What do you think about the July 2016 Paper Pumpkin kit?  Be honest.  I’ll start.  First thought, how would I come up with alternates for a kit like this? After putting two of the boxes together I realized this kit was a different kind of gem.  To quote a phrase, “A Diamond in the Rough”.

This card came to life thanks to scraps left over from the kit and inspiration from Canadian Demonstrator Susanne Netz. Click here to see her card on Pinterest.  Thank you Susanne!

Background:  Creating a soft, sponged background is super easy.  First, press your Soft Sky Classic stamp pad against one of your acrylic blocks.  I use the E Block (3-7/16″ x 4-7/16″ (8.7 x 11.3 cm). Light colors like Soft Sky won’t show up well but it’s there.  Next, use a Stamping Sponge wedge to pick up ink from the block and apply to the Whisper White Cardstock.

Copper Accents:  The little flecks embedded on the “trees” are copper foil.  Of course I had to pull out some of our new Copper Metallic Thread ‘cuz gold or silver just wouldn’t work.  A spot of clear glue from the Fine-Tip Glue Pen makes sure the bow stays put.

Star Gazing:  Don’t you just love the new Enamel Shapes?  Hearts, dots and stars in so many colors. Soft Sky Stars from the Subtles Enamel Shapes, are used to light up the sky and put a finishing touch on the bow.

If you’re like some people, you may not enjoy the 3-D projects that come in some of the Paper Pumpkin kits. Limited supplies and a couple scraps from the July 2016 Paper Pumpkin Kit is all it took for this card. Every giftbox in the kit can be cut to create several cards like this. Just create outside the box!

If you like making 3-D projects, here are a few alternates to try.  All the die-cuts are created with the Flourish Thinlits Dies.

Click for larger image

Need help creating outside the box?  Join other Paper Pumpkin heads in the Paper Pumpkin Patch on Facebook. We’d love to see your creations too!

Quick reminder!

July Bonus Days are coming to a close.  Don’t miss your chance to earn $10 toward August Purchase ($5.00 from Stampin’ Up! plus $5.00 from me.)

Ending Sunday, July 31, 2016!

Check out the Details:

• You’ll receive a $5 USD/$6 CAD Bonus Days coupon code via email for every $50 USD/$60 CAD you spend in a single order (catalog price before shipping and tax). There is no limit to the number of coupons you can receive per order or throughout the duration of the promotion.
• There is no limit on the number of coupons participants can use on an order during redemption.
• Bonus Days coupons codes can be used in the checkout process during the redemption period.
• All order types qualify for this promotion. Coupons can be redeemed on any order type.
• Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed for any product, excluding Starter Kits and Paper Pumpkin subscriptions.  However, they may be used on a NEW PREPAID PAPER PUMPKIN order.
• An email address is required to participate in this promotion; Bonus Days coupon codes can only be delivered to participants via email.

To make this promotion even better, you’ll get a $5.00 Wild West Coupon from me to boot.  Not too shabby, eh?  Click the image  below for a full size flyer in PDF format.

Have a Wildly Creative Day!

Shop Wild West Paper Arts 24/7!

Different Kind of Gem Product Round-up: