Tuesday, October 8, 2013

10/8 Stampin' Up! ~ Why I joined Stampin' Up and Started my own business and how it's changed my life

Good Morning Friends!

When I saw that you can sign up to be a demonstrator for only $25 for the next two weeks, I was totally shocked!  It's a really great deal.. Pick out between $25 and 26.95 in merchandise, and pay $25 and you will own your own business like me!

I don't always share the personal details from just me.. I like to keep it about the projects, but given the spirit of a 25 year celebration, it made me think about my journey as a demonstrator.   


When I started out, I signed up because I got a discount on all these amazing supplies that I wanted anyway.  I was making thank you's for my friend Lisa and I was able to get all the supplies for her wedding and shower thank you's at a 20% discount.  My hubby was best man in their wedding and that was the most personal, special gift I could think to do.  What happened next I never expected!

I got home, and my hubby said "You love people and you want to have people around.  You miss your friends from where you grew up.  You have a brand new baby.  You're an artist!  This should be your business!" 

I thought he was absolutely NUTS!! I didn't consider myself to be a sales person.  The fact is, I still don't.  The blessings and rewards that followed me just following my heart and sharing what I love started to fall into place.  I was meeting new friends, and their friends and it blessed my life over and over.

That first year, I shared my passion with everyone I knew.  Had a really budding team of ladies because I thought it would benefit them more to have their own discount!  I had no idea that having a team would help me personally.  I had no idea that I would have friends all over the world who share in my same passion.  Boy, did those friendships change my life forever!

It was here through the toughest times, through the great incentive trips, and it has helped me LITERALLY change the lives of people around me by gathering together and building each other up.  Celebrating one another, triumphs and tragedy... and it's all better because we have each other.

More recently, my focus has been on helping my team.  Those who I've been working with one on one have been finding their own blessings and changing lives and it is just beautiful to watch!

During that process it has also benefited me personally.  Yes, I do not make a million bazillion dollars per year, but I do add to my family income and I am able to help with tuition for my beautiful daughter Alexis.  That is ONLY possible because of support from all of my customers who place orders with me and for my AMAZING team of demonstrators who build each other up.  Fight to raise money for worthwhile charities.  Think of others and selflessly give themselves and their love for crafting out to those who respond and love them back!

I am not a corporate mogul, but I am a business owner.  And my BEAUTIFUL, strong business has allowed me to be here when my daughter needs help with homework, a ride to dance class and anything else.  That time spent is something I am most grateful for. My sweet husband works about 1 1/2 hours from the house so I am able to be here and pick up the slack while spending time with amazing women.  A job doesn't get better than that!

So here are the reasons why I have my business below:  Aren't they awesome??


If you have ever thought about starting your own business using the best products on Earth, now is your shot!  No minimums to meet until March, but there's a pretty sweet deal when you put in your first order we can talk about if you like.  No.Pressure.Ever.

If you are interested in starting your own business or rejoining my team here's what you can expect:

  • $25 starter kit!  (wow!) free business supplies
  • 30% your first workshop order (minimum $150 retail)
  • FREE STAMPS!
  • Friendship and Fun
  • Access to the Stamper's with HeART private facebook group, who do their best to love and support one another.
  • Optional one on one calls with me (1/2 hour) monthly to help you develop your business plan
  • Incentives and rewards for growth and advancement

I would LOVE to welcome you into our Stampin' Up! family!  Click here for a short video from Shelli, and to sign up today if you are interested.  Note!! Click the Gray Join Now button if you are looking to get your kit!  This special ends in LESS than two weeks on October 21st.

If you have questions, you can email me at this link!

Much Love,

Selene Kempton


10/8: Stampin' Up! One Day Sale with Chevron embossed samples!

Dear Stampin' Friends,

Over on the Stampin' Up blog, they have started a weekly sale page!  I'm pretty excited about it, as I can bring you some favorite products at a discounted rate!  So, here's the deal:  It's only on Tuesday! 

To get this deal, you have to shop today.  Here is this week's listing with links right to my store if you need them.  Here are some samples using this week's Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder: 127749

Note, the discount wont show up until the item is in your cart (so don't worry).

Squares Collection Framelits Dies: 130921
Regular Price: $26.95 US
Discounted Price: $20.21 US
Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder: 127749
Regular Price: $7.95 US
Discounted Price: $5.96 US
Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack: 126187
Regular Price: $7.95 US
Discounted Price: $5.96 US
Festive Paper-Piercing Pack: 127857
Regular Price: $7.95 US
Discounted Price: $5.96 US
Petite Curly Label Punch: 129405
Regular Price: $12.95 US
Discount Price: $9.71 US
Today & Everyday Designer Photobook Template - Digital Download :126157
Regular Price: $14.95 US
Discount Price: $7.48 US
Love,
Selene Kempton







Saturday, October 5, 2013

10/5 My 1000th blog post!! World Card Making Day Snowflake Soiree & Festive Flurry Clear-Mount Bundle, Blog Candy, Believe Card

Good Evening Friends!  

It's World Card Making Day and I'm certainly in the mood to celebrate!  Today also marks a very special milestone for my blog, my 1000th post!  I have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for 7 years and my life has been blessed over and over because of my connection with so many wonderful, vibrant women who build each other up in ways that go WAY past the craft table. 

Thank you to all of those who believe in me and always support my business!  I am so blessed to know so many of you!


So, tonight I'm offering blog candy!!  Leave me a comment and tell me what your FAVORITE Stampin' Up product is and how you've been using it lately! 

In a day or two, I will draw a random winner to receive this prize, a Festive Flurry Clear-Mount Bundle ($46.95 US) value. 

This pretty card above was made with the Snowflake Soiree Clear Mount stamp set and a few accessories.  We also used very vanilla cardstock, Champagne Glimmer Paper, a soft suede ink pad and some self adhesive pearls.  

All the snowflakes were cut using the festive flurry framelits and the big shot.  Thanks so much for your support!  I'm so happy to be your stampin up demonstrator.  

Love,




Selene Kempton
Friday, October 4, 2013

10/4 Joyful Christmas Reinker Spread, and Do NOT drink the Ink!

Good Morning Friends!

Yesterday was a WONDERFUL day!  I had two sessions of Embossing class here.  This was one of the first cards we made using the Reinker Spread technique.   I come back to this technique over and over again.  

The technique was developed by another demonstrator Crystal French.  For more details on this technique you can check out my tutorial at this direct link
One thing when you're doing this technique that is VERY important is to have the right paper.  Stampin' Up!'s shimmer white paper is AWESOME, because when you spritz water on it, it doesn't seem to absorb the water as easily as other papers.  So, first we heat embossed the images with black embossing powder, then we spritzed the paper with water, and added the ink.  Really, if you want to see the process the tutorial above shows the exact same process!

I knew when I saw this Joyful Christmas Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! that the reinker spread was something I wanted to try with it!  It combines watercolor with my favorite technique, heat embossing! 

The supply list for this card is pretty short:

Stamps: Joyful Christmas Stamp Set
Ink: Versamark Pad, pool party reinker, cherry cobbler reinker
Paper: pool party, basic black, shimmer white
Ribbon : pool party seam binding
Accessories: aquapainter (for dropping the reinker onto the puddles of water)

On a personal note, something pretty hysterical happened at my class and I'm just BUSTING to share!  So, we get through doing the pool party ink with the aqua painters and I grab a red solo cup to clean up the brushes.  I rinse the ink in the cup and then put my brushes away for the later session.  

I must have been really dehydrated or something. Without thinking I picked up the cup and took the inky water in.. then immediately spit it back into the cup.  It didn't taste funny and luckily our ink is non-toxic!  Oh my gosh, the ladies in the class ROARED with laughter.  It was the absolute BEST day and a really funny time in class.  Just a word to the wise!  Don't drink the ink!  I love sharing here with you!  Thank you so much to all that support my stampin up business!  

Cheers to you!  (but this time I'm going to drink plain water, thank you!)
Love,



Selene Kempton
Thursday, October 3, 2013

10/3 Joy to the World, Season Of Style Washi, Circle Framelits,

Good Afternoon Friends! 

When I posted this beautiful Christmas card, I got lots of questions about what I did with the circle that I cut out.  If you want to read about this card, you can click here

Well, here's what I did with the leftover circle!  This was for a class back in August.  Isn't it clever?  I started with the cute washi negative from this first card to create a Season's Greetings  Ornament for the second card with the Joy to the World Stamp Set!  So cool! 

I tried doing this with a circle punch but it would cut the washi tape, so I used my circle framelits for the big shot instead.  
Next I grabbed an Old Olive Simply Styled Embellishment.  Oh what a world it would be, if all bows were pre-tied for me, the way that these cute embellishments are.  So, these come looking like a paperclip and that just would do for what I wanted.  I had my hubby grab is wire cutters from the garage and cut off the inside of the paperclip, so it would look more like a Christmas hook.

Why mention my hubby?  Well, I tried to do it and these paperclips are so well made, I had trouble punching through them myself.  So, I pulled out the muscle.  (and scored girl points all at the same time). {smiles}. Here's a photo of what they look like:
 So we he just cut the inside loop off to make a cute ornament holder!  Whoop! 

I'm going to jump back in and do some measurements for you next. 

Base Layer: Very Vanilla 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Cherry Cobbler 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 3: Old Olive 5 x 3 3/4", embossed with the Tulips embossing folder
Layer 4: The circle cut from the Season of Style Washi Tape
Layer 5:1 1/4" scalloped circle punch, sponged w/ Old Olive Ink
Layer 6: Champagne colored glimmer paper, punched with a mini star punch (from the merry mini's punch pack) and popped up on a dimensional. 

That's all for today!  Thanks for stopping by today to see my stamping projects!  I hope you got a little inspiration.

Love,


Selene Kempton
Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Stamp Out Breast Cancer 2013

Good Afternoon Friends!

I'm so happy to finally be able to announce the FOURTH ANNUAL Stamp Out Breast Cancer Event!  100% of all funds collected at this class will be given to making strides of Boston for Cancer Research!  

During the process of creating this class, last years keynote speaker/survivor's words ring in my heart over and over.  She said "Last year, I attended this event and was encouraged to go get a mammogram.  You talked about the importance of early detection.  I was diagnosed, treated, and today, I stand before you Cancer free, Thank you."  I assure you there was not a dry eye in the hall, but the big thing that I pulled away from last years event was how stamping changes lives!  Please join us and be a part of this fundraiser in any way you can.  If you live far away, consider having your own event.  Together we can make a difference!  

Without any further, may I present, from my heart: 


The Sweet Celebrations Class
Creating a World with More Birthdays! 
 
Please join us on
Saturday, October 19th at 10AM 
Harmony Hall, Dracut MA



Click here for the printable flier.   

There are two ways to participate.  Friends and stampers who want to attend the event, or just make a donation (minimum $20) to our team, will receive a 40 page detailed directions set for this beautiful set of cards with our great thanks.  

Note to Stampin' Up! demonstrators!!  If you want to offer this class to your customers, the class planner is for sale. 

 Introducing the Stamp Out Breast Cancer 2013, Class Planner

Join us and together we will do what we love and stamp for a world without breast cancer with the From The Sweet Celebrations Class Planner.  Every penny from the sale of this class planner will be donated to Making Strides, a Division of the American Cancer Society.  

This planner is very special to me.  It is my sincere hope that the sale of this planner will spur the idea for breast cancer fundraisers across the nation and maybe the globe.  Together we can Stamp Out Breast Cancer and Create a World with More Birthdays, One card at a time!  

So, here's what I'd like you to know before you buy.
I'd love for you to teach classes using my projects.  Feel free to teach any of my tutorials as a class.  You must charge for the class and it must generate revenue for you (or for your favorite charity) to distribute this template.  You may use this template as a handout in a class, but please do not freely distribute this. Please respect my design work and do not forward, distribute, rewrite or copy this template otherwise.  Please do not use my projects for a contest or publications.


   $20 Class Planner Version - Demonstrators Only


Class Highlights:
  • Project:  5 custom cards
  • Time Estimate:  2 hours in a class of 8 people
  • Level of Difficulty:  2 ~ This class involves simple stamping, cutting, and assembly
  • Featured Products:  Cycle Celebrations Stamp Set, Birthday Candles Wheel with Clear Mount Cling Foam and Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper
Demonstrator Planner has:
  • Class Highlights 
  • Shopping List  
  • Pricing suggestions
  • Time Estimate and Difficulty
  • Info on printable workshop sheets, with a PDF at the end on how they should look when you open them in word.
The 40 Page Detailed Directions
  • Class Highlights
  • Table of contents
  • Shopping Checklist
  • Step by step Cutting Guide
  • Directions for the 5 cards (using over 120 full color photographs)
  • No designer names appear in this file, so you can use it with your customers
  • Photographs that are watermarked are generic.
The 10 Page Word document features the printable workshop sheets:
  • A one page workshop directions sheet for each project 
  •  For each card, there is a second page with a shopping list on the back that is specific to that card project only.
  • You can put your info at the bottom of the page, print and run to your workshop. 
  • This is to save you time if you choose to break up the class and use the cards separately from the box
Thank you in advance for your support to this amazing charity.  
Love,

Selene Kempton
Thursday, September 12, 2013

9/12 Ready.Set.Shop!! Magnetic Platform Available AND Clearance Rack Just updated!



First Part of my post.. The Clearance Rack has been updated!!!

I have a card to share with you later, but Oh my gosh!  Can you say ribbon slides for $1.99 or packs of paper for 3 bucks?  Go check out all the steals in my online store clearance rack!! All items are while supplies last!  12 x 12 paper, scrapbooks!!  There's all sorts of things on Sale!!  Whoop!!
 
Magnetic Platform for BigShot now in stock and available to order in my Online Store.
  
Just a quick note to let you know that I now have this item in stock in my online store. It was so popular when it was first released that it sold out really quickly, but a new shipment is now available.

I'm sorry to those of you who used it in my studio and felt teased!  You can now, click here to order it in my online store.
 
So, what's the deal?  Was it really that popular?? Well, SU analyists that order products, underestimated the popularity by about 3000% so they were forced to turn the item off.  

This item is for use with your Framelits and Thinlits and Edgelits and other cookie cutter style dies such as Nestabilities. The magnetic force holds the dies firmly in place against the paper or cardstock, so there is no slipping or need for adhesive or sticky notes when die cutting. I first saw it in action online, got to play with it (as have many of you). You can now get your own if you like!  

If you want to see it in action you could check out this video from the stampin up home office on thinlits!  

I'll be back later on to share a project with you!  
Love,

Selene Kempton