I have to tell you, it’s been a rough couple of months for this paper addict, but then my August Paper Pumpkin arrived. And I was inspired to return to the things I love. The box was titled the Hope Box, and it is filled with an amazing stamp set, gorgeous card bases and envelopes, and embellishments. And as a bonus, Stampin up added materials to make a box belly band. So you can fill it with your favorite hope-inspiring items, like a favorite poem or quote, family pictures, or even a scented candle. It can be a gift to yourself or for someone else. I haven’t finished my box yet, but I want to show you some of the cards I made with it.
The Hope Cards Mostly as Designed

These are the three cards the kit makes. I put a little twist on one of them, literally. I tilted the Bermuda Bay layer to add more interest. For the Polished Pink card, I added some texture stamping to the white layer. I should have used the cute stamp in the kit, but I was distracted. I also put the sentiment on the left instead of the right. Small changes, but they make the card “mine”.
The third card layers a pre-punched delicate floral/butterfly bouquet layered over the base, with splotches of color perfectly aligned. There really was not a thing to do to make this card more. It was dazzling on its own. The sentiment says, “Where there is HOPE there is faith.” We could all use some of that these days.
And do you see these pretty printed envelopes peeking out? Talk about “happy mail!”
Despite how pretty these cards are, I did come up with an alternate.
The Happy Birthday Card

I always need birthday cards, especially in August and September! So, of course, I decided to make an alternate with a birthday sentiment. I used the Polished Pink base with the Bermuda Bay layer. The ribbon is part of the box belly band assembly, so I only used a small piece and frayed the ends for some texture.
The sentiment is stamped in the kit ink color Blackberry Bliss, and the stamps came from the “A Wish for Everything” stamp set.
To finish the card, I used three pre-punched butterflies and plenty of iridescent sequins that came with the kit.
Simple, fast, with a pretty bohemian vibe.
I hope you are finding ways to be crafty. Until next time: Ink up!