Are you ready for some BLOG CANDY…
Wanna Win (2) Birthday Bags and (2) Birthday Cards…
Hello and Happy (Friday!)Saturday morning! As promised, I have the card that I created to go with yesterdays fun with the Birthday in a Bag post! One thing that happens to me and I bet you will agree…is that we always have great intentions to have a “stash of B-day Cards” on hand…just in case – and then life happens and we fall short!
Todays post is all about how I had to have an “Attitude Switch” in my simple stampin’ mind….basically, how I set out to make Lemonade out of Lemons…and guess what – the last laugh was on me!
Are you thinking to yourself….“What the heck is she talking about”...well, grab a cup of coffee and have an open mind and let me shed the light! In the end I think that you will see where I am coming from and also you will see that with a couple of changes…and a fresh and positive set of eyes – you can smile and in turn make someone else smile!
In my “simple stampin’ opinion” there are months of the Paper Pumpkin that are HIGHS…and then there are months that are Lows (in my eyes)…and when I opened up the December 2018 Paper Pumpkin….I wasn’t feelin’ the love. I let it sit for quite some time and then as I was cleaning my work area after the holidays…I thought – just use it up!
Lets’ get to it!
In the above picture you can see the kit and then what I did! I basically used the 18 calendar cards that are preprinted…and made 18 Birthday Cards with the kit….and I AM THRILLED as now I have 18 Birthday Cards ready to go to use over the span of 18 months!
The “calendar” itself is already preprinted and has a great gold foil detail on the Month and then a color that accents it. In the kit there are (4) different color schemes and for todays card I used this fun dot paper to go with the months that had the Coastal Cabana trim! (hopefully this makes sense)
You can see the the one above that I have not cut yet is a soft yellow…and for that…I used a totally different DSP to accent it so I can use all sorts of DSP and USE IT UP!!! (let me know if you want me to share the other cards that I did with the other color combos) as I can do that in another post!
I checked this morning and this kit is still available….as sometimes SU offers extras for sale under the Paper Pumpkin Past Kits….but remember, you need to be a current Paper Pumpkin Subscriber to take advantage of past kits!
If you are not a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber and you are curious and like this post – this is what I would do….. HEAR ME OUT…..as trust me – I have been a subscriber and then I have stopped….I have restarted it and stopped……yada – yada!
I would sign up/resign for just one month as there is never any obligation to commit for a long timeframe…
That would be $19.00 and then I would get the Calendar Kit for $18.00 + The super cute Halloween one for $15.30 = a total of $52.30 and that would get you a FREEBIE from SALE-A-BRATION!!! (don’t you love how my simple brain works!)
A little snip off the sides on the calendar element and also across the top….a quick mat of cardstock to help make it POP and a simple addition of a fun sentiment and that ADORABLE little card and PRESTO…..one SUPER FUN card that works PERFECTLY with my Birthday in a Bag!
Below you will see images of the other stamps/DSP that I used for this project, they are all newbies from the Occasions Catalog. In my simple eyes, they are both KEEPERS and you will see me blogging about them more in the future as I think that they are both Blue Ribbon Winners!
Because I have become so super selective in which Stampin’ Up! products I wish to purchase, I look at them and ask myself – do you see yourself making MANY cards/projects with them….is it one that you will reach for this time next year….and if you say yes – to those questions…chances are it is a good investment and it needs to find a home with you!
You can easily see that this is such a SIMPLE card but it carries a fun PUNCH to it because of the colors, clean lines and the sweet little addition of the cake and sentiment!
I guess what I am trying to convey to you is…keep it simple, make it doable…make is simply special! I am just thrilled with these cards and the others one that I did as well……(I used the butterfly SAB paper on one set….and it is just great!)
All you need to do is circle the “special day” of the recipients Birthday on the actual calendar or use a light color of ink and stamp a heart over the date and WOW – you have one special card for someone and I bet you can already see the smile on their face!
***PLEASE NOTE**** If you click the link for the Piece of Cake Bundle in the line up below….you will see that it is NOT available to purchase right now as a BUNDLE because they have sold out of the punch that coordinates with it… (urgh….I know – I get it) BUT the GREAT NEWS IS….that it will carry over INTO THE NEW CATALOG so you can have piece of mind that you will be able to get the punch when it comes back in stock!
The Stamp Set, Piece of Cake IS available and the image is not a hard one to fussy cut out until you are able to get the punch! Again, just trying to make Lemonade out of a Lemon situation! 🙂
Ok….I think you “get it” for the background of the why’s and how’s that I made this card and now are you ready to win some BLOG CANDY?
Leave me a comment and share in how you make someones Birthday special.….or perhaps leave a comment and let us know do you make multiple of cards and have them stock-piled? It is just fun to read how we all do things….again, a way that gets our creative juices flowing!
I will randomly pick a winner and they will win (2) Birthday Bags from yesterdays post and (2) of these cards……I will be back on Monday with the winner so you have 2 days to leave a comment!
I can’t wait to read the hows/whys you make a B-day special!
Have a GREAT day…and tomorrow is the SUPER BOWL….I have a bunch of things already stamped out so I can sit and color while I watch the game! The commercials are always my favorite to see and I saw a sneak peak of the M&M’s commercial….priceless!!!!
Be safe, stay warm and please go and make someone smile! It is still bitter cold here…the horse have been in the barn and yep…Daisy is still grumpy with the cold – she comes out of her condo and her hair stands up like spikes….and then she makes this little noise that makes me laugh….let’s see what the Ground Hogs says today!
I make multiple cards & “make it a game” using up SU DSP. SO many times I have gone to my stash and been able to send or give a last minute Birthday card.
For birthdays, I make a homemade card and baked yummies. I craft a box or some creative paper made decor to decorate up a package. Loved your birthday treat and card made. You took it up a notch!!!
I always make a bunch of cards when I get my supplies out. Sometimes with no sentiment until I decide to use them. I am always glad that I have a stash to pick from. I send out so many cards and lately it’s been sympathy cards. 🙁
I too always make at least 4 cards using different papers & sentiments. As long as I’m stamping may as well make another. I also keep a notebook with a small picture of the cards that I make and put person’s name under it so I ‘remember’ which card I sent to that person. This is particularly helpful when I send weekly ‘thinking of you’ cards to at least 4 people who are dealing with health issues and other problems. The number of people I sent cards to changes and so when a new person is added, I just have to send card #1 to that person.
The bed laid plans of mice and stampers…
I have a birthday box with the months and behind the months index cards with name, address and birthdate. I write what card I sent so hopefully I don’t send the same one next year. I try to personalize them using their favorite colors. I also note on the index card what other cards I have sent – Valentines, sympathy, just because. It’s a work in progress but hopefully keep me on task.
Good Morning, Susan! This project is Cute, Cute, Cute! I do not keep a stockpile of the same card. I find it boring to make the same thing over and over. However, I do like to have cards made ahead of time so I’m not stressing when one is needed. Example: Sympathy cards. So hard to create, but if done when not needed, it will be easier to just go pick one out of your stash. Thanks for the chance at some blog candy! Happy Saturday!
I forgot to add….Go Patriots!
You are AMAZING. This is so clever and simply stampin’ adorable!! I know your heart struggles with not blogging as much. I want to tell you these posts are worth the wait and keep me/us coming back for more. Sending stampin’ hugs.
Love the bags and the card! (Would love to see how you did the other cards!). And so enjoy your blog!
Hi Susan, You have certainly hit it out of the park this week, with the birthday bags and now this wonderful calendar card! (I “almost” re-upped to PP a few months ago, but decided I didn’t need to add to my “to-do” list…) You highlighted one thing I have begun doing, which is making multiples of cards. It finally dawned on me that not only is it a timesaver, it’s just common sense, when a sheet of CS makes two cards, to do at least two cards when all the supplies are at hand, and anyway, they don’t have to be EXACTLY alike. Hugs & stay warm — the sun is shining here in Ohio this morning–tell poor Daisy we’ll send some her way!
Great alternative idea for this Paper Pumpkin kit! I would like to see your other cards too.
I do make a bunch of cards (sometimes without sentiments) so I can just pick and choose when needed. At the beginning of the year, I create my “milestone” (25, 50, 65, etc.) birthday and anniversary cards so when that special occasion arises during the year I am totally prepared.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some blog candy!
I rally like your idea of using calendar pages for a birthday card. I usually try to make several of the same card at the same time. It’s nice to have a stockpile so you don’t get caught short when it is someone’s birthday.
Hi Susan! Great idea to use the calendar pages for personalized birthday cards! I agree with PP… hit and miss… but some of the stamped sentiments are classics that I turn to again and again. ?
Birthday Cards in multiples… it just makes sense, once I already have all of the supplies out. Sometimes I even grab a card I previously made with a different sentiment, and glue a birthday greeting on top of the original. ? I also save old cards and recycle them, cutting the card top off and adding a new base. I’m sure I am not the only one that does this… we crafters are so frugal. Sometimes, I even recycle the handwritten message inside. I call them “memory cards” when I use my Mom’s unique calligraphy as a backdrop for special cards for my sister and brother. They love them. ❤️
By the way, I can’t get enough of that butterfly DSP from SAB, and I would enjoy seeing that variation, if you have time to share. Thanks very much!
I hate to admit it, but my Dec Paper Pumpkin is still sitting there waiting for some inspiration. Just found it with your card! I knew I was going to make individual birthday cards with them, but just had not seen quite what I wanted. Thanks you for sharing. I usually make 6 or 8 cards at a time. The first one is always the hardest, but once I have that the rest go fairly quickly. That way I always have a card on hand when I need it. I mail out cards all monthly -birthdays and anniversaries especially with more than I like sympathy cards too. They go to my family and friends and also to my “family” at church. So I need lots of cards. Thanks again – I really like your idea.
I LOVE birthdays…..ever birthday NEEDS to be celebrated! I’m an ovarian cancer survivor so birthdays to me are a BIG DEAL and I like to encouraged everyone else to make a BIG DEAL out of their birthday too! I make/send cards tailored to the birthday girl/boy with a very personal note inside. Thanks for offering these extra special birthday ideas.
Your card and bag are adorable. I haven’t used my Dec. paper pumpkin kit. Thanks for all of your inspiration.
Great ideas for a kit you are not “excited” about!! I make many cards during the year…..I try to make them personal for each recipient but sometimes I do make a couple more while I have the supplies out on my desk…….they each get a little tweak so they are not identical. The neighbors know I make cards for “therapy” & I always have a stash of cards for different occasions, so they stop by for a card they may need. Thanks for an opportunity to win some blog candy. Thank You.
I`m sorry I must have taken the wrong turn !! This can`t be Susan`s because these people that are commenting are too organized !!
One even (makes me shudder to think about it }uses up her DSP ! Not one Hoarder in the group !
Guess I will make the best of it and say I like your card and would love to see the others . I will leave now quietly so as not to disturb these ladies who are probably making cards as they type !
Oh Sonny, I was starting to cringe too. Yes, my intentions are to make cards ahead but as someone said, “Nope, not gonna do it, no so-reee-bob!” At least Dana Carvey did say that. Sometimes I need to keep at least a bit of a super favorite card so I can reminisce about a card I made. It makes sense but I have decided it just is not in my genetic makeup. Two cards the same is stretching it. I started my box of cards and there was two right up front alike made with that great butterfly paper. After a week in adding a couple more to the box I could not take it. I took one of the doubles and gave it to someone to add to their card ministry. Ok I can breathe again.
Your card is great. I actually made the January one into a card that was so cute. So, yes please, show us the rest of the cards as you can especially February because it will be over sooner than you think. Meanwhile I am having a great time using up bits and pieces of kits and making lots of one of a kind cards. Plus, I plan on using some of my old stamp sets with birthday stuff on them also justifying having bought so many. I do sometimes repeat the sentiments on the inside but that is a whole different ballgame. I also may use the same formula card but they have to be unique just like me!!!
Hard to follow Sonny’s comment! I was just going to say how I love the creative use of multiple products. Oh yes….and…. GO PATRIOTS!!
I love this card idea, Susan, and would love to see the others you made using this PP kit. I usually make 2-4 cards while my supplies are out. I don’t add the sentiment until they are needed. I make copies of each card on my color copier, put them in an album and refer to them to be sure I don’t send a duplicate or similar themed card to the recipient next year. I wouldn’t want that to happen!! Thanks for a chance at the blog candy. Getting happy mail from you is a real treat! I think Daisy is going to like the weather over the next few days. Enjoy your day!
Yikes. Yes. You gals are very organized! I too make at least two of each card since coming up with the design is my “stresser” when I make cards. I love that you keep telling us to “keep it simple” as this is supposed to be nothing but fun. Thanks as always for the inspiration and the chance at blog candy.
Great idea I wasn’t excited about the kit either! Thanks for sharing!
I love your birthday card idea, Susan! That kit was not my favorite and you have a great way to use the pages. I was looking at your card and thinking it would be fun to circle the date on the calendar for the person to whom it is sent. I make close to 100 birthday cards a year…21 for grandchildren alone. I make a stack of men’s cards that are pretty much the same. I also make a stack of cards for the girls under 12. I send different cards to my women friends, family and grandchildren. Which reminds me, I need to get busy again!!!
Love your idea of using a calendar page for the birthday card. Will certainly give this a try. I usually make two cards at the same time while I have the supplies out, but without the sentiment. That can always be added later. Really enjoy reading your blog and seeing your great ideas. Thanks for your inspiration.
My Dec PP kit is still sitting in the box but I like this idea. I try to always make multiples of cards since my Misti makes it so easy. I send enough cards that they don’t last long! Thanks for the idea.
We always call our children and grandchildren first thing in the a.m.to sing “happy birthday”, Most of them follow suit so I guess it’s a tradition!
I like to have sympathy cards ready when I need them. I keep them simple with a few layers. Lovely as a tree is my favorite to use. Your calendar Birthday card is great! Thanks for all you wonderful ideas.
I can’t just make eons of the same card as there are too many wonderful cards to CASE out there and put my own spin on them! I just thought I would add another two cents to the comments!
I absolutely make more than one card at a time. I have photo boxes labeled Birthday, thank you,… That way when I am in a hurry I can get into my stash. If I don’t put in a handmade card with my gifts I definately hear it from my friends. They look forward to see what I come up with. Even my kids say Mom did you make me a special card? LOL
Several recipients of my handmade cards say they’re the only “real” cards they get, and that makes them feel special because of the time and thought that goes into them. I hardly ever make more than one or two of a particular card. Like Chris said, there are just too many cute ideas out there to CASE.
Wow this birthday in a bag was wonderful and so fun to do and now with this idea of the paper pumpkin kit into birthday cards I can hardly believe it- makes it so much more fun to make cards that are nearly the same yet different Great ideas – thanks for sharing and a chance to win-Love reading your blog<3
I love what you did with that Paper Pumpkin! I put mine away not wanting to do anything with it. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful idea! This will help me get some more cards for my birthday stash that isn’t very big. Love your blog!
super cute birthday cards! I make multiple of cards cause I donate them to our church to a senior saint to pass out whenever some one has a b
day there
Great ideas! Sometimes I “get on a roll” and make multiple cards in a sitting. I might vary the color scheme for each card. I do not add a sentiment when I am making multiples. That way I can use it for a get well card, birthday card, thank you note or a just thinking of you card. This has worked great for me especially if I need a card in a hurry. It is so much easier to just stamp out a sentiment, punch it out and add it to the card. Thanks for your ideas…they always inspire me to use my stash!
We make the birthday all about the person ! The day is special , we honor their gift of being born 🙂
Susan
I love ? your card. I’ve seen several made with the calendar but I like your clean version and will definitely case and buy more kits!! Thanks for making me spend more money I don’t have lol!! I would love to win your bags and cards. Also I would like to see the remainder of your cards too
I always make a handmade card to make someone’s birthday special. Sometimes I add chocolate in the card. Sometimes I made a set of cards for them to use. I really like how you adapted the December Paper Pumpkin!
We always make the birthday person’s favorite meal and they get to pick the cake. When my boys were younger I made them fancy decorated character cakes and now they all have favorite flavors. It’s all about celebrating that person!!!!
Love the purple paper with the dots. I actually don’t think I have ever made more than 2 or 3 of a card. I always like to make or buy a card that fits the recipient. Not always possible but always a bonus.
What a great card and idea! I love the bags…when I find my bag maker..ha..I hope to make some of the bags. I love the way the card coordinates. Lots to look forward to. Thanks for sharing.
Each January I make a supply of birthday cards from one or two new stamp sets. Then I’m ready all year to mail them out when needed. You do such nice work. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to WIN.
Hi Susan, I love this idea instead of another calendar. It makes this Paper Pumpkin much more versatile. I, too, would love to see your other color combinations with DSP. I’m sure they are super cute!