February 2015 Paper Pumpkin: Layers of Gratitude

I first saw a picture of this month's Paper Pumpkin kit about a week ago. I wasn't excited. The color combination wasn't my favorite, and the kit looked kind of blah. Boy, was I wrong! As I waited for my kit to come in the mail (for some reason, it had to go to Kansas City first, and then back to Denver?) I saw several videos of the kit being put together, as well as some alternate ideas. I grew to LOVE this month's kit, and I'm going to tell you why.

#1 reason: the stamp set. I have been SO excited about the Paper Pumpkin stamp sets lately. Awesome fonts on the greetings, and large numbers of stamps! Here is this month's set:

So many of those stamps will make great backgrounds or accents to any card. And the stamp set is as large as some from our catalogs that are valued at $15!

#2 reason: the project. This kit makes 8 accordion fold thank you cards. Take a look:

While they would be difficult to mail, they are perfect for handing to anyone you want to say thank you to. I am planning to use mine as thank yous for customer orders. They would make great cards to give to teachers - teacher appreciation week is coming up in May, and you could also save them for end of the year teacher gifts. Does your child take lessons from someone, or are they on a team? Consider a thank you for the coach or instructor.

Oh, and as it turns out, I decided that I liked the card a lot - even the colors.

#3 reason: the ink spots. This month you got two - Pool Party and Daffodil Delight!

#4 reason: My Paper Pumpkin kits have been inspiring me to share with others in ways that I probably wouldn't have considered otherwise. Since I am paying for these kits, I don't want the products to go to waste. I want to use them! For example, last month's kit contained 24 valentine treat bags. I sent out treats to my 10 nieces and nephews, as well as making 10 treat bags for kids at our church. Chances are that without the kit, I wouldn't have taken the time to do that. Kits like the one this month provide me with cards that I can use in my business, and they are quick and easy to make. I don't have to create something on my own - it's already done for me!

The kit also came with little box envelopes for the cards. To fancy them up, you can use some of the stamps:

Then just slip in your card...

... and tie it up with the baker's twine included in the kit.

Or, you can use the boxes for something else, and tie up the cards without the box.

Finally, don't get rid of your "trash." I'll be back on Monday showing some alternate ideas for this kit, and you'll definitely want to save your scraps!

Next month's Paper Pumpkin kit was previewed at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference. I haven't seen it, but I've heard that it's a card kit that makes 9 cards. If you have been thinking about trying Paper Pumpkin, the card kits are always great, and you can earn Sale-a-bration products by purchasing Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscriptions right now! Try it for 1 month, or buy 3 (on sale!). 6 or 12-month subscriptions always include a little discount, and the 12-month can earn you hostess benefits as well. Or, just sign up for a month-to-month subscription and cancel at anytime. Make sure to sign up by March 10 in order to get March's kit. It will ship to you in the middle of March. Whatever option you choose, I hope you'll consider trying this amazing kit!

Happy Stamping!

Rachel