Cards Of Social Distancing

You’ve Been Red-Carded!

In this time of pandemic, it seems like we are surrounded by bad news. And what makes it worse, is the feeling of isolation. We have all been red-carded: social time out! So how does social distancing relate to card making?

Because we care about those we can’t physically connect with, we are searching for ways to reach out and provide physical proof that our love exists. As such, I find the answer to social distancing as simple as card making, and card sending.

Scalloped Note Cards & Envelopes
I made these quickly, using the Scalloped Note Cards & Envelopes, item #149610. By placing Designer Series Paper on the bottom inside, I created a pop of fun beneath the scalloped front edge. This is easy card making in times of social distancing, and provides instant results to send to friends and family.

Homemade Cards: Cards That Care

Homemade cards come from the heart, they are made with love. Do you remember coming home from grade school with a drawing, and your parents promptly displayed your artwork on the frig? For months, even!

The front of this homemade card says “Welcome to Maine”. Best housewarming gift ever from my granddaughter, and proudly displayed on my frig for, in all honesty, months!

Homemade cards are like precious artwork. There is care and attention in every detail. No two are ever the same, because they are not manufactured.

Card making is for kids and adults alike. A perfect accompaniment to social distancing, card making provides a creative release of your feelings, and card sending provides a way to show you care. And the creating process of card making is just as wonderful as the receiving process of a homemade card.

Thinking Of You Cards

Thinking of You Notecard in Balmy Blue, cardmkaing for social distancing.
The stamp set, Flourishing Phrases, item # 141534, and some (retired) Gingham Gala DSP add beauty to the Balmy Blue note card.

If you’re like me, you love sending Christmas cards, and birthday cards. Maybe you’ve sent sympathy or get well cards, as I have.

Have you thought about sending “thinking of you cards”? If your reaction is, “that seems too ordinary”, you are not alone. But in extraordinary times of social distancing, “thinking of you” card making seems like the perfect choice to let someone know they are on your mind.

From my experience, people love getting cards in the mail. The walk (or sometimes drive) to the mailbox is worth it when there is a delivery of ‘happy mail’.

I believe that cards are like little presents.When I get a card, I am excited to open that envelope and see what is inside, a mini gift just for me!

Inspirational Cards

Inspirational Note Card in Old Olive, cardmaking for social distancing.
A wonderful phrase from the stamp set, Enjoy Life, item # 148190, and some Best Dressed DSP in Daffodil Delight, item # 151319, make this Old Olive note card naturally gorgeous.

Everyone needs inspiration. You have the great ability to provide inspiration to someone else. Your habits of inspiring may include texting or a phone call, or a post on social media.

But when you send a card that inspires, the words and thoughts shared are like a touchstone. The physical presence of your card is a visual reminder that can be held, speaking comfort at any time.

There is great inspiration to draw on when creating your homemade cards. You can look to online sources for similar renderings. Some cardmakers look at catalogs or magazines for ideas.

And there are crafters who just look out the window. Perhaps the greatest inspiration of all is nature. I ask you to be inspired to create, but more importantly, be excited to share!

Thank You Cards

Thank You Note Card in Terracotta Tile, cardmaking for social distancing.
Even though this card doesn’t say “thank you” on the outside, it certainly could on the inside. I stamped this Terracotta Tile note card with Special Celebrations stamp set, item # 143885, and Love What You Do stamp set, item # 148042. The DSP that adds a splash of color comes from Sampler, item # 154050.

I am a firm believer that the world needs more ‘thank you’s’. In troubled times, we tend to be more thankful for what we do have, and taking things for granted typically takes a backseat. There is no better way to say ‘thank you’ then with a card.

Even with social distancing, you may need to thank someone. Maybe you received a flower delivery. Perhaps someone kindly shoveled snow from your driveway, or graciously left a basket of cookies on your front porch.

We still manage kind acts, even at times like these when we keep our distance for health and safety. Thank you cards are also a kind act, in reciprocation.

Cards Sent With Love

Sending Love Note Card in light pink, cardmaking for social distancing.
This lovely note card in light pink clearly states that is is sent with love, per the stamp set, Inspiring Iris, item #149268. Petal Pink DSP from Pleased As Punch, item # 153558 is the perfect compliment in sweetness.

Now this may sound silly, but can you imagine a card sent without love? It would make more sense to not send a card at all if that were the case. So, does that mean that not sending a card equals the opposite of love?

Homemade cards have extra love built right in. When someone takes the time to craft a card, they love the act of providing from the heart. It is my practice to choose colors or a theme especially for the intended recipient.

Love is in the details, love is in the sending, and love is most definitely in the receiving.

Sharing Cards

Cards are meant to be shared. As a cardmaker, I often have lots of cards on hand, because making them is fun, and craft therapy, and somewhat addictive.

But now, more than ever, is the best time to share cards. Did you know that you can share a card that lets the recipient share that same card with someone else?

Instead of signing the inside of your card, I encourage you to attach a short poem inside. Either of these lovely poems can be viewed or printed here, and give the card receiver a message to care and share.

I encourage you to create a card, put a stamp on that envelope, and pop that homemade card in the post! Brighten someone’s day!

Aqua Painter
I couldn’t decide which postage stamps I liked better to dress up my envelopes for mailing, so I bought both. A great way to seal the envelopes without licking them is to put that aqua painter, item # 103954, to use! Just swipe that paintbrush end with a squeeze of the water barrel across the “lick and stick” portion of your envelope.

If you are new to cardmaking, or interested in getting started, contact me for help. My online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, is always open to shop for necessary cardmaking supplies.

There has never been a better time to start getting crafty. Get inspired, show gratitude and send love. Do your part to make the world a nicer place.

My Paper Pumpkin Addiction Part III

This is the last installment of my ‘all things Paper Pumpkin’ series. If you have been following along, you know what Paper Pumpkin is and how to coordinate and organize your kit. Today I am tackling the pros and cons of a Paper Pumpkin Subscription, and what’s in it for you.

Paper Pumpkin Subscriptions

Paper Pumpkin Subscriptions

There are 2 easy ways to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin:

For $22 a month (plus tax), you can pay as you go. You simply place a credit/debit card on file when you sign up and you will be billed monthly for your kit. As with any subscription option, you can choose to skip a month if desired. And you can easily cancel your membership at any time. This is a great way to try Paper Pumpkin if you are on the fence.

Then there are pre-paid subscriptions. There are 4 options here, with a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month choice with unique price points for each. For example, when you purchase the 6 month subscription, you save $1 per month. When you get the 12 month subscription, you actually buy 11 and get one free.

Pre-paid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions make great gifts, for yourself or someone you love. When you purchase the pre-paid option, there is no expiration date for it to be used by. In fact, Stampin’ Up only allows subscribers to have 1 Paper Pumpkin code (per email) on file at a time. This keeps you from getting duplicate kits in the same month.

Paper Pumpkin Grid Paper
Paper Pumpkin Grid Paper, #153985, is perfect(-ly cute) to stamp on!

Pros of Paper Pumpkin

  1. Paper Pumpkin is an all inclusive kit, the only thing you need is a clear block to mount your stamp(s) on. It is a no-brainer, easy to assemble whether you are following along with the printed instructions or watching a how-to video. Also great to take on the go!
  2. Paper Pumpkin contains exclusive stamp sets. And the stamp set and included ink spot are still valuable even after the consumable paper products are used up. In fact, you typically end up with extra consumables even after the entire kit is assembled. Refills of kits, when available, are also exclusive to subscribers.
  3. Paper Pumpkin is delivered to your mailbox, you don’t need to add it to your purchase list for errands out and about. If you have a recurring subscription you don’t even have to remember to order it every month. It just shows up and provides you with happy mail! So cool, right?

Cons of Paper Pumpkin

  1. Paper Pumpkin is a surprise. You never know what type of kit you are getting, the color of the ink spot, or the images of the stamp set. It is money spent without exact choice. There are no refunds or exchanges. You need to be able to make lemons out of lemonade, if need be. Thankfully, Pinterest and FaceBook provide lots of change-it-up inspiration.
  2. Paper Pumpkin has some consumable pieces that are manufactured in nature, printed on thinner paper, that pop apart on perforations. If your intention is completely homemade and cardstock thick, you will need to do the work on your own. Granted, for “supermarket shortcut” or “half-homemade”, the images are lovely.
  3. Paper Pumpkin provides you with an ink spot, or jackpot, sometimes two! However, you will end up with lots of duplicates in color. It is hard to get a rainbow assortment, so you may need to supplement your ink supply by other means. Ink spots also dry out quicker than traditional ink pads, so refills will be necessary with time.

What’s In It For You?

By now, you should have a great understanding of Paper Pumpkin, but the best way to make an informed opinion is to subscribe and try it for yourself!

Your happy mail will provide you with an amazing kit full of mystery and possibility. There is help galore on the internet to assemble or create alternatively. Spending time crafting will give you some relaxing alone time, or the opportunity to gather and share the experience with your friends, family or children.

The BEST time to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin is NOW. During Sale-A-Bration, which runs from January to March each year, pre-paid subscriptions earn you free Sale-A-Bration item(s). I encourage subscribers to renew during this event, because free is always a great benefit.

Pre-paid subscriptions may also be added to a party or event, where hosts earn free merchandise any time of the year. Contact me today regarding Paper Pumpkin, or sign up now at https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2116612. Let the pumpkin bring some magic into your life!

My Paper Pumpkin Addiction Part II

This 3 part series to discuss all things Paper Pumpkin continues with coordination and storage. Now that you know what Paper Pumpkin is, you need to know how to coordinate with it. And more importantly, suggestions on Paper Pumpkin storage options.

Paper Pumpkin Kit February 2020
The glorious splendor of a Paper Pumpkin kit! PUMPKINHOWTO.com shows video assembly.

Coordinate Paper Pumpkin

Your Paper Pumpkin has arrived! Did you know the instruction sheet has more than instructions on it? Okay, besides the cool ruler at the bottom, the backside lists Stampin’ Up!’s coordinating colors. If you have items with those colors on hand, you can mix them in without fear of your project clashing like mud in March.

There is also a link, stampinup.com/paperpumpkin-coordination, that gives a list of coordinating products. If you have some of those products on hand, or want to purchase those particular products, you can expand your kit. In case you want to change it up a bit…

That’s right, you can follow directions or put your own super creative fun and fancy-free style on your kit. Want to do something different but need kick start ideas? Pinterest and FaceBook have you covered. You can see how to make a project kit into cards, or a card kit into projects. Versatile indeed.

Store Your Stuff!

Paper Pumpkin Storage Boxes
Paper Pumpkin boxes aren’t always orange. Specialty boxes make beautiful storage options.

So you’ve assembled your Paper Pumpkin and have left-over bits and pieces, or need to store your cards until they are sent out in the world to bring happiness to others. The box your kit arrived in is perfect for this! And, as a bonus, you can take that plain orange box and get crafty.

Get Crafty With That Orange Box:

Re-purpose everything from Paper Pumpkin, and save that pretty blue tissue paper as well!

First, inside-out your orange box. Take it apart, flip it around and reassemble. It is really easy, and the orange will be on the inside and the cardboard brown on the outside. Then, decorate with pretty paper.

I used a 12″x12″ sheet of designer series paper, cut a 6″x9″ for the top, 2 @ 1.5″ x 6″ for the short sides and 2 @ 1.5″ x 9″ for the long sides. Tape or glue to adhere. If you want to use more than one pattern, mix it up!

Keep the kids busy and let them decorate boxes too. Instead of pattern paper, you could have them draw, color or stamp on cardstock. If you have magazines or want to print images from the internet, let them cut and paste a collage collection. Put the imagination to use. From my experience, kids have lots of bits and pieces to store too.

Paper Pumpkin Stamp Storage

In part one of this series, I spoke of the exclusive, limited stamp sets that come with Paper Pumpkin (and my FOMO issues). When you receive stamp sets from a Stampin’ Up! order, they arrive in a sturdy plastic case with a lovely insert, neat and tidy, ready to hit your craft room shelf.

When you get your Paper Pumpkin stamp set, it’s a different story altogether. There are lots of thoughts on what to do with those loose, unlabeled photopolymer sets.

Julie’s Paper Pumpkin Stamp Set Storage and Indexing:

Paper Pumpkin Stamp Set Storage

My stamp sets are placed in clear envelopes (item # 102619) with a piece of white cardstock that labels the name of the set, the kit # and date. Next, I file them in a photo-keeper style box, under the coordinating year in chronological order. I can easily fit 6 years worth of stamps in one box!

The white cardstock is useful in many ways. It serves as a background so the “see-thru” stamps are easier to view/read. It allows me to quickly and inexpensively catalog each stamp set. Furthermore, an empty envelope lets me know a stamp set is missing and needs to be returned to its proper place.

A box full of stamps is like finding a needle in a haystack….without indexing. Paper Pumpkin Fan Club has files on FaceBook that allow you to print colorful pages of kit contents and stamp images.

Each index page covers the contents of 2 Paper Pumpkin Kits.

This goldmine of info goes into an 8×11″ binder and makes my search for just the right stamp as easy as turning a page. (Highly recommended in case of power or internet outages for those who prefer evernote, excel, etc!)

Excessive Use Of Binders

Confession #598,632. I love using binders.

I keep my Paper Pumpkin assembly instructions in…you guessed it, binders. The early directions fit into a 5×7″ binder, but in June of 2016, the instruction pamphlets grew in size. So to accommodate, I started another binder in 8×11″ variety. Good thing clear hole-punched sleeves come in multi sizes too!

See Spot Run

See Spot Store-age

Ink spots are a beautiful thing to have. With each Paper Pumpkin kit you receive a new ink spot, and sometimes (happy day!) even two. But how do you organize and store those spots to keep them secured safely and at your fingertips when needed?

If you guessed binder….then I am sorry to disappoint. I would if I could, but since that is not possible… moving on.

Ink Spot storage system

Ink spots should be stored upside down. Let me repeat…upside down.

The spots are designed very differently from Stampin’ Up!s regular ink pads. In this case, you want the ink to be stored closer to the surface, and upside down storage makes it happen. Spots also have tendency to dry out quicker, so proper storage, mini rubberbands to keep lids tight, and ink refills will combat that issue.

Since the spots are stored upside down, the label isn’t easily viewed. How do you know at a glance what color the spot is? I “label” my spots with a small circle of coordinating paper glued to the base. Don’t have coordinating color cardstock? Use the ink to make your own sample on white paper. The effect is the same.

After years of collecting Paper Pumpkin (I did disclose my addiction via the series title), I have collected lots of ink spots! At one time, Stampin’ Up! even sold ink spots individually, but that may be a different story for a different day. Regardless, I am able to sort my spots into color families, separating them into see-thru containers for ease of grab and go use.

And yes, I do store all of the containers upside down in my cabinet. I often listen to my own advice and words of wisdom. Sometimes learned the hard way, but still…

I hope I have inspired you to think about the benefits of Paper Pumpkin. In case you are still on the fence, catch the third installment of this series, where I will dive into the pros and cons of having a Paper Pumpkin subscription.

In the meantime, if you have Paper Pumpkin guts stacking up all over your craft room, consider some of my organizing tips. Let me know if my methods are helpful, or if you have your own Paper Pumpkin storage system in place, feel free to share your ideas. I am open to suggestions, just let me keep my binders!

My Paper Pumpkin Addiction Part I

In this 3 part series, I am talking all things Paper Pumpkin. That’s right, the good, the bad and the ugly. I will be delving into what is is, what is in it for you, the history, coordination and storage for your supplies, and lastly, the pros and cons of a subscription.

Paper Pumpkin Kits
When this orange box arrives in the mail, subscribers do the happy dance!

Monthly Subscription Program

Paper Pumpkin is Stampin’ Up!’s monthly subscription program. As a subscriber, you receive an all inclusive kit delivered straight to your door. Every month, the orange box contains an all new project, pre-cut, pre-designed elements, an exclusive collectible stamp set and a new ink spot.

Marketing for Paper Pumpkin has included catchphrases “creativity in a box“, “so you can skip to the fun“, and “share the fun“. These are all great descriptions, as with each monthly kit, you simply open the box, stamp and assemble. Easy-peasy.

The creative ideas are mapped out for you with pictorial and written directions. The kits are quick to assemble, even for beginners or kids. Advanced crafters will find value in less time spent gathering various supplies to create with and more time simply creating. And there is fun for all in sharing ideas for alternative projects or your finished creations with others.

My granddaughter loves to be creative with Paper Pumpkin.

A Story In The Making

Paper Pumpkin started in March of 2013. The idea was having a fairy godmother (Stampin’ Up!) deliver a pumpkin to your doorstep (the orange box) and giving you the ability to magically create awesome projects from the kit (which is lovingly wrapped in blue tissue paper, Cinderella ballgown color). Up until May 2017, the original logo resembled a pale blue pumpkin carriage (preferred delivery method) with curling vines.

Who doesn’t love a fairy tale?

Paper Pumpkin Kit March 2013
The first Paper Pumpkin Kit, March 2013

Early kits did not live up to the hype. The stamp offerings (of red rubber cling style) were minuscule. The projects were kind of…blah. People canceled subscriptions. It just wasn’t worth the time or money.

Paper Pumpkin Kit March 2020
The 85th Paper Pumpkin Kit, March 2020

Fast forward 7 years! Stampin’ Up! listened to their customers, corrected the course and began to deliver real value. Social media sharing alerted the masses that this program was full of not-to-be-missed potential. More and more subscribers signed up, kits began to sell out early.

As of February 2014, stamp sets changed to photopolymer variety. But the greatest addition wasn’t the type of stamp but the amount of stamps given. This benefit became evident between 2015 and 2016. And in March, for Paper Pumpkin’s birthday month, Stampin’ Up! typically gives subscribers bonus gifts in their kits. Instant party!

Collector or Hoarder?

I do love to collect things. Especially susceptible to FOMO, fear of missing out. Here’s the thing with Paper Pumpkin, you get one shot at it. You sign up by the 10th of the month to receive that month’s kit, or you loose out. There is no going back to reorder it once you see how fabulous it is from social media looky-loo-ing.

So, I don’t take chances when it comes to Paper Pumpkin. I keep that subscription current, and let the boxes pile up where they may…which is usually my closet. I also have random stacks in other places, but one mustn’t discuss the size of her crafty stash.

So perhaps a little hoarding does go on in my craft room. But I am okay with that for several reasons.

First, these supplies never expire or go bad. I will always have something to work on in the event of social distancing, so boredom is not an option. I can send cards with happy thoughts to anyone at anytime, providing emotional support. And my FOMO is under control, I am not missing out on collecting those limited, exclusive Paper Pumpkin stamp sets.

In fact, those fabulous stamp sets are safely cataloged….which is something I will discuss further in Part II of my Paper Pumpkin Addiction Series. Make sure you check back for some great tips on organizing your Paper Pumpkin supplies.

And if you need more information on how Paper Pumpkin works or want to subscribe yourself, contact me via email, juliem@themainestamper.com, or go to https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2116612. After all, there is solidarity in Paper Pumpkin addiction.

Top 3 Reasons To Be A Stampin’ Up! Customer

You purchase craft supplies and are a customer. But are you a customer to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator? Maybe you think “craft supplies are craft supplies”. Read on for my top 3 reasons to be a Stampin’ Up! customer.

Reason 1: Free, Half-Off, Clearance

Favorite words of any shopper, anywhere. Who doesn’t love a bargain? No need to wait for a holiday or crazy marketing event, Stampin’ Up! offers these types of purchases everyday!

New Wonders Stamp Set
The New Wonders Stamp Set, item #149426, is exclusively free to hosts, and one of many such offerings.

FREE ITEMS are offered with qualifying order(s) of $150, and as sales increase, so does the host’s percentage of rewards. Gather your friends and have a stampin’ party. Let those orders add up and you will be on your way to…

HALF-OFF! When your party totals $450, you get to pick one item for half-off. That is good news if you have your eye on an expensive…

BUNDLE. Stampin’ Up! Bundles are items sold together as a set or unit, instead of individually, and come with an automatic 10% savings. For everyone. Everyday…

Yes, everyday is a good day to check out the CLEARANCE RACK. Stampin’ Up! randomly adds new items at low prices. There are excellent bargains on ribbons, embellishments, paper and tools. You never know what you will find until you look… and save!

Reason 2: Something For Everyone

It doesn’t matter if you are a beginning stamper, casual stamper or stamping enthusiast, Stampin’ Up has something for everyone.

Beginners, Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription kit is perfect for you. It has all the stamps, ink, embellishments and pre-cut paper you need delivered straight to your mailbox. Not a fan of mystery boxes? Stampin’ Up! offers other all-inclusive kits with the contents cataloged so you know just what you are getting. Step-by-step directions with pictures help you to assemble with ease and gain confidence in your crafting skills.

Notes of Kindness Card Kit
The Notes of Kindness Card Kit, item #148266, is one of the all-inclusive sets available. This one makes 20 cards, and when the consumable supplies are gone, you can continue to create with the stamp set, clear block and ink.

Casual Stampers, go for the designer series paper! Stampin’ Up! makes it easy to mix and match their exclusive colors, so you don’t need to be a suave stylist to create beauty. Every pack of DSP, with its incredible art, lists the coordinating colors to use. Pair this with some simple embellishments and a few basic stamp sets, and you can make wow projects with minimal effort.

Perennial Essence DSP
The Perennial Essence DSP, item #149100, is hand painted impressionistic imagery in rich colors, sized 12″x12″. You get a dozen sheets, 2 each of 6 double sided designs.
DSP packages retire with each catalog, so are available for a limited time only.

Stamping Enthusiasts, you want it all (and rightly so!). Stampin’ Up! caters to your needs. There are endless coloring options, from blends and markers to watercolor pencils, shimmer paints and pigment sprinkles, not to mention applications of each. You can heat emboss, emboss with folders, die cut, and punch. Up your game with the Stamparatus, paper trimmer and scoring tool, your creations are works of art for sure!

Stamparatus
The mighty Stamparatus, item #146276, is a tool created by stampers for stampers. It helps you perfectly align stamp images, create multiples quickly, and get exceptional ink coverage.

Reason 3: Support Small Business

When you purchase Stampin’ Up! products from your demonstrator, you are helping them to earn a living or make money in a side-hustle world. You are choosing a person over a big box store.

As you support me as your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I will support you as well by:

  1. Providing you with information on new releases and sales events, tips and techniques, and free tutorials. Sign up for my newsletter with your best email address today so you don’t miss out!
  2. Giving you answers to your questions, insights on products, assistance in ordering, and correcting damaged product or exchanges.
  3. Teaching you the how-to’s, letting you play with product at class (try before you buy!), encouraging creativity thru card exchange programs, offering online stamp club with additional benefits.
  4. Sending you a home-made, reuseable thank you card for every order, gifting you with a free stamp set via my Mainely Stamping Merits Program, helping you to have the best stamping experience possible.

I hope my top 3 reasons to be a Stampin’ Up! customer has convinced you to become my personal Stampin’ Up! customer. Feel free to shop my online store (and clearance rack), https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, or send an email to juliem@themainestamper.com if you need additional assistance. As your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I am here to help!