There are plenty of monthly card making kits out there and I want to take a moment to share with you why I think Paper Pumpkin is the best out of all of them. Here's a card I made using what I got in my most recent kit:
Super sweet, right? So here's why I now LOVE Paper Pumpkin.
First, the cost. For just $19.95 a month – INCLUDING shipping – you get a stamp set and all the supplies you need except adhesive to create a BUNCH of projects. A stack of cards, a batch of gift packages, a slew of treats…..this is not a one card here and a goody bag there monthly card making kit.
Second, the subscription program is meant to help you build up your supplies. For instance, many of the stamp sets – all photopolymer (and you get a free clear block in your first kit) – are designed to coordinate. They don't MATCH because that would get boring. But for the most part they can work together. In addition, Stampin' Up! does not repeat the color of an ink spot – those cute little ink pads, and yes, they can be reinked! – in 12 months! So you are guaranteed to get at least 12 different colors in a year and sometimes there are more than one baby ink pad in a kit!
Third, the projects are CUTE! In fact, one of the questions I get asked the most is “What if I don't like the projects?”. MY problem is the OPPOSITE – what if I DO? Because then I am compelled to buy the refill kits – available only to subscribers – and if I love 'em I LOVE 'em and want them ALL! If you ever get a kit with projects you don't like you can make alternate projects. People do it all the time!
So while I wasn't nuts about the projects but seriously adore the stamps, I went to town. I used washi tape with them, did some dry embossing, mixed and matched with other products I have and came up projects that I DO love.
Here's another one:
Let me ask you, are you a gambler? I am not one to be found at a casino, that is for sure. But on other things I guess I am. Because with these monthly card making kits, I like to take a chance, look for the win, and simply be surprised by an orange box that is delivered each month, right to my door, with a crafting escape inside. Here's one more project I made using all the cuties in my Paper Pumpkin.
The other parts and pieces are sitting on a shelf for the day when I realize I can use them on something I DO love. Because we should love what we make, right?
Here is a glamour shot of all three of these sweet little cards:
Personally, I think the biggest win in the kits are the sentiments. Like with this most recent one; I just didn't love the projects, which honestly was kind of a relief – I didn't have to order more. But what I do have is a crazy cute stamp set that I can't buy. That's right. ALL the projects and stamp sets in Paper Pumpkin are exclusive to Paper Pumpkin.
Don't forget that Bonus Days are in effect and purchasing three, six or twelve month subscriptions – for yourself or for someone you know loves to stamp – will get you bonus coupons to spend in August. It's a win win!
I hope you all know by now I would never mislead you to purchase something I don't think is worth it. There are some things that Stampin' Up! sells that I am not a fan of and/or don't believe they are worth your money so I don't promote them. But Paper Pumpkin? Yeah, they've passed the Meg test and what more could you ask from cute little monthly card making kits?
