My Honest Take on Paper Pumpkin: Room for Growth?
Hey crafty friends!
Today I'm sharing some thoughts that might ruffle a few feathers, but I believe honest conversations make our crafting community stronger. Let's talk about Paper Pumpkin – Stampin' Up!'s monthly subscription crafting kit.
What You Get for Your $27
For those new to Paper Pumpkin, it's a monthly subscription that arrives at your door with everything you need for a quick crafting session. Each kit typically includes a small stamp set, die cuts, card bases, and coordinating supplies. Most months focus on card-making, though occasionally you'll receive materials for boxes, bags, or home décor projects.
The concept is genuinely sweet – crafting made accessible for busy lives or those just starting their papercrafting journey.
My Recent Experience: August 2025 Kit
I decided to give Paper Pumpkin another try after several years away, curious to see how it had evolved. Here's what arrived in my August kit:
- Two stamp sets (usually it's just one – nice bonus!)
- An ink spot
- High-quality card bases and envelopes
- Pre-cut die cuts
- Twine
- Mini dimensionals
The Good, The Challenging, and The Potential
What worked: The card bases and envelopes were genuinely impressive – that Stampin' Up! quality we all love. The stamp sets, while small, had charming designs that would appeal to many crafters.
What didn't: Those mini dimensionals were my nemesis! They simply wouldn't stick properly, which left me worried about my finished cards holding together. One project involved tying a tiny tag with twine that had me fumbling for several minutes before I decided life's too short for overly fiddly details.
Why I Think We Can Dream Bigger
Here's where my demonstrator heart gets excited about possibilities. I see so much potential for Paper Pumpkin to become something truly special – even if it means adjusting the price point.
My wishlist for an elevated kit (around $35-37):
- Blank card bases instead of pre-printed ones (more creative freedom!)
- Full-size stamp sets you'll actually reach for again and again
- A 6x6 Designer Series Paper pack themed to each month
- Quality ribbon and thoughtful die cuts
- A special monthly surprise – maybe a Stampin' Write Marker, Blending Brush, or even a full ink pad
Imagine opening a kit like that each month! It would feel less like "crafting training wheels" and more like a curated creative experience.
The Beauty of Different Perspectives
I know Paper Pumpkin has devoted fans who love the simplicity and quick gratification it offers. That's wonderful! Every crafter's needs are different, and there's absolutely room for products that serve various skill levels and time constraints.
My hope is that sharing different viewpoints helps companies understand their diverse customer base. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is offer constructive feedback alongside our support.
Your Thoughts?
I'd love to hear from you! Are you a Paper Pumpkin subscriber? What draws you to it, or what keeps you away? Have you tried other monthly crafting subscriptions that knocked your socks off?
Remember, there's no wrong way to craft – whether you're team Paper Pumpkin, team DIY-everything, or somewhere beautifully in between.
Happy crafting, friends!
xoxo,
Beth
P.S. – I promise my next post will be about something that made me absolutely giddy with crafting joy. Balance in all things, right?
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