This month Stampin’ Up! launched Paper Pumpkin, a monthly kit program. Stampin’ Up! has done the designing, cutting, and measuring for us, and most projects can be completed in just 30 minutes. The kits are described as being perfect for both beginners or seasoned stampers.
Now, you have to understand that I taught science for 34 years…chemistry, physics, anatomy, and biology. I was anxious to test both the time and the beginner statement for validity. So I searched my home for a suitable subject. Since none of the dogs have opposable thumbs, that left my husband. He definitely fits the criteria of a beginning stamper. So I sat him down at the dining room table, with only the directions contained with the kit, and left him to his own devices. My final words were “Make this!” as I handed him the box. Here is his card:
I was impressed with how straight he stamped the sentiment! And he completed it in 14 minutes. I will say that he was quite proud of himself, and wanted to stamp a second one.
To see what a seasoned stamper could do, I selected myself. I did not want to overdo it, and I wanted to use only a few extra, inexpensive items. Here is my version, which took less than 20 minutes. How many differences do you see?
- The power of three! I snipped the Old Olive Scallop Trim Sticker down to 3 scallops, and added Pearls.
- Feeling faint! When it comes to Waterspots, stamp off the Waterspots once before stamping on the card. And don’t be afraid to add a few more here and there.
- Snippets! A snippet of Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon adds a little pizzazz to the Daffodil Delight Paper Banner Sticker.
- Paper capers! Half of a Paper Doily adds interest below the banner. And the small part that was snipped off on the side graces the little pre-cut Old Olive Circle Sticker.
- Stamp out nudity! Say “No” to naked buttons! Add a little Baker’s Twine and form a bow.
I would love to have you join me each month as I host a Paper Pumpkin Party! If you select me as your demonstrator when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, I will provide you with instructions for creating your own inexpensive “stepped-up” version!
Sign up today by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click “Get It”. Beginning in March, a new project will arrive at your door each month.
Please Note: If you are currently my customer OR if you would like to be, please be sure to choose me as your demonstrator (Ann Schach, zip code 52655) near the end of the subscription process. Once you have completed your subscription order, please email me to let me know you have subscribed. That way I can make certain that you receive instructions for your stepped-up version each month.
If you have already subscribed, and did not add me as your demonstrator, but would like to, simply go to the My Paper Pumpkin website, sign in, and update your demonstrator to Ann Schach, 52655.
I am so looking forward to receiving your email that you subscribed and selected me as your demo. I can’t wait to share the stepped-up versions with you…and to see what you came up with, too! Until next time…
Extra supplies for the stepped-up version include: Paper Doilies (129399, $2.95), Basic Pearls (119247, $4.95), Whisper White Baker’s Twine (124262, $2.95), Old Olive 3/8″ Striped Organdy Ribbon (129291, $9.95)
Whoa! You taught lots of Science classes. I loved Science and did well in everything except for Anatomy. You are an amazing woman Ann.
Your husband did a wonderful job making his card. He did lots better then Wayne would. 🙂 And he is a designer for GE.To be fair he is a different type of designer. Did your husband like making his card?
I love that you added the extra embellishments. And I agree with you…….no naked buttons. :0
Did you get your kit at the SU Regionals? I ordered mine as soon as it was available to demonstrator and will not be getting it until March 10.I am so excited. Thanks again for sharing your post.
Mary
Your hubby came up with an outstanding card! Clean, simple and well balanced. Very impressive. And I love the way your stepped up version adds that special feminine touch. How fun!
!!!impressive!!!
LOL I love that you had your husband stamp! Now he needs the new Dude kit! 🙂
You are right and left -brained.! Just like my husband. Yikes!
Tell you hubby he did a great job. And what a good sport. I should give that a try since my husband is my biggest critic!! Have a great weekend.
Happy New Year Ann. It’s been a while since I was here. Your hubbie did an excellent work on his card. What a good sport he is. I love how you stepped up the card by using a few additional embellishments. Beautiful as ever.
Your hubby did a great job!! And of course I LOVE the changes you did. I think the stamped off splatters look so good when they are light!!
Your husband did a great job! Yay to him for doing it and for being supportive! And your version is simple beatiful, you are right small ‘addings’ go a long way. TFS
Your hubby is a good sport – and did a great job! Great idea to showcase Paper Pumpkin!
Ann – I love what you and your husband did here. What a great idea. Can you email me as I have a question I’d rather not post here. Thanks so much… Barb
Yes, will Kim want to use your Dude set? He did a great job on his card and such a record of time! I doubt if Mike would bother but maybe he would in the interest of science (er…competition). I never understood the water spots since they were so dark but on your card they are fine! I love the changes you made especially in the ribbon banner and that marvelous doily! What a fun and great “experiment” you performed!
Chris R. from Iowa
Your husband did a fabulous job! The only thing I would change would be to completely leave off the waterspots. I didn’t care for those on the beautiful bright yellow paper. Nice simple card.
Ann, I’m in awe of the classes you taught. Those were subject that I did not do well in. 🙂
Your husband was certainly a good sport to help you out with the experiment. Mine would run the other way. He did a great job and your stepped up version is really great. You have such a great talent for being able to find such fun details to your cards.
Thank you, Ann for the experiment and the ending results. This is good info to know. Your husband did a great job creating a beautiful card. Will you be ordering the “Dude” for him to experiment with also? I appreciate his willingness to be a guinea pig! It was fun to see the beginner and the stepped up versions.
Too funny! If I did that to my husband, he would have me sent to a goofy house. I did signup with my niece for the paper pumpkin as I think I could learn how to make cards easier with these kits. I’m not sure that I’m ready yet to venture into your amazingly detailed cards yet. I totally love what you did with the doily and how you put it in the circle. I am personally a pearl fanatic so they were a nice addition to your card. Thank you so much for sharing. I think I made the right decision on getting the paper pumpkin kits. P.S. Your husband did a great job!
Way to go Kim! I look forward to see what he creates with next month’s kit.
Of course you added signature pearls. I’m still laughing over the ‘nudity’ comment. Thanks for starting my day off with a big smile.
LOL, love your experiment Ann! I don’t think my husband would be so cooperative. Good to know a true beginner can do this.
So nice to see a hubby make a card! His is very lovely, and I like all your added extras. Chuckled at the ‘stamp out nudity’ part. 😉
LOL…I am impressed that your DH was willing to sit down and make a card! Good for him! Now, would my DH do that….I think he would! I might have to try it! I love both cards and how each of you used the embellishments!
Great experiment, Ann! Your hubby did a really good job on his card and it shows how fun stamping can be for beginners that he asked to do another one! Thanks for showing us that by just adding a few extras you can really step it up!
Hubby did a great job on his cards!!! I love that he said he wanted to do another one after completing the first one! Maybe there is hope for my Husband. I love your “stepped up” version! Thanks for sharing your experiments with us!
Your husband did a great job. I like both cards. It’s really good to know that someone without experience can made the projects.
amazing experiment! What a trooper your husband is. He did quite well, and your stepped up version is great!