So Thankful!

Wow!

A HUGE Thank You going out to everyone! Thanks to all of you, I have earned the cruise to Alaska for my husband and I. Our plan is to take our little girl with us. I just want to thank everyone for all your kind words, support and for those of you who placed orders to help.

Dreams DO come true!

Thank you so much.
Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday

Good Morning All!

I hope you are all doing well.. I promised to spend some time with my little one at the pool today, but decided to give mojo a try first. I'm not sure if this designer paper, really matches this new image I've decided to play with this morning.. :)

But I do not have the luxury of time this morning. I have a very excited little one to think about! :) I've already cleaned out the studio with paper that is retiring this Thursday, so I only have about 3 designs to choose from.. :) I might need to try again later...

Although this isn't my favorite card ever, I really do love a sketch challenge to get the creative juices flowing.

Have a great week!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch challenge 157

Hello Everybody!

I'm sorry that my post was late tonight. I had my LAST party of this catalog tonight.

I made this card for my hubby's uncle Jim. He and Aunt Pam will be celebrating 40 years of marriage soon and he asked me to make a "special card for her". His only request is that I had a card with a 40 on it...

I did a little research online and found out that the gift for 40 years is RUBY. Maybe auntie will get lucky!

I am in LOVE with this card... and think I might need to make some more cards with this amazing color combination... I used the spritzer tool with my new marker to spritz some color on the layers (except for the top layer).

I cut the watercolor paper with the top note die, I was excited that it fit! Then, cut it down and cut another top note to matte my watercolor paper.

I have to say that blooming beautiful, Tres Chic and embrace life will be staying in my stamp collection for sure.. All three of these sets (boo hoo) will be no longer available after Wednesday.

I used The up and coming cherry cobbler color, paired with very vanilla for the striking color combination. I also added a little artichoke for the leaf color.

I stamped my focal point on watercolor paper, and watercolored the image with markers. Then I added a very thin layer of crystal effects (to seal the image). Finally, i mixed a honkin pile of crystal effects with dazzling diamond and layered that on top, very heavy handed and let it dry.

It's important to do the very thin layer first, because the crystal effects will actually pull the color out of the watercolor paper if you lay it on without sealing it first.

For more tips and tricks on what YOU can do with crystal effects, click here to download my printable tip sheet.

I'm looking forward to a little R&R this weekend. I had 4 stamping events this week, and I'm very short on sleep. I'm sure I'll sleep good tonight.

I hope you play along with the sketch challenge this week, and check out what my girlfriends are up to, they are all so darn talented.. You can check out this week's challenge at this post..

Rubbah hugs!!!
Selene~

Independence Day

BIG Surprise!!!! I'm up until 2 am again.. How come I can never seem to wind down at night? Well, tonight it was because I was stamping. I was supposed to stamp with my friends from the TILL group today, and they had a wonderful package coming that I had to grab and was afraid to leave it in the drizzle.

So ~ my hubby is working from home tomorrow, and I'm headed into work there for a few hours. I don't know if I should really call it work, you know about what they say when you love what you do?

Twice monthly I work with some very wonderful special needs folks making a project, or decorating their rooms. It's very fun for me just seeing the smiling faces when I arrive. They all know that I'm there to "do crafts" and when I leave, I feel really good about my day.

This time we're making a 4th of july card. I've prepped out things that would be hard for many in the program. They are all adults, but have capabilities ranging from ages 0-6. It is a special place. They are really beautiful to watch and I'm sure they're watching me right back!

So tomorrow we're rolling (wheeling), and stamping I'll be helping them punch and get their focal point together, then they will place their own elements. By having the bows predone and stuck to glue dots on wax paper, they get to do the fun part! Who doesnt love the instant gratification of a simple, yet beautiful creation when it's finally put together. Wheeling is new to them, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

It's been a long day for me... It's raining here.. and all I can think is that the rain is washing today away... I'm looking forward to starting a new day tomorrow .

If you're reading my post... please try and take some time to do something that brings YOU joy today. Life is short ~ don't sweat the small stuff.

Tomorrow, I'll be totally Stamping 4 Fun!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Give me back my mojo... :)

All I can think of is that silly commercial... Give me back my filet o fish.. give me that fish...

I did the focal point for this card, about 6 times. I finally got it just right, then sprayed my smoosh on, and the sentiment smudged.. Sometimes, it's important to just walk away, which I am doing now. :)

I love the layout, I may try this one again later in the week, but not today.. :)

Here's a close up of my messy smoosh spray.

Update *** Because I was asked.... Smootch Spritz is a new product being offered in the stampin up summer mini catalog. There are 4 colors, log cabin (brown), vanilla shimmer(used here) Silver foil (dark silver) and gold glow. They are a peralized accent spray to add a splash of color to your projects. Just be careful when using them on watercolor paper... my ink ran pretty quickly (as it is intended to). I use them in conjunction with the color catcher (to save my work area) and I find that the sprays are dry in about 30 seconds. They are awesome to add a bit of pizazz to your creations! I hope that helps!

Stick a fork in me, i'm done! :P
Is it Monday already?

Sweet Sunday

Hello Everyone!

Well, it's not Sunday anymore, but it's about 12:30AM on Monday morning and I'm wide awake. I know I'm going to pay for being awake now, my daughter will be in to see me very early! :)

Anyway, I thought I'd get a jump on making this card for my hubby's uncle. His 40th wedding anniversary is coming up and he asked me to make a special card.

I may try again, because the cherry cobbler color on this got a little out of control. I did have plenty of fun however, using this simple, but beautifully inviting sketch from sweet sunday. Let me know what you think... 40 years of marriage... he said he wanted a big 40 on the front of the card.. I just don't know about that.. Being the "ruby" anniversary, I decided to play with cherry cobbler, a new color coming out on July 1st. I think I'll make a few cards, and let him pick. :)

Something Old: Well I used the most beautiful 111490 Bloomin Beautiful Stamp set, which will be retiring in less than 10 days. I also used some returning colors, pink pirouette, and wild wasabi.

Something New: I used lots of new colors including cherry cobbler, a brand new embossing folder... and my fancy shmancy new bow maker

Something Borrowed: I "borrowed" the sketch, right? :)

And something blue.. I used a very small amount of marina mist to make the soft colored background on the focal point.

I'm so going to miss this stamp set. I think the only one I will miss more is embrace life. (another classic). Anyway, I digress....

I colored the image with markers and an aqua painter. Super simple, very quick and beautiful! Thanks to Karen for the inspiration and a wonderful sketch!

Rubbah hugs and happy Monday!
Selene Kempton

Saturday Sketch challenge 156

Hello Friends!

This week, along with doing the sketch challenge for the stamping 411 website, I've combined it with the color challenge from our color guru Patti! I didnt want to add any colors outside of the three in the challenge, baja, celery, and chocolate. So I kept the coloring on this fathers day card (for my honey) to a minimum. This is very "BK" He doesn't like extra embellishments or hardware, he just doesn't see the need for it. This will be my card for him on Sunday.

Here are the measurements for my card.

Base: Baja Breeze 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
1st: chocolate chip, 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
2nd: DSP from the new book 5 x 3 3/4"
3rd: chocolate chip 2 x 3 3/4"
4th: DSP 1 7/8" x 3 3/4"
5th: 2 7/8" square turned on it's side to make a diamond shape
6th: 2 3/4" square stamped on watercolor paper

A clean and simple card for my best guy. :) Happy Fathers Day! TGIF!
Selene Kempton

Tropical Scrapbooking Workshop

Hey Everybody!

Just a quick update to all that have been asking. :) I put up an Alaska tracker on my blog, so the closer I get, you'll know about it! Right now I still need $2350 in sales... I'm still chugging along! I can't believe I am this close! Thanks to all who are helping by placing and collecting orders, and to those just cheering me on! (((hugs)))

My good friend Kim is having a workshop for me tomorrow night. She told me a little bit about who was coming and I decided to change up from my normal scrapbook workshop format. Three people from the same family will be attending, so I decided rather than them leave with three of the same exact project, that we would make mini books.

I spent the day yesterday with some of my BSF's (best stamping friends ~ aren't we all bsf's?) Barbara and Priscilla. They are in my "adopted" downline, but they really don't feel like it. I feel like they are truly part of my team. They contribute so much to the group. Anyway, they had the most wonderful stamping event yesterday.

I was in desperate need of a break, so I went and spent a few hours at their wonderful event. Before I left, Barbara handed me a project to help with inspiration for my scrap booking workshop. The girls made this at an event for stampin up demonstrators quite some distance from where we live. If this is your original design, please let me know, and I will give you proper credit here. :) I thought the idea was wonderful!

I of course made some changes to the book, it was originally in so saffron, and I substituted for items that I already had on hand. Contrary to popular belief (among my closest stampin friends) I do not own everything in the book as much as I would like to! ;)

Anyway, i think this really fits the bill for tomorrow night and I'm so looking forward to this! Do you live local and would like to join us? Well, it's at my place and my hostess Kimmy loves party crashers. Come by and take this as a class for only $10, and if you make a $35 purchase (to go towards Kimmy's benefits, you'll make this project for free!) Too much fun!

Here is a photo of the inside of the book fully opened up.

Thanks for visiting today. I hope you have time to stamp4fun today!

Selene Kempton

Mojo Monday Madness!

I've been a little crazy busy, but I suppose that's a good thing, it keeps me out of trouble. :) When I saw the mojo monday sketch this morning, I thought that the supplies that were leftover from my team meeting... and so I did! :)

I used the presto patterns paper and a brayer for the top left corner. It's hard to tell by the picture, but I used satin ribbon... I used smoosh spray over the top and it's sparkly gorgeous in real life, showing up on the satin ribbon too.. so darn pretty...

Got to get back to my little one who is about to put on a puppet show, using "mermaid" puppets she made out of copy paper. Okay... think she's a little like me? LOL

Happy Monday!
Selene Kempton

Sweet Sunday and my team meeting

Tonight is my monthly team meeting! I looked at the Sweet Sunday blog for a little inspiration this morning. I think I did too much to my card, but I got all the elements I want to show at my team meeting tonight.

First the presto patterns designer series paper was brayed with night of navy ink. I used a new embossing folder and the 2 3/4" scallop circle punch. I finished it off with the smooch spray in white, which is just gorgeous on dark paper.

This is much more sparkly in real life. I hope my team likes it. :)

Happy Sunday!
Selene Kempton

Big Shot Themed Workshops

First ~ What do you think of my new blog design? I love the header, which I made in my digital studio, with some of the gorgeous digital paper we have available! I hope you like the new look!

I have a few more workshops this month. Two of them are going to have big shot themed projects. So this is a little sneak peek for my wonderful hostesses.

I love all white cards and don't do them nearly enough. This is so gorgeous, but as simple as pie with the big shot.

Here is the recipe:
Stamps: 120045 Element's of Style, clear mount
Ink: 115658 Rich Razzleberry Ink Pad
105209 Bashful Blue Ink Pad
101406 Stazon Black Ink Pad
Paper: 100730 Whisper white
Ribbon: 117290 Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon
Adhesive: Snail adhesive and Glue mini glue dots
Big Shot Die cut machine, and the 119975 Square Lattice Embossing Folder

119855 Large oval Punch
119856 Scallop Oval Punch

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

Good Evening Stampers!

How about a wonderfully simple sketch from the operators at stamping 411!

It's that overly busy time of year... I'm a little frazzled tonight, so i'm going to get right down to the measurements.

Base 11 x 4 1/4", scored and folded in half at 5 1/2"
layer 2 4 1/4" square, and the scallop edge punch.
Layer 3 and 4... well there's a brand new 2 3/4" scalloped circle punch coming, and i cut it apart to make the backing for my oval which I cut from the big shot ovals I used 6 circles top and bottom and two each on the sides.
The top layer with the sentiment is using the scallop oval punch.

I finished this card off with some pink taffeta, and watercolored the image. This stamp set is a sneak peek coming from the new catalog, I used post it notes to mask my images to get them all to overlap, and water colored the image.

I'm so sorry to be brief! TGIF!!! Want to see what the other operators are up to? Click here to be astounded at their talent. (i always am). :) And of course to play along!

Rubbah Hugs,
Selene

Introduction to My Digital Studio

Good Afternoon!

A few of my stampin friends have been asking about my digital studio and the AMAZING New uploads that can be purchased.

Here is a video about what to do with your new "my digital studio" software when you receive it.



To check for the latest downloads click here, and then click "shop now" in the upper right hand corner to see all the beautiful downloads available. The key word to search on is DWNLDA, or you can just go to the digital downloads section under my online store!

I think his tractor is sexy. :)

I can't look at tractor punch art without thinking of that Kenny Chesney song. :) My friend Jenn wants to do tractor birthday invites for her son's 1st birthday party and I made this as a sample so she could see the potential.

This card will end up going to my father in law for fathers day.. He's in charge of mowing the lawn and it would be a cute card for him from my daughter.

I started my tractor with a blog post by Jackie Topa, shown here.

I'm going to take these directions one step at a time. The supply list is at the bottom

I started with the large scallop circle punch, and some black 8 1/2 x 11 paper. I punched out the scallop circle, then attached it with snail adhesive to some copy paper. Then, I punched it out again to make the extra spokes in the large wheel.

The second layer of the large wheel is the 1 1/4" circle punched out of More Mustard card stock

Next I used the Boho Blossoms punch (110711) to punch the inside layer for the large wheel.

The small wheel also uses the 1 1/4" circle punch and boho punches. For the inside of the small wheel, I used the same technique as on the scallop circle punch (by sticking it to copy paper and punching again.

Next I cut one of the stampin sponges up into 8 pieces and took one piece and sponged all the mustard layers with more mustard ink, and stuck them together with the tombo adhesive. I punched a hole through the layers and added my silver brads.

I punched the body of the tractor from a tag punch, and cut the racing stripe by hand. The smoke stack is a word window punch, cut from silver cardstock and sponged with basic grey ink.
The seat is from the trio heart punch, and I punched another heart in black, cut it in half then cut my steering wheel from that by hand. I used the word window punch cut in half for the steering column.

Wow ~ that seems like a lot when it's written out, but it goes really fast.

I sponged some velum with grey ink, and then punched out the smoke

Measurements:
Base: More mustard cut 11 x 4 1/4" and scored in half at 5 1/2" (note, if you do your scoring first, then cut in half after, you will yield two card bases from one sheet of cardstock. This cuts down on the amount of scoring you'll need to do if you're making a bunch.
Layer 2: Garden Green 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 3: Bashful Blue 5 x 3 3/4"

The ribbon is fun, you can cut it like you're cutting your lawn. Then, pull the "guts" up out of the ribbon and discard. you only need 5" of ribbon for this project, so your roll of 15 yards will be plenty for lots of projects!

Below is the supply list, if you need any of these items you can click here then click "shop now" to place an order anytime. the item numbers below will help you with your ordering process.

Supplies:

Stamps: 120066 "Happy Fathers Day!" from the king of the grill stamp set in the mini catalog, clear mounted to a block "c"

Ink:
102272 Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad
103162 More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad
109120 Basic Grey Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper:
100946 More mustard Cardstock
102584 Garden green Cardstock
105209 Bashful Blue Cardstock
102851 Basic Black Cardstock
100712 Brushed Silver Card stock for the smoke stack
101839 Vellum Paper
Ribbon:
109050 Certainly Celery 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Brads:
104336 Silver brads
Adhesives:
110755 Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive
104332 Snail adhesive (refills are 104331)

Punches:
110711 Boho Blossoms punch
113694 Heart to Heart punch
105934 Tag Punch
105090 Word Window Punch
104403 1 1/4" Circle Punch
109043 Scallop Circle Punch
109183 Trio Flower Punch

101610 Stampin sponges

Progress and Friendship

Good Afternoon Friends!

I talked to a girlfriend on the phone today, and she asked if I was okay. She said I sound like my soul is not in my body. I explained that she's somewhatedly (there's a new word) right. I have been working very hard towards Alaska. So I've been making calls and calling on my friends and customers to see if anyone needs envelopes, personalized address stamps or just anything! I guess in the middle of it all I wound up a little frazzled, but I'm still going!

I have also received several emails asking how my goal to earn Alaska is progressing, and I am making progress. After this week, I'll be almost half way there. To those of you who placed a order to help me out, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have booked some workshops and a few friends are doing book parties for me.

This is still a crazy goal, but I'm a lot closer than I ever thought I could get, and that is ONLY because of the help from so many people. So thanks to everyone. Thank you, thank you, thank you and I'll keep you posted.

I have to say, if nothing else I have learned that I have some awesome friends (even more than I could imagine). Thanks to all of you who cheer me on, and even just leave me an encouraging comment. It really makes my day and keeps me looking forward!

I made this card with retiring colors this month for my card club. This card is made with melon mambo, whisper white and pink pirouette. The one we did for club used two retiring purples, and when they saw this version, they all liked it better.

So here are some more details about the card

Base: 100730 Whisper white cut 11 x 4 1/4" and scored in half at 5 1/2"
Layer 2: 115320 Melon Mambo 5 x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: Pink Pirouette 4 7/8" x 3 5/8" (not available till July 1st but you could substitute 100857 Pretty in pink)

On Layer 3 i used Textured Impressions Folder, used with the 113439 big shot: 115964 Elegant Bouquet.

Next I added some 5/8" White Satin ribbon (114616) I tied the coolest bow with my brand new bow maker. My friend Lee's husband is making them. If you want more information and you are local, I'm going to put in an order with her for local people who want them. If you want one and you're not local, you can email Lee at [email protected] for more details.

I stamped the sentiment with the stamps from Simple friendship 113397, and just layered the images on top of one another in basic gray ink 109120. I used gray instead of black to keep it soft.

Finally, i used a two way glue pen 100425 to add dazzling diamonds glitter 102023 to the top of my card. You just use the glue pen wherever you want the glitter to stick and pour it on! This is so sparkly in real life.

If you need any of these items and would like to make a purchase, click here, then click "shop now". Every little bit helps, so for those of you who have made a purchase to help me towards my goal, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mojo Monday

Crafting is made easy with a really good sketch. This week's sketch over at mojo monday's blog might be just what I've been looking for. I wouldn't have laid this set out with these elements in those spots on my own, but it's so pretty!

This adorable card uses pink pirouette, early espresso and melon mambo color scheme. It's very sparkly in person and I'm not sure the picture does it justice. I colored the images with markers. I'm still looking for the perfect swap card to send.

Happy Monday!

Stampin' after midnight with the technostamper sketch

Well, I'm back to full time mommy duty with my daughter being out of school for the summer and it seems like I'm returning to an old habit of stamping after midnight. I'm in the most wonderful new swap and I only need to make 7 cards, but I can never seem to decide on what I'd like.

The other ladies in this swap group are so talented, I'm feeling pressure to get something stunning done, and although I think this card is very pretty... I may try a few more designs before deciding what to make. I'm thinking the carriage should be pink? something is off... These swaps were supposed to be in the mail yesterday!

So ~ I got an email from my girlfriend Mary Jo and tonight, she posted her sketch challenge, so I tried playing.. I should be in bed. :) Oh well.. I'm stampin' after midnight. :)

This card uses so saffron, pink pirouette and early espresso colors. It's so fun to play with some of the new colors!

I used a brand new sneak peek from the catalog that's coming out in July (which demonstrators can pre-order now). So exciting! I couldn't wait to get my stamp set mounted and ready to go! So fun!

I used the new 2 3/4" scallop circle punch to make the scallops around the oval. I just cut a few scallops off of the two punches I used, and worked it out in the back. Way cool! The oval comes from one of the sizzix oval dies.... and how about that espresso ribbon?

Let me know what you think I can do to this... it needs bling or something! :) Be honest, do you have suggestions of what I can add or change?

I did move my main element over a bit, because the sentiment needed to be under the carriage, because of the way the stamp really has an empty spot right there.. Awesome sketch to play with!

Saturday Sketch Challenge 154

Good Evenin' Happy Stampers! (well at least I hope you're happy).

Before I get started.... on a more personal note, I'd like to wish Jordan Bauer (8), Tiffany's daughter a speedy recovery after her ATV accident. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Do you know Tiffany Bauer, one of the Stamping 411 operators? You can leave her well wishes on this post over on the 411 site. We're all praying for you girlfriend.

I'm certainly happy that it's Friday and would love to be headed to the beach tomorrow.

The place where we got the tires for our camper messed up, and we have to go back to get new valve stems, because they are all dry rotted.

Maybe we'll get there Sunday.

So how about the details on my card.

Measurements:
Base: Kraft Card Stock 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
1st: Chocolate Chip 5 x 3 3/4"
2nd Tempting Turquoise 4 7/8" x 3 5/8"
3rd: chocolate chip 4 7/8" x 2 1/8"
4th: Island Oasis Designer 4 7/8" x 2"
5th: Chocolate Chip 2 7/8 x 3 1/8"
6th: Watercolor Paper 2 3/4" x 3"

Well, I used markers and an aqua painter to watercolor the image (which is stamped on watercolor paper). I think the watercolor paper, makes the markers move more easily AND the colors come out so vibrant! In real life this card really cooks with color. (okay, couldn't resist)

I stuck the chocolate and turquoise layers together, before running them through the big shot. I attached some designer paper to some more chocolate, and spritzed the front with the log cabin smooch spray. Now that I've gotten the hang of using less, I'm really liking the smooch spray.

I added the chocolate ribbon, with a technique my friend Lee taught me. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with on this simple sketch! It's going to be a fun week!

((rubbah hugs)))
Selene Kempton

Bad Blogger ~ Graduation

Well, it's officially Summer here in the Kempton household. The apple of my eye (Alexis, in brown) has graduated from preschool this week. She's pictured here with one of her BFF's after the ceremony.

(I'm back to full time mommy)

Aren't they adorable? They were in different classes this year, but when they return for Kindergarten in the fall, they'll be in the same class. :)

So here's the card I made for her. I really didn't have a lot of time. So I used a packet that was leftover from my stamp club this month and made her this card.

It's been a busy summer already. Alexis has been helping me with my goal of earning Alaska. I'm about 1/4 of the way there, I've collected 40 of the 160 $50 orders that I need to earn the trip.

Thanks to all those who have wished us well with this! (and for those who have placed orders). I rarely ask anyone to place an order ~ so it's WAY out of my comfort zone. I'm workin on it! :)

If you'd like to take a look at my online store to see if you can help, click here, then click "shop now in the upper left hand corner.

I mean, in my humble opinion, we have some of the best crafting products on the planet for sure! :)

Retirement Lists are Here!!!

Can you believe Stampin' Up will no longer be selling THIS favorite set of mine, embrace life?

Are your favorite sets on this list?

Click here to see all of the retirement lists and to get what you are wanting before they are gone forever. Some accessories in the past have sold out completely within hours!

Shop now! 24/7 so you don't miss out. Click here, then click "shop now" in the upper right hand corner. Make sure you check out the clearance rack for deals up to 60% off retail!