Friday, April 29, 2011

Saturday Sketch Challenge 201

Oh my goodness! I tried to post this for last night and messed up the scheduling some how! Can't believe that happened!

Good Evening Friends!

It's time for another wonderful sketch challenge from your 411 operators. This week, I was inspired by a card I saw on Mary Brown's blog... it had a checkerboard background and I didn't have that paper... but I had just received my new set, and I had a wonderful sample to be inspired by in my inbox! :D Thanks Mary!

This sketch is a simple one, but the cards are so beautiful! I love when a simple layout can help my projects look polished!

So how about my measurements:

Base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 4 x 5 1/4" whisper white
Layer 3: Sunny Garden DSP 119831 3 1/2" x 2"
Layer 4: Pear pizazz cardstock 3 1/8" x 2 1/8"
Layer 5: Whisper White 1 3/4" x 3"

Then lets not forget the GORGEOUS pear Pizazz seam binding to "tie" it all together. I'm home and stamping tonight! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Thursday, April 28, 2011

Communications Banner

I don't usually post non stamping related items here.. but I really wanted to share. I designed this cool header for my 2oth reunion committee. When I was in my home town recently, I noticed a hawk with an axe on the side of a fire truck... Well I drew this in the computer program "adobe illustrator". I think it's pretty cool and thought my stamping friends would appreciate it! I've been busy with non stamping design work this week in general. I also designed a form for folks wanting to purchase a brick to benefit our school playground across the street. Bricks will form a walkway to be enjoyed by future generations.. So very cool.

Here's the form... I couldn't help myself.. I had to use trendy trees. I redrew these trees based on the stamp set. :D So I guess this is sort of stamping related, right?

So I know I've been quiet, but I have another mini box template coming, AND a class planner that is designed. It's just the documentation that takes FOREVER!.. Hopefully, it will make life easier for some who want a quick class that's easy to reproduce, while helping raise a few dollars at a time for my little one Alexis to go back to her old school (where she thrived). :D Stay tuned....

Finally, how about some more blog candy!!! Leave me a comment on my hawk or flier, and enter to win a FREE mini box template shown here! :D Good luck!

Selene
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Blog candy reveal

Good Morning Friends!

We had such a fun time reading all the comments on who-made who's card... :D
Even I was fooled.. It turns out that Patti made the gorgeous creation that I posted last Friday, and I thought it was Gretchen! Here is the card that I will be mailing to Lee.. :D

We had so much fun celebrating our 100th sketch and really enjoyed having you play along with our celebration!

I used random.org and came up with the number 20! So I'd like to congratulate Barbara V, who won my random blog candy, the level 3 hostess set from the catalog, Occasional Quotes! It seems inconceivable to me that we started to start a small blog to help our customers only 2 short years ago, and now we have so much love coming our way! Thank you so very much for 2 awesome years.. I look forward to what's up and coming!

Barbara V wrote: I am guessing Connie created this one. Will be fun to find out!

Indeed Barbara! Congrats! Please contact me by email at e.selene@verizon.net to pick up your candy!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Recess Swap

I've purchased about 6 or 7 sets from the new mini catalog already.. and THIS is the one that I can't put down! :D

Recess has to be my favorite new set... so I decided to use it for a "rising star" swap that I'm in. I'm in a group for past and present Stampin' Up! rising stars and they do card swaps.. Here's the one I'm using. This time I used watercolor paper to color the slide image.. It's so fun to work with and better than white for sure! Look at that gorgeous color!

Only 4 days left and you can order your own set! :D

They are cutting off the power here to re-do our siding. I guess I need to wrap it up for today! Have a great week!

Selene~
Monday, April 25, 2011

Mojo Monday ~ Recess

Good Morning Friends!

When I saw this morning's sketch from Mojo Monday, I looked at some of the elements still on my table and decided to use those!

I cut a standard card base down to 4 1/4" square. The circle in the middle is a 3" circle cut with the big shot and then stamped with the little girl on the slide from the new set "recess" which is coming out on May 1st. The pacific point layer beneath that is the scalloped circle die #2.

The dsp is lined with the ribbon border punch and a layer of wild wasabi card stock. Next ~ I tied a piece of organza ribbon on.. This ribbon is only $5.95 for 15 yards and it seems to go forever. It's girly enough to use on this card, but is also very appropriate for more formal cards. It's definitely a "go to" ribbon for me.

I used the XL label punch for the happy birthday. I punched twice.. once to punch the larger punch with the happy birthday, then at at a 90 degree angle, I punched again to form the cool shape in the upper left.

I water colored the main image.. For more info on how to watercolor with markers, click here for my free tutorial.

That's all for me this morning... It's club week here in my studio so I need to get ready for my stampin buddies coming through this week! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!

Selene Kempton
Friday, April 22, 2011

Name that Operator! and Blog Candy...

Good Evening Friends! As you may or may not be aware, the operators are celebrating 100 sketches this week! We're only weeks away from a two year anniversary.. Isn't that amazing? So ~ this week we're playing a game... in addition to offering our 100th sketch.. Name that operator!

I was sent a card (by the only operator that know's who's card is who ~ Kerin). Tonight I present to you a mystery operators project and some BLOG CANDY... Now... part of the fun is that I'm supposed to guess who made this card... It's so hard! But I think this is the very talented, Gretchen Barron's artwork.. The big reveal will be coming for all of us on Wednesday.

Now for the candy.. Leave me a comment and make your guess as to who's (out of the operators) awesome creation this is! If you want to see all the cards, check out this post over on 411, and don't forget to leave me a comment! You could win my candy, which is a clear mount Hostess LEVEL 3 set, Occasional Quotes! Will you be the winner?

Measurements... Here are some potential measurements you could use with this sketch challenge.

Layer 1: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"
Layer 2: 4 x 5-1/4"
Layer 3: 1 x 5-1/4" strip
Layer 4: 2 x 5-1/4" strip layered on top of Layer 3
Layer 5: ribbon/bow across front of card
Layer 6: Shape of your choice

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Monday, April 18, 2011

Mojo Monday ~ Recess & Watercolor With Markers Tutorial

Good Morning Friends!

What a cute sketch from Mojo Monday this morning! My little one is home on school vacation this week, and I'm still working on the class planner I promised! I'm hoping to have it done and up by the end of the week. I'm on it for sure!

I made a cute card yesterday for the sweet Sunday sketch challenge (and to help out the playground committee with some cards to send as thank yous), and I got an email last night from my buddy Glenda T. Her down line sent her my card.. (how excited am I that they like me??), so I decided to do a quick tutorial this morning on coloring with Stampin' Up! markers. A shout out to Patti T! Thanks so much for liking my work! There are sneak peeks all over this card... I'll tell you what those are in a moment, but before we get started, here are the measurements for my layers.

Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 5 1/4" x 4, rose red
Layer 3: 5 1/8" x 3 7/8", daffodil (dont worry too much about seeing a crazy measurment, this layer is only 1/8" smaller than layer 2.. So you would just make it smaller by moving it over two lines on your paper cutter.
Layer 3a: There's a scalloped sticker under there, that I got from the simply scrappin kit.. Almost forgot to put that in the directions!
Layer 4: 4 1/8" x 3 1/8" rose red
Layer 5: Designer paper from a new simply scrappin kit coming out next month! 3x4 (note** you get 12 of these from one piece of designer paper, so with 3 sheets, you could make 36 cards).
Layer 6: 2 1/2" x 3", whisper white.
Layer 7: A self adhesive die cut from the same simply scrappin kit.. I used dimensionals to attach that on the card
Layer 8: Water colored piece, cut with a 1 3/4" circle punch. 119850

That gorgeous bow is tied with Rose Red seam binding, which I'm told will be available for purchase after the mini catalog is gone at the end of the month.. Yea!!! That bow was tied by hand using the "bunny ears" method. It's the same method I'm trying with Alexis to help her learn to tie her shoes.

The stamp set is called Recess and will be available for purchase on May 1st.

Now down to the tutorial...

1. You'll need some aqua painters, and markers to match the project you're working on. I don't like to add too many colors and try and stick to the colors that match my designer paper. The aqua painters are on page 195 (item 103954) and you get two sizes. For watercolor with markers I prefer the smaller brush size.

2. Fill your brush with water, then find something plastic to draw on with your markers. A sandwich bag, a stamp case.. anything plastic will do. Here I used a clear block.
3. Stamp your image in stazon ink. (101406 Jet Black Stazon, page 195). It's important to use an ink that's not going to move when you add water. Stazon.....stays-on.. :D

4. Draw a line with your sky color. This will be your horizon line. Pick up and "GENTLY" water down your blue color and wash it on your background, leaving your focal point white.
5. Repeat the process with the ground.. It's perfectly okay if the line isnt perfect.. Maybe she's standing on a hill! :D

If you look just to the left of her foot, I just added a patch of old olive ink there in a watery stroke. Then, the most important part is... STOP!!! :D A good artist knows when to stop, it's so important to do it sort of quickly and not over do it. If you do, the paper will only absorb so much water, unless you use watercolor paper.. Even then, quick is better. Get it on there and stop... :D
6. I colored her face with blush blossom, and her hair with daffodil, full strength. I could add some brown or black, or change the skin color if necessary.. Alexis says, "oh look mom, you are coloring ME!"

7. Add some color to one section of the focal point.. choose a corner.. in this case I did bottom left and added some color straight with my marker. Then I blended it with the aqua painter. If the line is still too defined, just go pick up a little marker color from the plastic palette you made.
8. I colored the hula hoop with a straight marker in pumpkin pie and photographed it without a flash so you could really see the colors. See how the color was just washed on for the background. I used circles with my brush when adding the color.
9. Here's the 1 3/4" circle punch. I just punched her out and stuck her down as my focal point. :D

Let me know what you think!! :D Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Sunday, April 17, 2011

Recess Thank you ~ Sneak Peek

Good Afternoon Friends!

Here's a thank you card I made for the playground committee for the school across the street. When we receive a donation for the playground, I make cards for the committee president to send. This week, when I saw the sweet sunday sketch, I decided to play with my new set. I think this new set from Stampin' Up! (available May 1st) Recess, fits the bill perfectly.

I watercolored the image with markers. This new paper and stamp set will be available in the new mini catalog May 1st.

I cut a paper flower for her hair from the designer paper and another for the thank you banner.

Measurements:

Base: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 2 1/4" x 5", corner rounded
Layer 3: 2 1/8" x 4 7/8", corner rounded :D

I used the scalloped circle #2 die #113469 and the 3" circle die from the occasions mini for layers 4 and 5.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
Selene Kempton
Saturday, April 16, 2011

Beth's Anniversary Card

Good Morning!

A quick card share for you this morning!

My friend Beth was here and needed to make a card for her friend who was having her first wedding anniversary. The person who the card is for is clean and simple, and her colors were pear pizazz and concord crush. (stampin up's in colors). I love how stampin up stays ahead of the fashion trends.

Measurements:
Base: Vanilla 11 x 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Pear Pizazz 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: In color DSP (hostess reward) 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
Layer 4: Vanilla 4 7/8" x 3 5/8" (embossed, and inked by running a sponge over the top with Pear Pizazz ink
Layer 5: 1/2" paper strip

We also embosssed the envelope! :D So just emboss layer 4 with your big shot and cut the non embossed areas away to expose your designer paper! Super simple and easy, but a wow!

We are running out the door today with 3 different parties... I just wanted to share this beautiful card with you all! Have a great weekend!

Selene
Friday, April 15, 2011

Saturday Sketch Challenge 199

Good Evening Friends!

It's that time for this week's Saturday Sketch challenge.. I made this card three weeks ago and put it in the mail to my good friend Patti....

Normally, when I put a letter in my mailbox, and put up the little flag, the postperson takes my letter and mails it.. I found this one in my mailbox at the beginning of the week, still untouched, so I hope she got it before she reads this post. :D

Measurements:
Base: More mustard 11 x 4 1/4"
layer 2: espresso 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: More Mustard 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
3a: (a bow made with Lee Conrey's magic bow maker)
Layer 4: 2 3/4" square espresso cardstock (flipped so it looks like a diamond)
Layer 5: 2 5/8" very vanilla, stamped with espresso ink, and sponged with mustard ink
Layer 6: 1 1/4" circle punch espresso
Layer 7: 1" circle punch vanilla

Alexis (my 6 year old) and I made this card together for operator Patti, shortly after she lost her dog. :( We sat down to stamp and Alexis said.. "Mommy, we need to use the paw prints, and that little bone, so that when Patti's dog gets to heaven she knows that he has a bone waiting for him" I almost fell off my chair. So ~ we JUST HAD TO incorporate that bone into the simple sketch.. Maybe I should have made the bone with gold sparkles.. :D

All in all, a work of art has more meaning when it's made for a specific reason, and for that reason I love this clean and simple creation.

We sponged almost all the layers in true Patti Chesky style.. I really hope she knows it was from the heart. I have to say, that the espresso ribbon is GORGEOUS in real life, but I cant seem to get it to photograph properly. Imagine the gorgeous lush color! :D

Please check out what my girlfriends are up to this week over on stamping 411, and stay tuned next week for sketch 200... it's going to be a good one! (hint hint)!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011

One Layer Wonder!

Alexis had a birthday party to go to this past Saturday for her little friend Rylee.

I'm posting a few cards from last week, while I work on my class planner/stamping kit for my customers (that are on my constant contact mailing list ~ on the right hand side bar). Stay tuned..., the cards are designed, I'm getting the documentation done while my daughter is off from school for the next week and a half.. Hopefully I'll make some ground today!

I actually made a one layer card! What can I say, I'm steppin' out of the mold a bit on this one!

I used stazon to stamp the girls, and the flower border going down the side. What's funny, is this really looks like the two girls... So sweet!

I used markers and a blender pen to colors the image, and added a BAZILLION little bling brads. Alexis and I made this one together and cheered me on! "more bling mama, more bling!" A girl after my own heart. It's tied up with a little cobbler seam binding.. How adorable, and quick and simple! Hope you're having a great day!
Monday, April 11, 2011

Mojo Monday ~ Happy Birthday


I've got a very busy day ahead... prepping for my Easter class in the morning tomorrow. I love to start the day with a good sketch challenge!

I had fun with this one and just played. I'm not sure if I love my final card, but the process was fun. Isn't that what it's all about? (oh no that's the hokey pokey... lol).

I used the build a cupcake punch, 121807, and ran the bottom of the cupcake through my crimper. I love the way this cupcake comes together so quickly! The scallop edge border punch breaks up the designer paper very nicely!

The stamp is from the occasions mini catalog 121958 clear mounted "bring on the cake".. So very sweet!

The colors are tempting turquoise, pacific point and daffodil yellow.. That's all I have for this morning! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Friday, April 8, 2011

Saturday Sketch Challenge 198

Good Evening Friends!

This weekend, I'm off for a getaway for just me and my hubby. That certainly doesn't happen very often with a six year old!

It's not a super romantic weekend.. We're going up so he can bowl in a tournament... but there's a lot of great people going and just like when you are with a bunch of stampers, there's fun to be had!

I dont know how many of you know this, but before I was a crafter, I was a musician.. In fact, I met my husband when I took on a local karaoke position at yes... the bowling ally.. and that's where we met. He stalked me until agreed to go on a date with him.. lol... and the rest is history. (charming and sweet is he). He's really a wonderful guy and I feel pretty blessed just to be his bride, still... (almost 11 years later).

Well ~ You guessed it.. many of "the old crew" will be doing karaoke tonight at the lanes up in Burlington VT... so there we will be..., being silly... Too funny! I wonder if I still have the pipes! :D

I did a bunch of these floral vases for a local craft fair.. but one of my stampers snagged this one up as a gift. When I made this card I intended it to be a mothers day... but stamping "Happy Mother's Day" on the card front would limit what someone who is buying it, could use it for. So ~ I went with another sentiment in the same set.. Like Mary Poppins, you are wonderful in every way!

I just love that the accents on the vase, match the card.. What can I say... it totally floats my boat! :D

So how about some measurements...

This is a SUPER simple card!

Base: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2", blushing bride
Layer 2: 4 1/4" x 3 1/4" (similar to Tuesday's card), rose red
Layer 3: 3 x 3 1/4" Whisper white

The ribbon is certainly celery taffeta ribbon and the faux bow is simply laid over itself and tied to make it look like I tied a bow, but didnt (love that!)..

I used a rose red and celery marker to ink up the flower.. Isn't it pretty? So by now, I should be having some fruity little thing and enjoying the company of some wonderful people! I hope you have a great weekend.

If you are around this week, you might want to make a card or scrapbook page with this gorgeous sketch and play along with our newly "stampin up ONLY" stamping 411 website! After much discussion among the operators, we have decided to take our blog to all SU all the time, to more closely follow the agreement that we all signed.. It is STILL a marketing free zone. :D As it should be.. It's just a place to share freely and to learn the basics..

I hope you can play along!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Thursday, April 7, 2011

A study in Four Frames....

So ~ I admit it... I cant seem to put these new materials down. This month there's a sneak peek AVAILABLE for purchase and it's paper and a great new stamp set from the new Idea book and catalog which wont be out until July!

(told ya I was excited!)).. So i had made some of these for stamp club, then just kept playing with the same packets.. so there's two card layouts using the same measurements, but a whole bunch of different cards!

Here we go.... These three cards all have the same measurements! Isn't that cool? In fact, this layout would be good for ANY card you're designing that uses a punched shape.

So ~ For this first card (above), I used the image from the 4 frames set that has the bird, and omitted the bird by inking with my marker. Then I stamped the sentiment using markers. (which comes from the level 3 hostess set Occasional Quotes).

So first.. I know I've posted it, but I think it's SO Helpful.... The colors that coordinate with the paisley petals designer paper are:
Baja Breeze
Cherry Cobbler
Chocolate Chip
Marina Mist
Not Quite Navy
Old Olive
River Rock
Soft Suede
Tangerine Tango

So 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: whisper white (1/8) smaller than layer 2) 4 7/8 x 3 5/8"
Layer 4: Cherry Cobbler 3 1/8" square
Layer 5: Whisper white 3" Square
Layer 6: The punched shape of you choice...

For this next card (above) I stamped the focal point with a different 4 frames image, then added a few words from (clear mounted) 120501, fabulous phrases... I sponged the stamped and punched image with cherry cobbler ink, then took a piece of cherry cobbler seam binding (120992) and folded over on itself. Next, I used a 1/16" circle punch to punch through the 3 layers (two layers ribbon and one paper). Then I put a gold brad through.. I attached that top layer with dimensionals.This one (above) was stamped with yet another image from the 4 frames set... Same measurements... This time I used some pretty organza ribbon 114319, and used the something to celebrate stamp set to stamp the Easter wishes, The "perfect bow" was made with Lee Conrey's amazing Bow maker!

Onto the next layout... I did SUPER detailed measurements for a similar laid out card the other day..

Base Layer: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4". If you score your paper first... THEN CUT, you get two bases from one sheet of regular computer sized paper.
Layer 2: 5 1/4" x 4" (note, this is just 1/4" smaller than the "base" layer. We ran this layer through the big shot using the vintage wallpaper (120175), and at the same time, embossed the flap part of our envelope. :D
Layer 3: 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"... Now, because this layer is 4 1/4", when we cut an 8 1/2" down the middle, we can get six pieces from one sheet of whisper white!
Layer 4a: 1x4" DSP
Layer 4b: 2x4" DSP
Layer 5: is the punched shape!

And here's another sample....


Okay~ For more information on the items available (shown), click here for a pdf of the flier.
For MORE projects you can download and try with these products, click here.
AND finally if you would like to order your very own stamp set and designer series paper (after a $20 purchase), click here to go to my online store!

While you're there, make SURE you check out the clearance rack. All clearance rack orders MUST be placed online. I'm unable to order those for you. :D
Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Easter Wishes Card

Good Morning!

My good friend Kelly was here last night for a "cutting your paper" demonstration, so she can get moving when making her own cards.. :D (((Hi Kelly!))).

Anyway, we made this GORGEOUS vintage style card and I thought it would be good to share with you!

This card uses two stamp sets. One is from the current mini (good until the end of the month, nature walk, and the level 2 hostess set something to celebrate.

How about some measurements... After all this WAS a cutting class! (so to speak)

Base Layer: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4". Kelly learned that if you score your paper first... THEN CUT, you get two bases from one sheet of regular computer sized paper.
Layer 2: 5 1/4" x 4" (note, this is just 1/4" smaller than the "base" layer. We ran this layer through the big shot using the Finial Press embossing folder (115963), and at the same time, embossed the flap part of our envelope. :D
Layer 3: 4 1/4" x 3 1/4"... Now, because this layer is 4 1/4", when we cut an 8 1/2" down the middle, we can get six pieces from one sheet of very vanilla!
Layer 4: 3x4" (gotta love that!) No waste! From a 12 x 12 sheet, you get 12 pieces of 3x4.
Layer 5: Very vanilla, 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Layer 6: We cut this based on the image we used to 3 1/4" x 2 1/4" (then made the matte for layer 5 a quarter inch larger).
Layer 7: The Easter Wishes Banner was made from the leftovers after cutting layer 2.. it's a 1/2" strip of vanilla. Save those scraps!!

Directions..
  1. We stamped the flower image, with rose red and artichoke markers, then added a little pearlized accent ink on top of the pink flowers.. it's shimmery in real life, but you dont see it in the photo. Very subtle (page 195, 121084 Illuminate top coat).
  2. We assembled all the layers to down to the Layer 2. We used tombo multipurpose adhesive for most, we used snail adhesive for the ribbon and designer paper, and two of the layers use dimensionals.. then ran a piece of Artichoke Seam binding through (in between the layers with the dimensionals. We stuck the ribbon to the back of layer two, Then put that layer on the base layer... ***Placement tip... Notice how all the layers are centered at the top? If you trying to center something on purpose, it always works out best when three sides at the top are the same.. Then it looks "centered on purpose".. That's an old art school trick when mounting your artwork.. :D
  3. We cut another piece of artichoke ribbon and used the "bunny ears" method to tie it on.. So make two loops that look like ears and tie them together.. play with it and it will look good! I dont make AWESOME bows right away, I have to take a little time and work with it.. :D
  4. I added a little rose red ink with my marker to the paper banner to help it "pop"
  5. I used the tombo multipurpose adhesive to adhere the paper banner.. and we were done!
Wow! That was JUST like you were here in class!! Hopefully if you've been reluctant to get out your goodies and cut into them, you'll be ready to go now, like Kelly is!

Have an AWESOME Tuesday!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Monday, April 4, 2011

My Digital Studio Updates and Hybrid Project Share!

Good Afternoon Stampers!!

There is some exciting news from Stampin' Up! Yet another FREE update with new projects available.. I found the information over on mydigitalstudio.net which I recommend you check out and join if you own your copy.. So you dont have to go looking, here are the downloads available.

**tip** MAKE SURE YOU DO THE 1.0.1 FIRST, then the 1.0.6 updates. :D I only did the first download and was confused why I didn't see the GORGEOUS project options below added to my copy of MDS!


Need your own copy of MDS? Click here to purchase it through my online store.

Updating your software:

  • If you have installed the initial update (version 1.0.1), simply click "Help" and select "Check for Updates" in the My Digital Studio software. The update will be performed automatically.


New Color Updates (Must be downloaded individually):

Windows


MAC



Also, I just saw this wonderful video from the Stampin' Up Home office and thought that I would share. First, a hybrid project, when you're talking about my digital studio, is a project that is started digitally, then finished with textile "toppings" or embellishments.

I really love doing this and have made many cards using a hybrid method. this one is really worth watching..



Have a wonderful day!!!

Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday ~ Happy Birthday

Good Morning Friends!

Today's mojo creation needed to be a 20 minute creation... and so it is.. :D

I'm really loving the layout and imagine I'll be playing with this one again for sure! From making the baby card yesterday I still had some vintage floral designer paper left out on my desk. So this card was also, primarily made from scraps! :D Love that!!

I used the fun flowers die from sizzix to cut the cool flowers, then I crumpled em' up, and lightly sponged them with not quite navy ink. I put the whole blend of flowers, there's 5 layers there, and stuck them with a push pin using my mat pack. Then I was easily able to push my rhinestone brad through.

So how about some measurements
Base layer: 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2", wild wasabi
Layer 2: 5 3/8 x 4 1/8" very vanilla
Layer 3: Five 1" circle punches... note I laid layer 4 down on my grid paper, and place the 1 inch circles by using the grid. :D
Layer 4: 5 x 3 1/2", wasabi
Layer 5: 4 7/8" x 3 3/8", spring vintage dsp
The remaining 5 layers are from the fun flowers die from sizzix..

To make the gorgeous bow without tails, I used Lee Conrey's amazing bow maker. (of course). :D

That's it for now, I'm off to school with my daughter.

Have a wonderful week!

Selene Kempton
Sunday, April 3, 2011

Welcome to the World ~ John David!

Oh Happy Morning!!!

My sister in law Amy had her baby this morning and boy am I excited!

I've been making baby cards all week, thinking of them, but felt especially inspired when I saw this morning's sketch challenge over on Sweet Sunday and after hearing the good news!

This one is heading with us to the hospital! So ~ I've got quite a few layers going on here! I used the Springtime Vintage DSP.

Here we go with some measurements:
Base: 10 1/2 x 5 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/4"
Layer 2: Very Vanilla 4 7/8" square
Layer 3: Blue Floral DSP 4 3/4" square
Layer 4: 1 x 5 1/4" strip
Layer 5: 3 1/8" x 4 1/8 wild wasabi
Layer 6: 3 x 4" Floral DSP
Layer 7: Scalloped Circle die cut (wasabi)
Layer 8: Large clear Circle die cut from the big shot.
Layer 9: Wasabi cardstock 2 7/7 x 3 3/8"
Layer 10: 2 3/4" x 3 1/4" with the onsie cut out and mounted on top of the carriage so it would pop up
Layer 11: Scallop oval punch
Stamps Sets Used:
120576 Baby Bundle, clear mount
120528 A word for you, clear mount

I used the masking technique for all the items in the carriage with the baby.

To get the shimmer paper just right, I stamped on the back and cut it out, then just pasted it onto my card.

I'm so excited to meet John David this afternoon!

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Saturday, April 2, 2011

More Baby Steps!!

Good Morning!

I had fun playing with the baby sets stamp set this week, and the sketch over on split coast.. Well, I had enough cut to make 4 cards (for the new rack at the florist shoppe).

So several of you have been emailing me about how all that is going to work. So ~ I'll let you know that I am bringing the rack in.. She will charge $5 for my cards, and I will get $2.50. She also is putting out my invitations and favor samples! :D I have taken all the cards off my rack and made sure that they have the angel stamp on the back. These are located on page 144 of the idea book and catalog.

...and that's about it! Boy, I hope they like my work! :D

Measurements for both (even though they are laid out differently):
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... I'm loving these baby cards!

Off to stamp some more! Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
Friday, April 1, 2011

Saturday Sketch Challenge 197 ~ Fun Fabric Flowers

Good Evening Friends!

I'm so excited about this weeks sketch challenge from the operators at stampin 411. Why? Well, I was stumbling on my own sketch... Thinking ugghhhh, putting off making my card... Then, something sort of happened!

This card came together in about 20 minutes, and I really think it's the bomb! (now that it's done) LOL I stamped the medallion on crumb cake cardstock on crumb cake paper. I ran that piece through the big shot with the cute tulip embossing folder.

Then, I pulled out my fabric and big shot. I love that the fabric matches the paper below. Total happiness!!

I ran the fabric through the big shot using the fun flowers die. I started to sponge my fabric with not quite navy ink and realized that my flowers were still blending together. so I cut some vanilla flowers out of paper.. I sponged those layers also.. In keeping with the sketch, I cut half of my large flower off, then put the layers down, including the ribbon and grabbed a push pin and my mat pack. i pushed through all the layers and attached the fabric with a small gold brad.

Next, I pulled out my buttons.. I tried a few colors, off white, crumb cake, and settled on this not quite navy button.. You don't see how pretty it is in this picture.. there's lots of variation in color in the button.. Total eye candy! I used the other half of my flower as scrap, and stamped "friends" on it, then punched it with the small tag punch. I tied that all up with some linen thread... I had a ball making this card!

Measurements:
Base: Not Quite Navy, 11 x 4 1/4" scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Baja Breeze 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: Crumb Cake 4 7/8" x 5 5/8"
Layer 4: DSP 2 x 4 7/8" (scallop border punched)
Layer 5-9: All die cut flowers from the big shot, paper and fabric mixed.

That's all for tonight! Come play along with your Stampin' Up! 411! operators this week, won't you?

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton