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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
