October 15, 2009

Vendor Spotlight: EK Success: K & Company Papercrafts

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Reported by Stephanie Wheeler

Crafting powerhouse, EK Success has a wide range of products - from punches to stickers and tools to adhesive. An established company since 1978, they are a big name in crafting, and especially in the world of scrapbooking.

I have been a big fan of EK Success and their products for a long time, so I was excited to get a chance to review their K & Company line of fantastic scrapbooking supplies from the creative mind of Carolyn Gavin.

Carolyn Gavin's funky, whimsical designs have been seen just about everywhere, so it's fitting that her cool style would translate nicely into supplies for her Greenhouse line of scrapbooking supplies. Her bright colors and creative patterns are a perfect addition to any project and I was really excited to see how I could meld her style with mine.

I received a wide variety of products to review: chipboard and puffy stickers, stamps, patterned paper and cardstock. I knew from experience that the products would be high quality, and they definitely were.

The Greenhouse 28-Sheet Specialty Paper Pack contained more than enough cardstock to start, if not almost complete, an entire album. This pack contained not only double-sided paper, but a selection of specialty papers, including those with glitter, flock and foil.


The Greenhouse Designer Mat Pad comes with 18 double-sided precut (4.75" x 6.75") sheets that are perfect for matting pictures, using on a card, or simply cutting up to embellish pages and projects. The fact that these sheets are precut takes the guesswork and measuring out of framing 4" x 6" photos.


The Greenhouse Frame Pillow Sticker Pack is reminiscent of the 80's puffy stickers I hoarded when I was a child. I absolutely love the puffy scalloped circles and the cute flowers in the set. These stickers are perfect for adding to a cute scrapbook page or a card.


The Greenhouse Baubles Sticker set is not something I would normally buy, but I'm glad it was included in this review. The stickers are almost like small marbles cut in half, and the designs are simply fantastic. I love the shiny, candy-like look of them. They're almost good enough to eat, but I refrained and used them on a card instead.


The Greenhouse Words & Icons Embossed Sticker Set is one of my favorite items of this set. I love that the stickers are embossed, and I also love that there are so many stickers included on this sheet. And this set comes with a ton of cute sayings like "girl wonder," "go with the flow," and "this is the good life."


The Greenhouse Icon Adhesive Chipboard set had the cutest sayings, not to mention the bright colors and "extras" that are the tiny acorns, leaves, flowers and butterflies. What amazed me about this set was the quality. Each sticker is made of solid chipboard, printed in bright, beautiful, glossy colors. Some of the parts are even covered in epoxy and foil, giving it a little shine and something extra.


The Greenhouse Stamp & Ink Pack came with 11 stamps that match Carolyn's designs. I really liked the size of the stamps, not to mention that the set came with two colors of ink - pink and green.



The Greenhouse 12" x 12" Scrapbook was the only item that I haven't actually used yet. I haven't had a chance to finish all of my cute pages, but once I do, I'm sure I'll fill this album up in no time.
As I expected, I was thoroughly impressed with the Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse collection from K & Company and EK Success. The high-quality products are available in many different mediums, and can fit most any scrapbooker's needs, whether it be paper, embellishment, page storage or stamping.





The Greenhouse collection retails from $2.99 for basic stickers to $29.99 for the postbound album.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced collection is made from high-quality materials.
  • Papers are double-sided.
  • Stickers, especially chipboard and baubles are armed with strong adhesive.
  • Acrylic stamps give a clean image when inked.
  • Great variety of design within the Greenhouse collection.
Cons:
  • Ink that comes with stamps isn't very dark; I think the stamps would work better with a pigment or solvent ink.
  • Collection may be difficult to find in retail stores.

What do you think about the fun and funky Greenhouse collection from EK Success and K & Company? Leave us a comment and let us know!

EK Success has generously donated some of the products featured in the weeks reviews to give away to our great readers! Please leave your comments on this article to win a 12 x 12” paper pad from Tim Coffey Harvest line from EK Success Brands. You have until Sunday, October 18 at Midnight to enter.

131 Comments:

mitch1066 said...

looks like lots of fun and very versatile too!

Laure said...

I already own a few of the products in this collection and I love them. I'll be more than happy to win some more. Thanks for the giveaway.

Jen Cuthbertson said...

The Greenhouse collection is absolutely adorable! I am such a sucker for pretty paper and this is pretty great!

Michelle Adams said...

K&Co papers are my absolute FAVORITE! I know there are a lot of brands, and I like them all, but my craft area looks like an EK/K&Co store! LOL Thanks for the chance!

Lillyro said...

These papers and embellishments are absolutely adorable. A great addition to anyone's stash!

Jenn said...

"a little nutty" love it!

Tammy said...

I really like your designs with this collection. Great ideas.

Melanie said...

EK is a great company, isn't it? Love the collection (well, BOTH of them!)

Clare (Littlebear) said...

I didn't know they did the co-ordinating stamps too - that's a great idea.

Carolyn Sharkas said...

Aww, my favorite stuff, scrapbooking papers, I love it and could wallpaper my house in it, lol. I love the ones you have spotlighted, and K & Co hold a very special and very large space in my craft area. thanks for sharing

Candy said...

I just love the stamps, well actually, everything you critiqued. So I would definitely be very happy to win this wonderful Halloween set. Thanks.

lisa g. said...

Awesome papers...I'd love a chance to win :)

Erika M. said...

This has to be one of my all time favorite lines!

Cyndi said...

I love these papers! And those stamps! Wow! Perfect for so many uses.

Vel said...

What adorable products you got! And I love what you created with them.

Melinda AKA medialady said...

I love these colors. They really stand out!

Mrs E said...

The Greenhouse stuff has been on clearance at Michaels for months, I have no idea why but its a really great deal!

Axes DesigNs said...

I Love Carolyn Gavin collection!! Thanks for the giveaway!! I love all!!!!

Carole RB said...

These papers are beautiful!

Jen said...

i love this new line...SO cute! as not to be surprised...love EKk...

Lori W said...

awww...that's me! yay! love!

Judy Lucas said...

I love EK Success' products and these are certainly too cute! Thanks for the opportunity to win some product.

Katherine said...

What a pretty collection. I haven't tried this line yet. This make me want to run out and get some.

Jan Castle said...

What a great collection of papers! I especially like colors.
Jan Castle

Laura said...

This is a bright, fun collection -- would work well, perhaps for pages/cards about/for teens or preteens? I'm a sucker for anything with birds in it. :)

judy said...

I love the papers in this collection--so bright and cheerful.
I have the stamps set and have found
many uses for it.

Patchi said...

love the papers and those pillow stickers! Oh those fond memories of my 80's sticker collection!

Amy said...

Great new line! Thanks for sharing!

susanscraps said...

I have ALWAYS loved K & Co.'s products...long before I even heard of Basic Grey or Doodlebug etc. Tim Coffey's designs, are usually the ones I grab up!

I especially like the die cuts and other embellishments shown here as they can be used on cards as well as scrapbook pages!

SMK said...

big fan of K&Co, particularly their papers and chipboard!!

Laura said...

I LOVE your scrapbook pages... especially how you used those word stickers in a list on the upper left corner... I will have to remember that, since I am positive I have some work stickers just like those! Thanks for the inspiration.

Avital said...

The patterns are vibrant and adorable! I love the stamp images as well.

Omaloriann said...

Love EK, K&CO - they have some very yummy things!

Candy said...

Oh gosh I love collections!!! So many things to use!!! This collection is adorable!!

moonlightgrrl said...

Love K&Co! thanks for the giveaway! :-)

Janette said...

So fun and great colors.

Sandra said...

Wow! What a bright fun set! My daughter would love it!
Sandra

Do Be Do Bead Do said...

Love the double-sided papers! And the stickers ... oh how I covet stickers!

kkaisu said...

I love this collection, very whimsical.

Alisa said...

wow! I love this line!!

klasickewpie said...

This Greenhouse line is so bright, cheery and pretty. Love the pinks, browns, greens and blues. Thanks to K&Co for thier giveaway.

Myra said...

I have to say I've used just a few products from this brand and the experience has been good, except I have to agree with you on the punch situation.
The giveaway is great. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Jill said...

K and Co is such a fantastic brand. There is something for everyone. This collection is super cute!

Andrea said...

I've never actually been to this site, but after the great review I have a feeling I'll be returning a lot. In addition, I've never bought K&Company paper before because I'm more of a clearance girl but I love the colors in the Greenhouse collection!

Artkat said...

The colours used are so cute and cheerful

parknslide said...

EK Success makes awesome punches---love the compact design.

Gail said...

Love the collection and what you made with it!! Thanks to EK for a chance to win it!!

scrapaddict said...

I love the colors in the collection! Would love to win--thanks for sharing and the opportunity!

Elaine A said...

K & Company is one of my favorite paper companies. I love the variety and richness their papers convey. I am always on the lookout for their stuff.

Elaine Allen

Linda Bandow said...

Love the collection....the colors and designs are fresh and fun, but wish the pad was 6x6 or 8x8. Would love to win.....(liKe I don't have enough paper :D) cardjunky2@hotmail.net

Lori said...

I love fall colors! This sounds great!
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

huntla1 said...

This paper is really cute. I love all of the accessories that go along with it. The coordinating stamps with the matching ink are a great idea. Thanks for the opportunity to try these wonderful products!

Grammykrob said...

I don't think I have ever seen anything EK Success that I didn't like. And I really enjoy your blog.
Kathy

stinker said...

You just can't go wrong with K&Co! The Greenhouse Collection is just another in a very long line of beautiful treats!

Shaz said...

Great colors! I love K & Company .

bo said...

looks like it would be loads of fun to use these making ATCs next month at my girl guides meeting, the girls are making save the environment cards for their friends :)

Sequana said...

I love paper pads....so easy to work with.

I'd need to get some baubles then, too.

BishopsMommie said...

lots of fun and bright colors..very cool!

GoalieMom said...

Great collection!

chinamomxtwo said...

love the set! love the colors! love those stamps!! oh yeah!

Liann said...

great products TFS

bloder said...

I already own a few things from the this collection and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! The colors and patterns and shapes are so visually pleasing! This is one of my favorite papercraft companies for sure!

mypaperpleasure said...

I am falling in love with the product you introduce today, especially the stamp set.Unfortunately I am living in Canada, I browse to K & C, they don't provide any resources of retails where host their products.
if any one who can solve the problem.

Susan White said...

These are amazing papers, so pretty. I'd love to win some

Laura Stewart said...

such great colors !

Dani said...

I love Carolyn Gavin collection!!! I bought everything!!!! It is absolutely my favorite K&Company line ever. All those flowers, birds and tree represent a colorful nature that needs to be preserved.

Anna said...

The Greenhouse is just adorable. Thanks for the chance to win. :)

Rebecca Ednie said...

Fabulous!! Super fun colours and designs. I'd love to win!

Anonymous said...

Ithink this collection is very comtemporary and lots of fun!

C Burke

Elaine said...

K&Co is one of my all time favorite companies! It's nice that they're so readily available in my area. I would like to get more of the embellishments in this area though! LOVE their papers! Great value, fun stuff and super duper cute!

Katrin said...

How fun and colorful! Awesome projects!

Donna VW said...

What fun papers. They do such a great job coordinating all the extra goodies!

Avril Tanner said...

Love how bright and cheery this looks! Thanks for the opportunity to win some product!
Avril

jules p said...

the colors are so amazing. i love the double sided paper.

Rebecca said...

they look fun and spunky

RAP said...

A fun and playful line.

Mikey said...

Love the vibrant colors! Thanks for sharing!

HazelQ said...

Lots of nice papers, I love the colors :)
Thank you for the chance!

java diva said...

This Greenhouse collection is fun! Love the colors.

RosieP said...

I'm loving those bubble stickers!

Isabel Z said...

I just love all of these products. The papers are so beautiful and I love creating with them.

Angela said...

I love these fun, girly papers and stickers. I'm going to have to find some of this for some LOs of my new baby girl! :)

Rebecca {bellacarta} said...

Oooooh, I love Coffey line and anything K & Co does, its always fresh and fun!

Gail said...

WOW! What awesome products!
Thanks for the chance!

KanataNewf said...

such beautiful papers and embellies.

LaurieM said...

I think my daughter would love these.

babyjsmom said...

Love all the fun bright colors.

cheepincharge said...

Love the colors and patterns!

Scrappy Rat said...

Love the colors in the Greenhouse stack. It's nice to see some fall releases that aren't afraid to be vibrant!

DeniseB said...

Great collection. Love the matching stamps!
DeniseB

Anthonette said...

I loved the Carolyn Gavin line! Michael's had all of it a few months ago. My favorite is something you didn't show; it was a paper pad with diecut flowers, birds, and leaves. It's the same line by Carolyn Gavin. I'm surprised Michael's had the line months ago and Two Peas only recently got the line of products. I was lucky to purchase several items on clearance back in July.

Finja said...

oh, yes, i will...

Pamm said...

What uber cute stuff! This collection is just what I have been looking for! Thanks so much for the chance to win.

Kathy H said...

I so love them double sided papers!!! Great collection!

R. Bungart said...

I love the projects!Great products

Shanna Fudge said...

I just love these papers. I already buy them when I can, I am not a scrapbooker but I love to make cards with them!!!

Julie (Joypup on SCS) said...

Makes me feel like gardening... love the colors and projects.

Cariena said...

very bright and beautiful! love the lines and your layouts and card are gorgeous.

Arlene said...

Oh I love the colors of those papers!

Arlene
arlene9999@earthlink.net

Shannon Roberts said...

I so enjoy these papers & I hope they come home to me!!!!!!!

Creative Mish said...

I love these colors! They're so bright and fun!

melita said...

love the bright colors on this line!

Jacque Avant said...

Looks like so much fun. Hope I win. Loved your review.

liannallama said...

That is a really neat and fun collection! Thanks for the chance to win!

Funky Finds said...

a little nutty...so clever! :)

jessica d.
info@funkyfinds.us

Melissa said...

love these fun, hot papers!

Janet L. said...

Cute collection, I like the little prints. Love the stamps that go with them, too. Thanks for the chance to win!

isabel scrap said...

cool giveaway, count on me please

la zaz said...

thanks for the inspiration, and love those papers !!

alexandra said...

this collection is absolutly amazing, thanks for the chance

the mustik said...

i'll be happy to win these cool goodies

isa dona said...

so girly papers ! Love to win theses
thanks so much for the giveaway

guillauma said...

yummy papers, yummy embellishments ! count on me

vitoria said...

The colors are so vibrant, love to win so hard

isabelle111 said...

oh, Love Carolyn Gavin collection, please pick me

Ashley Nguyen Newell said...

This line is sooo cute!

SondraM said...

These colors look like so much fun to work with!!!

rush8888 said...

the colors are great! i want some!

Sharon said...

wow great stuff love it all

Btrflywmn said...

Love this paper, thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Cute Cute Cute!

Iris said...

Love the bright colors in this collection. Thanks for the chance to win. Iris Soscia

Linda E said...

This looks like a great collection. Thanks for the giveaway!

Jacquie Hart said...

yeappers another awesome set

jacquie
creations4u2.blogspot.com

Joan K. Demers said...

Oh anything from K&Co is so colourful and fun! And this line is no different! Love the colours!

MonicaS. said...

I love the colors in this paper collection and so does my daughter. She is a crafty gal and this would be a great surprise for her.

Christel said...

Great collection of cheerful scrapbooking products. Thank you for the chance at winning. :)

Scrappin Cheryl said...

This line is so colorful and fun!

uncbballfan said...

Love that line of paper, and all the 3-D items that go along with it. Makes it so easy to make a project! Thanks for the chance to win the Harvest line of paper.

Beverly S. said...

Thanks for the chance to win this pretty line.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful colors, and great project ideas -- love it!
rhonda
rarejewel@charter.net