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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Big Announcement.....

Yes - one night (after several hours of inhaling fumes from Copic Markers and Zip Dry adhesive) I decided to open a paper crafting store!
(Actually, this all started with a charity cardmaking event I ran and grew from there.)

The store is called Paper Garden Projects.

My desire for this store is to take some of the work out of papercrafting and leave all the fun! I call it "efficient creativity". We will be offering coordinated kits, cling mounted and clear stamp sets, inks and embellishments that work together - and lots and lots of samples and techniques. We want you to get as much value as possible out of every item you purchase.

Some of you know that I was a demonstrator for The Angel Company. I enjoyed my time with TAC, but I really felt it was time to try something new.

So, to celebrate the opening of the web based part of the store, I'm offering one of the large paper crafting kits as Blog Candy! This kit is called "Just Kidding Around" and it contains:


  • 5 sheets of 12”x12” double sided paper from the Imaginesce “Lets Pretend” line. Includes Party Dress, Spaceman Jammies, Smarty Pants, Wildflower Soup, Baseball Diamond.

  • 3 sheets of Bazzill Marachino 8.5”x11” cardstock

  • 3 sheets Bazzill Honeycomb 8.5”x11” cardstock

  • 3 sheets Bazzill Jacaranda 8.5”x11” cardstock

  • 3 sheets Prism Intense Kiwi 8.5”x11” cardstock

  • 15 scored white A2 cards

  • 15white A2 envelopes

  • 15 white A2 cards for stamping

  • 30 primary color brads

  • 1 yd red grosgrain ribbon

  • 1 yd apple green grosgrain ribbon

  • 1 clear card gift box

  • Pictures of samples and instructions for 3 projects
To win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post that answers either:
  1. I'd never buy a card kit
  2. I might buy a kit but I don't want the stamps included - I'd rather choose my own
  3. I might buy a kit - and I'd like the whole thing coordinated, with stamps included.

Of course other comments are welcome too! Comments must be posted by midnight EST on Friday Feb 29 (just cause its leap day!). My DD will draw the winner on Saturday.



Here are a few samples of things made with the kit.



A gift card holder card:
Just Kidding Around Card Kit
Mindy's Zoo stamp set
Stylish Sentiments stamp set
Cats eye ink in Blue Lagoon











A large favor box, greeting card and a party invitation

Just Kidding Around Card Kit
Mindy's Zoo stamp set
Stylish Sentiments stamp set
Versamagic Tea Leaves Dew Drop








A double pocket card

Just Kidding Around Card Kit
Mindy's Zoo stamp set
Stylish Sentiments stamp set
Cats eye ink in Lipstick Red










More samples with this kit tomorrow - don't forget to comment for (fabulous) prizes.


Thanks so much for stopping by!

(Gee- even Miss Elizabeth's cat is excited about this- right Kim?)

46 comments:

Melinda said...

Awesome kit! The colors are just wonderful! Good luck on this great adventure!

Alhambra Club said...

these cards are adorable, OK I would buy a kit but not the stamps, like to use my own. Congratulations I think this is a wonderful idea, this goup of cards are wonderful.

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

I'd buy a card kit...and I might like the stamps included. It would just depend on how much I liked the stamps. Fabulous idea!

MelissaS said...

Good luck to you on your new venture! These are such cute cards! I would be interested in buying a kit, but would like to use my own stamps, or have the images included. Thanks for sharing :)

Anonymous said...

I have bought maybe 5 cards in the last 15 years. I love kits, with or without stamps. Putting papers together and colors isn't always easy.
Thanks for the great blog!

Gayle said...

love card kits!! I currently buy a card kit every month. It includes stamos

Anonymous said...

To me it depends on the stamp set that go with the kit. If I really like it then I will buy the whole thing, if not I might use the ones I have.

This set loss wonderful! I love the stamp set!

Jannette E.
janstamp@cinci.rr.com

Heather Grow said...

Good luck with your new venture. I've never bought a card kit before because I not much of a by-the-recipe cardmaker. But, I think there are a lot of cardmakers who like the gathering done for them. I think it's great that you are giving instructions for projects. That really increases the value of the kits.

Anonymous said...

I wish you the best of luck with your newest endeavor. You know I've been an admirer of yours from CAC and I think that I'd love to buy a kit with everything including stamps - gotta love new stamps. It makes it so fun to get a kit with everything you need to create something fabulous.

dflygirl said...

Totally awesome! Congrats! I really like the idea of kits but have never purchased them but after seeing these...It is something i would seriously consider and I would purchase with the stamps - as it would challenege me to stamp outside of my comfort zone! Great idea!!!!

AnnMarie said...

Cathrine! I am sooooo excited for you! I wish you lots and lots and lots of luck with this venture! I am sure you will do great! I would buy a card kit, but would like the stamps included! : ) Keep us posted on your progress!

Bonnie said...

Fabulous! Congratulations to you! Oh my gosh! What a wonderful idea! I love card kits - stamps and all! I belong to one already and it is great when you are in a pinch and have no creativity in your brain!! Thanks for this generous chance!!

ScrapMomOf2 said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm torn with my answer. I have so much and I need to use it all up, so that makes me think I wouldn't buy a kit. However, if I did buy a kit, I would love it to have stamps only if I didn't already own the stamps and if I LOVED the stamps included. The samples you showed are SPECTACULAR! Good luck to you with your new venture! I'm sure you're going to be very successful!

Pegg S said...

Congrats on your new venture! I wish you lots of success.

I have never bought a card kit but I would consider it. I would buy the whole thing. It would be great to see hard-to-find stamps as part of the kit!

Anonymous said...

When I saw the samples the first thing that I thought was "Oh those stamps are sooooo cute, I hope they are part of the kit", so I guess I would fall under the
"I would buy kits and want the stamps to come with it" catagory.
Congradualtions on opening your on-line store!

Crissy said...

How exciting this is for you! Good luck! I would probably buy a kit without stamps, but having stamps as an option might be cool too!

Michelle Pearson said...

I might buy a kit....but it would be faboulous if you had the option to buy with or without the stamps!

Best of luck with this new venture!!!

Godchick said...

This kit is absolutely fun! I love the colors...and the stamp set is SO cute! I'm gonna have to take a better peek at it. I would go for the whole she-bang...stamps included in the kit, especially when they are as cute as this. Maybe you could offer the option of a kit with stamps and one without. That way if someone has the stamps already, they aren't double buying, but that would probably be more work for you...

Anonymous said...

#2. I might buy a kit but I don't want the stamps included - I'd rather choose my own. Love that the kit comes with idea samples! Good Luck!

Erin said...

I would definately consider buying a kit. I would like it if the stamps were included. I love stamps. These particular stamps are stinking adorable!

I wish you boatloads of success!

Teresa said...

Cathy- I am SOOOOO happy for you that you are getting to live a dream! I am looking forward to being a customer.

As for answering your questions- I would buy a coordinated kit and maybe one including stamps- it would depend on the stamps as I already have SOOOOO many. But with or without stamps I am looking forward to your offerings!

You'll let us know if/when you open a bricks and mortar store- I'll be thrilled to come visit!

Best of luck to you!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations and good luck! :)
I have bought card kits before and would do so again. I like the ones with stamps.
Your cards are very cute--thanks for the blog.

Lori said...

Congratulations on your new venture--how exciting! I'd consider buying a card kit that includes stamps and paper. Having everything already coordinated is a big help.

Debbie said...

I might buy a kit - and I'd like the whole thing coordinated, with stamps included.

That makes it sooooo easy for me. Good luck with your new venture!

Momsnack said...

I might purchase a kit, but like my own stamp selection. Congratulation on your new store.
NancyS (momsnack)

Gabi MeWi said...

I wish you the best for your new project.I never have bought a kit,because here in Germany it is not usual to sell them.But I would prefer a kit without stamps...
I love papersets .

mel m. m. mccarthy said...

OMG these are absolutely gorgeous: such great colours and your designs are SO polished. I thought I'd never buy a card kit, but after I looked at them I totally would. I might even buy the stamps since they are so DANGED cute, :0) Mel

Ps. Loving your site for your store: It's easy to use and so attractive!

Unknown said...

Your cards are adorable! I would buy a kit with or without stamps ... it would depend on the versatility of the stamps!

Tracy said...

3. I might buy a kit - and I'd like the whole thing coordinated, with stamps included.

I am answering as you requested but with my true answer here. I seriously might buy a kit but it would have to be a bit more affordable for me. I have so much paper that I will never use it all now. Honestly, I would love the stamps & some other items but if the kit were to be offered in different ways with a smaller price tag I would be more apt to purchase. I'm on a budget girl and as much as I love the whole kit I would have to go for something more along the lines of $20-$25. KWIM?

It's an awesome concept and a great idea though...I know you will do well with this. You are an amazing stamper and I thank you for sharing all your creativity with us. Much love siesta!

JennyM said...

Hi Catherine, Good Luck on your new venture. I never met you, I picked up your business card from TAC at Curves and got on your mailing list. I then heard about your new venture from Theresa on the Flylady group. I would love to buy a card kit with the stamps most likely. I love scrapbooking/stamping. Take care and lot's of luck. Hope to see you at one of your classes sometime.

Kathi said...

Good luck with your new venture. I'm sure it's all very exciting (and nervewracking)!

I don't know if I'd join a card kit because I have such a huge stash here already.

If I did join, I think I'd like the option of whether to include the stamps each month. The ones you're showcasing (very well) are adorable, but I might not want all month's stamps. KWIM?

Anyways, good luck again.

Crystal Ware said...

These are such great cards. What a fabulous kit! Ok, I would definitely buy a kit with stamps so that everything is coordinated. I don't have a huge collection yet and getting a coordinated kit would be awesome!

L.A. said...

Wow! What exciting news! I'm hoping the brick and mortar store follows! I'm in Buck Co. and would love to have someplace to visit that go beyond AC Moore or Michaels.

I would buy a kit and depending on the stamps, them too. Sometimes it is nice to be able to make my own cards without spending a lot of time on the design.

Good luck!

Lori SBS2

emilia in Taiwan said...

wow, I am certainly the last one to say congraduations to you!! I didn't realize that you have been busy for this craft business!! I am so proud of you and wish you all the best!

Michelle Yvette said...

WOW, what a great kit! Oh and I love the zoo stamps...super cute!

CONGRATULATIONS on your new venture!!

The Davidson 4 said...

Love the card kit! The colors are so bright and would work for any occasion! I would (and do buy card kits) stamps included are a bonus! Great Idea!!

Danni said...

So excited for you on your new venture!
Love the idea of a card kit! and I love the zoo set!

Zarah said...

CONGRATS!!! :D

My answer to your question would be:
I might buy a kit - and I'd like the whole thing coordinated, with stamps included - but I'd like the possibility to chose NOT to get the stamps if they're not my thing. :)

Pamie G. said...

I love paper anything!!!! Congrats!!!!

Maria said...

Congratulations on your new store! Sounds like a fun adventure and I wish you many success! I'm excited for you!!

Your SBS2 sis,
Maria (Stampin Inspirations)

milkshake007 said...

I just found your blog today....very cute cards. I have never purchased a card kit but if I did I would want everything in it.

Rubber Stamp Collector said...

Wow I am so glad I ran across your blog today. I love it. I would love to have a card kit with everything including stamps coordinating. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new venture.
What a great kit, the colors are fabulous. I have never bought a card kit before, but I'd love the whole thing coordinated, with stamps included, especially if the stamp set is as cute as this one!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new adventure! I love these cute cards! I would definitely buy a card kit but I would rather have either the stamped images included or the stamps included. I think it is a great idea.

seamom said...

How exciting! Good luck for great success......
Nice Blog Candy. Hope I win!

seamom said...

How exciting! Good luck for great success......
I have never bought a card kit, but if the stamps appealed to me I would! Great Cards from this one.