Stampin’ Up! Kits: Creativity Without the Overwhelm

Have you ever looked at a beautiful handmade card and thought …
“I would love to make something like that, but I wouldn't even know where to start.”
Or maybe you're already a crafter, but sometimes you just don't want to pull out half the craft room to make something. 😂
I completely understand both.

That's one of the reasons I think the Stampin' Up! Kits Collection deserves a little more attention.
As I'm writing this, there are 27 different kits available, and there really is something for just about every kind of crafter - from the person who has never stamped a card in their life to the seasoned paper crafter who simply wants an easy, relaxing project.

And kits aren't just cards anymore! There are cardmaking kits, scrapbooking projects, gift tags, seasonal décor, kids' projects and more.

So grab your coffee (or a margarita, depending on what time you're reading this 😉) and let's talk about why I think Stampin' Up! kits are such a fun way to get creative.

 

🌴 Why Kits Are PERFECT for Beginners

Walking into the world of paper crafting can be a little intimidating.
Cardstock.
Ink.
Stamps.
Adhesive.
Dies.
Punches.
Embellishments.
What do you actually need?!
A kit takes away most of that guesswork. Everything has already been coordinated for you, so you don't have to figure out which colors look good together or what size to cut your cardstock.
Depending on the particular kit, the supplies you need to complete the projects are included or clearly identified, and you receive instructions to walk you through the process.
Instead of wondering, “Where do I even begin?” you get to begin with:
Step 1. Open the box.
Now that's my kind of crafting. 😂
And once you've made a few projects and start feeling more comfortable, you can begin experimenting. Change a sentiment. Move an embellishment. Add something from your own craft stash.
Before long, you're not simply following the instructions anymore. You're creating.

 

✂️ They're Also Wonderful for Experienced Crafters

Here's the funny thing about kits: they're marketed beautifully toward newer crafters, but I think experienced crafters sometimes underestimate how much fun they can be.
Because there are days when I absolutely LOVE sitting in Creativity Corner surrounded by cardstock, stamps, ink, dies and enough crafting supplies to make it look like Stampin' Up! exploded in there.
And then there are days when I just want to MAKE SOMETHING.
No designing.
No measuring.
No staring at six shades of cardstock wondering which one I want.
Just sit down, open a kit and craft.
There's something wonderfully relaxing about that.
And of course, nobody says you have to follow the directions exactly. If you've been crafting awhile, think of the included projects as a starting point. Change them. Embellish them. Mix things around. Make them yours.

 

👜 Creativity To Go

This might be one of my favorite things about kits. They're portable!
You don't have to pack your entire craft room every time you want to take your creativity somewhere.
Kits can be great for:

• Vacations and weekend getaways
• Camping trips
• Craft nights with friends
• Girls' weekends
• Waiting rooms
• Visiting family
• Snow days
• A quiet afternoon on the porch
• Taking along to the cottage or cabin

Basically, anywhere you can claim a little table space can become your temporary Creativity Corner.
And compared with packing cardstock, a paper trimmer, ink pads, stamp sets, dies, a die-cutting machine, adhesive and seventeen other things you suddenly decide you might need, one little kit sounds pretty darn fabulous. 😂

 

💌 Not Just Cards!

This is something I especially wanted to point out because the current Kits Collection has become incredibly varied.
There are plenty of gorgeous card kits, but there are also projects for people who might not necessarily think of themselves as cardmakers.
Right now, the collection includes things like scrapbooking, gift tags, seasonal projects, dimensional projects and home décor. And the styles are all over the creative map, too.
There are soft florals and cheerful everyday designs, along with Christmas, Halloween and other seasonal options.
That makes kits a fun way to try a type of crafting you've never done before without investing in an entire collection of supplies first.

 

👯 Kits Make GREAT Group Activities

Now here's where my brain starts getting ideas ... wouldn't these be fun for a girls' craft night?
Put out some snacks, pour your beverage of choice, give everyone a little workspace and start crafting.
You don't have to spend hours preparing projects beforehand because the designing and coordinating have already been done.
They're also great for crafting with kids or grandkids, family get-togethers and introducing a friend to paper crafting.
In fact, if you've ever had someone tell you: “I'm not crafty.” Hand them a kit.
I love watching that sentence turn into: “Wait...I MADE THIS?!” Yes, yes you did. ❤️

 

🎁 And Don't Forget About Gifts!

Here's another idea I don't think people consider often enough - a Stampin' Up! kit can BE the gift.
Instead of giving someone another candle, mug or random thing that eventually ends up in a closet, give them an experience.
Choose a kit that fits their personality, wrap it up and give them an afternoon of creativity.
You could even turn it into a little Creative Care Package with snacks, chocolates, coffee or tea and a handwritten note. Or ...
Give someone a completed project you've made from one of the kits. That's the beauty of crafting - you can give the creativity or the finished creation.

 

🌺 Which Kit Would I Choose?

Okay, this is where things get dangerous. 😂 With 27 kits currently available, I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to say, “I'll take one of each.”
But LOOK AT THEM!
There are gorgeous florals, bright cheerful designs, sweet everyday cards, Christmas projects, Halloween projects and some really fun dimensional creations.
And because Stampin' Up! regularly adds new kits while others eventually retire or sell out, the Kits Collection is worth checking periodically.
You just never know what's going to show up.

 

💜 My Favorite Thing About Kits

More than anything, I love that kits make creativity approachable.
You don't need a dedicated craft room. You don't need hundreds of dollars worth of supplies. You don't need years of crafting experience. And you definitely don't need to consider yourself "creative."
You just need somewhere to sit, a little bit of time and the willingness to play. That's it.
Sometimes creativity doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes it can come in a box. ❤️

 

🌴 Ready to Find Your Kit?

There are currently 27 Stampin' Up! kits to choose from, so whether you're looking for an easy introduction to crafting, something portable to take along with you, a project to enjoy with friends, or simply a relaxing afternoon of creativity, there's probably one waiting for you.
Take a peek through the current Kits Collection and tell me which one catches your eye!
And if you're completely overwhelmed by the choices, that's okay too. Send me a message and tell me who you're crafting for or what kind of projects you enjoy, and I'll happily help you narrow it down.

Happy crafting!

 
Until next time,

xoxo
Dawn 💜
Bowmanitaville

😍Browse the Kits Collection right HERE