Blogger's challenge 110 ~ a sketch challenge

When I do challenges for bloggers challenge and other groups I belong to, I often use the challenges as a jumping off point for my classes.

This one is no exception to that. I had a blast making this card (and another fun project) with my card clubs. we watercolored the background and used straight markers on the main image. Such a wonderful sketch, and clean layout. I had a blast putting this one together and my customers loved it.. Please check out what the other blogger's challenge folks are up to , and show them some love by leaving comments. :) You'll make someone's day a bit brighter.

Custom Colored Paper

I designed these cool project for the Utah Divas blog and I had so much fun doing so. The first project (in black) is a #2 box from sizzix. I made two of them, sandwiched them back to back and punched a hole. Then, i used tombo multi purpose adhesive to stick the boxes back to back together.

To color the bands of bridesmaid paper, I took a sponge dauber and melon mambo ink and added it to the paper, it dries instantly! How fun are these??

And how cool are these little cups! I think the MOST important tip i can share about these is to remember to stick them together like they are a dixie cup. So you invert the bottom and there's a little ledge. I also overlap the score line on the cup and it makes the cup more solid.

Messin around with the mojo sketch

I know I've been really quiet over the past few weeks. Fact is, I've been super busy getting ready for Stampin' Up!'s annual convention which is all next week. I have over 80 swap cards made (for organized swapping) and I'm looking to start making my general swap cards.

It's so much fun.. You walk through a crowd of thousands of demonstrators who also have cards, and you trade ideas! It's one of my favorite parts of convention.

Anyway, tomorrow and Thursday nights are my card club nights for this month and to get the juices flowing, I thought I'd try my hand at the mojo monday sketch.

Sketch challenges are always a nice jumping off point if you're having trouble knowing what you want to do with a particular stamp set. I just mounted this "guess who's turning" set tonight.

This would be a cute card to have in the stash... Of course you wouldn't circle the number until you know who it's going to, but I think that makes this a wonderful set that you could reinvent over and over again when making cards.

I know I changed up the sketch a bit and took some liberties, skipping the two elements in the bottom right hand corner, but when you get an idea... sometimes you need to just go for it! Thanks for another wonderful sketch challenge!

Saturday Sketch Challenge ~ 109

Good Morning to you!! I'm very excited to bring you sketch challenge 109 from the Stamping 411 blog. Here's my try at this fun sketch. I hope you have a few minutes in your day to play along. You could end up in our stampers showcase!

I purchased this stamp set, because the images remind me of my daughter. Beautiful and sweet (like her) I chose cottage wall paper to go with this image and I used markers and a watercolor brush to add the delicate color.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Rainy Day Crafts

This week's bloggers challenge is Christmas in July!

I decided to wait, because due to the weather report. It's been pouring here all morning, my 4 year old, Alexis and I made these together this morning. Can you tell the box that she assembled?? I cut the cardstock, she did the sizzix (box #2 shown). I tied the ribbon and she picked the embellishments.

This is so simple. You cut two box #2's assemble them except for the flap. Punch a hole for the handle, then glue the two boxes together.

I've seen these cute little boxes on so many blogs I don't know who to give the credit for the idea to. If this was your original idea, please let me know so i can link back to you.

What a fun time and what a cute project.. This would be an awesome hostess gift filled with tags, or candy, or maybe a "little box" of jewelry?? :)

For me Christmas is about family. I had such a wonderful time crafting with my daughter. Great challenge! Please check out what my bloggers challenge girlfriends are doing and leave them a message so they know you've been there.

Pastel Skeleton.

Time for another diva coffee break challenge. This week the diva blog is featuring this sketch challenge. I like Halloween, but not the scary part.. I like fun, cute and silly Halloween. I just got this stamp set today and the coordinating paper. When i was looking at the paper, it reminded me of chalk pastels. So when it came to coloring my embossed image and the ribbon, i used sponge daubers and chalk pastels!

I was going to skip the ribbon from the sketch but then my card felt too plain, so I added it, and then gave this girly skeleton a beautiful purple ring to match. Now SHE'S got some style wouldn't you say?

It's been a VERY long time since i used these colors. I think it's cool to use them for Halloween! When I was a new demonstrator, i used these colors too much and got burnt out on them, but pairing it up with black for Halloween is fun! I would normally use these pastel type colors for spring flowers and girlie cards..

When I first saw this stamp set, i was thinking it would be fun to make a scrapbook page, with a movable piece and put this element behind a figure, like X-ray, or electric... LOL

Anyway, Happy Wednesday and Happy Haunting!

Saturday Sketch Challenge ~ 108

Well, it's Saturday morning, and that means it's time for a little stamping with the operators. This weeks sketch is so easy, it should be illegal!

No, really, it's very simple.

Sometimes I think it's actually easier to make a card with more embellishments. It takes a certain amount of self control and discipline to know when to stop.. That can be the fine line between good design and disaster!

With that in mind, my creation this week uses 3 different stamp sets.. Chalk pastels, sponges, a chocolate chip ink pad, and crystal effects with a paint brush...

I started with a piece of cardstock measuring 3.5" x 4.75" I stamped the new medalion background stamp with versamark. I then took a stamping sponge and picked up three different colors of chalk pastels and used a swiffer~dry cloth to remove any excess.

Once i was happy with the medalion, I stamped my horse 3 times. I did not ink up in between. I stamped the darkest horse on the far right, stamped one in the middle and then the lightest horse towards the left.. Doesn't this horse look like he's running? I stamped my sentiment, used a few layers and stuck everything together and i was done in under 20 minutes!

I applied the crystal effects liberally, and let it dry overnight.

One more thing... The inspiration for this sketch came from a card i designed months ago. Here's a copy of that card too!

Blogger's Challenge ~ Stiches

I thought about making a "joke card" for this weeks STITCH(es) challenge, but I'm frankly not feeling funny today... (that's funny, ey? get it.. )

Sorry, i digress... Seriously, I decided to try out my new simply scrappin kit Christmas Jingle. I will say, that the inspiration from this card, came from an email that I received. I subscribe to Kristina Werner's blog Where she had this cool diagonal rays technique! I'm always up for trying something new. I watched the video on her post and did this one a bit different. I cut four pieces of DSP at once and just paper pieced them together. i had enough for 4 cards with no waste.

If I had to do the stitching on this card over, I would try and make my lines straighter.... and I would probably use chocolate chip instead of black. Other than that i'm pretty happy with it. The bling came from a brad. I just took a pair of craft pliers and removed the stone.

Talk to me.... What do you think? :)

August Friday Night Fun Class!

Fun, fresh colors & bright, bold designs make this card set and one-of-a-kind box the perfect summertime project.

Join me on Friday, August 21st for another AWESOME Friday night fun class.

This super cute and original curved box design would make a wonderful gift for someone in your life. Then, once you have the pattern, you can make plenty more! Not to mention, wonderful friends who like to get silly on a Friday night.

When: Fri, Aug 21st
Where: Selene's Stampin Pad
Cost: $20 ~ includes the pattern.


Are you a demonstrator interested in offering this class to your customers? Email me direct at e.selene@verizon.net for more details.

Long distance customers or can't make it that night? Get the directions for this project with a $50 stamping order. Order the supplies to make the projects and get the super detailed directions for free! Now, that's a deal!

Kristina Werner Color challenge

This is an adorable color set! I miss Kristina Werner's fun color challenges and when I saw the post i wanted to play along.. Since my crystal effects was already out from earlier, I had so muh fun creating this one.

I'm pulling out the Christmas sets and starting a little early! :)

DCBD 136 ~ A color Challenge!

This is for the diva's coffee break design challenge.. So many colors and so little time! This challenge was pretty fun!

I used the "direct to paper" method for the background.. Meaning I put streaked the ink pad down the paper. I water colored with markers for my main image!

When I look at this stamp set and that balloon, all I can think of is the commercial from tootsie roll. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? The little guy on the right looks like that guy to me..

I popped the balloon up by using crystal effects.

Happy Wednesday!

Beautiful Friends

I'm so thankful for all the people in my life. On my birthday, how wonderful that my mailbox was filled with cards from my stamping friends.. Ya'll have officially done better than the hubby.. No card from him this year! (and i didnt put him in the dog house) LOL

Anyway, I just have to share some of the beautiful cards.. This first one came from the Netherlands!

There's no friends, like stamper friends! Thanks for making me feel special on my birthday!

Krista Visser-Driessen

Janice Rosenthal-Rock

Tammy Fite

Robin Merriman

Carol Marbach

Saturday Sketch Challenge ~ 107

Well, it's Sketchy Saturday! Join me and my friends over at the stamping411 blog, and your card could make the showcase!

This week I made a really simple card...

I ran the designer series paper through the big shot with my new embossing die, then I sanded the top. A little crystal effects and lots of dazzling diamonds on top of that to complete my base.

I stamped a butterfly on shimmer and punched him out with my new punch. I added 3 half beads and some sponging and put this puppy together! Easy peasy!

Thanks for looking!

Bloggers Challenge ~ Case a fellow BC member

This challenge was HARD!!! It wasn't hard to find a card I wanted to case, it was so hard to choose!

Not to mention, I haven't been out in my stamp room for over a week. You know when you get back from vacation... you get lazy?? Well, I'm feeling a bit lazy.

The bloggers challenge group has SO many talented artists ~ today I decided to case talented stamper Amy Caraluzzi. I had the opportunity to meet Amy this year at leadership and we swapped for this gorgeous card!

I was cleaning out my stash of awesome swaps and decided that this beauty should be remade using the blue from the new in colors. I paired the new blue up with cameo coral and blush blossom. I used the rock and roll technique for the color on the flowers.
Great design Amy!

Diva's Coffee Break Challenge

Good Morning! It's time for the diva's challenge. This week it's a sketch challenge! At first, I had some trouble with this challenge, but as I put it together, I had fun with it.

It uses three new colors of the new in colors.

If you look really close, youll see, i cut a few leaves that go outside the lines, I also cut out the phesant and popped him up with dimensionals.

Fun new paper! Hope you're having a good week!

Happy Tuesday!

Just another card to share with you while I'm away on vacation.

i used the eyelet border punch down the side.

I embossed the main image and used a baby wipe, 3 reinkers, and a brayer to make the background.

Simple and pretty! I had fun and I hope you're having a great day!

My Pretty Hefalump

Finally got some sunshine today. Enjoyed a fun day with my family at storyland. This was another card for club this month.

Here are some of the supplies used and measurements.

Stamps: Animal Stories

Ink: Chocolate Chip Ink Pad

Paper:

Base: 11 x 4 ¼” scored in half at 5 ½”

2^nd layer: Whisper white 5 3/8” x 4 1/8”

3^rd layer: Rose Red 4 x 3”

4^th layer: Tall Tails DSP, 3 7/8” x 2 7/8”

5^th layer: 2 1/8” x 1 7/8”

6^th layer: 2 x 1 ¾”

Accessories:

109051 Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon

112583 Flower assortment Brads

102023 Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Crystal effects.

Happy Sunday!

I'm away camping for an extended weekend. Here's a fun project I made to share with you.

The technique is emboss resist. first I embossed the image from a new level 2 hostess set.

I used a babywipe, three reinkers and a brayer to make the fun background on shimmer white~ I'm SO loving the new in colors!

See you tomorrow for another fun card share while i'm away.

Saturday Sketch Challenge ~ 106

Happy Independence Day!

Today’s card is for a sketch challenge over on the stamping 411 blog. One of my bff’s birthday is today. She shared with me that she hated red white and blue as a kid. Where her birthday was on the 4^th of july, her parents dressed her in red white and blue all year long! So ~ for Gina’s birthday card, I chose another summer tradition… Strawberries! I ran my second layer through the big shot and sanded the dsp so you can see the dots. I used chalk pastels to color the shimmer white panel and the dots picked up the extra ink nicely. Then I got it messy… Like a juicy strawberry, I used real red ink and applied the ink direct to paper (and ribbon). I got it all over my hands (like making mud pies and had so much fun.

Happy Birthday Gina! Wanna play along with this fun sketch? Check out what the operators are up to over at stamping411. You could end up having YOUR card showcased!

Bloggers Challenge ~ Red White and Blue Color challenge

I am officially on vacation! I did set up my blog for posts all week, so be sure to check back to see some new samples.

Today’s challenge is to use red white and blue… With the 4th coming I thought about making an independence day card, but I didn’t really have anyone to give it to. I saw something on my friend Gretchen’s blog where she made fireworks with these printed clear sheets, so I pulled mine out and shamelessly cased her! I did change it up a bit. She had red behind the sheet, and I kept mine blue and white.

I stamped right on the window sheet with white stazon ink which is listed as opaque. When you stamp on cardstock, it doesn’t seem to show up, but when you stamp on plastic or other materials it’s wonderful. It dries fast and is easy to use!

Happy Independence Day! See you tomorrow AM for the Stamping411 challenge. I made a really cool, distressed, inky card for my girlfriend’s birthday.

Have a great day!
Selene

Club Card!

I'll be on vacation starting today, but I have posts for every day!

I did this card with my club last night.. Simple and cute it matches my new blog colors.. What do you think?

The colors are Soft Suede and Ruby Red.

Diva's Coffee Break Designs ~ Two Cool Projects!

Good Morning!!!

I'm so excited, today I'll be able to order some products from the new SU catalog. I'll be figuring out what to get today.

I have two wonderful things to share with you today. Wednesday is Diva day, and today's assignment is to make a project using the big shot. I focused specifically on the big Z butterfly die.

First, I want to talk about WHY I have paper butterflies on my wall! Well ~ my daughter and I were making butterfly cards to use up some older products. This year i have just about used all my leftover paper, and I'm making cards up and using up my products. I'll have nothing left over and I feel really good about not wasting my products. Anyway, when we were done, i had a few extra butterflies. So, my daughter and I stuck them together for fun, and we were flying around my living room. When I "flew" by my tree... there it was. Why hadn't I thought of that before! I stuck one butterfly to the branch of my tree in the living room. I settled on three total. Isn't that fun? Something quick and simple you can do with your big shot. Last night i had a bunch of folks here for club, and they were all making comments on how cool it looked. All I can think is that I've graduated.. I'm turning the walls in my house into a scrapbook page!















This next project is paper butterfly pins. I'm making 20 of them for a dear demonstrator friend, Sherrill Graff. She's going to use them as swaps at convention. I know i've shown these before, but they are really cool so I thought I'd share some directions on how to make them. I like to start with a 12 x 12. For designer series paper, you can use a whole sheet. I stick 5 sheets of DSP together using mod podge. You really need to use a heavy layer of mod podge. I put my brush in some water and let those layers dry over night.

Step two: I cut my 12 x 12 down to 3x6" so I get 8 butterflies from the 5 sheets.

Step 3: I lay my heavy cardstock on top of the butterfly die and cut them out using my big shot.

Step 4: Now you can sponge them color them, stamp on them.
Step 5: Add a thin layer of crystal effects to one side and let it dry, then flip it over and do the same with the other side, let them sit overnight and dry.
Step 6: Add a heavy coat of crystal effects to the side that's going to face up and let them dry for a few days. (in the example above, I sprinkled dazzling diamonds on top at this step.
Step 7: Pull the crystal effects back out and use them to glue the butterflies together. You can add extra CE anywhere you missed at this point.
Step 8: after a few days, you can add the butterfly body. I cut pieces of dsp very thin, then put beads on it and crystal effects them to the front of the pin.
Step 9: Flip the pin over, add crystal effects and put your pin back on.
Step 10: After all that work, wear proudly! You deserve it!

So, let me also tell you about why I'm making 2o of these at one time! My friend and colleague Sherrill Graff, wants me to make her 20 swaps for convention AND is willing to pay me with product from the new book! isn't that cool? I'm not the only one! She's hired many of my friends and colleagues as well. She took applications, and studied everyone's blogs who applied and I was one of the chosen bunch!
Here are the others that were chosen.. If I were you, I would bookmark all their sites because they do some amazing work.

1.Gretchen Barron http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/
2. Barbara Dondero http://BarbsStampingSpot.blogspot.com
3.Tammy Fite www.stampwithtammy.com
4. Judy Jackson
5. Mary Brown http://stampercamper.com/
6.Sarah Wills http://sarahsinkspot.blogspot.com/
7.Selene Kempton http://stampinfunwithselene.blogspot.com/
8.Virginia Killmore http://virginias-website.blogspot.com/
9. Elizabeth Sloman www.mamastamper.com
10.Marisol Gutierrez http://atouchofsol.blogspot.com/
11. Dawn Bullock www.stampincreations.blogspot.com
12.Sandi MacIver http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver/
13.Stephanie Sullins http://owlwhimsy.blogspot.com
14.Susan Shields http://createdwithlovebysusan.blogspot.com/
15. Rebekah "Becky" Jensen www.stampthat.com
16. Heidi Michel www.heartfeltblessings.blogspot.com
17. Barb Slaughter stamper0910@yahoo.com blog in progress
18. Lisa Milliron http://www.uniquedesignsbylisa.typepad.com/
19 Connie Babbert http://inkspiredtreasures.com/
20 Nancy Dawson http://creativewishes.blogspot.com
21 Bethany Keeney http://keeneyfarm.blogspot.com/
22 Kirsten Brown http://imstampinsilly.blogspot.com/
23. Mary Jo Price-Williams http://technostamper.blogspot.com/
24. Elizabeth Hurst www.animalscraps.blogspot.com

Happy NEW CATALOG DAY!!!