PLAY DAY

Just recently (in the past couple of months), I ran across a picture of someone who had used their Paper Pumpkin to create a scrapbook page.  I don't know why it had never occurred to me to do so.  I've seen many alternative greeting cards using Paper Pumpkin supplies, that didn't follow the "recipe" included with the kit.  I have several past Paper Pumpkin kits that I wasn't exactly in love with the proposed use of the contents, though I seem to always love the product and stamp set that's included. One would think that a person who loves scrapbooking would naturally gravitate in the direction of making scrapbook layouts, but it just never occurred to me. 

Anyhoo, needless to say, I was so excited for the 5th anniversary edition - March Paper Pumpkin.  There was lots of hype surrounding it and the fact that there was a free gift that could be used with the kit. So much so that I waited until yesterday to open the kit because I wanted to make sure that I had time to play with it when I did.  When I opened it, I knew instantly that I would be trying my hand at creating a scrapbook layout with it.  Annnnnnd...here's what happened:

I must also add that there were lots of supplies in the kit.  I still have many leftovers.  I did add a couple of pieces of cardstock in Fresh Fig, Crumb Cake and Lemon Lime Twist for photo mats and card bases.

Here are a few close up details.  I actually was very pleased with the outcome.  So much so that I am going to go back through some leftover supplies from my previous Paper Pumpkin kits and convert those as well.

Below are some of the alternative cards that I created with the kit. 

This is one of my favorites.  I like the stamped background in Whisper White.  It brightened it up quite a bit.

I love that Stampin' Up used the current "In Colors" in this kit along with the Crumb Cake.  Crumb Cake is such a versatile color and in my opinion makes projects more elegant looking.

 

By the way, if you have never heard of Paper Pumpkin, it is a monthly craft kit that comes right to your door.  I like to say it's just enough to get your crafty on if you have a busy life and can't really commit time to sitting down to craft.  The little box comes with everything you need except adhesive and is portable enough to travel with you to places.

The envelopes in this kit are very cute as well.  If you'll notice, I used one on the 12 x 12 scrapbook layout above as a journal pocket.

Well, I  hope that you are inspired by these alternative projects.  Here are the extra's that I used:

 Lemon Lime Twist 8.5x11 cardstock

  Whisper White 8.5x11 cardstock

 Crumb Cake 8.5x11 cardstock

 Whisper White 12x12 cardstock

 Crumb Cake Stampin' Pad

 Fresh Fig Stampin' Pad

 Fresh Fig 8.5x11 Cardstock

Finally and sadly, Saleabration ends this Saturday, March 31.  And gladly, there is still time to earn product for free, just for shopping.  Visit my online store to take advantage of Saleabration while there is still time.  As a reminder, the best deal is the Starter Kit. With the starter kit, you can select $125 in product for just $99, no shipping, and you can enjoy a 20% discount for the next three months with no further obligation.  Hop on over to my shop at: 

PICKLED PEPPERS STAMPIN UP SHOP

WANNA FALL IN LOVE?

If you haven't seen the Springtime Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper in the 2nd release brochure, it's definitely worth a second look?  This paper is astonishing!  It is embossed metallic foil in gold, silver and bronze and is ah-MAY-zing!!!

While watching movies, I grabbed my Stampin' Blend markers and colored on a sheet of the DSP.  I love it!  The colors of the Stampin' Blends markers are so vivid and lovely on the DSP. They are on back order at the moment, but they are worth stalking. I have always loved creating my own background paper and this just took it to the next level.

 

The Sale a Bration exclusive Springtime Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper (147193) is FREE with a minimum purchase of $50 in my online shop.  There are two weeks left of Sale a Bration; to select for free with qualifying purchase.

You can find all of these products here:  SHOP

TO THE POINT

Ever wish your rubber stamps that are mounted on wooden blocks could be used on clear blocks?

Me too!

Recently I placed a Stampin' Up order and realized (much to my horror) that I had accidentally selected wood mount stamps for part of my order.  Uggghhhhhh!!!  Now, don't get me wrong; in my humble opinion, I think that rubber stamps give a much crisper cleaner image with less fussiness than photopolymer stamps, but I have grown to love the confidence I gain when using clear stamps and placing images where I want to be on my cardstock.  Also, people seem to prefer them when I am holding classes.

I had intended to send the stamps back for exchange, but life got in the way and other things took priority until I needed to use the stamps. I waited too late to mail the package to be sure I would have the replacements back when I needed them.  Imagine what a PICKLE (pun intended) that put me in?

So... as I looked at the stamps still sitting in the box, a light went off!  I could compromise and just turn them into clear mounted rubber stamps.  I have a gazillion of them - Stampin' Up sells them this way.  I grabbed the box and got busy!

First, put the wooden blocks aside.  You can re-purpose them and use them for another project (I gave mine to my son has his first wood burning tool kit).  You can also save them in case you may need them for another stamp set or change your mind.

Next, peel away the die cut covering from each image, leaving the rubber stamp in place. The rubber will be sticky.

Then, remove the clear sticker label (with the picture that represents each stamp) from the sticker sheet.

Carefully match up the sticker with the shape of the die and adhere it.

Once you have done this for all of the images on the rubber "sheet", peel away the remaining die cut covering paper from the rest of the stamp. (The negatives, if you will.)

Stick the entire rubber "sheet" to the back of the case, opposite the label.

Finally, remove the stamp you wish to use and adhere it to a clear mount stamping block!  Voila!

You can do this for stamps that you have previously mounted to wood. You will need to remove the rubber stamp and the foam padding from the wooden block. This is a tedious process and more difficult the older the stamp is.  You want to take your time and be very careful not to damage the stamp while removing, as any amount of damage could ruin the stamp, making it virtually unusable. If you are attempting to remove an older stamp and you ruin the foam, you can "re-foam" the stamp by purchasing EZ Mount static cling mounting foam, cutting the shape of the stamp and adhering it to the rubber stamp.

I have not used the method above for previously mounted stamps, but of all of the choices I have seen during my research, this is the one I plan to use when I finally get around to making the leap with my older stamps.  I'll be sure to keep you posted and let you know how it goes.

If any of you are planning to make this plunge (or already have), let me know how it works for you!