More Baby Steps Girl... End of Sale A Bration

First a shout out, to all of you that purchased my mini box tutorial today and yesterday!

I really appreciate you and hope you love your new little box template!

I couldn't make little boy congratulations cards, without making little girl ones! I zipped over to split coast this morning and found this weeks' sketch challenge!

So, something that I failed to mention yesterday.. my customers have been going CRAZY over something so totally simple!

It all started when I was at a workshop and I was showing things you could do with the big shot.. I embossed the flap of one of my cards, then they were all doing it! Then, some of my club members who were present are all doing it too! Have you tried just embossing the envelope flap? It makes the envelopes look SO DARN PRETTY!..

In case you missed it yesterday, you can click here to view the Sale A Bration catalog one last time. f you would like to place an order, you can email me at e.selene@verizon.net or give me a call at 978-423-9994. Prefer to shop online? Click here to go to my online store.

This is one of the free substitution sets from the book that you can earn with every $50 purchase, but today is the last day!

Supplies used on this card,
Whisper white cardstock
melon mambo cardstock/marker
regal rose DSP/marker
117649 Pinking Hearts Border Punch
117335 Polka Dot Embossing folder
and some GORGEOUS Whisper White Organza ribbon... 114319. Can you believe this ribbon is ONLY $5.95 for 15 yards? It's so stunning and is the perfect addition to baby and wedding cards!

Measurements:
Base: 11 x 4 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Marina Mist Card Stock 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: Whisper White 4 7/8" x 5 5/8"
Layer 4: 3 1/8" x 4 5/8" Melon Mambo Card stock
Layer 5: 3 x 4 1/2 Regal rose DSP
Layer 6: 1 5/8" x 4 1/8" Melon Mambo Card stock
Layer 7: 1 1/2" x 4" Regal Rose DSP
Layer 8: 3 1/8" x 2 1/2" Melon Mambo Cardstock (I used the pinking hearts border punch on this layer)
Layer 9: 3" x 2" Whisper White

I inked the main image with markers... Another simple but gorgeous baby card!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton!

One More Day to Sale-A-Brate ~ Baby Steps

Boy, it's been quite the Sale-A-Bration, with so many wonderful freebees to choose from! Click here to view the Sale A Bration catalog one last time. After tomorrow, the products within will be gone forever!

If you would like to place an order, you can email me at e.selene@verizon.net or give me a call at 978-423-9994. Prefer to shop online? Click here to go to my online store.

This is one of the free substitution sets from the book that you can earn with every $50 purchase. I have been getting all sorts of stamps that have been on my wish list because of Sale A Bration

I'm going to need a baby congratulations card soon! My AWESOME sister in law Amy is pregnant and she's due to have her second little boy any day now! I thought it was time to make her a card, so that I have it to send when the big moment arrives. I'm so excited for her and her hubby Patrick! While I was at it, I made 3 more of these to put on the rack at the florist shop that will be selling my work from now on! I'm feeling very blessed to be receiving an opportunity right when I need it.

Supplies Used on this Project:
100730 Whisper White Paper
107301 Whisper White Envelopes
119682 Marina Mist Paper
119275 Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon
117649 Pinking Hearts Border Punch
117335 Polka Dot Embossing folder
117152 Patterns Designer Series Paper
FREE ~ 123863 Baby Steps SAB free stamp.

Measurements:

Base: 11 x 4 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Marina Mist Card Stock 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: Whisper White 4 7/8" x 5 5/8"
Layer 4: Marina Mist Designer paper from the patterns pack 5 x 1/2" strip (you can get 48 from one piece of paper)
Layer 5: 3 1/8" x 2 1/2" Marina Mist Card stock (I used the pinking hearts border punch on this layer)
Layer 6: 3" x 2" Whisper White

Double Bow was made with Lee Conrey's bow maker and the Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon.

Directions:
1. Tie a bow and set aside
2. Using Markers, Ink the Baby Steps Stamp and stamp on layer 6
3. Using the pinking hearts border punch, create the border at the bottom of layer 5.
4. Run layer 3 through the big shot with the polka dot embossing folder.
5. Assemble the rest of the pieces... :D Easy Peasy.. I used dimensionals to attach layer 5/6. and mini glue dots for the bow!

It took me longer to write the tutorial than it did to make the cards! I hope you have fun and have time to stamp one!

Have a wonderful day!
Selene Kempton

Downline Gifts...

On a personal note, It has been a crazy week! I've been applying for full time jobs to try and put my daughter back in private school ~ and lo and behold, a local florist has agreed to put my cards in her shop, right up the street from my house!

So I'm going to be stamping my little heart out to get my rack full to bring over there. If you like to pray, say some prayers for my little one ~ that we get what we need so we can put her back where she belongs... I really love to do crafts as my main job, but my family needs me to do more right now. So, I'm exploring my options.

I made the most wonderful downline gifts for regionals. I made each of the ladies on my team that attended the regional a button bracelet... and of course, you need packaging to match right??

These little boxes hold the bracelets comfortably and I was also able to put a few pieces of chocolate in there (of course). These little boxes stand about 2 1/4" tall, and are about 3" long by a little under two inches wide (on the bottom)..

This is my original pattern, which I drew out on paper, then scanned it and redrew the lines on the computer. So, it's not available anywhere else on line.

The template for this is for sale on my blog.. 100% of what I collect will be used for my daughter's education ~ and hopefully we'll be able to send her back to the school she loves (and is good for her). At $3 each, i'll only need to sell 1000 templates!!! LOL Well, I've got to start somewhere I guess!

For more information on how to purchase your template, just click here.


Well There it is! How is that?? I hope you have a wonderful day!

Date Change for the Eastern Blooms Class

Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I need to move this class out ONE week!
Please note the new date...

Another GORGEOUS Class is on the schedule!

The beautiful spring blossoms on the Springtime Vintage DP are an amazing backdrop for these four lovely cards! Add in the color blocking technique and you have a match made in heaven! The coordinating two-pocket portfolio will bring the whole set together in a stunning spring-time gift set!

Two Morning Sessions!
Tuesday and Friday April 12th and 15th at 9:30AM
Friday, April 15th at 6:30
Cost: $30 and includes a roll of sticky strip with the class fee.
Want to skip the portfolio? $25 for just the cards.. :D
Location: Selene's Stamp Pad

Something new*** FREE instructions for my customers who make a $50 purchase through my online website! Email me after you have made your purchase, and I will forward you the directions. If you would like a supply list in order to place your order, just email me.

Please note, this class is not available for purchase to other Stampin' Up! demonstrators. If you are a demonstrator and are interested in offering this class to your customers, please email me @ e.selene@verizon.net :D

Woo hoo, it's going to be a fun month of classes!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday ~ Springy Celebration

Good Morning Friends!

I just love this time of year! Waking up in the morning, the sun seems just a little brighter. Although it's still chilly out, the signs that spring is here are coming!

At this time of year, I love to go a bit brighter. I gravitate towards white... and this card gives the feel of spring, and maybe weddings?

I'm loving the richness of this card, and the fact that it's a little smaller than my usual card. It's 4 1/4" square, so this is most certainly one you would hand to someone, which would be perfect for the upcoming wedding season!

Measurements:
Base: 4 1/4" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4" (to form the card base)
Layer 2: 4 1/8" square whisper white
Layer 3: 4" square whisper white, embossed with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder
Layer 4: 4" x 3 1/4" whisper white, with the eyelet border bunch across the bottom
Layer 5: The new fabulous DSP coming out in APRIL, will be available THIS FRIDAY! 4 x 2 3/4"
Layer 6: 2 5/8" x 2 3/8" (note this is 1/8" larger than layer 7")
Layer 7: 2 1/2" x 2 1/4" whisper white (focal point)
Layer 8: Paper banner is 1/2" tall

Colors and Notes:
I used baja, not quite navy and old olive markers to stamp the images. For the main image, I inked my flower with baja and added not quite navy to accent. Then I huffed on the back of the stamp (to remoisten it with my breath) and stamped it on my white (layer 7).

I just love a good sketch challenge to get me going in the morning! Off to prep for my stamp club, which is this week!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Pendant Park Poppy Parade ~ Saturday Sketch Challenge 196

Good Evening Friends!

Don't cha' just love it when a sketch challenge helps you stretch beyond your little rectangle box? That's exactly what this sketch did for me!

I attended the Hartford CT regionals last weekend and saw a cute card using this designer series paper (DSP). This DSP comes from the main Stampin' Up! catalog and a level one hostess reward.

The colors for this project are crumb cake, poppy parade, espresso and whisper white.

I inked up a stamp set that I purchased because I LOVE it, but then never really used it, Pendant Park (115456).

Measurements:
Layer 1: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 16" of poppy twill ribbon (i used a punch to punch a hole in the top of my card, so the ribbon is visible inside my card. and goes around the entire base layer.
Layer 3: Poppy Parade cardstock 4 1/4" x 2 1/2" (then I used the scallop border punch)
Layer 4: Poppy Parade DSP 4 1/4" x 2 1/8"
Layer 5: Thin layer of pearls at the bottom, that looks so GORGEOUS in real life, but you cant really see that well in the photo.

Directions:

1. Stamp the squirrels on a park bench, right on top of the Designer paper.
2. Use the scallop border punch to punch the decorative edge across the bottom and stick those two layers together.
3. Ink the "tree" image with whisper white craft ink, and stamp that on the crumb cake base layer.
4. Ink up the "HELLO" image and stamp it with espresso ink right on top.
5. Use a punch to make a slit in the top of your card for the ribbon to slide through. (i used a retired slot punch)
6. Tie the ribbon on and make a bow. (I used the bunny ears technique for that)
7. Attach the bottom strip with dimensionals.
8. Add the pearls to the top right hand side...

Easy peasy but oh so pretty! I {heart} this stamp set!!

If you're in the neighborhood, please feel free to stop by. I'll be doing my annual open house! This one is to celebrate my 5th year with stampin up! I will have the chocolate fountain flowing, great projects, and fun!

If you would like to play along with this sketch challenge or would just like to see what my girlfriends are up to, check out this challenge over on the stamping411 website! The cards are so cute!!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

No Quitter ~ Chocolate Bar Card

Good Afternoon Friends!

I'm so excited about my 5th Annual Open House happening this Saturday from 11-3! There will be projects to stamp, the chocolate fountain will be flowing... Discounts galore, prizes, retired stamp sale, stamping fun, and club signups! How's that for throwing a party?

Five years with stampin up is really a big milestone in my mind. It has afforded me the opportunity to stay at home while raising my little one.

If you're local to me, consider yourself invited. ***hint*** you get extra raffle tickets just for RSVPing. If you're already a club member, or joining a club, you get more!

If you are local to me and not on my newsletter list, you can sign up over on the right hand sidebar. I will be sending more details about all the fun later on today!

Here's one of the cards that we're going to be making.. Isn't it adorable to include a chocolate bar in the design of a card??? I saw a sketch challenge going on over at split coast this morning and this was my take on the sketch.

I used the inlaid embossing technique for the mid layers, and how about that gorgeous glassy glitter in baja!!?? I'm loving it! Want to make one of these cards for FREE?? Just come on by anytime between 11 and 3 pm on Saturday. I can't WAIT to see you!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday and Regionals fun!

Good Morning!

I don't have too much time to chat this morning.. I'm headed out the door with my hubby to volunteer at the school. I was up early and saw the cute mojo monday sketch! What a fun sketch! I used the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, which will be on special next month from Stampin' Up!

Measurements:
Base layer: 11 x 4 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 4 1/4" x 1" marina mist.. that I ran through the big shot with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder.
Layer 3: 3 5/8" x 2 5/8" marina mist.
Layer 4: DSP 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Layer 5: 2 5/8" x 2 7/8" marina mist cardstock
Layer 6: 2 1/2" x 2 3/4" Whisper white
Top layer is a 3/4" thick paper banner, trimmed to size.

This designer paper paper is so fun and versatile. It has a CRAZY amount of colors in it.. Here they are...Baja, Cobbler, Choc Chip, Marina Mist, Not quite navy, Old Olive, River Rock, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango. Whew! :D

I'm way behind on birthday cards so I decided to make this one a birthday, and strayed from the sketch just a little bit to get my big scripty ol sentiment on there! :D

I inked my floral with Olive, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy and Cherry Cobbler. Then huff stamped it on my white paper. I added some glitter with a two way glue pen... its much more sparkly in real life! :D

So! Here's where I started... I made 9 of these cute little gifts for my downline this weekend for the Stampin' Up! regional seminar in Hartford CT. They were all different, so I'll have more to post along with pictures from the event during this week. I had a vision for this box in my head,... drew it out on paper, scanned it, fixed the lines on the computer, then printed them on card stock to make the base bottoms.. (my first pattern!) I was so excited to give these out with the cute little button bracelets I made.. (again, i will post all of it this week sometime). :D

I need to run for now, but I hope you have a wonderful week! Spring has sprung!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 195

Good Evening Friends!

Well I have To tell you, my good friend Kerin talked me into posting this one... I almost decided to redo it! I really do like this week's sketch, but the card I made is a little bit outside my normal style.. Crazy huh?

I made this card with this floral arrangement in mind. I sold this set at a craft fair two weekends ago.. So pretty! I think I have one left. :D

If you would like to play along with this sketch challenge, just click here!

Here are some possible measurements for this sketch: (thanks Kerin)

• Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"
• Layer 1: 4 x 5-1/4"
• Layer 2: 2-1/4 x 2-1/2"
• Layer 3: 2-1/8 x 2-1/8"
• Layer 4: 2-3/8 x 3-3/8"
• Layer 5: 2-1/4 x 3-1/4"
• Layer 6: Sentiment shape of your choice
• Layer 7: Some sort of embellishment between main panels

I'm frantically getting ready for the CT Stampin' Up regional conference. 7 ladies from my team and two guests will be heading down all together.. SO MUCH FUN! I'll be sure to post later this weekend with photos.

So what do you think? I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Petal Paisley Mojo

My Alarm Clock Slept In!!! {that is my 6 year old daughter Alexis} We did the mad rush off to school this morning to get her there in time. Luckily, it's right across the street!

What a pretty sketch from mojo monday this week. Half way through making my card, with the ribbon already on, I realized I went more towards the middle with the ribbon.. And since a sketch challenge is really just a jumping off point, I turned my card upside down.. {sounds kind of like my morning} :D

How about some measurements??
Base 11 x 4 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 5 x 3 3/4" {cherry cobbler}
Layer 3: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8" {Petal Paisley DSP} available next month
Layer 4: 4 x 2 3/4"
Layer 5: 3 7/8 x 2 5/8"
Layer 6 and 7: Two punches {cherry cobbler} with the petal card extra large double punch
Layer 8: {petal paisley DSP} 1 3/4" circle punch

How about that GORGEOUS glass glitter?? Well, I attached that to my card with a thin line of tombo multipurpose adhesive (green tube).

I stamped two different sentiments from the simple friendship stamp set. They really look like one stamp, don't they? A very sweet and quick card!

I hope you have time to stamp4fun today!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene

Saturday Sketch Challenge 194

Good Evening Friends!

Boy am I happy that it's the end of the week. It's been a long couple of weeks at the Kempton camp, but I think that's going around! It rained all day here, and I cant wait to see the sun!

Okay, so first some measurements:
Base 11 x 4 1/4" vanilla, scored and folded at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Cherry Cobbler 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: DSP that will be available NEXT month (i'll keep you posted on that) 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
Layer 4: I punched 3 scallop squares, and one flower from the birds and blooms die from the big shot.
Layer 5: 3 squares of punched DSP (same pack)

This cool new paper coming out has some insane colors...
Baja, Cobbler, Choc Chip, Marina Mist, Not quite navy, Old Olive, River Rock, Soft Suede, and Tangerine Tango.,. Can you believe all that??

The only stamping on this card is the friends stamp from tiny tags, and I used the coordinating punch to punch it out.. Super cuteness factor!!

Just for good measure I used a two way glue pen and some dazzling diamonds glitter right on top of the punched squares..

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. I'm hoping to REST finally! I still haven't gotten a full 8 hours since Alexis was sick... Maybe I'll be able to catch up.

You should REALLY go check out the creations of my BFF's over on Stamping 411. We all use the same sketch to create different cards.. Perhaps you can route through your stamp stash and play along too?? :D
I'll be looking forward to seeing if you create something!

The Miracle of MDS ~ Free downloads and NEW downloads

My Digital Studio is one of the most AWESOME tools... Lately it's been saving me lots of time! We had a surprise retirement party for my mother in law.. (dont mind the photoshop drawing on my picture). I buzzed out the names to protect private info. :D

So ~ before I go any further.. Do you own My Digital Studio? There is a FREE upgrade for all users of the software and NEW downloads available. Click Here to go get your FREE downloads and upgrade your program.

So here is a {marked up} copy of the invitation. I designed the original copy in my digital studio, 4 to a sheet. Took it to the print shop and had them do color printing on my SHIMMER WHITE CARDSTOCK.

Oh yea, this baby sparkles! Then, I cut my layers and stuck it together. Easy peasy simple! I think from start to finish, including the 2 hours out to go get them printed, it took me about 4 hours. So this week, after the party I asked if she would like matching thank you notes.. (who wouldn't) :D

Here's what I came up with. Again, it doesnt get any easier than this to put together, and they look so polished! Someone at the print shop asked me if I do wedding invitations.. I guess... now I do! :D

Helpful MDS Links:

• Join the MDS community online at http://mydigitalstudio.net
• Price List for Printing
• Dont have MDS? Click here to purchase it now!
• Latest Digital Downloads (pdf)
  
• Downloads from March 1st (pdf)
  
• Shop all Digital Downloads
  

Enough information for you?!? :D There's so much to share when it comes to my digital studio. I hope you have time to check it out!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have some time to stamp4fun!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene~

Easter Blooms Class!

Another GORGEOUS Class is on the schedule!

The beautiful spring blossoms on the Springtime Vintage DP are an amazing backdrop for these four lovely cards! Add in the color blocking technique and you have a match made in heaven! The coordinating two-pocket portfolio will bring the whole set together in a stunning spring-time gift set!

Two Morning Sessions!
Tuesday and Friday April 5th and 8th at 9:30AM
Friday, April 8th at 6:30
Cost: $30 and includes a roll of sticky strip with the class fee.
Want to skip the portfolio? $25 for just the cards.. :D
Location: Selene's Stamp Pad

Something new*** FREE instructions for my customers who make a $50 purchase through my online website! Email me after you have made your purchase, and I will forward you the directions. If you would like a supply list in order to place your order, just email me.

Please note, this class is not available for purchase to other Stampin' Up! demonstrators. If you are a demonstrator and are interested in offering this class to your customers, please email me @ e.selene@verizon.net :D

Woo hoo, it's going to be a fun month of classes!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Bring on the Cake Class!

This fun, bright and colorful birthday set gives you so many options! The coordinating Birthday Box will hold up to twelve cards and envelopes, so come along and and have some fun!

At this class you will make all 12 cards shown, plus the box! (specify the box color in pink or blue, you decide, when you sign up for the class).

Cost: $30 for 12 cards and the box, $25 for just the 12 cards.
Location: Selene's Stampin' Pad
Times and Dates:
Tuesday, March 15th at 9:30AM and 6:30 PM
Thursday, March 17th at 6:30 PM
Friday, March 18th at 9:30AM

Something new*** FREE instructions for my customers who make a $50 purchase through my online website! Email me after you have made your purchase, and I will forward you the directions. If you would like a supply list in order to place your order, just email me.

Please note, this class is not available for purchase to other Stampin' Up! demonstrators. If you are a demonstrator and are interested in offering this class to your customers, please email me @ e.selene@verizon.net :D

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday ~ Simple Friendship

Well, it's been quite the week! We pick the best dates in my family for parties it seems. LOL With my poor daughter in the hospital last week, the craft fair and family party on Saturday, I'm still tuckered out! My daughter Alexis is doing much better. Thanks so much for all the well wishes.

Today, I'm headed over to the school with her to volunteer in her classroom. :D I really love that my stamping job allows me to be there for these things. I don't want to miss anything!

Well ~ I had time for a quick mojo card this morning. So I love everything about this card! I did get a little carried away with the flourishes.. but what can ya do? :D

Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer 2: artichoke 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3 crumb cake 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
Layer 4: designer paper, same size as layer 3, but cut in half from corner to corner.
Instead of layer 5, I added a pleated ribbon.
Layer 6: Artichoke 3" circle cut with the big shot
Layer 7: Very Vanilla 2 1/2" circle punch
Layer 8 and 9: stamped and hand cut butterfly, cut out of very vanilla matching cardstock.

After cutting all the paper, I stamped my butterfly on scratch paper and cut her out. :D I also stamped the flower at the same time.. I used blender pens and scribbled on the top of my stamp set with a baja blue marker, and picked that up with a blender pen to add color to my flower..

I added a strip of delicate self adhesive pearls and added one larger pearl at the top.

Looking at the sketch (oops) i think i missed a layer on the left, but I think this is so pretty, I don't want to go and change it now! :D I do love a good sketch challenge and love them as a jumping off point for designing.

I had fun making this one! I hope that you have a wonderful week... I'm still trying to catch up on rest, but I suppose there's no rest for the weary! :D

Have a great week!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 193

Good Evening Friends!

Boy has it been a CRAZY week here! My little one was in the hospital for an overnight with pneumonia on Wednesday. I didn't sleep and am still walking around half asleep..

I have a craft fair in the morning and a "party" tomorrow night that I'm on the hook for 72 favors that are started, but not complete and I just want to go to bed! :D

I did take a few minutes out to put together this quick card.. that's right, it was REALLY quick... but I've had this card in my head all week! My friends Chris and Jo were here on Sunday, and Chris is working on a scrapbook for her daughter's wedding.. The poppy gerber dasies were in all the pictures, and this week, she ordered a bunch of coordinating products to do the album.. That's where I got the colors.. At the craft fair tomorrow, i'll be selling some of these cool vases and matching cards.. they are really fun!

So how about measurements..
Base: 5 1/4" x 10 1/2", scored and folded in half at 5 1/4"
Layer 2: 4 3/4" Square poppy parade cardstock
Layer 3: 4 5/8" Square Whisper White
Layer 4: 3 1/4" Square Poppy Cardstock
Layer 5: 3 1/8" Whisper white..

For the pearls in the top left hand corner... I colored them with a sharpie then applied them to my card.

I wish I had more to share in the way of details tonight, but my brain is not behaving! :D

Wishing you health and happiness this week.. I hope you have a chance to play along with Stamping 411 this week. I'll be looking to see what you did with this sketch!

God's Little Lamb ~ Petal Cone Basket and Bleaching Technique

I saw these in a few places online. I have no idea the ingenious stamper that was the ORIGINAL designer for this. but when my girlfriend Pam was at the house on Friday, to make petal cones for her granddaughters baptism, I said "give me a minute to try something I saw online"..

If this was your original idea, can you email me and I'll change my post to give you credit! :D For my local gals, if they have a project in mind, and make a purchase to make a project, when the goodies get here we roll up our sleeves together.

I've been doing favors all week for two different parties and invitations. It's so fun and rewarding to see how special it makes people feel when they finish their artwork that is worthy of a gallery! (in my humble opinion!).

Okay ~~~ Where to start.. I guess, I'll tell you about the handle first.. I took a regular 8 1/2" x 11" piece of matching cardstock, and punched the 8 1/2" end to make the handles. After doing a few of these you'll need a break, but I'm surprised how sturdy the handles really are! I punched holes on either side of my basket and ran a brad to attach the handle.... The best part of this punch is, when you punch one 8 1/2" strip, you have a regular piece of paper and dont need to cut in order to start the next strip.. it goes really quick.. I did them while catching up on my favorite soap in front of the tv.. :D

The base of the basket is two petal cone cut outs.. From where the petal folds, I measured down two inches and scored.. **note ~ this is a little tricky, you have to turn your project and essentially score twice to make it come together.. Then you cut at 3 inches.. There is a little tab left over at the bottom, and you need to slice upward to make the base.. I hope that's clear.. maybe i'll need to "do" a tutorial for it. If you google this petal cone basket, i'm sure you'll find a bunch of posts on it. So ~ we made a little less than 40 of these on Friday morning.

This set is ANOTHER set that I'll never part with, and when my friend Pam told me what she wanted for favors for her granddaughters christening... I knew what set I wanted to pull out! The invites had a lamb on them and referred to God's Little Lamb.. Isn't that the coolest?? So I embossed this lamb, and the post yesterday explains about the process for that.. Next I took some ordinary house bleach, and put it in a glass bowl on top of some paper towels. I used an aqua painter and picked up the bleach to bleach out the "fluffy part" of the lamb.. So it's on pink paper, but the lamb is white. This was our "scratch" sample, so on this one we also bleached the little heart necklace and the face of the lamb to color it in, but pirouette is such a light color pink, we decided that we would just leave it and run a blush blossom marker for the face, not color the necklace and drop a JEWEL self adhesive bling on top..

We saved all the leftover pieces from the die cuts and shredded them to make "Easter" grass in the bottom of the basket. They are so beautiful! I originally thought I should cut the paper banner a bit shorter, but the more I looked at it, I think I like the extra long, ribbon like banner that is also cut from the same die. Pam is a kindergarten teacher and kept the "ice cream" looking pink tops for her students.. she'll be making ice cream with them as the weather gets nicer.. Best of all... when you make it with paper, there's no calories!

This Sunday, my friend Jo and her friend Chris were at the house.. Of course we made a card, and I had an idea to take this idea to the elegant side... So I made one with craft paper..

We colored the image for this one with a marker and added dazzling diamonds to the flower.. A little seam binding and this basket is ready to go.. it's a really quick project and they make GORGEOUS favors, especially this time of year!

If you are local to me and would like to see how to assemble one, pop on by this week... I'm making 72 more for a part this weekend.. :D

Happy Wednesday!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Pirouette Pink Baptism Card ~ Embossing 101

On a personal note... My six year old, who's like talking to someone my age said "mommy, can you believe today is already March 1st! It won't be long before we're in Alaska!" I had a little chuckle that my sweet daughter is sounding so grown up and feeling a little like that my Dora the Explorer loving pumpkin is growing up before my eyes... :( I'd love her to stay little forever...

Anyway, speaking of babies, my AWESOME, wonderful, cool, sister in law of the year, Amy sent me a text late Friday night that she needed a baptism card. (Saturday AM) for a mutual friend/stamper. Up to my elbows in party favors this week, I took about 20 minutes to make this card then ran it upstairs to my mother in law (who is also the coolest ever).

Measurements:
Base: Pink Pirouette 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Whisper White 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 3: Pink Pirouette 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 4: 3 1/8" x 2 1/8" (whisper white)
Layer 5: Pink Pirouette 3 x 2"

The baptism sentiment comes from a retired set that I'm hoarding.. tee hee... but the cross and the "God bless you" sentiment comes from a wonderful set that I don't get to use nearly enough called crosses of hope.

Step by step... First I stuck my layer 2 and 3 together with snail adhesive. Many of you who stamp with me know that I'm addicted to using the multipurpose "green tube" glue, but when I'm not sure how a card is going to come together, I use snail to see where it's gonna go! :D That way the layers can still come apart..

Step 2: Using the tulip embossing folder from the stampin up occasions mini catalog, i embossed both layer 2 and 3 at the same time with my big shot.

Step 3: Next, I pulled out my versamark pad, silver embossing powder, my buddy and my pal.. :D The embossing buddy is an inexpensive tool that removes static electric from my cardstock with one quick swipe. I used versamark to stamp my card (sticky) then poured the embossing powder on top. ***TIP*** Here's where I like to take a paint brush and remove unwanted flecks of embossing powder from my cardstock. Then I heat with a heat gun just until the powder melts.. (note* if you over heat it, you'll scorch your paper).. I embossed the inside of my card at the same time (shown here).

Step 4: Next I made a bow, using my friend Lee Conrey's incredible bow maker. She actually GAVE me one of these as a gift! Look at the stunning double bow gorgeousness! I took a piece of ribbon 6" long and used snail adhesive to attach it to the back of layers 2, 3 and 4 (which I attached).. I may have skipped that step... :D

Step 5: I attached the silver embossed top pirouette layer with dimensionals, and the big beautiful bow with glue a few dots... (the wonder of the world that will stick even the toughest of ribbons)!

And that's about it... So this card is for little Brielle. I hope you enjoyed reading about the process.. I think it took me longer to type it all out than it did to make the card.. Although dry embossing with the big shot, and heat embossing are very easy processes, they will always be a wow for me!

Would you like your own big shot? or do you have a big shot and want that folder?? Well, I know I don't always mention it, but I do have a store that you can shop 24/7 from the office or in your jammies. Click here to visit my demonstrator site and place an order if you're feeling inspired to. Just click "shop now" in the upper right to go directly to my storefront.

I can't WAIT to show you the cool favors I made on Friday with one of my best friends, Pam. Her granddaughters baptism is this weekend and I helped her with favors. They came out so cute! I'll post that tomorrow in the morning.. I can't be blogging ALL day or I wont get anything done after all!

Also ~ if you're in the area on Saturday, I'll be doing the band booster's craft fair at Dracut High School. Come on by and enter my raffle for a $25 gift certificate to my classes or products!

That's all for today! Hope you have an awesome day!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton