1/28 Apothicary Art and Tea for two Designer Series Paper, Paper players sketch challenge

Good Evening Friends! 

I saw this cute sketch by the LeAnne Pugliese of the Paper Players this week and knew I wanted to give the sketch a whirl!  I have always loved a good sketch challenge.  it helps get the creative juices flowing for sure!  First, here is their sketch. 

When I saw the panel on the front left hand side, I thought I'd pull out my Tea for Two Designer Series Paper, and yes, I know... I added a few layers, but I think a good sketch challenge does that for you!  You take the sketch as your main idea then let the good times roll!  

My Island Indigo base measures 11 x 4 1/4" and it's scored in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: Very Vanilla 5 1/8 x 3 7/8"
Layer 3:  Island Indego 5 x 3 3/4", embossed with the Lacy Brocade Textured embossing folder 127819
Layer 4: 3 3/4" x 2 strip of Tea for Two Designer paper
Layer 5: Very Vanilla Cardstock, cut with the labels collection framelits 125598, these coordinate perfectly with the Apothicary Art Stamp set (clear mount 125527)
Layer 5a: is some satin ribbon from the sale-a-bration catalog I got for FREE with my $50 purchase.  It's the sycamore street Ribbon and button pack (you get 36 buttons and 3 rolls of ribbon (pool party, tangerine tango, and island indigo, shown here).  item number 130812


I stamped the main image using stazon ink, then added straight marker color to the leaves to color them.  I used an aqua painter and markers on a plastic bag to watercolor the image and added straight color in selected areas to make the image really pop. 

When I was water coloring, I stuck with the same colors that come in the designer paper I chose, Island Indigo, Pool Party, lucky limeade and so saffron. 

Here's another close look, it's so soft and pretty, but I love the deep contrast of the blue against the Vanilla!  What do you think?  If you have time this week, perhaps you could give the sketch a try and play along too?

Until tomorrow!  Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

Please Read: Stamping top 50 and Valentines Scrapbook Pages with Henry and glimmer paper!

Hello Friends ~

Just a quick note, I got a message from a few friends who follow my blog that stamping top 50 is having some issues!  (it's them!, not me, promise!!) 

I've removed them from my site, so problem solved for now.  They have been on my blog for years, so I'm not sure what's up.  Better to be safe than sorry! Until they get it sorted out, I'll keep the link to them off my blog.  :)

So, how about some cute projects from scrapbook class this month? 
We made these LOVEABLE pages with Henry (etta), Henry is such a girl with those cute painted toenails! 

Every month at scrapbooking class we make 4 pages, that's two, 2 page spreads for $20.  Spend at least $25 at the class and take $10 off the class fee!

The next three dates are: (all Friday's): Feb 15th, March 15th and April 12th.
Wanna join us?  

Here's a close up of the loveable sparkle.  Sigh.. :) 

Hope you are well today!  Earn a free Sale-A-Bration reward with every $50 purchase in my online store!  Thanks for checking it out!  :)

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

Stampers with HeART Team Meeting, Madison Avenue, Sycamore Street Suite with Curly Cute

How about some really sweet Sale-A-Bration samples by my downline Diane Windrom? 

Diane was gracious enough to take care of the samples and make and take for the team meeting for me this month, because we met the day after I returned home from leadership.  These cards are all made with the same supply set and feature both the Curly Cute stamp set, and Madison Avenue, which is a free stamp set that you can earn during Sale-A-Bration!

 For this one she tied a knot in the ribbon, then slipped it through some pre-punched holes that she made!

 Six punched squares makes this background eye catching and unique.  Both the ribbon and buttons can be earned with any $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration.

 How about this clean and simple design with a single pearl accent?!?

 This simple card uses the Vine street embossing folder and the sycamore street designer paper from Sale-A-Bration.  The beautiful medallion was just cut from designer paper and propped up on dimensionals!  So clever!!

We all got to make our own one of these at the meeting (thank you Diane)!  The delicate stitch through the button is just a scrap of paper sliced off with the stampin up paper trimmer.  Looks like a real stitch, yes? 

These cards would be simple and quick to make.  Want to know the best part?  When you host a party that reaches $400 during Sale a bration you get all 3 products for FREE!  Plus a package of glimmer paper to celebrate Stampin' Up's 25th anniversary!  :) 

Let's not forget the hostess benefits which you get as well!  $65 and a half price item to spend as you wish!  What could be better?? 

Well, you could sign up to be a part of my team.  Gain access to our exclusive facebook group with training, tutorials and lots and lots of samples to copy! 

If any of these excite you, send me an email today and I'll get you on the list for the next team gathering, which will be on Feb 10th! 

Have a wonderful rest of the day!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/17 Stampin' Up! Oh, Hello ~ Spring Color Combination Challenge

Good Morning Friends!

It's good to be back home!  I created this project for my monthly team meeting which was scheduled the day after I got home.  I love sharing my experience from an event, while it's fresh in my mind.    When I was creating this make and take, I was pretty tired from lack of sleep while I was away.  Yep! I had fun!  I created this card with my all time favorite color combination for spring!

So, here it is:

Here is the project I made for my team to create at the post Leadership meeting. I got this set, Oh Hello for free, as a Manager, I got 4 stamp sets in all to use in my business.  I love new rubbah!

I love that you can get this stamp set also in a bundle with the oval framelits!  Everyone needs Ovals!  Totally!  This is a link to the bundle as well.  I didn't get the ovals yet, I was hoping it would be in one of the giveaways, because we knew we were getting this set!  :)

Anyway, this card is so simple!  First, we took the rose red layer, and embossed it with the cheveron embossing folder.  Then, we took a rose red ink pad to the top of the paper and rubbed it on, direct to paper.

I love how the images layer on the focal point of this card.  First I stamped my big Easter Egg ~ sorry, doesn't the oval look like an Easter Egg??, (also in the Chevron pattern) and layered the ink on top.  I cut the flower out and popped that up on dimensionals.  We added dazzling details using a two way glue pen to the flower.

I always tell my friends who stamp with me that you can have just as much a "WOW" effect from layering your ink as you can from layering your paper.  When in doubt, add another layer!

Speaking of additional layers, did you happen to notice the cute button, bling and ribbon.  I used some leftover scraps to make a small tag (that's rose red seam binding) and then added a so saffron button.  I thought about using paper to make a strip so it looked like a stitch, then added some bling!  :)

Here comes the challenge part!  Why not try this color combination on for yourself?  I'd love to see what you  create!  When you are done, you can email me, or post it somewhere on line and enter your link below!  :)  I bet you can make beautiful things with this color combination!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/16 Best Of 25 Years of Stamp Sets and updates from Leadership

Good Morning Friends!

I have so much information from leadership to share with you.  This is one that really caught my eye.  Check back here daily, I'm going to be sharing LOTS of information with you!  Stampin' Up is really rolling out the red carpet for their 25th Anniversary and they did just that for managers and above at the Harry Potter Attraction in Orlando! 

Here's a picture of my friend Marilyn (in the back), my brother Paul (front left) and his sweet girlfriend Michele (front right) sampling some of the British Cuisine at the event. 

My nickel's worth of free advice if you're planning on riding the rides in this park?  Eat after you go on the rides.  Many demonstrators had a little trouble after riding and wish they hadn't eaten first!  just sayin'  We all did fine.  :)

So, getting back to the "Best Of" Stamp sets!    Here are the details from the home office:

As part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we're bringing back some of our favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!

• All Best of stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image, and will be priced at $14.95.
• While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month (with a new theme each month), all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014.
• A new flyer will be released every month for each new Best of set.
• All Best of stamp sets are available in Clear-Mount only.

While we are releasing just one Best of stamp set per month, all of the Best of sets will be available until March 31, 2014. 

As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, starting in February we're including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

So ~  Here is January's stamp set, Best of Birthdays!

Oh my gosh, isn't it cute??  You can get the full information, by looking at this flier.  Then, don't forget to download your collectors card.  Purchase 6 of these beauties, and get a stamp set of your choice free (retail value $14.95 or less). 

I am putting in an order for mine today.  Let me know if there's something you need or would like one too! 

Here's a few projects made with the "happy birthday to you" never seen before stamp!  These photos were taken at leadership and are the work of the very talented Pam Morgan of the home office. 

Finally, it always takes my breath away when I am at a Stampin' Up! Event.  After coming into the the main room (where they had product displays and where we eat lunch) the first day was completely underway.  There was swapping and and product demonstrations.  The buzz is unbelievably cool. 

Here is a photo I snapped to remember "that" moment when I first walked into the main gathering area. 

I take this photo every event, because I want to hold onto that feeling, the excitement of walking through the door of an event like this.  It is like nothing on earth!  :)

Until tomorrow, big stampin hugs! 
I need to go do some work!  Scrappin' here on Friday!

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store

1/14 Even More Sycamore Street and Bloomin Marvelous SAB Sneak Peek of Stampin' Up!

Good Morning Friends!

Here's another sneak peek from the upcoming Sale a Bration series of products by Stampin' Up! I swapped this card before I left for leadership and I'm so excited to share it with you this morning.

Lookie lookie at that new cute little butterfly punch!  It coordinates perfectly with this stamp set, Bloomin Marvelous, and so does the gorgeous designer paper, Sycamore Street!  I love this time of year!

This is a super simple layout, which makes making a boat load of these babies really easy, but it makes it so fun to stamp too!

I'll be back tomorrow to share some photos from leadership this week.  Right now, i need to get ready for my team meeting tonight!  I cant wait to see the girls!

Big Hugs!
Selene~

1/12 More Sycamore Street Designer patterns and Curly Cute Stamp set

Good Afteroon!

It has been a whirlwind week here in Sunny Orlando Florida with the BEST LEADERSHIP and presentations ever!  

It seems so ironic that I had THIS CARD scheduled to post today.  It's a wonderful, sparkly thank you card.  Simple in design, but absolutly stunning.  It's how I feel about leadership this week.  I'm so very grateful for all the insights, tips, friendships.   

I just left the REALLY AWESOME downline training class with Lyndsay Mahon and Holly Linford that focuses on teaching the girls in MY group how to be the best they can be.  That's really my goal as a team leader.  

So, some details about the card?  This card is mainly Pink Pirouette and Rich Razzleberry.  Super simple!  I just punched out the top layer with my flower punch, and let the paper do the rest of the decorating!  Add a little bling and you are good to go!  

I cant wait to get home and start sharing even more.  I've been sharing some of the cool things from this week on facebook.  Please make sure you check out my facebook page including info about the new paper pumpkin kit of the month subscription service that is coming out on Monday!  Here's the link!  Until Later on!  Much love from Sunny Florida!

Rubbah hugs,

Selene Kempton
My Stampin' Up! Store