1/28 Apothicary Art and Tea for two Designer Series Paper, Paper players sketch challenge

Good Evening Friends! 

I saw this cute sketch by the LeAnne Pugliese of the Paper Players this week and knew I wanted to give the sketch a whirl!  I have always loved a good sketch challenge.  it helps get the creative juices flowing for sure!  First, here is their sketch. 

When I saw the panel on the front left hand side, I thought I'd pull out my Tea for Two Designer Series Paper, and yes, I know... I added a few layers, but I think a good sketch challenge does that for you!  You take the sketch as your main idea then let the good times roll!  

My Island Indigo base measures 11 x 4 1/4" and it's scored in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Very Vanilla 5 1/8 x 3 7/8"
Layer 3:  Island Indego 5 x 3 3/4", embossed with the Lacy Brocade Textured embossing folder 127819
Layer 4: 3 3/4" x 2 strip of Tea for Two Designer paper
Layer 5: Very Vanilla Cardstock, cut with the labels collection framelits 125598, these coordinate perfectly with the Apothicary Art Stamp set (clear mount 125527)
Layer 5a: is some satin ribbon from the sale-a-bration catalog I got for FREE with my $50 purchase.  It's the sycamore street Ribbon and button pack (you get 36 buttons and 3 rolls of ribbon (pool party, tangerine tango, and island indigo, shown here).  item number 130812


I stamped the main image using stazon ink, then added straight marker color to the leaves to color them.  I used an aqua painter and markers on a plastic bag to watercolor the image and added straight color in selected areas to make the image really pop. 

When I was water coloring, I stuck with the same colors that come in the designer paper I chose, Island Indigo, Pool Party, lucky limeade and so saffron. 

Here's another close look, it's so soft and pretty, but I love the deep contrast of the blue against the Vanilla!  What do you think?  If you have time this week, perhaps you could give the sketch a try and play along too?

Until tomorrow!  Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

Please Read: Stamping top 50 and Valentines Scrapbook Pages with Henry and glimmer paper!

Hello Friends ~

Just a quick note, I got a message from a few friends who follow my blog that stamping top 50 is having some issues!  (it's them!, not me, promise!!) 

I've removed them from my site, so problem solved for now.  They have been on my blog for years, so I'm not sure what's up.  Better to be safe than sorry! Until they get it sorted out, I'll keep the link to them off my blog.  :)

So, how about some cute projects from scrapbook class this month? 
We made these LOVEABLE pages with Henry (etta), Henry is such a girl with those cute painted toenails! 

Every month at scrapbooking class we make 4 pages, that's two, 2 page spreads for $20.  Spend at least $25 at the class and take $10 off the class fee!

The next three dates are: (all Friday's): Feb 15th, March 15th and April 12th.
Wanna join us?  

Here's a close up of the loveable sparkle.  Sigh.. :) 

Hope you are well today!  Earn a free Sale-A-Bration reward with every $50 purchase in my online store!  Thanks for checking it out!  :)

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

Stampers with HeART Team Meeting, Madison Avenue, Sycamore Street Suite with Curly Cute

How about some really sweet Sale-A-Bration samples by my downline Diane Windrom? 

Diane was gracious enough to take care of the samples and make and take for the team meeting for me this month, because we met the day after I returned home from leadership.  These cards are all made with the same supply set and feature both the Curly Cute stamp set, and Madison Avenue, which is a free stamp set that you can earn during Sale-A-Bration!

 For this one she tied a knot in the ribbon, then slipped it through some pre-punched holes that she made!

 Six punched squares makes this background eye catching and unique.  Both the ribbon and buttons can be earned with any $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration.

 How about this clean and simple design with a single pearl accent?!?

 This simple card uses the Vine street embossing folder and the sycamore street designer paper from Sale-A-Bration.  The beautiful medallion was just cut from designer paper and propped up on dimensionals!  So clever!!

We all got to make our own one of these at the meeting (thank you Diane)!  The delicate stitch through the button is just a scrap of paper sliced off with the stampin up paper trimmer.  Looks like a real stitch, yes? 

These cards would be simple and quick to make.  Want to know the best part?  When you host a party that reaches $400 during Sale a bration you get all 3 products for FREE!  Plus a package of glimmer paper to celebrate Stampin' Up's 25th anniversary!  :) 

Let's not forget the hostess benefits which you get as well!  $65 and a half price item to spend as you wish!  What could be better?? 

Well, you could sign up to be a part of my team.  Gain access to our exclusive facebook group with training, tutorials and lots and lots of samples to copy! 

If any of these excite you, send me an email today and I'll get you on the list for the next team gathering, which will be on Feb 10th! 

Have a wonderful rest of the day!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/17 Stampin' Up! Oh, Hello ~ Spring Color Combination Challenge

Good Morning Friends!

It's good to be back home!  I created this project for my monthly team meeting which was scheduled the day after I got home.  I love sharing my experience from an event, while it's fresh in my mind.    When I was creating this make and take, I was pretty tired from lack of sleep while I was away.  Yep! I had fun!  I created this card with my all time favorite color combination for spring!

So, here it is:

Here is the project I made for my team to create at the post Leadership meeting. I got this set, Oh Hello for free, as a Manager, I got 4 stamp sets in all to use in my business.  I love new rubbah!

I love that you can get this stamp set also in a bundle with the oval framelits!  Everyone needs Ovals!  Totally!  This is a link to the bundle as well.  I didn't get the ovals yet, I was hoping it would be in one of the giveaways, because we knew we were getting this set!  :)

Anyway, this card is so simple!  First, we took the rose red layer, and embossed it with the cheveron embossing folder.  Then, we took a rose red ink pad to the top of the paper and rubbed it on, direct to paper.

I love how the images layer on the focal point of this card.  First I stamped my big Easter Egg ~ sorry, doesn't the oval look like an Easter Egg??, (also in the Chevron pattern) and layered the ink on top.  I cut the flower out and popped that up on dimensionals.  We added dazzling details using a two way glue pen to the flower.

I always tell my friends who stamp with me that you can have just as much a "WOW" effect from layering your ink as you can from layering your paper.  When in doubt, add another layer!

Speaking of additional layers, did you happen to notice the cute button, bling and ribbon.  I used some leftover scraps to make a small tag (that's rose red seam binding) and then added a so saffron button.  I thought about using paper to make a strip so it looked like a stitch, then added some bling!  :)

Here comes the challenge part!  Why not try this color combination on for yourself?  I'd love to see what you  create!  When you are done, you can email me, or post it somewhere on line and enter your link below!  :)  I bet you can make beautiful things with this color combination!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/16 Best Of 25 Years of Stamp Sets and updates from Leadership

Good Morning Friends!

I have so much information from leadership to share with you.  This is one that really caught my eye.  Check back here daily, I'm going to be sharing LOTS of information with you!  Stampin' Up is really rolling out the red carpet for their 25th Anniversary and they did just that for managers and above at the Harry Potter Attraction in Orlando! 

Here's a picture of my friend Marilyn (in the back), my brother Paul (front left) and his sweet girlfriend Michele (front right) sampling some of the British Cuisine at the event. 

My nickel's worth of free advice if you're planning on riding the rides in this park?  Eat after you go on the rides.  Many demonstrators had a little trouble after riding and wish they hadn't eaten first!  just sayin'  We all did fine.  :)

So, getting back to the "Best Of" Stamp sets!    Here are the details from the home office:

As part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we're bringing back some of our favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!

• All Best of stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image, and will be priced at $14.95.
• While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month (with a new theme each month), all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014.
• A new flyer will be released every month for each new Best of set.
• All Best of stamp sets are available in Clear-Mount only.

While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month, all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014. 

As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, starting in February we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

So ~  Here is January's stamp set, Best of Birthdays!

Oh my gosh, isn't it cute??  You can get the full information, by looking at this flier.  Then, don't forget to download your collectors card.  Purchase 6 of these beauties, and get a stamp set of your choice free (retail value $14.95 or less). 

I am putting in an order for mine today.  Let me know if there's something you need or would like one too! 

Here's a few projects made with the "happy birthday to you" never seen before stamp!  These photos were taken at leadership and are the work of the very talented Pam Morgan of the home office. 

Finally, it always takes my breath away when I am at a Stampin' Up! Event.  After coming into the the main room (where they had product displays and where we eat lunch) the first day was completely underway.  There was swapping and and product demonstrations.  The buzz is unbelievably cool. 

Here is a photo I snapped to remember "that" moment when I first walked into the main gathering area. 

I take this photo every event, because I want to hold onto that feeling, the excitement of walking through the door of an event like this.  It is like nothing on earth!  :)

Until tomorrow, big stampin hugs! 
I need to go do some work!  Scrappin' here on Friday!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/14 Even More Sycamore Street and Bloomin Marvelous SAB Sneak Peek of Stampin' Up!

Good Morning Friends!

Here's another sneak peek from the upcoming Sale a Bration series of products by Stampin' Up! I swapped this card before I left for leadership and I'm so excited to share it with you this morning.

Lookie lookie at that new cute little butterfly punch!  It coordinates perfectly with this stamp set, Bloomin Marvelous, and so does the gorgeous designer paper, Sycamore Street!  I love this time of year!

This is a super simple layout, which makes making a boat load of these babies really easy, but it makes it so fun to stamp too!

I'll be back tomorrow to share some photos from leadership this week.  Right now, i need to get ready for my team meeting tonight!  I cant wait to see the girls!

Big Hugs!
Selene~

1/12 More Sycamore Street Designer patterns and Curly Cute Stamp set

Good Afteroon!

It has been a whirlwind week here in Sunny Orlando Florida with the BEST LEADERSHIP and presentations ever!  

It seems so ironic that I had THIS CARD scheduled to post today.  It's a wonderful, sparkly thank you card.  Simple in design, but absolutly stunning.  It's how I feel about leadership this week.  I'm so very grateful for all the insights, tips, friendships.   

I just left the REALLY AWESOME downline training class with Lyndsay Mahon and Holly Linford that focuses on teaching the girls in MY group how to be the best they can be.  That's really my goal as a team leader.  

So, some details about the card?  This card is mainly Pink Pirouette and Rich Razzleberry.  Super simple!  I just punched out the top layer with my flower punch, and let the paper do the rest of the decorating!  Add a little bling and you are good to go!  

I cant wait to get home and start sharing even more.  I've been sharing some of the cool things from this week on facebook.  Please make sure you check out my facebook page including info about the new paper pumpkin kit of the month subscription service that is coming out on Monday!  Here's the link!  Until Later on!  Much love from Sunny Florida!

Rubbah hugs,

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/10 Sneak Peek! Stampin' Up! Patterned Occasions Stamp Set and Sycamore Street Designer paper, with the honeycomb embossing folder

Good Morning Friends!   

I'm writing to you from sunny Orlando!  I'm moving a little slow this morning after painting the town red in Epcot yesterday with my brother Paul and his lovely girlfriend Michele.  I'm excited to get to meet her.  

So, Here's a disclaimer.  I'm still learning to work with blogger on my ipad so some of the spacing may look funny while I'm away.  I will still be sharing some fun things while I'm here, just remember, I'm still learning!  

I'm feeling very blessed this morning.  By doing something I love, I am afforded the opportunity to travel and have the most wonderful experiences.  

So this is another sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration.  The Patterned Occasions Stamp Set has 5 adorable images including this "smarty pants" image.  How cute is the bakers twine belt here??  

This card is laid out very simply but I love all the layering.  I cut the pants out and used dimensionals to pop them up off the card.  I love the new honeycomb embossing folder.  I can see lots of uses for it.  I thought at the sycamore street designer series paper really matches the pattern nicely.

The designer paper will also be a Sale-A-Bration reward with any $50 purchase!  Isn't that the best?

Rubbah hugs,

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

S

1/9 Just Thinking and Parkers' Pattern Designer Series Paper

Well, I'm off!  Today, I'm meeting my brother and we will be spending the day in Disney!  So I won't be on to make a blog post.  This one is scheduled. 

The colors on this card are marina mist, not quite navy and cherry cobbler.  Such a gorgeous masculine mix, wouldn't you say? 

Stamps: Just thinking single stamp 129940 $11.95
Ink: marina mist, not quite navy and cherry cobbler
Paper: Parkers Patterns Designer Paper, Very Vanilla, not quite navy, and marina mist!  :)

So excited to be heading to Florida!  By the time you're reading this, I'll already be there.  :)  Yea!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/8 Feeling Sentimental SAB Sneak Peek, Newsprint

Good Evening Friends,

This Gorgeous Stamp set has me "Feeling Sentimental" about the upcoming Sale-A-Bration.  It's so hard to pick a favorite, but this stamp set might just be it.

I made 40 of these babies for a swap with my friends from SUDSOL.  That's a demonstrator group that helps each other with business related issues.  Do you think they'll like it?

Stamps: Feeling Sentimental (free with a $50 SAB order in just a week or so).  Wood 129627 or Clear 129630
Ink: Stazon ink (i even sponged with the stazon ink! 
Tomorrow is the big day!  I'm off to Orlando!  I'm going to try and post some updates from my ipad both here, and on my business facebook page here.  Just "like" my page to see some of the updates come through! 

Big hugs to you!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/7 Heart's a Flutter and More Amore Designer Series Paper, new mini butterfly punch and more

Good Evening Friends!  

I'm working on my very last swap for leadership in Orlando tonight. I will set up to post some of my swap cards while I'm away.  Here's one that didn't make the cut!  

Vintage isn't in my comfort zone, but this will be  a birthday card for my mom from my daughter Alexis. 

There's a WHOLE lot of product on this card, and I just thought it is a little too much.  The buttons will be available as a SAB freebee!  Love that!  I am diggin the mini butterfly punch. 

I think it's a little much for my CAS style.  What are your thoughts on my card? Would you change anything?

Have a wonderful night!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/6 Stampin' Up! Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit and Feel Goods

Good Evening Friends!

I used this cute card for my team swap last month (during the sneak peek for demonstrators).

I just love the pop-up Posies, and made a bunch of cute cards in one sitting!  The Feel Goods Stamp set is probably my favorite of the new catalog. 

Feel Goods, Clear Mount (blocks sold separately) $18.95, Item 129684

Feel Goods, Wood Mount, blocks included, Item number 129681

This is card was so simple to make, but it's so pretty! 

The base layer is coral: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Very vanilla 4 x 5 1/4", embossed with the tulips embossing folder. 
Layer 3: features the tea for two designer series paper, coral polka dots pattern (i attached this to layer two before running it through the big shot).
Layer 4: is the tag that comes with the Pop-Up Posies set

This set of embellishments is so fun to play with. 
 

Here's what comes with the set. 

• 9 embossed paper tags (ea. 2-3/4" x 3-1/2"). 
• 9 fabric covered brads: 

6 Very Vanilla (3/8")
3 Summer Starfruit (5/8")

• Precut paper flower pieces layer into 9 flowers
• 6 layers of one style in 2 colors

In the example shown above, I mixed the colors instead of making them all one color.  The directions say to use 10 pieces per flower.  They make such a pretty dimensional element that would make any project exciting. 

Thanks for stopping by tonight!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/5 Stampin' Up!, Henry Says take a SIP, Valentine, Split Coast Creative Crew

Good Morning Friends!  

Here is another challenge card that I made for Split Coast Stamper's Creative Crew Challenges.  This was the most difficult for me of the 4 challenges.  Here's the way it the challenge was written. 

CCREW0113CF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Creative Focus: Do you remember what it's like to be a beginning stamper and wondering how in the world to create a card with just the basics? Create a card using just stamps, inks and paper that will win over the beginner and advanced stampers alike!

WHAT?? No Ribbon?  No brads?  No embellishments?  What's a girl to do? 

I know it's probably no big secret, to those of you who know me well, but many times I use the colors that are in my Designer paper.  So, in this gorgeous new DSP (Designer Series Paper), More Amore, they selected the colors for me.  Basic Black, Pool Party, Primrose Petals, Real red and Very Vanilla!  I do that when I am buying products for myself as well.  One couldn't possible own every single color of every product that we sell.  (At least I understand that not everyone does, wink).  So, what to do when your considering what to buy so everything matches? 

Start with your designer paper, then purchase a few colors of ink and paper to match.  So SIP = Stamps, Ink, and Paper. 

I most certainly start with the stamps, and marry that up to designer paper that suits the set, then finding paper and ink is easy peasy, and I don't need to purchase every color in the catalog.  (although I think I may have most ~ don't tell my hubby).

So, more about the card.  How about some measurements?

Base layer: Very Vanilla 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: More Amore Specialty Designer series paper 5 1/2" x 1"
Layer 3: Basic Grey 4 x 3
Layer 4: Very Vanilla 3 7/8" x 2 7/8"
Layer 5: scrap of very vanilla

Basic Directions:

1.  Using a primrose petals inkpad, stamp the hearts over and over on the base layer so that it covers the top 2/3rds of the card.

2.  Attach the 1" strip of Designer paper using snail adhesive.

3. Stamp "Henrietta" using a black stazon inkpad.

4.  Using a basic grey marker, add some color to the elephant.

5.  Ink up the chickadees in pool party ink, and the hooray sign with a black marker and stamp them so they are walking on the trunk of the elephant. so cute!  Stamp a second flag on scrap paper and cut it out with snips, then set it aside.

6.  Using the primrose petals ink pad, stamp it's your birthday sentiment. 

7.  Use a primrose petals marker to color her fingernails. 

8.  Attach all the rest of the layers to the front of the card.  Use dimensionals to pop up the "hooray" banner. 

So wicked cute!!

Here are the item numbers for Henry Says if you need them! 
Wood Mount, Item 128090, $29.95
Clear Mount, Item 128093, $21.95 





Happy Saturday! 

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/4 Henry Says It's your Birthday, Stampin' Up Occasions Mini

Good Evening Friends!  

I am so in LOVE with cute little Henry and today he's celebrating a birthday!  Hooray! Personally, I'm celebrating that this little buddy is FINALLY available for purchase!  I know several of my friends have been waiting!  (You know who you are, wink wink).

This card is SO bright and cheery, yet it was SO easy to make!

This elephant never forgets birthdays or Christmas! Stamps include banners or ornaments to hang from his trunk, and hats to suit any occasion.Wood Mount, Item 128090, $29.95
Clear Mount, Item 128093, $21.95 

So first, some measurements for this project:

Base Layer: Marina Mist 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Whisper white 4 x 5 1/4"
Layer 3: Marina Mist 5 1/4" 1 3/8", scalloped trim border punch, Item 118402
Layer 4: Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper 5 1/4" x 1
Layer 5: Marina Mist 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"
Layer 6: Whisper white 3 3/8" x 2 3/8
Layer 7: Marina mist scrap for the Hooray!

I inked up with the coordinating lucky limeade, melon mambo and marina mist markers for the chickadees and the sentiment.  I used stazon ink to stamp the main image and colored Henry with an aqua painter and a basic grey marker.  Just a little watercolor will do!  He's so darn cute!! 

This card was created for the Creative Crew Challenge over on Split Coast Stampers this month.  You can see the post at this link.

Here is the challenge:

CCREW0113DF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- DSP/Color Focus: We have an embarrassment of riches of DSP in the Occasions catalog and Sale-a-bration catalog. Choose YOUR favorite DSP from either catalog, and convince the rest of us to love it too!

Have a wonderful evening!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/4 My Little Valentine Special from Stampin' Up!

Feel the love with two sweet offers until January 21st!

We certainly have some sweet treats for you!! 
Through January 21st, you can order these Valentine Bundles.
My Little Valentine Bundle #132242 $9.95

Happy Heart Bundle #132771 $5.95

This exclusive four-piece stamp set, My Little Valentine is only available through January 21, 2013—has every valentine sentiment you need to share your love with your significant other, best friend, favorite child, or coworker.

Plus, you’ll get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit FREE ($7.95 value) when you purchase this brand-new stamp set! The kit indludes 10 notecards, 10 double sided envelopes, 20 paper buttons and Real Red Baker's Twine for the closure. 

How cute is this FREE kit you get!?!?!?  
My Little Valentine Bundle #132242 $9.95

The Valentine Treat Bundle —available only through January 21, 2013—contains the exclusive Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp and a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags. Use this sweet little bundle to create precious valentines for your child’s classroom, your favorite neighbor, or even the hot little number in your life! Single stamp coordinates with the Full Heart Punch. Clear-mount. Only available in English.

Clear blocks sold separately.
Happy Heart Bundle #132771 $5.95



Selene Kempton, Creative Coach
My Stampin' Up! Store 

1/2 Happy New Year Anniversary Card

Hello and Happy New Year!  

It has been just crazy here in the Kempton household since just before Christmas.  Three days before Christmas, we unexpectedly had our heating system replaced in the house and all sorts of things happened as a result.  The rugs in two of our rooms needed to come out, and the kitchen floor was a mess too.

So, I had the guys come back and they pulled out our carpeting 3 days before new years.  I've been scrubbing floors and putting things back together ever since, and I finally finished last night around 9PM.   I have SO many projects to share with you now that I'm back online. This is the first of a series of four projects.  I was chosen for a design team on Split Coast stampers called the Creative Crew.   I'm very honored they like my work (yea! they like my work!) and I'm hoping they like what I came up with for my 4 projects this month.  

First, here's the challenge: 

CCREW0113HF, CreativeCrew, SUO or SUM -- Holiday focus: Since it's Stampin' Up's 25th anniversary, make an anniversary card using the attached sketch.

Here's what I came up with.

I'm so thankful to be part of such a wonderful company.  I am also really thankful for the amazing friendships I have formed as a result of being able to do something I love for a living.  Happy 25th Anniversary to Stampin' Up!  2013 is going to be a good year! 

Until tomorrow!
Rubbah hugs,

Selene Kempton