Burst Cardstock)
Cut/Score:
Place card base length wise at 1” mark and then cut from 1 to 6-½”
Flip card and repeat on other side
Score at 1” to the cut line on each side
Score at 2” to the cut line on each side
Score at 6-½” to the cut line on each side
Score middle section 5-½” cut line to cut line (this is what pops up center)
Note: Gently bend score lines before using bone folder
(1) DSP Center Panel: 3-⅜ x 5-⅜” (Velvet Meadow DSP)
(4) DSP Strips: 7/8 x 4-⅜" (Velvet Meadow DSP)
(1) Phrases & Frames Die (Phrases & Frames Dies)
Cut outside frame in one color and then die cut again in Basic White for inside frame panel (I used Velveteen Assortment in Bubble Bath for outside frame)
Basic White Insert: 3-⅜ x 5-⅜”
INSTRUCTIONS:
From the 1” mark on the 11” side of your card base on your Paper Trimmer, cut from 1” to 6-½” on each side. You are cutting into the card base to make your center step.
Score at 1” on each side of the card base to the cut line. Score at 2” on each side to the cut line.
Score at 6-½” on each side to the cut line.
Then score at 5-½” in the center from cut line to cut line. (this is what creates that center pop).
Gently fold your score lines before creasing with your bone folder to smooth edges.
Glue center DSP panel and strips along either side.
Stamp sentiment on the insert for the frame die.
Add frame and insert to card front with dimensionals.
I used the Velveteen Assortment Specialty Paper with the new Impressions Plate and Phrases & Frames Dies
Stamp Basic White insert and glue to the inside panel. Optional: Glue the other 2 DSP strips on the inside of the card for added fun!
Finish with 2026-2028 In Color Dots or desired embellishments.
The Velvet Meadow Suite is now available as are the Phrases & Frames Dies and new Impressions Plate that you use with the Impressions Dies. (Phrases & Frames are impressions dies).
Alright, now let's talk about all of today's new releases (May 5, 2026):
New Starter Kit Promotion From May 5 - 31, 2026:
Per Stampin' Up!:
When you join as a demonstrator between 5/5-31/2026, you’ll get the new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit!
OR
If you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, Stampin' Up! has you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 worth of products to your Starter Kit.
You'll also enjoy all the perks that come with being a demonstrator, like a 20–25% product discount, early access to the latest products and catalogs and so much more.
New Product of the Month - Spend $75 or more and qualify to purchase the Product of the Month for only $5.00 while supplies last.
Berry Botanical Vellum 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper
Add a fresh, artful touch to cards and paper crafts with Berry Botanical Vellum 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper. Hand-drawn patterns featuring polka dots, plaids, and berries make it easy to create custom designs with a playful, coordinated look.
There are two new Kits Collection Kits available in May as well!
I am making April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Alternate Cards today! I will be using the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit, the Waterside Retreat Suite (or the Relaxing Waterside Bundle) and the Wonderful Scenes Dies add on.
NOTE: You need to be an active Paper Pumpkin subscriber to purchase refills, add ons and past kits. Refills contain the consumable pieces. The refill does NOT include the ink spot or stamp set.
Wonderful Scenes Dies Images (c) Stampin' Up!
The Wonderful Scenes Dies "add on" are also available now to purchase while supplies last.
NOTE: The Waterside Retreat Suite or Relaxing Waterside Bundle will be available to purchase May 5, 2026 along with the Peaceful Pine products (ink, cardstock, Stampin' Blends, etc.) with the launch of the May to August Catalog from Stampin' Up!
The concept for today's alternate cards are to "build-a-scene." I love the Paper Pumpkin designed cards but I wanted more of the scenes so I re-created them based on the image in the Paper Pumpkin kit.
Because I have so many options between the kit, the suite and the add on dies, I know I can build some really fun landscapes to celebrate the men in your life and they will be moved by your artwork and appreciation for them!
Now, the measurements are really simple! For the portait layout cut your strips to 4-1/4" and for the landscape layout cut your strips to 5-1/2"
CARD MEASUREMENTS:
Standard Top Fold: 4-1/4 x 11" Score: 5-1/2"
Top Fold Layers: Cut to 4-1/4" (the width varies depending on how many layers you want - my layers were about 3/4," 1 and 2"ish" inches for sand and water layers.
Standard Side Fold: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"
Same instruction for layers except cut these to 5-1/2"
For the water: The water pattern DSP from Waterside Retreat DSP
For the sky: The sky pattern envelopes from the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit
I also used the "Wonderful" die cut word from the Wonderful Scenes Dies in combination with the stamps "Dad" "Son" etc. from the Paper Pumpkin kit stamp set.
TIP: to add some deeper color and dimension use a sponge dauber or blending brush with Misty Moonlight ink along the water layer edges. This helps those layers really stand out as you tuck your fish into the waves.
I hope you enjoyed today's alternate card ideas featuring the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit, Wonderful Scenes Dies and Waterside Retreat Suite.
If you know someone who will enjoy these card ideas please share it with them!
Here are the coordinating colors for today's fun fold card:
NOTE: Shout out to Peaceful Pine which also coordinates with this suite! Peaceful Pine is a brand new In Color from the upcoming 2026-2028 In Color Collection (also launching May 5, 2026).
CARD MEASUREMENTS:
Card Base: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" (Pool Party Cardstock)
Fun Fold Piece: 3-1/4 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"
Basic White Insert: 3 x 4-1/8"
(1) DSP Scene: 3 x 4" (Boardwalk Shop Scene Waterside Retreat DSP)
Simple Stamping for Card Front: Stamp your greeting directly onto DSP scene with ink of choice (I used Early Espresso) in the lower left hand corner.
For the insert, I chose to use my Stampin' Positioner Tool (also launching 5/5/26) where three stamps can easily turn into a single stamp.
Simply arrange your clean stamps on the insert how you want them, pick up with your positioner plate and you can stamp this arrangement as many times as you wish. I made 7 card inserts with this stamp arrangement! SO EASY! You are going to love this stamping tool, particularly if you like simple stamping or making multiples of things in a timely fashion. It also fixes stamping mistakes in a single push of the plate! Simply re-ink and stamp again!
Stamp greeting on insert. I chose "relax" "today is your day" and the adirondack chair image. I actually used all of the coordinating colors on the 7 cards but for the demonstration card I used Pool Party ink.
Assembling your cards: I recommend gluing your DSP strips to either end of the panel before gluing your fun fold to the center. It's a quick and easy way of getting center alignment right!
Glue fun fold panel center, glue the insert to the inside and the DSP scene to the front. Voila!
You will have so much fun matching the different images from your collage page to your fun fold cards!
I recommend cutting the card in at least two coordinating colors if you have it in your stash. If you have all of the colors then you have can a blast matching your cardstock to the DSP scenes!
STEPPING UP THE CARD:
If you would like to incorporate die cutting and embellishments then here is an example of that.
On this seagull card, I used the Branching Out Dies (which are currently discounted on the last chance list while supplies last - get them before they are gone!) on the card front flap.
Instead of the collage page, I actually used the seagulls flying paper pattern.
I finished this card with a loose anchor trinket (from the Waterside Retreat Suite) and a pop of ribbon (Misty Moonlight Checkered Trim)!
Here is another example of a stepped up card. In this version I added the die cut chair from Relaxing Waterside Dies. (This is part of the Waterside Retreat Suite).
I hope you enjoyed today's card ideas using that collage page in the Waterside Retreat Suite!
The men who matter most in your life will be touched by these handmade creations. They may or may not show it but it's so nice to show your appreciation with a handmade card for Father's Day, birthdays, retirements or whatever their next chapter is! You will not be disappointed with this suite. Endless cardmaking, scrapbooking and journaling possibilities. Mark your calendar for May 5th or join this wonderful crafting community and pop these goodies in your Starter Kit today!
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