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I occasionally order card kits from companies instead of subscribing monthly. I'm selective about the themes and styles in kits since I prefer mixed media elements.
Do you subscribe to card and/or die club kits?
Who's your favorite company? Why?
I don't subscribe to one because I go to Stampin Up every moth, so I can't afford both. My favorite is Hero Arts, I have three of their kits. I would probably have more but they have sold out before I got to see the last 3 kits. I like Tonic's kits, and Gina K has some good ones too.But I don't want to be locked into a kit when there are so many other stamps & dies I like.
In addition to Stampin' Up's Paper Pumpkin (since I am a demonstrator :-) ) I get the Graphic 45 and Crafters Companion. I have gotten other company's monthly kits, but didn't care for them, so only get these so far. mary
I used to subscribe to Stampin Up's paper pumpkin, but I accumulated a backlog of unfinished kits so I stopped.
I never subscribed to Hero Arts kits, although I have bought 3 or 4 of them. I have a reminder in my phone to check their kit when it comes out, because usually if it's one I want, it sells out quickly, like this month's kit did (before I had decided to buy it, darn it!)
I just discovered Queen & Company's shaker kits this year and I have had a lot of fun with them.
The only kit i've ever subscribed to was Simon Says Stamp and I've always been thrilled with the variety of items they include in the kit each month. They send a preview email on the 14th of every month so you can see what you are getting and the box arrives about 10 days later. They provide great idea videos on youtube and extra inspiration in the box as well.
I love their kits! The variety appeals to me. Plus, many have videos to to go with the kits. The price points are good, too. Today I made several cards with the Waterfall kit. And I am so lucky — I live about 20 minutes from their warehouse!
I'm partial to The Stamps of Life, so I'm in their Gold Club. I get their monthly club stamp set and coordinating dies, plus the card kit too. It's ~$60/month, but I love it! Usually wind up ordering more through the month too.
I've done Paper Pumpkin and while I appreciate having the ability to suspend the subscription it felt too pre-made for me. I've tried the Hedgehog Hollow boxes which I enjoyed, but not my style most months. If I find one I have to have, I'll get it ad hoc.
I get Hero Arts, Spellbinders and Simon. The Hero Arts kit isn't mixed media but it’s the BEST value. You pay half or less of what it’s worth. Spellbinders also gives you a lot for your money but beware of shipping if you are international!! I’ve gotten mixed media kits from the Scrapbook Diaries before and they are AMAZING! Prettt pricey but filled with excellent products. They start with a layout made by a designer and give you the products to make the page. But of course you can do your own thing with it. They have various kit options that include more and more extras as the price goes up.
I only subscribe to one, a monthly trio of die sets from Spellbinders. But I do buy the occasional SSS kit and My Mothly Hero from Hero Arts, the if majority of the content fits my taste.
I think the Hero Arts kits are the best value. I try to remember to check their blog a few days before the 1st of the month. I have only missed 1 kit that I SO regret (if anyone has the October 2017 (Christmas) kit they want to get rid of... I've love to purchase it from you!). They started re-producing the most popular stamps from kit(s) just recently, so you may be able to get some images (but maybe not not dies) you missed. I really loved their March 2020 kit - it stamps beautifully! But their style is not always mine, and I will never remember to "skip" ones I don't want (and I think they limit how many times you can skip). I've gotten a few Simon Says Stamps ones, but sometimes they cost more, and again, the style is not always mine. I like Stamps of Life products, but actually like their Flash Sales better than the kits. I just roll the dice and take my chances - I have MORE than enough things to play with already, so missing a kit or 2 is not necessarily a bad thing!
I don't subscribe to any but I think Hero Arts gives the best value for a kit, plus they are really charitable. I also like Gina K and Simon Says Stamp. I have several kits from these three.
I, too, am selective, so don't "subscribe" unless there is a sale on, say, a two-month subscription (like Paper Pumpkin has done in the past). So I've purchased an occasional Paper Pumpkin kit (harder since I don't know what I'm getting until I've already paid and it shows up - I've honestly been disappointed 50% of the time yet thrilled 50% of the time with these), also I have I think 3 or 4 Hero Arts "My Monthly Hero" kits.
Jeremiah 29:11 Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni | Proud FanClub member since 2017
My Gallery | My Blog "The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."
I've subscribed to Hero Arts' monthly kits in the past and I think they are fabulous value for the money. I also think you get a lot for your money from the Tonic Studios kits. I don't think, however, there's much point in asking questions like this because only you can know what your "style" is, and if you don't particularly care for the style of a given company's kits, then it doesn't matter what a great value it is. Look to the companies you buy from over and over, then subscribe to their kits.
__________________ Diana B
-We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all. ~John Hughes
I love Hero Arts. Also get Scrapping for Less ( great value for the products you receive) and lately have been getting Spellbinders card kit of the month - includes 10 card bases and envelopes - plus double sided tape and foam squares - in addition to lovely die cuts, paper pack , cardstock, 3D stickers and a unique die.
I usually put together my own kit from a 6x6 pad and their accompanying die cuts, washi tape, stickers, stamps; favorites are Kaisercraft, Alexandra Renke, Pinkfresh Studio and My Mind's Eye. That way I only get what I want and need.
I'm love the Hero Art kits! I stopped all my other subscriptions for theirs. They have some really cool kits, from quirky to beautiful. I've been looking at the Simon says Stamp kits as well. They seem to be a good value
Thanks to all of you for recommending Hero Arts. I just ordered their April kit because it is near and dear to my heart this month...Australian animals. I am such a koala lover I had to order it!
Card Kits - Who's your favorite?
Paper Wishes ?Hot Off the Press Kits
I REALLY love these kits, and the darling lady that does the tutorial videos is so fun and sweet and kind. 
