Category Archives: Birthdays

SPOTLIGHT ON PRETTY IN PINK

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It wasn’t my original intent, but this card turned out to be quite the girly card. ALL THAT PINK!!! Sometimes I surprise myself.

  • Stamps: Spotlight on Nature, Keeping Tabs
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pretty in Pink, Granny Apple Green
  • Accessories: 24-26 In Color Designer Series Paper, Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Spotlight on Nature dies, Greetings of the Season dies, Stampin’ Write markers, Blender Pen, Pretty in Pink Bordered Ribbon, Transparent Adhesive Backed Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

My original intent was to work with the Spotlight on Nature dies to see what I could do with them. I cut a circle from Pretty in Pink DSP from the Color Family pack, then cut a white ring with a larger circle to create a frame. I stamped the floral image from the Spotlight on Nature stamps onto a white card front, then layered the DSP with the opening over the image.

I used the marker to stamp method, coloring directly onto the stamp with my Stampin’ Write markers. Instead of filling in with Stampin’ Blends, I chose to use a Blender pen. The shading is softer and allows the details from the stamped image to show.

Need your own Spotlight on Nature bundle? Those dies are pretty awesome! Shop the Online Store.

Check out the September – December mini catalog. You’re gonna love it!

Be sure to check out the Online Exclusives available ONLY in the Online Store! Many of my favorite bundles are there.

The October Paper Pumpkin Kit is Nests of Christmas. It includes everything you need for 10 beautiful cards and envelopes, and coordinates with the Nests of Winter Suite from the Sept-Dec Mini Catalog. New subscribers get 40% off their first kit when they subscribe by October 10th. Subscribe HERE by October 10th and use the code HOLIDAY40. (This offer is available to new subscribers only.)

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

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REGAL FLORA from the NEW MINI!

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The September – December mini catalog launches tomorrow, and I hope you’re ready! Regal Flora was a bit of a sleeper for me. I added it to my Demonstrator pre-order on a bit of a whim, but I’m a big fan – tell me what you think!

  • Stamps: Regal Flora, Keeping Tabs
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Petal Pink, Calypso Coral
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Regal Flora dies, Keeping Tabs punch, Country Lace DSP, dauber, Linen Thread, 24-26 In Color Shimmer Gems, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The flowers are stamped and die cut in a cluster of 3, and I made 3 clusters. I inked them with Petal Pink, then used a dauber to add Calypso Coral to the centers. There’s plenty of room for individual expression with how much Calypso you add!

My beloved Linen Thread (may it remain with us forever) winds through the flowers, and the Keeping Tabs punch provides a fun little tag (trim the punched shape through the center). A few gems add some sparkle.

The September – December mini is FULL of beautiful new products – shop early and often!

As you know, new catalogs sometimes have supply and demand imbalances, so shop the Online Store soon.

Be sure to check out the Online Exclusives available ONLY in the Online Store! Many of my favorite bundles are there.

The September Paper Pumpkin Kit is Autumn Abundance. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features copper foil details and a watercolored ephemera pack. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by September 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

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HEARTFELT HEXAGON: A MANLY CARD

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This simple layout can be anything you need – a true Swiss Army Knife design. Change the color palette and the DSP and you could have a child’s card, a feminine girlfriend card, or even a thoughtful sympathy card. The options are endless.

  • Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon, Everyday Greetings, Greetings of the Season
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pebble Path, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Hexagon Punch, Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Dashing Designs 3D Embossing Folder, Country Woods DSP, 23-25 In Color Opaque Sparkle Dots, In Color Textured Ribbon (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals

I discovered that the hexagon stamp can be a little tricky to line up on a block. Since it’s an open stamp, the edges move around a bit and when you go to punch it, if it’s not perfectly “squared” it doesn’t fit. I solved the problem by lining up the stamp on top of the punch – put the side that you use to stamp directly onto the punch and have the flat side facing up. Then place your block on top of the flat part and carefully peel the stamp off the hexagon. Try it, it works!

The sentiment uses two Online Exclusive stamp sets, Everyday Greetings and Greetings of the Season. Between the two, just about everything you might want to say is covered.

My apologies about yet another retired ribbon. You could substitute the Pebble Path Jute Trim, and that would be even more manly. I need to clear out my trim drawer.

I usually make my mats pretty tight, so that Basic White panel is 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″. That means the DSP is 4″ x 5 1/4″, and if you make the embossed piece 2 1/4″ tall and the DSP piece 3″ tall, they’ll butt up nicely to each other. I like to make my DSP panels 4″ wide so that I can cut 3 across on a 12″ piece of patterned paper. And my favorite Country Woods DSP is still on sale in the Online Store!

Select Designer Series papers are 15% off while supplies last !

It’s time to redeem your Bonus Days coupons! The code is in an email sent to the same address you used to place your order. You can use multiple codes on a single order – have some fun with it!

The September Paper Pumpkin Kit is Autumn Abundance. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features laser cut card fronts and an ephemera pack. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by September 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

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PLAYING IN THE RAIN: BABY BIRTHDAY

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Mister Maui Stamper and I went to a wonderful baby One Year Birthday Party last weekend at a local beach park. There were lots of babies and baby mamas and papas and we were blessed to be part of it. Such a special event called for a special card, and I reached for my favorite turtle since this was an “O-FISH-AL” birthday party:

  • Stamps: Playing in the Rain, Attention Shoppers
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pool Party, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Peach Pie, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Playing in the Rain dies, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Blends, Transparent Adhesive Back Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I used the Blending Brush to put down a soft wash of Pool Party as a backdrop. I struggle with a watercolor wash, and the Blending Brush is much easier for me. I added a little Pool Party to the bottom of the clouds in the same way, giving them some depth. I colored the turtle and the flowers with Stampin’ Blends and put it all together with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The Playing in the Rain images are whimsical enough to work for adults, but they’re equally suited for children. They’re from a past mini catalog, so you might have missed them. Find them in the Online Store.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. Beautiful stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

July is BONUS DAYS earnings month – for every $50 you spend on Stampin’ Up! Merchandise, you’ll get a coupon code worth $5 for your August orders. There’s no limit to the codes you can earn, so it’s a great time to stock up!

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ATTENTION SHOPPERS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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I’ve had a LOT of fun with Attention Shoppers, and I haven’t even touched the shopping cart yet! I love the images of things to put INTO the cart (the sign of a true shopper, I guess).

  • Stamps: Attention Shoppers
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Attention Shoppers dies, Dotted Circles 3D Embossing Folder, Bakers Twine 3 Color Pack, Stampin’ Blends, Country Lace DSP, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This is one of my favorite fun folds. It’s called Z-Fold, and it’s easy to customize. You begin with a card stock base measuring 4 1/4″ x 11″ and score it at 5 1/2″. Score again at 2 3/4″ and fold that scored portion back so the card base makes a “Z” figure. Adhere a panel (this is a 3″ x 4″ rectangle but almost any shape will work) to the front portion (that you’ve folded back) and you’re ready to embellish.

The cakes are colored with Stampin’ Blends, and they’re popped up on Dimensionals. I used the Flirty Flamingo Bakers Twine from the Three Color Pack around that front panel. A layer behind the front panel is embossed with the Dotted Circles EF to coordinate with the circles in the DSP.

Attention, Shoppers, this bundle is now available in the Online Store.!

The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

BONUS DAYS begin today! Place an order of $50 from July 3 – 31 and earn a coupon for $5 to redeem in August. There’s no limit to the coupons you can earn, and what’s even better is you can share them! Start earning coupons HERE.

Painted Petals is the July Paper Pumpkin kit. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features easy-peasy die cuts and a gorgeous floral box. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by July 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

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Sweetly Scripted with In Color DSP

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I love featuring a single color with black and white. I have yet to find a combination that doesn’t work – and I thought Shy Shamrock was a stunner:

  • Stamps: Sweetly Scripted
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Shy Shamrock, Basic Black
  • Accessories: Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs, 24-26 In Color DSP

Have I mentioned how I love Sweetly Scripted?????

The font combined with the length of the sentiment makes it a natural for a focal point. And that diagonal panel is simple: cut it to the width you want, mat it with Basic Black card stock, and place it diagonally on your card front. Use your snips (or a trimmer if you prefer) to square the corners and you’re done!

What color would you choose for this project? We have so many to choose from!

And if you need some fresh new colors, shop the Online Store.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog has arrived in the store! New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

If you have EVER considered joining Stampin’ Up! this is your best offer! This is the richest offer we’ve seen, well, maybe forever! Your $99 USD lets you choose $125 worth of any available product PLUS a glorious assortment of the brand new 24-26 In Color products! Check this out before you place your first order this month. There’s no obligation to continue or to sell and there are no strings attached. Message me for details or learn more HERE.

Life is Sweet is the June Paper Pumpkin kit. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features 2024-2026 In Colors and lots of sparkle . An exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 second quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by June 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

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Hexagons In Color

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The Heartfelt Hexagon punch has been super popular, and if you’re lucky enough to have one I hope you’ll try this fun card:

  • Stamps: Something Fancy
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petunia Pop
  • Accessories: Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, 24-26 In Color DSP, 3/4” White Trim (retired)

I found it easiest to punch multiple hexagons and then play with them until I found a pleasing pattern.

I need more cards with this sentiment 😳 sad, but true! I’m glad to have it.

This layout works with just about any DSP Collection, but it’s especially well suited to our color family collections. Just mix and match the patterns!

If you need a fresh pack of DSP, shop the Online Store.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog has arrived in the store! New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.

If you have EVER considered joining Stampin’ Up! this is your best offer! This is the richest offer we’ve seen, well, maybe forever! Your $99 USD lets you choose $125 worth of any available product PLUS a glorious assortment of the brand new 24-26 In Color products! Check this out before you place your first order this month. There’s no obligation to continue or to sell and there are no strings attached. Message me for details or learn more HERE.

Life is Sweet is the June Paper Pumpkin kit. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features 2024-2026 In Colors and lots of sparkle . An exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 second quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by June 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

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TEXTURED FLORAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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I’m venturing into a bit of a shabby chic look today. It’s out of my usual style, but not too far out. I’ve used my favorite sheet of Earthen Elegance DSP as a base for the card and added a few stems from the Textured Floral dies.

A handmade card with 3 plant stems and the text "wishing you the happiest of birthdays"
  • Stamps: Charming Sentiments, Queen Bee, Lighting the Way
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lost Lagoon, Pebble Path
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Textured Floral dies, Earthen Elegance DSP, Linen Thread, Pebble Path Textured Ribbon, Stampin’ Trimmer, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The DSP really sets the tone for the background. I used a variety of stamps from Queen Bee and Lighting the Way to add more texture, stamping them off and layering them.

A handmade card with 3 plant stems and the text "wishing you the happiest of birthdays"

I could have cut all 3 die cuts separately and layered them, but no, I had to do it the hard way. I put them together along the edge of a Lost Lagoon panel and ran them through the Big Boss part way, stopping before they cut through the edge. I used my Stampin’ Trimmer to cut a straight line across the panel, leaving just the stems attached. That panel got the same background texture treatment as the DSP.

A handmade card with 3 plant stems and the text "wishing you the happiest of birthdays"

I finished it off with Pebble Path ribbon and Linen thread. The inside has a simple set of lines to create a custom look – it’s a handmade card, isn’t it?

To order supplies for your own handmade cards, shop the Online Store.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone. Let me know if you need a copy, or shop it online!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

SUNFLOWER BIRTHDAY

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Have you used the Abundant Beauty Decorative masks? They are such a delight to work with! This card is quick and fun and will leave you wanting to make more:

A handmade card with floral designs and the sentiment “wishing you the happiest of birthdays”
  • Stamps: Charming Sentiments
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Poppy Parade, Lemon Lolly, Pecan Pie, Garden Green
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Sentiment Silhouettes dies, Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks, Blending Brushes, 23-25 In Color Dots, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The masks have notches to help you get perfect placement every time. And the Charming Sentiments stamps and their coordinating dies give you the fussy cut look without the fuss! 💕

A handmade card with floral designs and the sentiment “wishing you the happiest of birthdays”

You would be surprised at how much fun it is to play with color combinations with these masks! This is therapy at it’s finest – and cheapest too!

I think I like playing with the masks even more than making the end result into cards. This could become a problem. Ah well, I’ll worry about that another day!

A handmade card with floral designs and the sentiment “wishing you the happiest of birthdays”

If you need your own set of Abundant Beauty Masks, shop the Online Store.

An invitation to the World Card Making Day showing balloons and markers

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY IS COMING! You’re invited to craft along – register for this FREE event on October 7. Download the project sheets HERE and HERE.

Patterned paper hexagons and the text "Designer Series Paper Special Release" and "shop AnneMatasci.stampinup.net"

Beautiful new papers are available while supplies last! Find them under Online Exclusives.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Let me know if you need a copy!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 10th.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

SEASON OF CHIC: WATERCOLOR

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I’m a late arrival to Season of Chic, but I’m now a true believer. It’s a versatile two-step stamping collection, and that makes it perfect for this simple watercolor technique:

Two white handmade cards with the sentiment "Happy Birthday", one with yellow flowers and one with purple flowers
  • Stamps: Season of Chic, Go To Greetings/Something Fancy
  • Color Palette: Basic White with Orchid Oasis, Highland Heather, Granny Apple Green and Parakeet Party/Basic White with Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry, Winter Wheat, and Old Olive
  • Accessories: Watercolor Paper, Stampin’ Spritzer, Dauber, Big Boss, Chic dies, Deckle Rectangle dies/Stitched Rectangle dies (retired), Metallic Ribbon/In Color Jute, Tinsel Gems/In Color dots

Do you have a favorite demonstrator (or two) whose work you never grow tired of? For me, Tami Hewlett is one of those people. She recently shared a stunning card showcasing a simple watercolor technique, and I really wanted to give it a try. Ink is applied to the stamp and the stamp is misted with water. Once it’s been stamped on watercolor paper, details are added using the two-step stamping technique.

Detail of a white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and yellow flowers

I don’t have the Tropical Leaf Bundle that she used, but these flowers made me happy. I tried a number of color combinations, and the range of yellows and purples were very satisfying. For this technique, it makes a big difference to have that two-step outline. It adds shape and definition to the soft, flowing watercolor.

Detail of a white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and purple flowers

I originally intended to use Orchid Oasis with Starry Sky, but the combination was too dark and didn’t have enough contrast. Highland Heather provided the balance I needed.

Each flower is unique, depending on where I placed the ink and how much water it got from the Spritzer. Tami applied the darker ink direct to the stamp, but I found it gave me more control to use a dauber.

A white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and yellow flowers

The watercolor paper makes a big difference. It absorbs the water, distributing the color evenly without distortion of the paper.

What color combination would you choose? I’m looking for more ideas! If you’d like to try this technique, shop for Season of Chic stamps and dies, or Tami’s choice, the Tropical Leaf bundle. Either way, I’m confident you’ll have a lot of fun!

Just a few more days to earn Bonus Days coupons! Through July 31st, with every $50 merchandise order you’ll earn a $5 coupon to spend in August. NO LIMITS!!

Online Exclusives are HERE. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Be sure to subscribe by August 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This kit includes 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs, and 8 coordinating envelopes. The kit is special because of the way it uses the meaning of flowers. On each card, you’ll find a small inscription of what the flowers represent.

"Paper Pumpkin" on red banner, "Meaningful Flowers" in blue on a pale blue background with images of stamped flowers

And don’t wait, because anyone who subscribes to this month’s kit will get a FREE stamp set! This Distinktive stamp set is perfect for a variety of occasions! 

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.