New Discoveries #2: SU's Paper Pumpkin Kits

I'll admit it: I was not a fan of the paper pumpkin kits when SU debuted them last year.  I thought "Why would I want such a limiting kit?"  But since then, I have realized their value in the paper crafting world.  Some people want all-in-one kits.  Some people have only a few minutes to craft and would like to spend it on crafting instead of searching for supplies.  Some people doubt their ability to think up their own designs (even though they are probably highly creative people). Paper Pumpkin kits are a great way to move behind these issues and get to crafting.  Everything you need comes in the box.  You have the option of following the example or striking out on your own.  The choice is yours.  This is a stress-free crafting kit.

I received a sample kit with my demonstrator starter order.  I thought I would share it with you today.

Everything comes in this handy little box.  Great for keeping your supplies together.  And I can think of a million things to use it for afterwards.

Here's the inside:

This kit featured a bicycle themed greeting card kit.  Each month varies in terms of the type of project.  I've seen some 3D projects in past kits, but they seem to be overwhelmingly greeting cards.

Breakdown of supplies included (adhesive is not included):

• 4 Whisper White Envelopes
• 4 Precut and Prescored polka dotted card bases
• 2 Sheets of yellow honeycomb stickers
• 9 Triangle stickers
• 1 Bicycle Stamp
• 1 "Thank You" banner stamp
• 1 Bermuda Bay Stampin' Spot
• 1 Baked Brown Sugar Stampin' Spot
• Instruction sheet (below)

My completed projects

Card #1: I followed the example card exactly. Clean and simple.

Card #2: I decided to flip the card on the horizontal, but one bike seemed too plain.  So I added a second bike and got creative with the "flags."

Card #3: Back to the vertical orientation. And I decided to play with repeating patterns.  I made sure to stamp my bicycles off the card to give it a continuous look.

Card #4: Finally, I was left with three stripes of yellow stickers and two flags to use.  This is what came out.

Highlights:

• Simple, easy to follow example designs and simple instruction sheets
• Everything is included -- Although my kit did not come with a clear block, SU is now including a special thinner clear block in your first kit.
• Only $19.95 a month plus tax (shipping is included)
• SU now offers prepaid 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions -- Perfect for gifts!
• Can skip a month or cancel anytime, no penalities

How to Order:

• Learn more at http://mypaperpumpkin.com
• Order a one month, three month, six month, or twelve month prepaid subscription here
• Be sure to use me, Tobe Buffenbarger, as your demonstrator
• Enjoy!

New Discoveries #1: Take Ten Kits

A new weekly feature on The Craft Sea. I would love to share my new crafting discoveries with you.  These may be specific products, websites, techniques, or general crafting ideas. Today on New Discoveries, I would love to highlight a relatively new monthly project life style subscription kit. Colie Kumar from Card Stock Option has created a great, cheap ($10!) monthly kit.  I signed up for the first kit in March, but I was regulated to the wait list.  Thankfully, I made it onto the actual list for April and now for May.  So far, I've received two kits and I am in love with them.  They are fun, coordinated, and actually useful.  The kits are designed, but they haven't moved in to the super-trendy category like Studio Calico's kits (have not been a fan lately, and super expensive in comparison).  The quality of the products is great.  The cards are one-sided, but of great cardstock weight.  I love the option of rounding the corners yourself or leaving them squared.  I prefer rounded corners, but I know many don't.  Overall, this is a great little addition to my crafting stash.

April's Kit:

• Stamp set -- Three border stamps.  Colie offered an add-on stamp that featured words that fit into the border stamps.  I didn't buy it, but it was pretty cute.
• Silver thickers -- Always love some alphabet stickers
• Embellishments -- Chipboard geo tags, one piece of button flair, two manilla tags, sample of washi tape.  She offered more matching washi tape as an add-on.
• 11 3 x 4 Cards
• 3 4 x 6 Cards

May's Kit:

• Stamp Set -- Cute little clouds, rain, etc.  I really enjoy this stamp set and can't wait to use it.
• Green alphas -- Always a welcome addition
• Embellishments -- Clouds and sun wood veneers, button flair, enamel dots (always use these!), and transparent leaves.
• 11 3 x 4 cards (embossed!)
• 3 4 x 6 cards

High points:

• $10 monthly cost plus shipping: Colie keeps shipping around $2-3 per month.  So your total cost can be as low as $12.
• Add-ons are offered: If you want to buy some great coordinating products, she offers some great add-ons. The best thing about the add-ons is that you should be able to actual get them if you log onto the Facebook page the first day of the month.  I haven't bought anything, but I have been very tempted...
• Opt out option: If you aren't a huge fan of the kit, you can opt-out for the month with no penalty.  All you have to do is cancel the invoice.  You still keep your place on the list for the next month.

If you want your own Take Ten Kit, sign up here.