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Ornate Garden Suite Part I

April 2, 2020

The Ornate Garden Suite Collection

Are you ready to get a jump start or sneak peek of the latest and greatest from Stampin’ Up!? The Ornate Garden Suite is an exclusive early release from the upcoming 2020-2021 Annual Catalog. You are able to order the entire suite or items a la cart from April 1-May 31, 2020.

In this three part series, I am exploring the fabulous new items from this incredible suite! In Part I, we take a look at the embellishments. We have ribbons and gems, as well as the embossing folder and designer series paper. Let me show you how I put them all together!

The Ornate Floral 3-D Embossing Folder

The Ornate Floral 3-D Embossing Folder is 4 1/2″ x 6 1/4″ in size. Because it is 3-D, I find it best used with the 3-D Embossing Folder Plate. This special ‘blue plate’ is new in the January-June 2020 Mini Catalog, and shouldn’t be missed!

The black line along the bottom of the folder will help you line up your paper in a straight manner. However, the ornate flowers are sporadically embossed. As such, you don’t need to worry about placing your paper in the perfect position for a great embossed effect.

Sponging Embossing Folders With Ink

Sponge ink on Ornate Floral -D Embossing Folder

You can change the look of your embossed work by sponging ink on the folder before you add paper and crank it thru your machine. Here I experimented with placing ink on both sides of the folder (one side at a time). In both instances, I ran it thru with Whisper White Cardstock.

The top cardstock image is from inking the back side of the embossing folder, where the folder’s image is raised. The Terracotta Tile ink settled into the flowers and leaves. But the image is de-bossed (depressed) instead of embossed (expanded upward). Interesting, but not what I was looking for. Moving on.

The bottom cardstock image is from inking the front side of the embossing folder, where the folder’s image is depressed, with the logo for Stampin’ Up!. This time, the Terracotta Tile ink darkened the flat sections of my cardstock. This left the raised image in the original paper color, white. Now we’re cooking…or crafting.

More Experimenting!

Next, I sponged the embossing folder with Mint Macaron Ink and embossed a piece of Whisper White Cardstock. After, I gently sponge-rolled the raised flowers in Terracotta Tile Ink. This resulted in a multi-color effect. Soft, muted and very lovely. Perfection.

TIP: Use a baby wipe to remove ink from your embossing folder, or rinse with water, then pat dry with a paper towel.

Embossing Card Fronts

Since this embossing folder image isn’t exclusive to direction, you can easily emboss the front of your card base. For this card, I started with a base that measured 4 1/4 x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″ (the tent fold).

It was easy to place the front of my card base in the embossing folder and run it thru my Big Shot without worrying about paper overhang or embossing folder orientation.

After running the card base thru the embossing folder, I sponge rolled the outer edges with Mint Macaron Ink. By the time I was ready to assemble my first card, it had 3 embossed layers! I really like this embossing folder…

Whisper White, Mint Macaron and Terracotta Tile meet the Ornate Floral 3-D Embossing Folder in style.

Ornate Garden Specialty Designer Series Paper

Ornate Garden Specialty DSP — Item #152488. 2 each of 6 double-sided designs in 12×12″ size.

The description for this specialty designer series paper (or DSP) reads “gold foil designs on some sheets”. I think it should read “on most sheets”. 4 out of 6 designs (or 8 out of 12) papers have fancy foiling. This does makes it hard to use the plain pattern paper over the fancy flip-side.

Coordinating Colors

Stampin’ Up! lists the coordinating colors on the back of every package of DSP. This helps us to choose colors that blend perfectly with the designer paper when creating our projects.

Coordinating Colors: Early Espresso, gold, Mint Macaron, Old Olive, Terracotta Tile, Whisper White, plus a brand new In Color: Bumblebee.

Yes, that is correct, we have insight as to what one of the new 2020-2022 In Colors will be: Bumblebee! A nice warm golden yellow. How glorious!!

Add More Color

I decided to dress up my gold foil accent sheet by coloring with some Stampin’ Blends. By doing so, you can create a very unique look. The blends make quick work of coloring, and it is very theraputic (for most).

TIP: Not a fan of coloring? Keep it to a minimum by using smaller pieces of DSP. Don’t color where you know you will be overlapping other layers on your card. This saves both ink and time.

The gold foil accents in the DSP go beautifully with more gold, whether embossed or not, via the Gold Foil Sheets, item # 132622.

Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo Pack and Gilded Gems

The Ribbons

Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo Pack item #152479

You get 2 colors in this combo pack, Old Olive and Terracotta Tile, for a total of 5 yards per spool. This ribbon is soft and flexible, perfect for making bows. The stitched edging gives it the illusion of color variation. When you add in this ribbon’s soft sheen for a gentle finishing touch, your project looks complete.

The Gems

Don’t forget to add some bling! The Gilded Gems are adhesive-backed, opaque gold in color and 90 pieces of wow. You get 30 each of 3 sizes, which Stampin’ UP! lists as 4mm, 5mm and 6mm. The rest of us go by small, medium and large. Either way, they look great on your artwork!

Not sure where to add a sentiment to your card? Use the smallest possible piece of cardstock for your saying and it will blend in more naturally, especially if coordinating colors are involved.

TIP: Dress up your cards and projects with ribbon and bling the easy way, use Stampin’ Up!’s coordinating products. They always match perfectly.

Ornate Thanks

Each of my cards featured here today used the Ornate Floral 3D Embossing Folder, the Ornate Garden Specialty DSP, and the Ornate Garden Ribbons and Gilded Gems. I also used sentiments from the stamp set, Ornate Thanks, in the Ornate Garden Suite, which has incredible font. More on that bundle in Part II of this series to follow.

The Ornate Garden Suite is certainly popular, and with good reason. There are so many gorgeous components to this suite, and they function well with one another. Be sure to stop by my online store https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net, to order yours soon. And check back for the continuation of this series, where I will explore the stamp and die set bundles, with more samples!

My Paper Pumpkin Addiction Part III

March 21, 2020

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

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

Pros of Paper Pumpkin

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!
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.
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

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.
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.
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

March 20, 2020

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:

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 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

March 19, 2020

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.

Sale-A-Bration Second Release Products 2020

March 3, 2020

Last Call To Sale-A-Brate in 2020!

The month of March means we are in the home stretch of Sale-A-Bration. It’s also time for Stampin’ Up’s! Second Release of Sale-A-Bration products in 2020. There are 5 new items, free with a qualifying purchase, to add to the previous Sale-A-Bration choices. I am going to highlight my top 3 picks for Sale-A-Bration Second Release with insight on each.

Sale-A-Bration Second Release Flowering Foils Specialty DSP

Sale-A-Bration Second Release 2020 Flowering Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper — Item #152312, free with a $50 purchase.

Specialty Designer Series Paper is…special. All DSP is lovely, but when extra’s are added to the mix, you get wow results. What makes this paper special? Rose gold and silver foil designs cover each and every piece of the dozen 12″ x 12″ sheets. An expensive look without the price tag!

Stunning on their own, they are also works of art in progress. You can easily add color to the white background to create endless and unique looks. Stampin’ Up! has coloring tools in the form of sponges, daubers and brayers for ink to paper techniques. For those who love to color inside the lines, think watercolor pencils, Stampin’ Write Markers or Stampin’ B lends.

Stampin' Sponges, Daubers and Sponge Brayers

Quick Tip 1

After applying ink to the paper with a sponging method, use a tissue or paper towel to rub the excess ink off the foil design. Your foil will really shine thru your chosen color palette.

Quick Tip 2

Don’t be afraid to cut your paper into parts and pieces for your projects. In the card above, the flower images were fussy cut. Try layering thin strips of DSP in different designs and colors to the front of your card for great interest. By using an inch or two at a time, you get extreme value with this free paper.

Sale-A-Bration Second Release Rise And Shine Stamp Set

Sale-A-Bration Second Release 2020 Rise and Shine Stamp Set — Item #152303, free with a $100 purchase.

This photopolymer set contains 15 stamps. What makes it exciting is that it features Reversibles, with images you can reverse and stamp on both sides. So the realty is you have 20 different images using only 15 stamps. Stampin’ Up! first introduced us to Reversibles in the 2019 Holiday Catalog with Cup Of Christmas, companion set to this one.

These mugs are super versatile, and timelessly trendy. Masculine, feminine and kids projects are covered (hot chocolate, of course!). If you are fortunate to have Cup of Christmas, add this set to your collection and make 4 different mug designs.

Quick Tip 1

On stamps that are reversible, stamp the image for one side, clean it before turning it over, and stamp on the opposite side. No need to scour your craft area for additional clear blocks, you can simply use the same one again. This is very helpful if you have limited acrylic blocks in supply or are taking your projects on the road…less to pack as you go.

Quick Tip 2

Use the coordinating Cup Of Cheer Dies, item # 151150, and your cutting machine to create 3D coffee mugs like the one pictured above. These would make great party favors or place settings for your next event. Choose your theme colors, fill with small treats and let guests take one home. You are now an excellent crafty host.

Sale-A-Bration Second Release Tags In Bloom Stamp Set

Sale-A-Bration Second Release 2020 Tags In Bloom Stamp Set — Item #152292, free with a $100 purchase.

Another large photopolymer set, this one includes 19 stamps. I love stamp sets that give me great words and phrases, and this one does not disappoint. Along with the adorable font settings are several flower options and a single small drifting leaf.

Stampin’ Up! does coordination well, and in this case, the stamp set functions with the Label Me Fancy and Label Me Lovely punches. I typically add the saying to the front of my card by placing it on a shaped background, blending in without overpowering. The new punches and this stamp set help deliver beautiful results when used together.

Quick Tip 1

When stamping an image you intend to punch out, make sure you have enough paper to hold onto while your image is lined up in the punch. If you are short on paper to grip, add a post-it note to connect the two pieces. The stick is just enough to hold, giving you the leverage you need. It removes easily without ruining your design.

Quick Tip 2

The flowers in this set are Two Step Stamping. Stamp the detailed image first, then line up the shaded or color filling image second. I usually practice a few times on scrap paper until I find the sweet spot in lining the two up in the best possible manner. The flowers can also be colored by watercolor pencils, Stampin’ Write Markers or Stampin’ Blends as well.

All Good Things Come To An End

Sadly, Sale-A-Bration is almost over! The three months of the year that Stampin’ Up! showers us with gifts is coming to a close. Now is the best time to take advantage of this great deal, stock up on essential supplies and reap the benefits of the Second Release of Sale-A-Bration products in 2020 !

Be sure to stop by my online store, http://juliemakson.stampinup.net by March 31st and Sale-A-Brate with me. Stampin’ Up! offers something for everyone; find just what you are looking for to help you create beauty and share love. And get something for free too, you deserve it!