The October 2020 Paper Pumpkin box contains all the necessary elements to make stunning Christmas cards. Cherry Cobbler twine and distressed Crumb Cake card bases add a rustic element and a perfect contrast to gold foil words, banners, and card base details. If you did nothing but make the eight cards as designed, you would be perfectly happy with this kit. But of course, I wanted to see what I could do to mix it up and create some easy, fun alternates. I have three options for you to consider, case, or use as a jumping-off point for your own creative takes on this super kit.
Envelope DSP
For this card, I cut one of the kit card bases in half and then trimmed the gold patterned side to 5-1/4″x4″. I layered this piece on a Just Jace card base. I had no idea how good Cherry Cobbler would look with Just Jade, but the blue undertones in both colors work really well together.
Next, I cut a flap off one of the envelopes. They are lined with the beautiful patterned Cherry Cobbler paper that has holiday words in English, French, and German repeated. I trimmed off all the white parts of the envelope flap and then did a final trim to create a strip 4″ wide by 1-1/4″ high. After layering that on the card, just slightly below center, I added two of the floral pieces on Dimensionals. I used multi-purpose glue to add the gold foil Peace between the flowers.
For a final touch, I used the Dark Just Jade Stampin’ Blend to color three basic rhinestones.
More Envelope DSP
Since I’d already sacrificed an envelope to alternate card making, I decided to use up the rest of it as a layer of DSP on a Cherry Cobbler card base. This monochromatic start to the card makes the next elements really pop.
Next, I added one of the cable-knit embossed panels from the kit. Then I stamped a wreath with Just Jade before I added it on top with Dimensionals. For the Peace foil, I was careful to only add glue where the letters would connect with the wreath. I used a glue dot for the Cherry Cobbler twine bow.
The sentiment is stamped in Just Jade and I added two gold glitter enamel dots for a final touch of sparkle.
Not a Christmas Card
Depending on how many Christmas cards you like to mail, you may have pieces of this kit left over. How about a birthday card instead?
First, on Soft Sea Foam card stock, I stamped the flower in the same ink in random directions. Make sure to get partial images falling off the edge of the paper. This makes it look like the paper came from a larger sheet and the eye likes it better.
Next, I took the scrap of gold-patterned card base from the first card and added it directly to the lower third of the card. The flower piece is on Dimensionals. And I tucked the banner stamped in Cherry Cobbler under the edge and overlapping the scrap. To create a cohesive design that is more pleasing to the eye than random elements on the card front, layer the pieces even partially.
For the final touch, I added three basic pearls.
I hope you’re enjoying your Paper Pumpkin kit. If not, you can subscribe now by clicking on the link in the right-hand panel of this page. Enjoy creating beautiful handmade elements to celebrate the holidays. Happy Crafting.
Lovely pieces!