My September 2023 With Love & Gratitude Paper Pumpkin alternate project ideas are ready!… well as ready as they can be. I injured my hand a couple weeks ago. I tore the sagittal band of my long finger on my right/dominant hand. Yesterday morning I had surgery to fix it, and my hand is now bandaged up so much that I can’t create with it for some time.

I only found out this past Monday that I would be needing this surgery. This was the same day that I received my paper pumpkin kit. So… I made use of that evening and the following day to create as much as I could for my upcoming blog posts. I got six paper pumpkin alternate projects done! Yay! And I’m excited to share two of my creations with you today!

I didn’t record a video of the directions because I didn’t have time for that. But hopefully my written directions and measurements below are clear enough so you can recreate these ideas.

Because it takes a little bit longer now for me to complete things with my non-dominant hand, my blog posts may bit a little bit briefer (not this one…hahaha!) or I may have larger gaps of time between my posts while I heal.

This beautiful kit contained the supplies shown below.

Here are the mini cards and boxes the kit instructs how to make. (Click here for a link to Stampin’ Up!’s how-to video to help you assemble these as intended.)

But I never assemble my kits as is, because I like to show subscribers other ways to use those supplies. I like to think outside the box…see what else I can come up with, and create alternate cards, scrapbook pages and more. Today I’m sharing with you two full-size cards (one is a split window fun fold card).

Be sure to visit my blog again soon, because I have a few more alternate projects that I’ll be sharing soon.

Card #1

Products I used… See below for a complete list of extra products I used linked to where you can find them in my online store.

Measurements…

• Envelope liner layer from the kit
  • 3-1/4″ x 5-1/4″
• Scraps of gold foil from the kit
  • 1/2″ x 2-1/4″
  • 3/8″ x 1-1/2″
• Basic White Cardstock
  • 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored parallel to the short side at 4-1/4″
• Gold & Vanilla Satin Edged Ribbon
  • 16″

Directions… 

• Add the envelope liner layer to the front right portion of the folded Basic White card base.
• Wrap and tie on the ribbon so it lines up with the left edge of the envelope liner layer. Trim the ends at an angle.
• Trim the right end of each gold strip to create banners. You could use the kit banner piece as a guide if you wish.
• Stamp the words “thank you” off to the right on the smaller white banner piece from the kit.
• Layer the stamped white banner onto the longer gold banner using seal adhesive or glue dots from the kit. Then add this combo to the smaller banner with Dimensionals from the kit, And attach to the front of the card next to the knot of the ribbon.
• Stamp the words “grateful for you” on the longer white banner piece from the kit.
• Add the smaller laser cut gold foliage, the die cut leaves, and the banner to the inside of the card using Seal Adhesive, glue dots from the kit, and/or Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

Card #2 – Split Window Card

Products I used… See below for a complete list of extra products I used linked to where you can find them in my online store.

Measurements…

• Pool Party Cardstock
  • 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored parallel to the short side at 2-3/4″ and 4-1/4″
• Card base layer from the kit
  • 2-3/4″ x 5-1/2″
• Early Espresso Cardstock
  • 2-3/8″ punched circle

Directions… 

• Position the folded Pool Party card base with the extra score line on the front. Then stamp “with love & gratitude” multiple times horizontally and staggered to fill in that 1-1/2” wide section between the left edge and the score line on the front of the card. This part will take a while, but it’s so fun to see the end result. You could use a stamp positioner if you want the words to look perfect. But I did not on mine.
• Use a ruler/straight-edge and the Early Espresso marker to draw a line along the score line on the front of the card.
• Open up the card base and position the 2-3/8” Circle Punch so it’s coming in from the top of the card. Line up the edge of the punch with the fold line of the card. The line of the marker should be running down the middle of the circle. With the punch positioned all the way in and lined up, punch the circle from the Pool Party card base.
• Stamp the leaves image a couple times on the bottom right corner of the kit card base layer. Adhere this to the front right section of the card base. Then line up the circle punch again in the same spot and punch to remove the half circle of the kit card base layer.
• Fold along that front score line. Then added adhesive under the 1-1/2” wide section on the left. And connect to adhere.
• Add the Early Espresso circle inside the punched out circle area while also tucking under and adhering gold leaf pieces under the right side (which will be showing on the inside of the card when open).
• Add the die-cut pumpkin to the middle of the Early Espresso circle with Dimensionals while also tucking under and adhering gold leaf pieces under the left side.
• Open the card again and stamp the words “thank you.”

These first images below show how I stamped the words on the front of the card AND that I cut the gold laser cut leaves down into multiple pieces. (I actually cut them down smaller than this. But this photo just shows how I got started.)

It’s so fun how opening the card still allows you to see the full circle centerpiece.

I hope I inspired your creativity with what I shared today! If you did not get this kit, I hope you can apply these ideas to products you already own.

If you are not a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, I invite you to give it a try. CLICK HERE to learn more. CLICK HERE to sign up by October 10th for this next kit…

A PEEK AT OCTOBER’S PAPER PUMPKIN KIT
Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit! This kit includes supplies to make eight beautiful 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ cards—four each of two designs. Whether you want to send a few to your loved ones or fill your home with some extra special Christmas cheer, this kit has everything you need to make some sparkly, festive cards including beautiful Christmas-themed precut pieces and a bottle of Glitter Glue. AND the coordinating box design can help create a cute village Christmas scene! (FYI…this kit coordinates with the November Paper Pumpkin Kit. So you’ll want to stay subscribed.) Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Balmy Blue, Blueberry Bushel, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lolly, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Real Red (ink color)

To renew your subscription, click here and login to reactivate. Are you on Facebook? Then be sure to join the PAPER PUMPKIN FAN CLUB to get lots more inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1441979982783482/

I’m up for the challenge of running my paper crafting business without my dominant hand! 🤣

As I mentioned above I had surgery yesterday morning to repair the tear in my sagittal band on my right hand middle finger. I ruptured it by trying to stretch my hand in two different directions at the same time. And surgery was the best way to possibly gain full recovery.

So please be patient with me. I may not respond to every e-mail, notification, post, comment, etc…especially if they were meant for me to just read. My blog posts maybe a bit shorter, and there may be larger gaps in time in my sharing or in my responding that I need to do. Thank you for all your well wishes, your prayers, and your comments that bring a smile to my face. I appreciate your support. ❤️

Stamp-n-Storage is having their popular Fall Sale featuring 15% OFF storewide* and Free Shipping on purchases of $150+ in the U.S. Domestic now until October 2nd!!! it’s the perfect opportunity to grab those storage solutions you’ve had your eye on.

Their products helped me renovate my craft room in December of 2015. And I continue to purchase their storage units as I make updates. Just recently I updated quite a few pieces and I’m excited to share them with you soon!

No code is needed, discounts are automatically applied during the checkout process. Visit to shop!

(*excludes Craft-n-Go Mini)

Thanks for stopping by today!

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Products…things you might need/want in addition to the Sept 2023 Paper Pumpkin kit 

SNS FALL SALE
Stamp-n-Storage is having their popular Fall Sale featuring 15% OFF storewide* and Free Shipping on purchases of $150+ in the U.S. Domestic now until October 2nd! Visit to shop!

CLEARANCE RACK REFRESH!
Exciting news! More items were added to the Clearance Rack on September 18th!

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 MINI CATALOG!
The September-December 2023 Mini Catalog is now live!! View the catalog online from my catalogs page. Shop the products in my online store.

SPECIAL RELEASE DESIGNER PAPER
On September 6th new exclusive designer paper packs were made available for purchase. These are special release products that were added to the Online Exclusives and are only available while supplies last. Once products run out, they will no longer be visible in the online store. Click here for the flyer.

CRAFT FOR A CAUSE & SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES
This year Stampin’ Up!’s product giveback program is featuring A Walk in the Forest Designer Series Paper (item 162377). For every paper sold, SU will donate $3 to Toys for Tots. Let’s make a difference together!

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY
Mark your calendars and join Stampin’ Up!® on October 7th for a FREE virtual crafting party in honor of World Card Making Day! Gather your friends & fellow crafting enthusiasts and join us as we connect with one another and make three fun cards. Registration is FREE and the best way to stay up to date on all event details. Click here for details.

KITS COLLECTION: CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE KIT ADDED
Share the joy of Christmas with everyone, everywhere with the Christmas Everywhere Kit featuring trees from around the world so you can send the special people in your life warm Christmas wishes wherever they are! This new kit is part of the Kits Collection and is now available. Click here and scroll down for more details.

A PEEK AT OCTOBER’S PAPER PUMPKIN KIT
Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit! This kit includes supplies to make eight beautiful 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ cards—four each of two designs. Whether you want to send a few to your loved ones or fill your home with some extra special Christmas cheer, this kit has everything you need to make some sparkly, festive cards including beautiful Christmas-themed precut pieces and a bottle of Glitter Glue. AND the coordinating box design can help create a cute village Christmas scene! (FYI…this kit coordinates with the November Paper Pumpkin Kit. So you’ll want to stay subscribed.) Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Balmy Blue, Blueberry Bushel, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lolly, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Real Red (ink color)
If you are not a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, I invite you to give it a try. CLICK HERE to learn more. CLICK HERE to sign up by October 10th for this next kit.

ALL STAR VIDEO CLASSES
I’m a designer with the All Stars, a group of globally recognized Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. And we are excited to share exclusively with our customers, paper crafting friends & team members our September 2023 Zoo Crew Suite Video Class Bundle which is now available. CLICK HERE for more information. Click here to get to my Tutorials/Classes for Sale page to see others that have been offered. The next one featuring the Les Shoppes Suite from the 2023-24 Annual Catalog will be available October 1st.

US BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Thirteen states and Puerto Rico are offering a sales tax holiday for school supplies during the months of July, August, or September. Products that are eligible according to the statute include “items normally used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes.” To see the names of participating states, products exempted from tax, and sales tax holiday dates 2023 Tax Holiday spreadsheet here. If you want to get in on the tax holiday, you must place your order with Stampin’ Up! during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax-free (which is midnight on the first day to midnight on the last day of the tax holiday). Also, keep in mind that this is a state sales tax holiday; the state statute may not apply to county, city, and special jurisdiction taxes.