Saturday Sketch Challenge 231

Good Evening Friends!

Please excuse the appearance of my photo tonight. My camera is unavailable and this photo was taken with my phone. :D It is what it is.

Tonight we have a really wonderful sketch that is still clean and simple, but totally outside the box. It's quick and easy to make a fun card with this layout and I hope you'll take a turn trying this one.

To start, my ornament was stamped with shimmer paint, mixed with reinker. Then I used a sponge dauber to apply the paint to my stamp evenly, then stamped it on vanilla paper. It's super sparkly in real life. The whole card is, but the picture isn't doing it justice. I also spritzed the front with the vanilla shimmer spritz. I love white, Christmassy sparkle. (hey, i just made up a word I think!)..

I used more layers than the sketch calls for, but I had fun!
Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: vanilla 5 1/4" x 4
Layers 3 & 5: soft suede 5 x 3 3/4"
Layers 4 & 6: vanilla 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"

I stuck layers 5 and 6 together and embossed them, then stuck them to layer 4. I attached the top layer on purpose crooked! Love that! then just cut the excess off and assemble. This card went together in just a few minutes. If you have time this week, please check out the operator cards over on stamping 411 and leave them some love (comments).

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Over the top ~ (Dazzling) Diamonds Birthday

Normally, I would tell anyone that one of the "rules" of good design in cardmaking is knowing when to stop. However, whenever I ask my sweet daughter Alexis if she likes a card that I've made she always says "it needs a little more glitter". She says this even if I think I've reached my glitter limit for the year! Tomorrow is my daughters 7th birthday and I HOPE that this one is up to her standards.

With that being said... ya ready for this one?
I started with the stampin up glitter paper in silver, and painted it with water and melon mambo reinkers. I set that under my heater and gave it some time to dry. While waiting for that, I pulled out some shimmer white paper and stamped my cupcake and sentiment. I used watercolor crayons and blender pens to color the fun cupcake and then proceeded to add some more bling to the top of my cupcake! I added self adhesive rhinestones and punched glimmer paper. Then, of course, in cool alexis style I added more glitter to the top ( and to the black layer all the way around) using a two way glue pen and dazzling diamonds.

When the glimmer paper was dry, I cut a piece down to 3 3/4" x 3 and adhered that to my embossed melon mambo layer cut to 5 x 3 3/4". I used the vintage wallpaper die to emboss that layer.

Next, I added a string of bling on each side of my designer paper to really poke her in the eye.. :D I added melon mambo polka dot ribbon ribbon from the stampin' up clearance rack (only $3.99 hurray), and 3 awesome self adhesive stones.

So, talk to me! Do you think she's going to ask for yet more glitter? I personally wouldn't be surprised. I can't believe my little girl is turning 7! Where does the time go!?!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

One day sale and holiday extravaganza!

Good Morning Friends! Are you ready for the HOTTEST sale of the year from Stampin' Up? Here are the details of the sale that starts today!

Early!! Black Friday SALE Save up to 60% Starting Today!!! Two items are today only Who doesn't love a sale?!? Wahooo, the Black Friday has started early! I've been here in my jammies, looking at the goodies all morning and there are some items that I'm not going to be able to live without. Beat the holiday shopping rush and do it from the comfort of where ever you are! My Digital Studio downloads 25-40% off and the simply scored tool and new cookie presses are on sale only for today! Check out my favorite picks below! A little bit of info for you... There are two items that are ONLY going to be discounted today and the rest will be available all week! Click here for a printable PDF to see all the items and discounts in one spot. After looking at the pdf,click here and go shopping! (note ~ the items in the cart will show the discount at checkout). I'll be around all day if you need help with your online orders. 978-423-9994. Happy Shopping!! Below are a few of my favorite things from the list! So hard to choose!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I hope you have a beautiful day surrounded by those you love. Also ~ in the marketplace, I know you have lots of choices. Thank you for choosing me as your Stampin' Up demonstrator and supporting my local small business. Rubbah Hugs, Selene 50% Off Many Merry Messages! wood mount stamp set. Sale Price $17.48 30% Off Scalloped Dotted Ribbon Bundle in Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, and Old Olive. It is 1/2 inch wide and has dots on one side, plain on the other! Sale Price $22.26 50% Off Occasions Alphabet!! I LOVE this set!! Sale prices: Wood $21.98, clear $15.98 30% Off Glimmer Brad Bundle The Online Extravaganza Glimmer Brads Bundle contains three Glimmer Brad assortments-Basics, Brights, and Subtle-all for 30 percent off the retail price! Each assortment contains 40 3/8" brads in five colors (8 ea. of 5 colors): * Basics: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Champagne, Silver, Gold * Brights: Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive * Subtles: So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi, Rose Red, Marina Mist Sale Price $10.40

Saturday Sketch Challenge 230

Good Evening Friends!

It's time for another fabulous sketch challenge from your friends at stamping 411! This week Gretchen was at the sketch board. When I saw this sketch, I thought that I wanted to do something with this fantastic set I purchased of the holy family.

I stamped the image on watercolor paper (2 3/4" square) and watercolored it with markers. I should also mention that I drew in the cow's spots randomly. I had this card made quite a while ago for this sketch challenge, and I showed someone at work. She had me make 8 of them for her. Too cool! It did take a bit of time to water color the image, but I find that relaxing.

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: 4 7/8" x 3 5/8" vanilla (embossed with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder)
Layer 4: scalloped square from the big shot
Layer 5: watercolor paper, 2 3/4" square

it's really a clean and simple layout. I sponged the 3rd layer with cobbler to soften it up a little. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 229

Good Evening Friends,

I'm looking at this picture I took weeks ago and it's looking a little dark to me! I don't have time to take another picture today... It's my anniversary and my honey and I both have the day off.

It's actually pretty cool that 11/11/11 is our 11th wedding anniversary! We didn't even plan it that way. We lined up a babysitter and have no plans at all, but I'm sure that we'll find something to do!

Also ~ being Veterans day, I want to say thank you to all those who are currently serving and those who served our country in the past. I realize some of the huge sacrifices you and your family makes to protect our rights and freedom. Thank you just doesn't seem to cover it. To my dad who served in the air force and so many others, wishing you every luxury and joy today!

When I saw this sketch by Gretchen this week I used it for inspiration but most certainly took some creative liberties with it. I used this card for my stamp club this month and the girls really loved it.

It went together in about a minute because I had everything prepped. Isn't it wonderful when clean and simple comes out so beautiful? The stamp set is Hand Penned Holidays, I think every single club member wants this set now, the script is so beautiful. The designer paper is mocha morning, and this print has a wonderful flocked pattern, that's fuzzy when you run your finger over it. It's like a warm blanket on a snowy day.

Paired up with the real red satin ribbon and the glimmer paper ornament, it really pops without too much effort! :D I used this WONDERFUL tutorial on how to tie a flat knot by Patti Chesky. You can check out her video here.

So how about some measurements?

Base 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Whisper white 4 x 5 1/4"
Layer 3: Black Cardstock 4 1/8" x 2 5/8"
Layer 4: Flocked Black DSP (mocha morning) cut to 4 x 2 1/2"

I used a 1/16th circle punch to feed the glimmer brad through the middle of my punched ornament and popped it up on a few dimensionals. Pretty pretty card.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and have time to play along with us today!

Giving Thanks for Friendship ~ I'm back!

It's been a really wonderful week. At the beginning of November I gave my notice at the hospital for my photography position. Although I love working with newborns, the position just isn't "as advertised". My daughters' tuition is secured for the rest of this school year, so I'm moving back to stamping full time!

This week I've had several reminders that I'm doing the right thing. I really love Stampin' Up and sharing what I love and what I know. I was reminded at a workshop I did last night for Elaine and friends. I showed them all my tips and tricks for using our products with ease and was reminded that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, at exactly the right time and with the right company. I'm surrounded by friends and people who love me and support my decision to return to doing what I was meant to do. Sometimes you have to go through it to see what was in front of you the whole time. I forget that everyone just doesn't make cards.. it's so second nature for me. Does that make sense? Anyway, it was a wonderful week.

This morning, I'm reminded again why this is what I'm supposed to be doing. My friend, who shall remain nameless, has some wonderful friends who want to do something nice for her and contacted me to help. They asked me what she likes and if I can help them place a "gift" order for her. Later today, she will receive this card and a few items that her friends picked out (with my assistance) so that she'll be able to enjoy making cards. Now, her friends aren't particularly crafty, they just want to make their friend happy. What a beautiful thing that is to witness! My friend, who is so deserving of such friendships is going to be so surprised and excited!

So here we go.. This is my giving thanks card for my anonymous friend who will be receiving the gift of stamping today and many of the items she will need to recreate this card!

Speaking of friends, I haven't had time to play along with the awesome sketch blog mojo monday in quite some time, and this morning, I decided to pull some inspiration from their sketch this week. So away we go...

So how about some measurements:
Base 8 1/2 x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4", vanilla
Layer 2: soft suede 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 3: Morning Mocha DSP 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 4: I punched a 2 1/2" circle from one of the patterns of cardstock, then matted it with 4 scalloped oval punches.. it makes a really wonderful background for that circle
Layer 5: 2 x 5
Layer 6: 1 3/4 x 4 1/2" dsp again. I used a square punch to make the V in the paper, then just used a pair of snips to get layer 5 to match. It makes a nice clean square.
Layer 7: soft suede 1 5/8" x 3 3 5/8 (note this is just 1/8" bigger than layer 8 to matte the sentiment)
Layer 8: Very Vanilla 1 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Off to go play stamping santa clause! This is how it's supposed to be! Thank goodness.

Rubbah hugs!
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch Challenge 228

Good Evening Friends!

It's time for another Saturday sketch challenge from your Stamping411 operators.

This week's sketch has a few more elements than our normal clean and simple type sketch, but I really dig it!

It still went together pretty quickly. I love to watercolor with markers, it's one of my favorite things to do. When a customer asks me about my technique the biggest thing I can tell them is that it's about where NOT to put color, as much as where to put color. In this case, the light looks like it's coming up from the snow that Santa is standing, So the light source is bottom right. To color the image I started by drawing "L" then gently blending the color to the right in stages. If I wanted to add more color, I just scribble on a plastic bag and use my aqua painter to pick up the color. I had so much fun! I'm still using up last years batch of watercolor paper. My paper was cut into 4 pieces at 2 1/2" x 1 7/8" then matted with a 2 x 2 5/8" piece of vanilla

The scalloped circle layer underneath my focal point and the oval on top was punched from the second layer, then I just covered it up with my designer paper. and stuck it to the card. So it's like reverse scraps. :D

My base layer measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", at it was scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 3 3/4" x 5"
Layer 3: 3 5/8 x 4 7/8"

I dig the scalloped dotted grosgrain ribbon in cobber, it's so pretty and it's reversible.. so if you want, you can flip it over for a non polka dot side! I love that!

I hope you have time to play along with the operators this week! We would sure love to see what you come up with using this fun sketch! For more inspiration, check out what the operators are up to!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton