I really enjoy the Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription kits. Most of the time I do alternatives, but, every now and then I follow the directions (see the lower right card). What I enjoy the most is the ability to put these kits together fast (usually one afternoon), travel with them (they are all inclusive) and always having a card ready to pass along.

February’s Paper Pumpkin kit is titled “The Lovely Day”. This kit will make nine cards (including envelopes, etc). It’s coordinating colors are Petal Pink, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock, Rich Razzleberry, Rococo Rose and Old Olive. It is described as being the perfect kit to celebrate birthdays and other grand occasions. Subscribe between January 11 and February 10, 2020 if interested.

Shop my on-line store or send me a message if you would like to order this kit. Remember, Sale-A-Bration is still going on. I want the “Happy Birthday to You” stamp set.

As always, happy crafting!! Colleen

The Balloon Festival is in town this weekend, so, what better time to play around with the Above the Clouds stamp set! I love the Terracotta Tile color, so I thought I would make that color the focus of my very first Z-fold card. To start: Cut a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”. Score at 4-1/4” and then at 2-1/8”. These score lines will make the “Z” fold. For the band, cut a piece of the Thick Whisper White cardstock at 1-1/2” x 8-1/2”. Score at 2-1/8”. I used the Designer Series Paper sampler from the Sale-A-Bration catalog to use in this card. I cut it to fit the outside fold and the main body of the card. I love this paper. If you should choose to become a member of my team, this paper is included in your Starter Kit.

Start stamping! I used Daffodil Delight for a yellow base in the balloon and outlined in Terracotta Tile. This is a two-step stamping process. The clouds were stamped in Seaside Spray (stamp off once on a piece of scrap paper to lighten the ink). I went over the clouds with Wink of Stella. If I can encourage you to purchase one extra item, Wink of Stella would be it. I love how it gives that little bit of “extra”.

Now, lets get this card together. You can see that the edges of the band line up nicely with the edges of the card. Once that is glued in place (I like TomBow, some folks like snail—they both work) start on the balloon. I placed glue dots on the back of the balloon and basket and added some twine to connect the two. Pop that balloon up on dimensionals and place it on your card. Add bling of your choice and you are done.

***To be honest, I added those little pieces on the second fold after I smudged that area with ink. Most mistakes are fixable!

I hope you enjoyed today’s card. As always, happy crafting! Colleen

Do you ever just need a quick project? That is exactly what happened to me! Per usual, I am running just a little bit behind this year (hahaha). So, after checking out other demonstrators ideas and cards on the internet, this is what I came up with.

Two of the cards were made with the Let It Snow DSP, some glue, bling and a little stamping. The third card is an elevated Paper Pumpkin kit. One of the things I enjoy about the Paper Pumpkin kit is not only how quickly these kits come together, but, also how easy it is to make it your “own”.

I am hoping you all have a wonderful and magical Holiday Season. Please like my Facebook page or look me up on Pinterest. I’m looking forward to some exciting new things in the New Year: monthly classes, more instructional videos/ blog posts and a brand new look to my website!

As always, happy crafting! Colleen

I finally found the time to put the Paper Pumpkin kit from October 2019 together. I LOVE it! Of course, I am always a bit “extra”, so I combined this kit with the Snowman Season bundle and added some bling. I did do some embossing for the “stars”. I’m not sure why they photographed gold. In person, they are a beautiful silver.

I know we are all so busy this time of year. Isn’t it difficult to get everything done? Yet, so much fun! I have a few more cards and projects to complete—-which I will do listening to all of the Christmas carols. After that, I plan on enjoying our family, playing games and eating all of those delicious holiday goodies. I wish you all the very best Holiday season yet!

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

I love a sale! Especially at the holidays. There are some really fun products here. The Halloween coffin boxes make fabulous wreaths (check out Pinterest or YouTube) or candy boxes. I also have made both of the card kits in the bottom photo. I’m not sure which one is my favorite….Well, probably the fall one. I love the colorful swishes that are pre-printed.

If you would like to order, please visit my on-line store, cardsbycoco.stampinup.net. If you are interested in becoming a member of my team, please wait until January 2020. Stampin’ Up will be offering an incredible deal for new demonstrators. I would be happy to welcome you now, but why give up additional free product???

As always, Happy Crafting and have a wonderful day!! Colleen