2/18 Stampin' Up! By the Tide and Sassy Salutations with the polished stone technique

Good Morning Friends! 

Yesterday, I spent the day at the bowling ally with my stud muffin to watch him in a bowling tournament and spend some time with friends.  It was a really fun and silly laughing kind of day.  On the way home I was playing on pinterest and found some artwork that I thought would make a cool card.  The photo here is what I found. 
Kind of cool, and dark, like a sunset or I'm not sure what, but I like it!  Today, I'm hosting a chat and challenge over on the demonstrator group SUDSOL, and decided to to a challenge around my inspiration piece. 










Not too shabby!  I think you could use the sketch for all sorts of cards.  Color blocking where you put maybe a cupcake on the right, happy birthday across the top and a balloon on the slim panel on the left?

Fun times.  :) 

So I got up before everyone in the house this morning to make my card for the challenge.  Here we go:


What do you think??

I think it's kind of funky, artsy.  :)  so I'd like to talk about the process.  In person this card is so shiny and there's gold towards the top (which I saw in the art piece at the top).

I started with a piece of glossy white paper, cut to 3 7/8" x 5".  Then I started with the polished stone technique.  To do this technique, you need some reinkers, rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.

For best results you'll want to buy the 91% alcohol.  Really soak few cotton balls with the alcohol and put a few drops of the reinkers on top.  I started with baja breeze, certainly celery and gold.  I also heat set the ink with setting 1 on my stampin up heat gun. 

After adding those three colors to my glossy cardstock, this is what my paper looked like.  

 Then, I added some night of navy and baja along the bottom to lookk more like the sample. 

 At this point, I went back to the celery and baja and filled it in.  I kept blending until I got my cardstock to the desired effect. 

Then, I grabbed my stamp sets, By the Tide and Sassy Salutations and started Stamping.  I cut my cardstock, and on the bottom panel I chopped 1/8" out of the middle to make it easy to matte on my 4 x 5 1/4" Black Card Stock.

So here's the inspiration piece, and my card again.  I hope it leaves you feeling inspired to stamp something for fun today! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Much Love,

Selene

My Stampin' Up! Store

8/1 Stampin' Up! Papillon Potpourri

Good Afternoon!

I get the mom of the year award today.  I got up and sleepily got my peanut's lunch and things together for her 3rd day in dance camp.  Well, I carefully heated a special lunch of veggies with butternut squash ravioli in a special sauce, packed up her bag (and her) and ran out the door without the thermos.

I did bring it when she called me, but boy do I feel silly!!

It's club week here in the studio, so some my customers were here until about 10pm, then I CAN'T seem to sleep when everyone goes right away.  I am so happy to see everyone, I need time to unwind.  I guess it makes sense that I'm tired the next day!

Here's a card I designed on Monday using my friend Mary Jo's sketch challenge.  I love this week's sketch!  To make the designer paper panels, all I did was take a 1 3/4" circle punch and punch out three circles of Floral District Designer Series paper; then cut them in half.  I was going to use this card with my clubs this week, but had to change the design a little because I didn't have enough DSP to make all the circles for 40 packets.

My center whisper white panel measures 2 1/4" x 4 1/4", and it was embossed with the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder.  I cut a strip of razzleberry cardstock to 4 1/4", then used the Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border punch to punch a strip.  I cut that strip down the middle with paper snips and used a two way glue pen to glue the edges on. 

Next, I used stazon ink to stamp my butterfly from Papillon Potpourri on three different colors of cardstock, then punched them out!  I added them to my card with glue dots (so they can still fly) and added some clear dazzling details to the top.


Easy Peasy, lemon squeezy!  Did I just say that?  :)

Measurements
Base: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 5 1/8" x 3 7/8", rich razzleberry
Layer 3: 5 x 3 3/4", whisper white
Layer 4: a strip of daffodil seam binding
Layer 5: 3 punched 1 3/4" circles
Layer 6: whisper white 4 1/4" x 2 1/4"
Layer 7: 4 1/4" strip from the dotted scallop ribbon border punch

I've started linking to the specific items I use on my projects in my store to make it easy for you, my clients, to shop.  I've already heard from some of you that you're happy to this little addition!  As always if I can do anything to help you with anything you have purchased, I'm here to serve! I am very grateful to everyone who helps me continue to share what I love and help support my family with Stampin' Up as my full time job as well.

I am so grateful to you all. 

Supplies
Stamps:  Papillon Potpourri W123757 / C123759
Ink: Stazon Black
Paper: Daffodil, razzleberry, whisper white and Lucky Limeade Cardstock.  Floral district DSP
Accessories: Scalloped Dotted Ribbon Border punch, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, dazzling details glitter, daffodil seam binding, and I almost forgot!!  The coordinating Elegant Butterfly punch!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Want to play along with the sketch?  Check out Mary Jo's Technostamper blog!

Rubbah hugs,

Selene Kempton
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For Mom

My daughter is pretty lucky, to have the most amazing grandparents around.  Both my mom, and Brian's parents are just wonderful, helpful resources.  I truly believe that Alexis can learn so many things from them that I just can't teach her.  These wonderful experiences have made her into a remarkably loving, sweet, gifted and well rounded young lady.  (not that I'm bias or anything).

When it comes to celebrating holidays that honor those special people in her life and in mine, the right card is essential! 

I get an email weekly from the sketch challenge board over on split coast and saw this delicious sketch.  I thought I better get snapping on those mother's day cards that I'm going to need for the wonderful mom's and nana's and memere's in our family.

I chose this wonderful stamp set that will be retiring on May 31st along with so many others, Flower Fest. 

I used a bunch of punches as well, it makes layering this flower so quick and easy.   Do you think this card is good enough for one of the AMAZING grandmothers in my life? 

Here's a close up of the flower.. I spritzed it with shimmer mist, and added some pearls in a tight formation to appear like the center of a real flower.  I'm really digging the effect! 


And what is peeking out behind the flower??  Leaves?? Nope!!  That's the new gumball green stitched ribbon!  That will be available for purchase on June 1st.

If nothing else, those special grandmothers in my life will know how much they are appreciated by receiving a card I took the time to sit and make for them especially.  After all, isn't that what it's all about?
Sprinkling little bits of love in every card today. :)

Selene~
Want your FREE copy of the new idea book and catalog?  Place a $50 order online and I'll mail you one as soon as they are in my hands!

Warm and Cozy

Good Afternoon! 

I was bouncing around online this morning and found a challenge blog I don't think I've played with before "try stampin' on Tuesday."

They had an adorable sketch up today and I thought it would go nicely with some of my new things.

This stamp set just makes me HAPPY!  

Supplies
Stamps:  Forever With You Stamp Set, 126727 Clear Mount, or 126725 Wood Mount
Ink: Soft suede marker, 2012-2014 In Color Markers, Midnight Muse and summer starfruit
Paper: Comfort Cafe Designer series paper, Midnight Muse Card stock, Very Vanilla Cardstock
Accessories:  Neutral Buttons, Soft Suede taffeta ribbon, linen thread.

The colors included in the designer paper are:

Comfort Café ~ Cajun Craze, Midnight Muse, pool party, soft suede, Summer Starfruit, very vanilla

There's a stamp in this set that coordinates nicely with the new framelits.  I stamped midnight muse ink on the same color card stock and this is the result.  This card is jaw dropping pretty in person!  

It's rainy and cold here in massachusetts today.  I hope wherever you are, you are warm and catching sun rays! :)

Until tomorrow,

Selene~

Stampin' with my girl

It's been a stressful couple of years when it comes to me, staying at home and still being able to contribute to my family and what they need.

Sometimes, it all weighs a little heavy and I've been feeling it especially these past few weeks. Today, escaped with my girl for some much needed stamping time. I'm thankful for my stamping business that gives me a way to give back to my family, but for the past couple of years, it's just not cutting the mustard.

I'm still trying to find a creative way to earn her tuition, for the school she loves and deserves. It is what it is. I guess it's time to get a bit more creative! Alexis at 7 years old wants to be in and around everything crafty, electronic, and fun! If I want t know what colors are in style, I just take a look at her latest wardrobe, because (thanks to her memere) she's just a little fashionista!

A chip off the old block, she loves her stamping! Can you blame her? Today, I let her use "mum's good paper snips" and she did REALLY well! Guess she's getting old enough to have some fun with dear old mom in the studio! :D

So let's get started! First ~ I just LOVE the sketch challenge over on split coast stampers today! Here's the card Alexis made! She did pretty good cutting out her hot air balloons considering it was the first time I let her use the "big girl snips".

Ooops, I think that banner ended up, upside down... but she didn't notice! hey, look at that scissor work! I was very impressed at her handling the self adhesive rhinestone brads.

Alexis showed me very carefully how you put your finger on top of the rhinestone you want to pick up and gently slide the snips under the adhesive (that's under the rhinestone) until it sticks to the tip of your snips. Gheesh! I think I may have a potential recruit sign up during Sale-A-Bration. She's got me sold! :DStep 2 of applying the rhinestone is to use the tip of the snips to place the rhinestone where you want it, put your finger on top and pull the scissors out! Thanks for the tutorial little one! :D My girl is growing up so fast!
"Okay now mom! Take my picture with MY CREATION!! You know this is the best card I've ever made.... You know WHY MOM?? Because WE made it TOGETHER! How lucky are we to be able to spend time together like this?"

Mom will be back in a minute! I need a tissue!
Yea.. she gets "IT" This is her concentrating look while she assembled the card.. "Mom, I'm gonna need some snail over here!"

Yes you are my dear! :D

Finally, here's the very clean and simple creation that I made, with my daughter's posted above. She's so cool, I just had to share. For me, this is what it's all about. :D

She started her own card bin of cards to have on hand so that she'll have one to send out if she needs it. Wait a minute! I think that means she's officially better than me! Proud mama moment...

We went a little crazy with the bling on this, but we had fun. :DThat's it for tonight!

Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Happy Birthday to my BFF ~ SSC346

When it rains it pours as far as being busy, but you never want to be too busy to send a card to your BFF.

Roxie over on SCS was looking for a few volunteers to make a sample card! How excited am I that she emailed me back?? When I saw the sketch from split coast stampers this week, I knew that I wanted to make a card for my BFF. I just hope that she receives this card BEFORE she sees it here.

A true BFF is someone you can be YOURSELF with and no matter what, they just GET you. So this one is for my BFF, Barbie. This is so US!

So First, I'd like to share my measurements:
Base layer: is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: 5 1/8" x 3 5/8" in espresso.
Layer 3: 5 x 3 3/4" GORGEOUS new DSP from the Stampin' Up! holiday mini, holly berry bouquet. (this design looks like spring!)
Layer 4: quilted espresso ribbon from the holiday mini, I used 3 layers to fit the sketch better.
Layer 5: espresso 2 7/8 x 3 7/8"
Layer 6: watercolor paper 2 3/4" x 3 3/4"
Layer 7: espresso scalloped oval punch
Layer 8: Large oval punch

Stamps: Not So Seriously, Occasions Alphabet
Ink: Stazon and markers (cobbler and espresso)
Accessories: Aquapainter, watercolor paper, smooch pearlized accent ink in Gold lame (to paint her earings and shoes), quilted satin ribbon in espresso color (from the holiday mini)

First, I started stamping... I tried stamping the image with sentiment on bright white card stock and instantly knew I'd prefer to watercolor this project. However, I didn't have much DSP that had off white, and I knew she couldn't be bright white. :D

I stamped the images again and cut out the present. Next, I took my markers and aqua painter and water colored the image. For a tutorial on how to watercolor with markers, see this post.

I used blush blossom for the skin color, and added blushing bride to her cheek. I painted the earrings and shoes with gold smooch accent ink to give just the right amount of sparkle. Next, I stuck those layers together and referred back to this week's sketch. I added 3 layers of the quilted satin ribbon to follow the sketch. Then, I tied the gorgeous double bow with Lee Conrey's amazing bow maker.

I inked the sentiment using the two different marker colors again, and punched that out with an oval punch. I LOVE the way the sentiment oval goes up and down instead of the long way. :D Finally I cut two small bouquets of little flowers. One for my BFF's hand, and one for the top of my oval. I cut the flowers right out of the DSP underneath. Isn't that fun??

I hope you have time to play along with Roxie's Sketch over on SCS this week! Thanks for looking!
Rubbah hugs,
Selene Kempton

Sketch Challenge Day!

Stamping sketch challenges rock my world so I made it a point to check out a few of my girlfriend's blogs today to see what I could play along with.

Carolanne and Sandy's 10 minute card challenge and Mary Jo's Technostamper Monday Sketch were on my list today. I'm so thankful to have such talented friends that give me ideas and challenge me to be a better stamper! I'm so happy to have some time to play! So here's what I came up with..

For Mary Jo's Sketch here's my rendition

























And for Carolanne's here's what I came up with.























Today is card club day! I have a whole bunch of happy stampers coming tonight! I have a crazy busy week with stamping this week, but today I took a few hours and did some stamping.

I don't have a lot to say today (that's a first), but I really enjoyed some stamping time for me. I hope you have time to play along or stamp something fun today!

Rubbah hugs!
Selene Kempton

What IS a sketch Challenge??

A very good friend and customer came by yesterday and asked me what IS a sketch challenge... Guess I'm not doing my job!!

Basically, you take the layout only, change it any way you like and make a card based on that layout. So ~ the layout here has 5 layers and one embellishment.

The "base" layer of the card, is a standard card base which is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2"

Second Layer is 4 1/4" x 2"

Third is 1 x 3 3/4 (this is your patterned paper layer) and layers 4 and 5 are entirely based on what you are stamping.

To layer the paper, you'll want to add a 1/4 inch on two sides. So if your image is sitting on a 2x3" white, then the layer below it should be 2 1/4" x 3 1/4".

Two days left to try this skech out for a prize!

Still unsure of how to cut your paper? Join us for Open stamp night, at my place on October 11th. Bring what you already have, and I'll help you figure out any details on how to use it!

Another Split coast challenge

This was my submission for SC challenge 139.

I used the winter bright simply scrappin kit for the FABULOUS paper!

I'm addicted!

My New Blog!

Welcome To My New Blog!

I hope to post project ideas and more information out here!

Here's the card from today This is a card challenge from SCS. To check out the challenge, go to the following link.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283517