December 2022 Paper Pumpkin Alternate CARD Ideas featuring Adorable Owls

Hello! Merry Christmas Eve! I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday! 

I have my first round of December Paper Pumpkin alternate card ideas today. I couldn't resist! This kit is ADORBALE and incredibly versatile!

Fun fact: The stamp set in this month's kit is all words so I knew for my alternate ideas I wanted to add another stamp set, a character with the brand new Adorable Owls stamp set! This will be available as a Sale-a-Bration reward stamp set with a qualifying purchase starting January 5, 2023!

Alternate Card Ideas with December 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit: 
Good Things Come in Small Packages

Love Theme Card Alternate
This could cover multiple love occasions

The Happy Birthday version which closely matches the
Paper Pumpkin designed gift box in the original kit

The Graduation Alternate Card because
I NEEDED to put that cap on this owl sporting a bow tie
C'mon now!

The Baby or Special Delivery Theme

This is a gift box alternate I created on my Facebook Live this past week

When I create alternate videos I talk about incorporating tools or a technique.
In this one, it's coloring the owls with water painters.
I used watercolor paper, re-inkers and a large clear block with water painters for these cards.

I also wanted to shout out "For Everything Fancy Sequins"
These are PERFECT if you want to coordinate sparkly embellishments
with your gift boxes and alternate projects in the December kit.

Here is a look at the original Paper Pumpkin Designed Gift Boxes
*except the yellow box in center*
and how they can coordinate easily with the alternate cards created in this video

CARD LAYOUT

Each of the 4 cards has a very similar layout:

• Landscape
• All Card bases are from Good Things Cards & Envelopes (note: just use the cardstock of your choice if you don't have these)
• Layer is from the Good Things Cards & Envelopes (card base cut in half and then panel cut to 3-3/4 x 5-1/4")
• Trim 1" off each end of the box wrapper in the December kit *these are in place of DSP* It should measure 5" 
• Use the Die Cuts from the kit (cupcake, cap, sentiment circles, etc) to decorate and stamp your cards

WHAT I DID NOT USE

• The gift boxes
• The small tag die cuts

Ok, I am off to finish SO MANY last minute Christmas things like wrapping, cleaning, laundry... have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your kits! This is one you will go back to throughout the year!

Before you go...

Are you subscribed for the January kit?

Don't miss it! Sign up here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

Did you get the Heart Boxes Add-On for January's kit? 

Active Paper Pumpkin subscribers can get here now! https://www.stampinup.com/products/heart-boxes?hostcode=GGNCVMSJ

The December Host Code ends 12/31/22!

You can shop the alternate products used in this video using the links below which already include my Host Code. Spend $50 or more before tax by 12/31/22 and receive a free embellishment and adhesive from me.

Happy (holiday break) crafting!

Melinda

2023 New Year Card Ideas || Winter Holiday Theme

Today's blog post tackles New Year themes or Holiday/ Winter themes that go beyond Christmas or if you do not want to be holiday specific!

The Bottled Happiness Stamp Set is great year round but I was excited to use this in the New Year theme or celebratory theme using Stampin' Up! Metallics Heat Embossing powder.

We will also be using Season of Chic Stamp Set (for the snowflake) and Trimming the Tree Stamp Set (for the sentiments). Use your favorite sets for this or you can shop today's blog products below.

When I originally designed the cards for my Facebook Live I did not realize the Metallic & Shimmer Paper had sold out. At this time of year with holiday items retiring things can go quickly so I decided to feature "Festive Foils" Specialty Paper on the 3 cards created during the live. 

Festive Foils Specialty Paper is currently 60% off while supplies last! 

SHOP FESTIVE FOILS PAPER HERE: https://www.stampinup.com/products/festive-foils-12-x-12-30-5-x-30-5-cm-specialty-designer-series-paper?hostcode=GGNCVMSJ

While you can see all items listed below I do want to point out the sale items because they go really quickly. Festive Foils paper is perfect for Holiday/ Winter/ New Years/ Elegant theme cardmaking. You cannot beat $4.00!!

White/ Gold Heat Emboss Theme
Festive Foil Specialty Paper

Red/ Copper Heat Emboss Theme
Festive Foil Specialty Paper

Green/ Silver Heat Emboss Theme
Festive Foil Specialty Paper

White/ Copper Heat Emboss
Metallic & Shimmer Paper

Gray/ Gold Heat Emboss 
Metallic & Shimmer Paper

Gray/ Silver Heat Emboss
Metallic & Shimmer Paper

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 score: 4-1/4"
• Specialty Paper Layer - Rectangle Stitched Die Size: 2-5/8 x 4"
• Basic White Layer - Rectangle Stitched Die Options: 1-3/4 x 3-1/8" or 1-1/2 x 2-3/4"
• 1/2 x 2-5/8" Basic White Strip or Scraps to Turn Into Banner Sentiment

INSTRUCTIONS:

Note: Lots of heat embossing for this card. I recommend an anti static tool for your cardstock prior to stamping with VersaMark. Do this each time prior to stamping with VersaMark ink. This will help prevent the heat embossing powder from sticking to anything except the ink.

With VersaMark ink and the snowflake stamp from Season of Chic, stamp a background on the card front wherever you like. I prefer more snowflakes than less for my backgrounds. 

Sprinkle metallic embossing powder on your snowflakes. This stamp is very detailed. You may need to apply the powder in some spots more than once for desired look.

Heat set with heat tool. 

Stamp your bottle from Bottled Happiness on white layers in VersaMark ink. Use desired metallic heat emboss powder. Heat set.

Create sentiment banners with Banners Pick a Punch. I chose Bottled Happiness stamps for the first three Metallic and Shimmer theme cards. I used Trimming the Tree stamps for the Festive Foil theme cards. Stamp sentiment. Use Banner Punch to create the edges.

Assemble your layers. I used dimensionals and foam sheets for my layers.

Finish with Pearlized Enamel Effects in Red and/ or white and/ or silver!

Happy crafting!

FREE SHIPPING TODAY! Here are some of my favorite things to order as a Demonstrator

 

Free Shipping only happens a few times a year! It can be such an incredible savings for everyone!

I wanted to share some insight on what I like to order as a demonstrator on Free Shipping days.

1. Cardstock (Variety and Full Color Packs)
2. Color Collections
3. Tools
4. Adhesives

• Ordering anything in bulk can add up when it comes to weight but cardstock is almost NEVER on sale, we use it on literally every cardmaking project we create and this is an ideal time to go through your collection, see what is low and re-stock.
• Building on Your Color Collections is great to take advantage of on a free shipping day!
• Tools can be heavy! Clear blocks, Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, Punches, Plates...
• We all buy multiples of adhesive from time to time and today is a great day to do that!

I have added a list of some of my favorite products to get on a Free Shipping Day! 

Happy Crafting! (or stocking up for the New Year)!

Melinda

How to Use Masking Paper When Stamping Your Cards: FUN & EASY TECHNIQUE

I have a fun and easy technique blog post and this is one of those where I used a bunch of different stamp sets and dies to compliment and show off what the Masking Paper can do. 

Simple Masking Technique using Stampin' Up! Masking Paper
Cheerful Basket Bundle, Cottage Wreath Stamps, Fabulous Frame Dies
Coloring: Stampin' Blends

Before I get into the details of how to make these cards I have an important announcement!

FREE SHIPPING is happening on Thursday, December 15, 2022

• One Day ONLY
• Spend $75 or more before tax to qualify for FREE SHIPPING
• This does not happen often! Stock up and get your craft room together for the New Year
• Treat Yourself and save while you're at it! Christmas Shopping Done! 
• Questions? Email: stampingwithhart@gmail.com

Everyday version of the card
Masking the Basket and the Cats!

This is a combination of Cheerful Basket and Cottage Wreaths Stamps
The Decorative Corners are from the Fabulous Frames Dies

This is combining the foliage with the two cats! 
The idea here was to show how you can build a scene with masking paper.
It can be very simple or you can have fun and step it up and add to it! Have fun masking!

An example of a "Large Mask"
I cut a mask with the Aspen Frame Die and used blending brushes and ink
to create a simple, easy to mail (flat) card!

MEASUREMENTS:

For the Basket Cards:

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 score 4-1/4"
• Basic White Layer: 3-1/2 x 4-3/4"
• Evening Evergreen or Real Red Layer: 3-5/8 x 4-7/8
• Die Cut Decorate Corners (Brushed Metallic Cardstock)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• The concept of masking is stamping an image (basket) onto your cardstock. 
• Stamp the same basket onto the masking paper. Cut out basket. 
• I recommend fussy cutting but you can also use dies. The closer the fit the better the look of the finished card.
• Peel off backing and place mask over the stamped image.
• You now stamp your second image (cat) so it appears in the basket. The mask will protect your stamped image from the overlap of the cat's paws or body.
• Remove mask
• Color stamped images in preferred method (I use Stampin' Blends)

You can of course have fun with this and build on this once you get the hang of using the masking paper. Practice on scrap paper. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Have fun!

3 WAYS TO MASK IN THIS TUTORIAL:

• Use the positive Small/ Standard size mask *stamped image cut out*
• Use the negative image (if you used a die cut, you can turn the negative into a mask where you isolate the image (cat) and color only it protecting your scene around it
• Large Mask - Create a scene with a large mask that covers a layer or even the whole card front for a beautiful Winter scene (Aspen Tree Die)

TIPS

• Bend the masking paper slightly so you can see the crease in the back. Stamp over crease so its easy to remove backing from your masked image.
• For large mask projects, I recommend removing some of the stickiness first by placing the masking paper on your sleeve or pants a few times or your preferred way of making the sticky less intense
• On Small masking I didn't really have an issue with it being too sticky
• Be patient removing mask, don't pull away quickly
• If the masking paper tears when removing its ok. Just work it in sections.
• Save scraps of masking paper for other projects

December 2022 Online Card Class Hope & Prayer

Hi! You can learn more about my December Online Card Class: Hope & Prayer in the video or by signing up for my email here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/GLk7fdL

When you sign up for my email it will give you the option to learn more about this month's class.

Deadline to register: 12/15/22

Card kits ship no later than 1/6/2023

Questions? Email me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com

Happy crafting!

Make This Adorable Penguin Christmas Card in Minutes!

Today I have such a cute, quick and easy Christmas card idea!

We will be using the Penguin Place stamp set and the Penguin Builder Punch for this card. I will also have a version of the card with the Yeti from Yeti to Party!

Right now this Penguin Builder Punch, Yeti to Party Stamp Set and Yeti Dies are all 60% off while supplies last!

I think these cards are perfect for kids or the kid at heart! If you know a penguin collector this is for them as well. 

Here is the Penguin version of the card!

Here is the Yeti version of the card

CARD MEASUREMENTS

• 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 score: 4-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
• 1 Die Cut Frame from the Fabulous Frames Dies (largest frame) Tahitian Tide Cardstock
• 14 penguins using the Penguin Builder Punch in Basic Black and Basic White Cardstock

INSTRUCTIONS

Punch out your penguin pieces. Stamp the eyes in Memento Tuxedo Black ink from the Penguin Place stamp set. Stamp the beak in Pumpkin Pie ink close to the eyes. Glue penguins together set aside for the glue to dry. 

Die cut frame. Add Tear and Tape Adhesive to the back all the way around the frame (so your penguins can stick to it)

Position penguins in the 4 corners first. Vary how far they come into the frame. Add the rest of your penguins. Have fun with positioning them. Once you have penguins all around the frame (be sure you leave enough room in the center to stamp a sentiment) then trim the bottom portion of the penguins so they don't come out of the frame. Trim away excess around all edges of frame.

Use Foam Adhesive strips on the back of the layer. Use a little extra to reinforce the back of the penguin heads in a few spots. Set aside.

Using the snow cluster stamp, create a border around the edge of your card in Tahitian Tide ink. Stamp the sentiment of choice in the center of the card. I chose "Be Cool Be Chill Be Merry" from Penguin Place stamp set. 

Remove backing from Foam Adhesive strips. Add to card base. 

FOR THE YETI CARD

Just a few variations: 

• Die cut the frame in Basic Black cardstock
• Stamp Yeti in Tahitian Tide ink, die cut with Yeti dies
• Die cut scarves for each of your Yetis with the Yeti dies
• Use the Classic Matte Dots in Black for their eyes to help them pop
• Color the tongue with Polished Pink Light Stampin' Blend
• For the border use the snowflake and small present from Yeti to Party. Alternate them all the way around the card
• Use the inner rectangle from the Fabulous Frame die in Tahitian Tide for the inside layer.
• Stamp "Is it christmas yeti?" in VersaMark ink and heat set with the black embossing powder
• Use the Adhesive Backed Stars as an embellishment on the scarves

I have a full product list here where you can shop using my December Host Code. To put this in perspective, you could buy the Penguin Builder Punch, Yeti Stamp Set and Yeti Dies for under $30!!!

Happy crafting!

November 2022 Paper Pumpkin ALTERNATE IDEAS PART 2!!! Make Coordinating ...

Hello! Today's video is Part 2 of the Paper Pumpkin alternates using stamps from the October and November kits, so, the Christmas alternates! 

I wanted to incorporate two of the add-on bags as well: North Pole Sacks and Mini Shopping Bags.

This can be good for coordinating card, tag and gift bag ideas! 

I chose a black, white and gold theme but you could also do this in traditional Christmas colors.

Now that we are in December officially some of you may be looking for New Year or Winter themes and black, white and gold is a nice color combo for that.

Round 2 of Alternate Projects using November and October Paper Pumpkin Kits
(The Christmas Theme Kits)
Also Featured: Add-Ons North Pole Sacks and Mini Shopping Bags

Since these are alternate projects I do have a product list below that includes my December Host Code when you click and shop using those links.

As always, I am available if you have questions! Email me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com

Coordinating Gift Card Holder 
Put this in the gift bag, card or as a stand alone gift
Stamp and Sentiment Piece from November Paper Pumpkin Kit

In this picture, I have 3 Candy Canes stamped in Sweet Sorbet ink
directly onto the Mini Shopping Bag. The tag is the Paper Pumpkin design from the November Kit *so it does not have to be an alternate* and an alternate card I made in October.

I love the black, white and gold theme with this coordinating bag and card!
North Pole Sack, Stamps from OCT Paper Pumpkin Kit & Fabulous Frames Dies

Here is an alternate card with a Mini Shopping Bag. The reindeer
stamped onto the bag and tag in Stayz On Black ink.
The tag is Paper Pumpkin designed from the November kit. I added the Gingham Ribbon.

Here is a close up of the alternate card! 
Features Gingham Cottage Designer Series Paper which
is a retiring item and currently 40% off in the online store! Shop links below!

In the month of December you can shop with my Host Code! When you spend $50 or more before tax in the online store between 12/1-31/22 you will get a FREE EMBELLISHMENT from me.

*Must Use Host Code*

Expires 2/31/22

One Host Code Redeemable Per Month

https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=GGNCVMSJ

Have you subscribed to Paper Pumpkin yet?
Here is a look at the December kit and Add-On! 
Subscribe here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777