Here is the May “Cherry Blossom”Paper Inspiration Kit. It includes a new Csized stamp set (C1889), Espresso Ink Pad (Z2829), Peach Shimmer Brush (Z3661), precut papers, card bases/envelopes, and printed instructions. I also provide a video for those that prefer visual instruction on how to assemble the cards. These kits cost have a retail value of between $25-$30. You pay only $20 for local pick up or $25 for it to be shipped anywhere in the US.
Several of you have asked me why I have only offered the monthly kit for the card makers in the group. So I have decided to launch the scrapbook version of the monthly Paper Inspiration Kit or as I like to call it the PIK. To kick it off I am asking for your feedback and help to ensure we accomplish our goals.
The idea behind the PIK was to make help you build a collection of ink pads over time on a budget and to make cards that were easy and cute. This Scrapbooking kit will not have the same emphasis on ink that card making does, instead we will focus on using the featured paper suite each month, it will be easy to assemble, have a technique that you can carry over to another page or layout in your future layouts (if you do not already know about it,) and have full size accessory or embellishment that you can use in the future. Some examples of those items are shimmer pens, gems, or shapes. Most importantly, this will be economical.
Each month or kit will be a new limited edition two page layout, including the page protectors. The kit will be set at $15 per month, with the product value set between $15-$20 per month (it will be $5 additional if you would like it shipped directly to you.) This is how I have been offering the PIK for the card making over the past year and each month the demand grows.
This month features Hillside Cottage. One constant theme throughout these designs is the use of elements that tie back to nature. Here in Montana, we spend a lot of time outside and nature is all around us. This month I pulled in our “Wood Grain” papers as well as mink twine. For the technique, I used the stacking of stamped die cuts. This is one of the best ways to stretch the use of a stamp set. You can really save money while not sacrificing on quality by using your regular papers to make those thicker elements. It gives your designs dimension, a more expensive look without the cost of buying lots of die cuts, chipboard and stickers.
The kit is precut and stamped. You will not need to own the stamp set or thin cuts to complete this layout. Just assemble, add photos and journal. Join me via video demonstrating how I assembled the layout or use the written instructions. This is meant to be a jumping off point, if you feel inspired add to it!
As a special for the first the very first month, if you subscribe to my blog, and comment below, I will send you this month’s scrapbook PIK free of charge (I will ask that you pay for the shipping charge if you need it shipped, no charge for local pick up or drop off though.)
Maybe it is because I live on a farm, or because my drinking glasses are all mason jars, or because I actually do can with mason jars, but the Eat Play Love-Card Making Stamp and Think Cut set is a winner.
When I saw that it included a solid die cut for the mason jar and it was a good sized one, I knew I could make it into a shaker card if I wanted to. All I do is cut out a extra layer using fun foam and then with double sided tape and a piece of acetate sandwich it together with the bits and pieces.
You have to admit there are some cute sentiments to add to this one. I do not hang onto many set, but I sure will be hanging on to this one.
If you are interested in purchasing this set (Z3924) it is on sale this month as part of our Stamp and Thin Cut special. Use the link above to Shop at my site to see all of the great deals we have. The papers that go with this set are featured this month. They are so popular, I will be surprised if they last the entire month. Make sure to check them out.
Happy crafting,
Amy
What is a PIK? The Paper Inspiration Kit (PIK) was my brainchild that bridged the gap for folks that love to play with paper but may not have stamped before or may not be familiar with Close To My Heart products and workshops. It is a card kit that is designed to be cute, easy to put together, and affordable.
Each month I design a new kit. They are available for that month, and then while supplies last. They include a stamp, a full sized ink pad, an accessory, precut papers, card bases and envelopes, written instructions with photos and a video showing how to assemble the cards. The cost of the kit is $20 if picked up locally, or $25 if you would like me to ship it to you directly.
Why do a PIK when Close To My Heart offers wonderful workshops? Good question. When I started back in 2013, I had been with a scrapbook company that did offer stamping products. I never picked up a block and I did not know that you needed different ink colors or block sizes or any of those little tidbits that make beautiful images. The kits we have are absolutely stunning, affordable and have easy to follow instructions. The one issue I found was that in addition to the kit you needed to buy two and sometimes three additional colors of ink to complete the kits. That can make it a bit more expensive to jump into. So the PIK is a way to introduce the concept of stamping, or it is a way to build up your collection of ink colors over time.
Here are few addition things to keep in mind:
1. You can choose a different color. If the featured PIK is a color that you already own, you can change it for one that you do not own. Just let me know when you order it that you want a different color. Again, the idea is that you build your collection of colors not that you stick to my schedule!
2. This is meant to inspire you, not to fence you in. I love to see the different versions that my customers create. There is no right answer and it is supposed to be fun.
3. These make great gifts for new crafters or experienced crafters. One of my customers has arthritis and she likes not having to cut the papers, she can play and create without extra work.
4. It is budget friendly. Each kit has materials to make an average of six cards, and you have a stamp, ink and embellishment to use on more of your liking. The kit contains between $25-$30 in retail product each month.
Ok, even if you are not Scandinavian it is hard not to see the versatility in this stamp set (How is that for a double negative?) Scandinavian folk design is a hot trend right now and you will see more of this style in the upcoming month (HINT!) This weekend in my Facebook group I am doing a virtual crop and will be showing a couple ways I am incorporating this into my cards and layouts. I will post some of that here next week as well.
To see the stamp in more detail you can go to my shop site BitterrootPaperCrafts.CTMH.com and look at the Specials tab. It will show you the current stamp of the month images as well as artwork. Here is a picture as well.
The SOTM is a limited edition stamp that is literally only available for that month. We have three ways to get our hands on them.
1. Buy the stamp for $18.95 during the month.
2. Place an order over $50 and you can add the stamp for $5. This is a savings of $13.95.
3. Be a VIP and place an order over $50 and get it free! This is a $18.95 savings.
(Two free stamps of the month will pay for your VIP membership for the year!)
It is a typical spring day in Montana. It is warm and sunny today, while yesterday was rainy and snowing. You just never know what you are going to get for weather. I cannot help but look forward to my garden and flowers and just being outside.
You will see that as a running theme in my Paper Inspiration Kits. I still have a couple left over from February that featured the Country Bee. This is such a great stamp and who doesn’t love yellow and pewter? Don’t answer that! Anyway, the newest video with April’s PIK will go live today on my Facebook group. I will make sure to post it to YouTube and here as well tomorrow. If you missed the bee and want to buy this before it is gone let me know ASAP!
Hello my crafty friends! It is another month and we have a great Stamp of the Month (SOTM) for you. This one had two large images and some great sentiments. I see this one as great for card makers and for scrapbookers.
The SOTM is a limited edition stamp that is literally only available for that month. We have three ways to get our hands on them.
1. Buy the stamp for $18.95 during the month.
2. Place an order over $50 and you can add the stamp for $5. This is a savings of $13.95.
3. Be a VIP and place an order over $50 and get it free! This is a $18.95 savings.
(Two free stamps of the month will pay for your VIP membership for the year!)
Check out this beauty. I think it screams springtime, and boy could we use some bright sunny days!
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