Why We Do What We Do!

Is this not one of the most beautiful sight's you've ever seen? A little over a month ago, the demonstrator in this photo, Sharon, lost EVERYTHING to a fire. One month later, through the grace of God and generosity of many people, she is doing wonderful and ready to get back to her life.

I was buzzing around on a few of my favorite blogs tonight (getting caught up) and ran across this photo on Gretchen Barron's Blog. I recommend you go read what Gretchen wrote and learn why we do what we do. It's amazing to me that one gesture can be paid forward over and over again.... and now, we are helping people rebuild their stamping supplies, but more importantly, get their lives back and move forward after a disaster as soon as possible. In the big picture, had it not been for Stampin' Up! I would have never been able to be a part of something so much bigger than my small business, that helps me continue to be a stay at home mom or to make so many friendships that I'm sure will stand the test of time.

THIS is where it's at ~ one of those things that just makes life sweet. Please go read Gretchen's post and while you're there, stay and check out her amazing artwork. She is truly a talented stamper and a wonderful person with a big heart. If you are a demonstrator and would like to join the SUDDEN response network, please let me know or you can apply directly through the yahoo site.

Stampin' Hugs,
Selene

Decorating The Jelly Jar

As many of you know I did the Rockingham fair today. There was not a lot of people there today, but I certainly had fun anyway. I brought plenty of crafts to work on. In fact I brought a paper ornament kit, that I've been meaning to try for months and was happy to finally sit down with it. The paper globes are gorgeous and caught the eye of many people coming by.

So, I'm sitting at my booth, and across from me are Kay and Jane from The Jelly Jar. They have several jellies that you can purchase and ship direct. My favorite is the Red Pepper Jam. First you put a little cream cheese on a cracker, then add the red pepper jam.. MY GOODNESS they are good. The red pepper jam reminds me of the one from tastefully simple that retired (now that i'm in love with it). I was so happy to meet Kay and Jane and make some new friends.

Not ONLY were their Jellies delicious, they are nice people! (which goes a long way). So, while playing with my kit, I made a quick, homemade bow with the strips of cardstock that are meant to make a globe ornament, I just liked the bows better. And the star ornament would add just the right touch to a gift/tag.

Interested in purchasing some really wonderful Jam? Come check them out tomorrow. I'm right across the street in section G1. or you can visit them online to place an order at http://www.thejellyjar.net/. Please tell them Selene sent you!

Finally, here's a photo of Santa and I in front of my booth. He promised that he was going to get me a some stamping supplies for Chrstmas, and as you can tell, I was psyched!

Bloggers Challenge #76 ~ Color Challenge Bashful Blue, Cocoa, Kiwi, Tangerine, White

I did a workshop for my friend Karen tonight (her first as a new demo) and I'm AWAKE still. I decided when I came in I would take care of some things.

This weekend I'm doing a huge craft fair up in Salem, NH (at the rockingham dog track). I'll be running tomorrow, getting ready, and then the 3 of us (hubby, daughter and I) will head up to set up tomorrow evening. If you're in the area, we'll be there Sat and Sunday from 10-5.

Anyway.. with all that pending, I decided to make a quick card for this week's challenge. It's simple and sweet, maybe it needs a little sparkle (what card doesn't) but I really like the way it came out. Another great challenge from the blogger's challenge group. Click on the bloggers challenge logo on my sidebar to see the awesome creations from a great group of ladies. I'll be excited to put my feet up at some point and check them out too! Thanks for visiting, reading and/or leaving a comment. Your comments always make me smile!

Happy Friday!

All Spruced Up!

My good friend Karen is having her first workshop as a demonstrator. We talked about doing strictly a "Christmas Card" but thought that people attending her party, may already have their Christmas cards worked out.

So, I thought to myself... Self ~ to do a card with Fun and Fast notes, would be like the best of both worlds. We can show the versatility of the set, and everyone can make a card for whatever their heart desires. There are many images in the set from Get Well to Wedding to Christmas.

Karen is SO excited, I have to admit... I was feeling like the pressure was on to design something simple for her guests, but spectacular in the presentation, so that maybe Karen will get a bit excited too! I really LOVE the way this turned out, and I'm feeling All Spruced Up to go and deliver this card to her friends and family.

What do you think of this card... Do you think it's too hard? Do you think they will love it?? I'd love to hear what you think.... So much so, that I'll send one person who leaves me a comment this card. I'll use a random number generator. If you'd like to see this card in YOUR mailbox, leave me a comment and tell me if you like it, or would toss it and start over... I'll draw a winner on Monday.

DCBD 104 Red Riding Hood, Summer Sun, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie

I was breaking out in hives with the thought of trying to put these colors together this week.

I cheated... I just couldn't put ONE more color on this, and I am all done with fall cards, it snowed yesterday... I was ready to admit defeat, when I noticed this piece of summer sun tissue paper from convention in the box of the stamp set I just used.

These colors are not my cup of tea, so I CANT WAIT to see what the other member came up with. Check out the team's creations with this challenging color combo.
Chris Austin
Connie Babbert
Dannie Graves
Dee Tollaksen
Heidi Michel (Mrs Diva)
Jennifer Van Wart
Julie Semones
Kristen Moore
Lisa Freeman
Vivian Swain

Color Challenge #33 ~ One for my hostess

I have a workshop tonight for my friend Judy. I when I saw these colors I thought that it would be a great time to make a snowman card for her with her favorite set! My base layer is textured whisper white, with certainly celery and taken with teal layered on that. I used the polkadot background with versamark on the taken with teal layer. Then I stamped my focal point.

Usually, when I stamp with this set, I make a huge border around it, but I decided to cut it pretty tight to the image this time. I think it kinda looks more like a snapshot of a family, know what I mean??

I used markers and a waterbrush to make the background on the whisper white, and colored many of the snowmen full strength so they would pop.

The chocolate double stitched ribbon, was simply tied in a knot and I used snail to stick it on! Super simple, way fun and cute! I would NEVER have put these colors together and felt challenged by them. Thanks to Kristina Werner for another AWESOME challenge! Click here to go to Kristina's site and check out all the awesome submissions for her color challenge... and if you're so inclined, PLAY ALONG!

I wish Mini Scrapbook Class

Give the gift of memories with this “I Wish” Mini Scrapbook. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for a parent, grandparent or other loved one.

The original design and beautiful layouts are the perfect place to preserve your family’s Christmas memories! In this class you will make a 6” x 6” mini scrapbook album created with Stampin’ Up!’s I Wish Simply Scrappin’ Kit. The album contains 11 pages, allowing you plenty of space for your pictures!

This class will be held Friday December 19th at 6:30 PM. Can't attend the class? That's okay, you can still make this fabulous project. Just let me know.

There is NO stamping at all! Email me for details at e.selene@verizon.net. Are you a demonstrator and interested in purchasing this class for your customers? Just send me an email for more details.