Saturday Sketch Challenge 136

What a CRAZY week!

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I think I'll have some time on Saturday to spend with my family, before getting back into the swing on Sunday. I have a girlfriend bringing her team to my house for her team meeting. We're going to have so much fun!

Think this card looks familiar? Well, I used the supplies from this card to create my bloggers challenge card from this morning!

This card I did with my club this week AND it fit the stampin411 Challenge card! So here's my clean, simple and quick card!

Thanks so much to all of you that play along with me and my girlfriends over on Stampin411. Oh and please check back... I'm going to post my FIRST sewing experience soon. I have a few finishing touches, and I don't want my friend Robin to see it here, before she gets it in person. Robin, from the operators is in town this week(end) because her fabulous daughter Emma is skating competitively near where I live! Way fun!

For measurements for this sketch and/or to play along check out my girlfriends work (posted sometime before midnight on) the stamping411 site! TGIF!

Blogger's Challenge ~ Birthday

It was a crazy club week here, and although I should be breathing a sigh of relief (that one thing is done) I still have so much to do! Today I'll be stamping with handicapped adults in the AM, trying to get over to my friends who are in from out of town, and meeting with a customer tonight for invitations! (whew!)..

I had 30 ladies pop through for club this week (and I'm so excited about that). I did have two that forgot we were meeting.. and this morning's blogger's challenge card seemed like an impossible feat!

So ~ I took the leftover packet from the valentine card we made last night, and re-engineered it for bloggers challenge (in about 10 minutes). I can't wait to see what everyone else came up with today!

Kid Friendly ABC Albums

I met this wonderful lady at a craft fair about two years ago, Sharon.

She used to live an hour away on the north shore, and now she lives down towards Cape Cod which is a good 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive from me. I had made a really cute ABC's book for my daughter that she saw with the mini on board books (that have since retired).

Sharon called to make a date, and we met up (after waiting for some time) last Friday night. We had SO much fun.

I didnt' have all the same supplies (cause many of them retired), so we pulled out retired papers, chose different ones for the different children (based on personality) and went to town! We had so much fun. Her children will be able to write right on the page protectors to practice their letters. A simple swipe with a damp cloth and they can do it again! Sharon got extra page protectors to insert photos randomly, and she plans on making them into tiny little scrapbooks.

So ~ this is the result of what we did last Friday night! So fun to just sit and craft with a buddy over pizza! I know that many of the papers and colors you're seeing here are not available for purchase any more. What supplies do you have that could make an awesome creation like this? Use them up!!

Here's the design for her little boy.
And this one is for her girl. Aren't they cool?
If you're local to me, let's make a date! If you want, we can invite a few friends and make it a private class! (It's Sale-a-bration after all and you get more freebees than ever from orders during this time of year!)

Happy Tuesday!
Selene Kempton

Mojo Round Square

I love a challenge that does just that... Challenge me!

Today's sketch from Mojo Monday is way fab and popped me out of my little square box!
I decided to pull out my sizzix dies.. My square card is 4 1/2" square, and my round one, is a little smaller. Both will fit in my medium square envelopes with a bit of room to spare. I played with supplies I already had out, and this particular stamp set which will benefit Haiti. For every stamp set sold, SU will give $2 to the red cross.

I used sahara sand, real red, and chocolate chip ink. I made a collage background by stamping my patterns on top of one another. Then I used some brown ink to sponge in more color and texture. On the round card I used a faux bow, staying more true to the sketch. but I like the idea of a big bow, so on the square card. (the second one) I found a way to keep within the sketch and still use my taffeta bow.

I hope you have a wonderful day! Selene~

Drew's Birthday

We went to a great birthday party today at build a bear for Alexis's friend Drew. Drew's mom is also a SU demonstrator and I wanted to have some fun with the gift for him.

I started at the fabric store. I picked out some fleece for my teddy bear (Alexis tried to claim it as her new blanket). I found some jean material, and some material that looked like something Drew would wear.

First, I ironed "no sew" on to the back of all my fabric pieces. I cut all the pieces out with the sizzix, big shot machine and then ironed them on to the bag. Behind the bears face is a circle of dark fabric, also ironed on. It was simple and fun and I did it with my daughter.

I got a lot of nice comments at the party. I hope Drew likes his new tote bag.

Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 135

It's been a busy week here at the Kempton camp. My hubby has been working on a big project at work, putting in extra hours and I have worked every night this week! I'm not complaining, in fact... I'm thankful that I'm able to work. However, I'm looking forward to a little R&R with my family tomorrow. I may hit the fabric store to buy some goodies tomorrow to play with my bigshot and NEW sewing machine. :) Quick story ~ I called my hubby's aunt today to ask about what I should be looking for when I shop for a machine, and about two hours later, they showed up on my doorstep with one.. Wow! Now I have no excuses, I need to learn how to work it!

Tonight I had a friend here and we made two really cute on board albums for her children.. I may post those later this weekend. She just walked out the door about 40 minutes ago, so this is my card for the 411 Sketch challenge for this week. It's really quite simple and very PURPLE. :) I used eggplant envy and amethyst with whisper white. When watercoloring the image, I added some so saffron (for effect), but I wanted to keep this card as clean as possible. I used my new embossing folder (which I cut with my tabletop papercutter) to make a row of polka dots 6 dots wide. This simple sketch could have you cranking out cards quite quickly, so give it a try!

Last week one lucky player on the 411 blog won secret blog candy just for playing! Maybe you'll be next!

TGIF!
Selene~

Bloggers Challenge ~ Die cut or punches

Good Morning! Today's blogger's challenge is to use a die cut or punch in your project.

I am IN LOVE with the new mini milk carton. I took this to a mini workshop (in and out in an hour) last night and the girls (who had never stamped before) were all intrigued by the big shot machine.

First ~ we cut the boxes and started to fold back and forth on all the lines. This is important so the box wont "round out" when you're trying to put it together. Before I got there I cut some strips of scrap paper and we used it to punch some shapes (the heart) is from the three heart punch, and the little flower came from that 3 flower punch.. (that sounded funny).. Anyway. we used tombo multipurpose adhesive to put them together.

The tag is also a punch! the teeny tiny punched shape, was very easy to stamp on both sides, looking through the clear block on my stamp! (so fun). and then I poked a hole in the top and used some linnen thread tied onto the tag. We used mini clips to keep the top closed and I just "captured" the linen thread with that.

Then, we filled them with about 7 hershey kisses. The size of this box is misleading by the photos. Standing up, this box holds about 3 mini reese's peanut butter cups, standing on top of one another. It is ever so cute.

I'm thinking it would be fun to make an old fashioned style holder for the containers. I still get my milk (from time to time) from the oldest working dairy farm in the US, shaw farm in Dracut MA. I have a wire carrier when I go and get my milk (in the glass bottles). I think this little milk carton needs some type of carrier... i'll be working on that this week! :)

To get a better idea of the size, here is a regular sized card, propped up behind the milk carton. Anyway, I am happy to share this quick and cute little project with you and hope you have time to stamp something fun today!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Inspired!

Can I just say how PROUD I am to work for a company that genuinely cares for all people?

On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope.

In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin' Up! demonstrators have stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different.

This morning Stampin' Up released a note to demonstrators that for every I (heart) stamp set sold, they will donate $2 to the Haitian Disaster Relief fund by way of the American Red Cross! The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. In addition to donating a portion of sales, Stampin Up bought supplies for 5,000 hygiene kits to be sent.

As a demonstrator, I received the wood mounted set for free after a regional seminar in Maine, and because it was a traditional wood set, I haven't been playing with it (i am just in love with our new clear mounted stamps).

Well ~ I have a Big Shot Themed workshop tonight, and at the last minute I'm changing my projects to feature this set! I certainly do not have a lot, but I do have a little and I will share what I have. I encourage you to call your demonstrator today and order this set (woo hoo if that's me). Also, if you want to switch to clear mount, the "d" sized block is only $8.50, and you only have to purchase your clear blocks once. If you notice the difference in price, it's a huge big deal! Think about saving 1/3rd the cost of a set EVERY time you buy a stamp set! :) Here are the numbers if you need them and Click here for the flier.

I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$26.95

So, what happened in my "inspired mood"? Well, this morning my friend Robin won the late night stampers challenge #53 with this awesome card that she created also for the stamping 411 challenge this week. I was loving her creation so much, I copied some of the "feel" of her card. (go leave her some love with a comment on this one, for me??).

I also went to a few of my favorite challenge blogs this morning... So First ~ my friend Mary Jo's technostamper sketch challenge and I came up with the first card at the top.

Then, I went to Cards and things and did their awesome sketch challenge for this week. (That's the card on the left).

Finally, I decided on my workshop card for tonight. It's a little less difficult. I only have 1 hour to present the big shot and I want them to understand and have time to make their own card (and mini milk carton box). If I make a project too difficult, someone who isn't into crafts yet might feel like they can't do it, don't want to do it, or might be just intimidated. Once they make the simple things, then they can take the ball and be inspired to do more on their own! Sometimes the KISS (keep it simple, silly) method is the way to go! I will still bring my "stepped up" versions for show (of course). :)

I hope this leaves you as inspired as I feel today. Life is good.
(((hugs)))
Selene

A weekend with family

This weekend, my aunt and uncle celebrated 50 years of marriage with a great party Saturday night. My brother flew in from Florida and it was wonderful to spend some time together. My little one didn't want her uncle to go home. Except for a few obligations, I put the computer down, and just enjoyed my family.

Anyway ~ 50 years is a big deal, so I wanted to make them something special. I had received the most beautiful swap from my friend Gretchen, who was inspired by someone else... :) Who made this mini album using two envelopes and I decided to give my own version a try. It was a labor of love and took me hours to make but I really wanted to share it. So the above version is how you look at the "purse" style album before opening it. It has a piece of ribbon on the back, so if my aunt wants to use it like a brag book it looks like a pocketbook. The v on the front comes from the scallop square die, and I layered bridesmaid paper over soft suede and sponged using circle motions to color the tip.

Now I think I'll start at the end. This is the box I made for it. I used gold and bridesmaid paper and made a simple box.
This view shows how nice and snug my envelope album fits in the box. Now when you open the album (it's held together with a velcro dot, I put at the top "book of memories". In the card I also gave her directions on what to do with the book. Add photos, write about the awesome party and so on... Here are two photos so you can see what it looks like opened up. this is the top and bottom of the album, and cards slide out from behind the white panels.
I embossed the medallion gold on gold. (isnt that gorgeous??) Then I used my new punches to punch out some shapes so that's why my punched shapes on the below cards, (which fit inside) look so detailed and vintage.
This shows the card sliding out of the envelope (which is stuck to the back of the gold middle piece.
And here's a photo of the other side of the slide out. Isn't that flower gorgeous with the gold on gold embossed medallion!?!
On the bottom, I embossed a handwritten signed note.
I'm not sure if you can see from my photos how it was actually put together, but I can tell you it was certainly a labor of love. Happy Tuesday!!

Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday

Well ~ I didn't stamp this weekend. I have family in from out of town (leaving today). I'm headed out in a snowstorm to take my dear brother back to the airport. I feel like my mojo waved bye-bye to me this morning. I had fun in the process anyway, but I'm not feeling it. :)

Even when I'm not feeling it, it's good to just try new things and play. I may go back to the drawing board and try after my trip to logan airport, but for now, this is a cute little card. My little one doesnt want my brother to leave (isn't that the sweetest). So, she can give it to him today.

I hope you're having a great day, and if your mojo is in tact, perhaps you should try the cool sketch at mojo monday out.

Saturday Sketch Challenge 134

Well, It's Saturday Sketch time again from your operators at the Stamping 411 Blog.

I really Do love the sketch this week, but I struggled... So much so I made two cards.

The first one, I think I did way too much to. However, I got some new goodies, and when I started to play, i just couldn't stop! Good design is sometimes knowing when to stop! Anyway, I stamped the center image from the petal pizazz stamp set. I cut that out and crumpled it up. I punched three more shapes from the new XL flower punch, added some chocolate ink and crumpled them up! When I was done and started to put the layers together, I added one of the large glue dots to the center, then smooshed it into my pretty in pink beads to make the center of my flower.

Notice the cool embossing down the side? Well, I got an extra embossing folder by accident. I used my tabletop cutter from stampin up and cut it into pieces. one of the pieces has 4 across, another has 6 and another just more.. :) It makes it easy to make a strip of dots!

I used the XL bird punch to make the bird, and attached him using tombo multipurpose adhesive. A labor of love, but I think I did too much! For the second card, I tried to make it more simple.

I think I succeeded with the second card. I had a class here tonight showing the new clear mounted stamp sets and this was what I was stamping when they arrived. I think they would agree that this card is stunning in person, but the photo doesn't do it justice.

Too cute! Fun Sketch! I hope you have time to play along over on the 411 blog this week!

Bloggers Challenge, brown pink and white.

My husband and I visited with my daughter today. This week she is "star of the week" in preschool, and it's really a big deal for her. I had made a similar page with my scrapbookers this week, and I just decided to take this one to the next level.

I asked her for her "signature" and in true star form ~ she signed it like a diva and ran out of room. My hubby was a little upset thinking she wrecked the page, but I think it's perfect. I just know I'll love seeing that little handwriting sample some day. I quickly put a date on it.. isn't that what scrappin is all about?

I used a technique I explained to my club as "rose gold".

I have a 50th wedding anniversary party to attend Saturday night, and I'd like to do something vintage looking. I got to thinking how to make a color like the old fashioned rose gold.

So ~ I added two drops of regal rose reinker, to a whole big puddle of champagne (gold tone) shimmer paint. I mixed it with a paint brush and used a sponge dauber to apply the mixture to my stamp.. It was really fun! And so was today, with my little star...

Please check out what my friends from bloggers challenge will be doing with this fun color combo!

My Cute Little Owl Dude

I have scrapbooking here tonight, and tomorrow night. Then I'm offering a class on the new clear mount stamps, here on friday night. Busy busy..

When I FIRST saw the new catalog back in JULY I knew that I wanted to do this.... This little owl stamp is the absolute coolest thing!

I have not done a tutorial ~ yet ~ but I just had to share. I made a top note box, using the fancy favor as my base, and used punches and all sorts of tools to just follow the sketch. I made the feet from the three flower punch and hand cut many parts that i couldn't figure out a punch for...

I made this cute box (below) for my team meeting. We swapped ONE 3D item and this was my creation.

And Now, Here's the tag....

Which was the inspiration for the whole project...
Happy Hump Day! See you tomorrow!

Selene Kempton

A boxed set for Etsy

I made a whole bunch of cards last week for sketch challenges. The final piece I needed was a box, for my "boxed set" valentine projects using the new GORGEOUS paper from Stampin' Up!

I made the front of this adorable box with another sketch challenge from The Fresh Batch blog. I (((heart))) sketches, but you knew that! :)
Selling my handmade work on Etsy is new for me, and the fees are a bit high. So ~ I'm thinking I list them here for a day, and if someone who reads my blog doesn't snag them up, then, I'll list them on etsy. Each item will be stamped with the copyright stamp needed for selling artwork with SU images. It was a rough year for me and my family. I have been looking for work during the day with no luck. So, this is something that I will be doing to help my family meet the needs of having a child in catholic school. Let's see how it goes!

If you are interested in purchasing this one of a kind box set, email me with your phone number and I will call you. I only made one, so once it's gone, that's it! (isn't that cool?) The completed card set is as shown, and comes with 4 handmade cards and the box for $25. If I need to ship it to you, it will be another $5 and your artwork will come in a priority mail box.

There will be another box set soon with a birthday theme.

A NEW Friday Night Class ~ A Happy Heart

Tell someone that you love them with this Valentine’s-themed card kit. The custom designed window gable box adds a beautiful touch to this card set.

Date: Friday, Feb 5th
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: $20
Location: Selene's Stampin Pad ~ Dracut MA

Please email me to sign up for this class@ e.selene@verizon.net.
If you are a demonstrator who is interested in offering this class for your customers, just email me for details.

NEW ~ Heart Shaped Sweet Treat cups are only available while supplies last!

As a demonstrator, I was unable to preorder this set, but my set is supposed to arrive today! I will be using the set for valentine's day cards for my little one going to school.

The cups are only $2.95 per 12 pack, and they coordinate perfectly with the Full Heart punch.

The stamp set coordinates also. If you are interested, you may find the flier here with additional details. Keep watching my blog for cool new samples with this set!

If you would like to place an order for this stamp set or if you have any questions, you can email me at e.selene@verizon.net. To place a Stampin' Up order at any time, click here, then click "shop now"

Challenge Day!

Well, I've been having some fun with challenges this morning. I really love sketch challenges, and using some leftover packets from last night's class, I decided to try a few more.

The first card uses Mary Jo's Technostamper challenge. and the second came from 2sketches4you challenge.
I used soft suede, pretty in pink, rose red, and regal rose for both cards. I stuck both stamps to my acrylic blocks. Inked them with multiple color markers and stamped them.

Clean and simple, but beautiful cards.. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Mojo Monday

What a crazy weekend! It seems like we spent the whole weekend running around and didnt get anything done. I'm glad I have a few minutes this morning to get caught up.

I had my team meeting here last night. When I saw the mojo Monday sketch for today, I was pretty excited that many of the things I had leftover from my meeting, would work for this sketch (yeaaaa).

I was using this set of supplies to make a card that shows two stamps on one block.

First, we used the clear mount stamps on one block. Just put the clear mount stamps on your acrylic block and line it up on the block the way you want it on your paper! Easy peasy and really fun!

Moving forward, I can see myself doing whole scenes, and stamping just once! Way cool! So for the mojo card above, I used markers to color the some white flowers from the pretties kit. First, I added streaks, with the thin "writing" side of my rose red marker. Then I used a pretty in pink marker on top. you can still see the streaks a bit, but it softened it up quite a bit.

I used snail adhesive to stick the soft suede ribbon onto the rose red ribbon and again to stick it to the back of my rose red layer. I needed a birthday card for my mom, and I think this is really beautiful. Her colors, and right up her ally. I am the card lady, and it seems that birthday's come and go and it goes right out of my head to send a card out!

Maybe that would be a good new years resolution. I would like to send more handmade cards to friends and family. Below is the card from my team meeting. I added the flowers from the pretties kit and the button this morning. I hope you have time to stamp something fun today!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Bloggers challenge ~ a sketch card

I knew the second I saw this awesome sketch (by Lisa Somerville) that I wanted to make a card with a window. I didn't make it in time to post it yesterday morning (like I'm supposed to), but I didn't give up. After supper my little one got very tired and went to bed early, so I took advantage and went out in the stamp room to create this cool card.

I used two new sets from the occasions mini. I punched the hole in the card with the movers and shapers die from sizzix. Then ran a ribbon between the layers to stick my turtle to.

The new clear blocks, made placing my sentiment SO darn easy! I am in love with the clear mounted stamps. I'm not sure if the picture does this card justice ~ it's so darn cute.

Check out what my girlfriends are up to for this weeks sketch. Have a great rest of the weekend!