Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Stampin Up Hawaii Grand Vacation Blog Hop


Aloha!  Welcome to our Hawaii Grand Vacation Blog Hop! 

 You arrived here from BJ Peters blog.  I just love her work!  

This blog hop was created to celebrate our achievement for earning the Grand Vacation.  I have been a demonstrator for 9 years, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to take amazing vacations with some really wonderful people!  

My husband Brian has always said that it's too bad that more people don't have the opportunity to experience a trip with Stampin' Up because they would try for it every single year.  I couldn't agree more.  It's more than just a vacation.  It's time spent with amazing people that I appreciate and value.  Over the years, many of them have become like my family.  I am inspired by them and totally grateful.  When I go on vacation, although I'll be on a trip somewhere crazy-awesome, I always seem to turn around and know the people sitting beside me.  That is such a blessing and comfort.  Not to mention the countless stories of people helping each other out.  
"Oh your a demonstrator, can you hold my purse?" 

We've been lucky enough to travel to some pretty exotic locations and this one is no exception.  

With all of that, being on a blog hop with all of them...

No pressure, right?  

Let's just say that I made this cute bookmark and box first, and decided to make another Hawaii themed project before deciding which one to post.  Then, just went for it.  So, I'm going to share both of them.  This time of year, I always try to do something with my clubs to thank them for their friendship and business.   We will be making three projects this month, including these two.

To start, how about a pretty bookmark for the plane?  With about 12 hours of plane time to look forward to, I will be catching up on the reading I've been putting off forever.  

 I started this project by taking 4 pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 and cutting them in half.  I used a half of a sheet of


  • Whisper White
  • Hello Honey
  • Mossy Meadow
  • Blackberry Bliss


I just ran them through my big shot (all at the same time, one swipe) with the Flower Frenzy BigzL die.  (133728)

When it came out of the big shot, i just crumpled up all the layers, grabbed a bone folder and started manipulating the leaves with my fingers.  The crunchier you can get the layers, the prettier it looks (like in real life).


In between the layers, I attached some with Stampin Dimensionals (for height), and some with fast fuse (flat).  To attach the ribbon, used fast fuse, then put paper in between and fused the paper layers together so it wouldn't come apart.  About 6 of the layers went together with dimensionals, I just put them in intermittently and didn't spend too much time making it perfect.

Next, I pulled some of the leaves apart and used some liquid glue to adhere them in between the layers.

When I finished making my bookmark I had a ton of layers left over, and wanted to make this into a gift item.

I grabbed my window boxes (note**these are on the retirement list that released yesterday), and stamped the side with the Bordering Blooms Stamp Set.  I did that before I put the box together, and stamped it right across the seam on the side of the box.

I love how it was instantly decorated.  I stamped it twice and added a flower, and it is so pretty!  (happy dance).
Here's a look at the front of the decorated box with the bookmark inside.  I finished the top of the flowers with a large Vintage Faceted Button 127555, and just used white bakers twine to make a bow.  I attached those buttons with glue dots.
 I hope you like it!  They are so fun to make!

I also wanted to make a card.  It started out as a "matching" project, and now, not so much. I still love it and wanted to share it with you!  I have tiki lights hanging in my studio that have Hawaiian Hibiscus Flowers on it.  Here's what I came up with .  I did something I rarely do and used 3 different stamp sets on this card.  It was about making the flowers...

124207 Flower Patch
126447 Summer Silhouettes
134300 Blessed By God


I started by stamping the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss.  I used Rich Razzleberry Ink to stamp the base of my flower, and added the dark center with Blackberry Bliss,  I added the long stem to make my own hibiscus flower.  Finally, I added the cute flower images in the background with Lost Lagoon Ink.  They remind me of the flowers you blow to make a wish!  

Next stop on the hop is my friend Georgia Giguere.  I can't wait to see her project!

             



Blog Hop List

1. Brian King  
13. Dena Rekow 
15. Alisa Tilsner  
16. Tami White 
18. Bec Ross 
19. Ann Craig 
 26. Betty Button 



Thank you so much for stopping by today!
Love,
Selene Kempton

Stampin' Up! Creative Coach
My Online Store

26 comments:

stampingshanni said...

Selene - your projects are gorgeous! The layering and textures appeal to me in the gift box embellishment and I love the colour combination in your card. Awesome!! Thanks for being part of the blog hop and going to so much effort!!
Cheers
Shanni xx

Kylie Bertucci said...

What wonderful projects! I love the bookmark - the layering on the flower is so stunning. All the best trying to catch up on your reading on your flight. Looking forward to meeting you in person in Hawaii. You can trust me with your purse :-)

Marlene said...

Beautiful projects

Marlene said...

gorgeous projects!

Simone Bartrum said...

ooooh I love these. Just gorgeous.

jacque williams said...

Lovely projects, Selene! You really went the extra mile! Can't wait to meet you!

Sandi MacIver said...

stunning projects my friend, love all the layers, the color choices are perfect.....looking forward to catching up with you girl....

Connie Stewart said...

Selene, this is just fantastic! I love the box and especially love the Bordering Blooms around it. Wonderful project!!! Can't wait to give you a hug!!!

ness said...

Love your book mark and gift box Selene.....and your gorgeous card matches perfectly! Blackberry Bliss...... will my favourite SU! colour FOREVER....

Ann Craig said...

I love your projects Selene, the bookmark and gift box are fabulous - gorgeous strong colours - a great combination creating big impact.

Linda Dalke Stampin'Up Demonstrator in Australia said...

Super creative ideas! Evokes that Hawaiian feel!

Brian King said...

Selene, What a gorgeously layered flower bookmark! So stinkin' clever and beautiful. Your card, too, is wonderful and expresses the excitement of this vacation. I am glad I get to see you again real soon!

Betty Button said...

Very, Very Nice. I love your projects. Guess you got over the stumped hurdle of what to do for the hawaii theme. You are awesome. Can't wait to see you in Hawaii.

Alisa said...

Such a cool bookmark, I love them. I'll be trying to sleep on at least one of my flight :)

Unknown said...

Very nice, Selene! Thanks for sharing!

Louise Sharp said...

Hahaha - yeh, no pressure Selene! I love the friendships and connections I have made with Stampin Up and have loved being a part of this blog hop too. I'll hold your purse any day! ;) Your projects are beautiful. The bright colors and that layered flower bookmark is divine.

Barb said...

Super projects, you nailed it!!! Can't wait to see you and BK in Hawaii, cheers!

Dawn Griffith said...

OMG girlfriend ! So many gorgeous projects ~ you're a Rock star girl . Love all of them too . See you soon
Aloha Hugs
Dawn Griffith

Marelle Taylor said...

I love your projects! I'm really going to miss those little window boxes....and I'm happy to mind your purse if you need me to!

Stampin' Dolce said...

love it! but wait - 12 hours of plane time? oh lord ... no I need to read the trip documents. I had no idea! The kids might drive me crazy!

Sandi said...

Ah ha!! I finally found your blog -- and so glad I did!! Love your projects; especially the card. I hope you have a glorious trip, and know you will enjoy some fun time with your friends. Hugs to you, Sandi

Water City Stamping said...

I love that flower!! What a lovely color combo!!

Lisa Eaton said...

WOW that flower is amazing!!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Have a great time in Hawaii!

Unknown said...

Selene, your project is AWESOME! The box is brilliantly displaying this gorgeous bookmarker. Can't wait to see you and Brian in Hawaii. Aloha!

Kim Gavarra said...

Love your project Selene and particularly the colors! Beautiful!