10/31 Thankful Thursday

Well, my friends, it was a CRAZY month!  I just finished club and I'm headed out to a crafting retreat this weekend. It's Thankful Thursday at stampin up and they have some awesome specials on ribbon.  In addition there's a weekly sale that you can check out at the link right there <--. 

So, in honor of Thankful Thursday, here's what I'm thankful for.  My Ballerina Fairy Princess...

My sweet hubby... This photo was taken by my friend Tami White at our Annual Breast Cancer Event!

 

And.. Drumroll!!!  

I'm very thankful for you!!  

There were  so many people that participated in the success of this year's Stamp Out Breast Cancer Event.  Every single person made a difference and together we raised $3270 for Breast Cancer.  Check out our team site here.

If you're interested in still helping, check out the link to get a planner.  100% off all money donated goes back to the charity!  

Much Love,

Selene Kempton

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

10/17 Thank You Thursday, Label Love, One Day Sale!!

Good Morning Friends!

How appropriate to have Thank you Thursday.  I have so much to be thankful for.  We are heading into our Fourth Annual, Stamp Out Breast Cancer Event this weekend, and we are already more than half way to goal.

Demonstrators have purchased the class planners from across the globe and are planning their own charity fundraisers.  Others have purchased the planner to help with their Stampin' Up! businesses, and have been able to prep, print and run  out the door to workshops.  The workshop sheets have a printable shopping list and blow by blow directions on the front.  I've heard from demo's who have already used my planner and they are raving!  Click here to check it out.  100% off all money collected goes to our team at making strides.

If you are not a demonstrator, but would like the detailed directions for those cards, click here to make a donation to our team.  We will forward you the directions after.  Just note, if you make the donation as "Anonymous" we are unable to see the donation and send you the directions. 

When I saw today's Thank you Thursday post from Stampin' Up! showcasing what is on sale, I knew today was the day to post my Label Love card! Guests got to choose to make a birthday card or this one.. we used every stamp in the set that day.  It's a gorgeous stamp set! 

I make so many cards, that I have a cue of them waiting to post for you. :)  This one I made months ago at my new catalog 20 card rollout bash!  We made 20 different cards that day and this was one of them.  It features TWO of the items that are on sale today!   I love that I have one at "the ready" to show you how to use the awesome items that are on sale today for just one day!!   Got to love that!! 

Here is the card that we made.  So first, let me tell you about the sale...

This week’s Thank You Thursday is all about punches—namely the Artisan Label, Bitty Butterfly, Hexagon, Mosaic, and Pansy Punches.

	Artisan Label Punch Item #130920 Regular Price: $15.96 US Discounted Price:$11.96 US
	Bitty Butterfly Punch Item #129406 Regular Price: $15.96 US Discounted Price:$11.96 US
	Hexagon Punch Item #130919 Regular Price: $15.96 US Discounted Price:$11.96 US
	Mosaic Punch Item #131267 Regular Price: $15.96 US Discounted Price:$11.96 US
	Pansy Punch Item #130698 Regular Price: $15.96 US Discounted Price:$11.96 US

At Stampin’ Up! we are known for how our products coordinate, thus making the creative process easy! All of the punches that are featured today have coordinating stamp sets.

 I just love Black and White and one other color!  This card really is a stunner in person and it's pretty easy to put together. 

I started with a square punch and punched out 4 pieces of Designer paper from the Modern Medley Designer Series Paper.  I attached those to a basic black base layer measuring 3 1/2" square. 

Then I punched three pieces out of the melon mambo cardstock.  Two butterflies and a scalloped circle punch.  Those were previously embossed with the fancy fan embossing folder. 

Next, we stamped the Mr. & Mrs. from the Label Love stamp set.  We added some of the vintage ribbon and we were good to go!  :) 

Two more days till the fundraiser at harmony hall in Dracut, MA!  Won't you join us?  For LOTS more details, click here to see the flier that gives more details about the event! 

Much Love,

Selene Kempton

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

10/16 Chalk Talk & Everything Eleanor, Chalkboarding and Embossing Techniques

Good Morning Friends!

Just a quick project share with you..  Isn't this pretty? Chalkboarding is a hot trend right now in many different industries.  We made this card at embossing class last month, and it was one of my favorite projects.

To get started, here's a supply list.

Stamps: Chalk Talk and Everything Eleanor
Ink: Versamark Ink
Paper: Soft Sky, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Black Embossing Powder, White embossing Powder, White Chalk Marker, Heat tool, Soft Sky Seam Binding, Chalk Talk Framelit Dies

Save 15% if you purchase the stamp set and framelits in a bundle!  Here is a link to that: Chalk Talk Bundle

Now Some Measurements:
Base Layer: Soft Sky 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored and folded in half at 4 1/4"
Layer 2: Basic black 5 1/4" x 4"
Layer 3: (yours could be smaller) but I used a 1/4 sheet of Whisper white.  5 1/4" x 4"

Step by step:

Step 1: Start with the black paper and stamp the flourish from Everything Eleanor on your black card stock. 
Step 2: Pour the white powder on, and funnel the excess back into the jar and close it up.
Step 3: Grab a small paintbrush and brush any excess flecks of powder off where you don't want it on your finished piece
Step 4: Heat the White embossing Powder with the Heat tool until it melts.
Step 5: using the White Chalk Marker and a ruler, make the lines on the edges of the cardstock.  Note** it's much easier, to put the ruler on the "inside" edge of your cardstock and leave the part that is on the outside out when drawing the lines.  Set the Black Layer 2 aside for a moment.
Step 6: On the whisper white Layer, use an embossing buddy to swipe any imperfections off the paper, and wipe your fingers too.
Step 7: Stamp with versamark the main "tag image" from Chalk Talk on top of the Whisper white cardstock. 
Step 8: Pour the black powder on top, and funnel any excess back into the jar.
Step 9: use a paintbrush to brush off any pieces of excess powder before heating.
Step 10: Heat the Black Embossing Powder with the Heat tool until it melts.
Step 11: Use the  Chalk Talk Framelit Dies to cut out the focal point and set aside for a moment.
Step 12: tie a bow with the Soft Sky Seam Binding Ribbon, then run a 6" piece along the front of the card.  Attach to the back using two glue dots.
Step 13: Use adhesive to finish putting your card together, and glue dots to attach the bow.
Enjoy!

I hope you are leaving inspired to try this technique out.  Embossing is one of my customers favorite techniques, because it's like magic!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Much Love,

Selene Kempton

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

10/15 By the Tide and a Dozen thoughts

Good Morning,

Happy Sale Day!  There are so many items on sale including the clearance rack, I don't event know where to begin on today's post!  The cute silver basics buttons used on this card are currently on the clearance rack for only $2.39 a pack!  I'll talk about how I made this card in a few moments, but I want to first tell you about the weekly deals from Stampin' Up! this week.  They are amazing!  I love the Stampin' Up! Self adhesive Pearls! 

So a quick note, when you put the item in your card, the discount doesn't show up till you are checking out, but you will get the discount before you check out. 

 

	Argyle Textured Impressions Item # 127750   Regular Price: $7.95 US Discounted Price: $5.96 US
	Basic Pearl Jewels Item #119247 Regular Price: $4.95 US Discounted Price: $3.71 US
	Deco Labels Collection Framelits Dies Item # 130102 Regular Price: $24.95 US Discounted Price: $18.71 US
	In Color Dahlia's Item # 127556 Regular Price: $7.95 US Discounted Price: $5.96 US
	Sophisticated Spook Ensemble Digital Download Item #131513 Regular Price: $14.95 US Discounted Price: $7.48 US
	Sweet Treat Cups Item #116802 Regular Price: $2.95 US Discounted Price: $2.21 US

Too Exciting!!  So how about more details on this adorable Lobster Card? 

The AWESOME Lobster comes from the By The Tide Stamp Set, and The words, you made my day come from the REALLY cute stamp set A Dozen Thoughts. 

I used a real red ink pad for both the lobster and the sentiment. 

The designer Paper comes from a paper stack called I AM ME.  Love that, and I love the colors and bright happy paper.

I came up with the idea of this card for my daughter's 3rd grade teacher.  Her favorite food is lobster, and this is the layout that came into my head.  Really happy design and I didn't even use the big shot!  Gasp!  :) 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you're inspired to stamp something fun!  

Much Love,

Selene Kempton

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

10/10 Blog Candy Winner Announced, clearance rack updated, Thank you Thursday and more!

Thanks to you all who take the time to read my posts, subscribe to my blog, place orders with me, or just offer a kind word.

I used Random.org to pull a random winner for the blog candy.  I wish I could give it to EVERYONE who left me a comment!

Here's the winner:

rosemarie c said...

amazing...inspiring...congratulatulations! i have had the privledge of reading your blog for a year and have learned so much! thank you from california! my favorite stampin up tool has to be the big shot /magnetic plate!! finally i can line dies and stamped images better than a first grader. please continue your way with words for many more posts to come.


Thank you Rosemarie C.  Just contact me for your prize! 

If you missed the post and want to read about the card above, just click here! 

Also ~  Here are some recent announcements so we can all keep up! 

The Clearance Rack has been Updated, check here for all sorts of discounted products!

You can join my team for only $25!  Be a part of the Stampers with HeART team and enjoy all sorts of benefits! Click here to start your own business! 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!  Register to help, by donating here and to get the directions for the beautiful Stamp Out Breast cancer cards or if you're a demo, get your class planner here for just $20.  100% of all money collected goes to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. 

There's another TODAY Only DEAL on Designer paper! 

	This And That Epic Day DSP: 130814 Regular Price: $10.95 US Discounted Price: $8.21 US
	Soho Subway DSP: 130140 Regular Price: $10.95 US Discounted Price: $8.21 US
	I Am Me DSP: 130138 Regular Price: $10.95 US Discounted Price: $8.21 US
	Etcetera DSP: 130129 Regular Price: $10.95 US Discounted Price: $8.21 US

I think that's it for today!  My goodness!  Enjoy your shopping and please dont hesitate to contact me if you need more information on anything.

Much Love,

Selene Kempton

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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

Creative Coach
Thank you for your orders with me  Shop here anytime!

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