Bella Blvd Studio Blog

May Guest Designer: Roree Rumph

We are so excited to introduce our May Guest Designer to you today. Roree Rumph is an extremely talented designer in the industry, and we knew she would come up with some gorgeous projects using our Kiss Me collection and our Love and Marriage collection. 

Hi, everyone! Let me just start off by saying that I am so excited to be guesting on the Bella Blvd blog this month! Here is a little bit about me:

I live in Daphne, Alabama with my husband David, our two daughters Grace and Harper, our dogs Hank and Phoenix, and our cat Ninja. I started paper crafting in 2005, when I decided to make my daughter's 5th birthday invitations instead of buying them, and my love for this hobby took off like a rocket from there.

Most people know me as a card maker, but every once and a while I do a little altering or put together a page or two. I consider my style clean & cutesy (which seems to work so well with Bella Blvd products!) I love adding lots of little details and some form of hand or machine stitching to most of my projects. (I actually learned to sew because of paper crafting!)

I have been pretty blessed with this hobby. I have worked for a handful of manufacturers and had my work featured in a number of publications. It has ultimately led to a new career with Northridge Publishing. I am the editor of Cricut Magazine^® and Cricut Magazine^® Idea Books. (So to all of you Cricut crafters—submit, submit, submit! ;) )

I received the super-cute Kiss Me and Love and Marriage collections, along with some Freestyle Sophisticates products, and got right to work!

"Love This Girl" by Roree Rumph.

Since I am not much of a scrapbooker, I tackled the layout first. I absolutely fell in love with the B side of Bouquet Kisses from the Kiss Me collection, so I used it for the background of my layout about my daughter, Harper. I then added paper strips from Borders & Cute Cuts, mixed and matched chipboard and cardstock letter stickers for my title, and added a few extra details with hand-cut flowers, cardstock stickers, some white twill ribbon, and a couple of jewels, brads, and a button. I am just crazy about the color combo of this collection!

"I Love You" by Roree Rumph.

Again, I used the Border & Cute Cuts strips from the Kiss Me collection for the background of my card, along with a strip of green Chevron Tape. I added a a cardstock label and letter stickers for the sentiment, along with a brad, jewel, and pink baker's twine to finish. The images in this collection are so fun and playful, and I absolutely love them!

"Hello Beautiful" by Roree Rumph.

For this card, I used the Love and Marriage collection. The colors in this collection are so soft and pretty. I used the B side of the Turner Hall Ballroom paper for the background and layered cardstock stickers and a strip from the Borders paper on the center of the card. I was dying to create a flower using the Crochet Hearts, so I did that and finished it by layering a flower cut from the Cute Cuts paper, a button and jewel, and some strips of ribbon for the leaves. Aren't those Crochet Hearts the cutest?!

"Bride & Groom" by Roree Rumph.

For this card, I got out my Cricut Expression^® machine and Sweethearts cartridge to create this cute little car and couple silhouette with the Love and Marriage collection. I used the B sides of the Cute Cuts and Borders papers for the car. And instead of cutting out the bumper, I used a cardstock sticker from the Alpha+Bits sheet. I took the pin off "Bride&Groom" flag to use it as the license plate on the car, and added the "Love" pennant stickers from the Alpha+Bits sheet in place of the cans. I placed it over a May Eighteenth paper panel, doubled up strips of green Chevron Tape, and a scalloped cardstock border sticker. I think this would be such a cute card for any couple getting married!

"Flower Jar Favor" by Roree Rumph.

I have been totally obsessed with jelly jars lately. So for my last project, I decided to create a cute little favor with the Love and Marriage and Freestyle Sophisticates collections. I found this cute little wide-mouth jelly jar at my local home improvement store. I used my Cricut Expression^® 2 and Sweet Treats cartridge to create a layered flower for the top of the jar. I added a cardstock sticker and button to the center and two green Crochet Hearts underneath the flower to finish. I then hand cut a tag from the Smokeys In Love paper, added initials in the heart, and tied the tag to the jar with some green ribbon. It would be perfect for a wedding favor or for any number of other special occasion (birthdays, picnics, etc.)

I hope you enjoyed the projects I shared with you today as much as I enjoyed creating them with these beautiful Bella Blvd products. Thanks so much to everyone at Bella Blvd for having me!

Wedding Celebration Week: Day Four

This coming weekend is going to be a very exciting time for Stephanie, as her big wedding day is finally just days away! We thought we would spend the days leading up to her special wedding day sharing wedding layouts from out entire design team. And not just any wedding layouts, but layouts using photos from our own weddings. I think we have all enjoyed traveling down memory lane as we dug out photos for these layouts. Each designer is also sharing a few tidbits of marriage advice from our own personal experience.

“Destiny”, by Wendy Antenucci.

I believe that two are joined together for a certain purpose - as your marriage grows over the years you become one and that means your hearts begin to beat the same. My hubby and I have learned to follow our hearts and that we both should agree before we do something - no secrets. Everyone has a destiny, what will be the destiny of you and your new husband, if you can find that and agree to travel together towards that spot you will never be happier. Believe me after 13 years of marriage and soon to be 6 kids, we know, LOL! Blessings on you both as you start the best journey you will ever have!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Wedding Day Miniature Stickers, Cute Cuts, Smokeys in Love, May Eighteenth, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Cake Tasting, Borders, Chipboard Icons; Button Market: Pink Flowers, Gulf Squares; Designer Tape: Gulf Dot; Feathers: White; Crochet Hearts: Gulf

“Fall Head Over Heels”, by Jennifer Chapin.

Big congrats to Stephanie on her upcoming wedding! My best piece of marriage advice is to always make time for each other and put your marriage first. Life can be so busy (especially with little ones!) and I really believe it's important to invest in your relationship; everything else will fall into place. Make regular date nights and plan weekends away together. Take the time to compliment each other. Best of luck to you both!

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Scallop, Freestyle Cotton Candy; Engaged at Last: Bachelorette Party, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Engagement Chipboard Icons; Love and Marriage: May Eighteenth, Esther Fleming Floral, Borders, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures, Chipboard Icons; Crochet Hearts: Scallop, Cotton Candy

“Favorite”, by Kim Jeffress.

My husband and I have been married for 8 years and before that we were together for 3 years. To this day we still sit on the couch and watch TV holding hands. It's just our way of being together after working all day and running around after the kids. I hope we are still doing long into our future.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Turner Hall Ballroom, Cake Tasting, Ester Fleming Floral, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Wedding Day Minatures, Flags

“I’m The Lucky One”, by Becki Adams.

When I got married years...and years ago someone told us to never ever go to bed angry. We followed that advice *once* we stayed awake late arguing and arguing. I finally just ended the argument just so I could go to bed. When we woke up the next morning we talked about it and decided the argument was a lot worse than it should have been because we were both so tired. So my advice is that sometimes it's okay to go to bed angry, things always look better with the morning sun and when you are both well rested! Best Wishes Steven and Stephanie!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Smokeys in Love, Vows, Cute Cuts, Esther Fleming Floral, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Engaged at Last: He Proposed, Alpha+Bits Stickers; High Five Alphabet Stickers: Gulf

"Our Wedding Day", by Megan Klauer.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! First of all, you picked the best date to get married (we picked the same date!) ;) As far as advice ... I know you may hear it over & over again, but never go to bed angry. It's true! Stephanie: Stay up until 2am and stand your ground if you have to {hee hee} & Steven: remember these very important words; YES DEAR. Oh, and always, always laugh together. But seriously, congratulations & best wishes to the both of you!

Supplies: 
Love and Marriage: Esther Fleming Floral, Borders, Cute Cuts, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Chipboard Icons; Engaged at Last: Miniatures; High Five Alphabets: Gulf

"First Dance", by Laura Vegas.

My little piece of marriage advice that I want to share with you is to pick your battles. Over the years, there will be so many little things that start to bug you about your spouse. Like how they can never seem to put the toothpaste back in the cabinet, so twice a day, you're the one that has to put it away (that might be me and my husband ;)). Learn to let the little things go, and only spend time fighting for and about things that truely matter.

 

 

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Vows, Cake Tasting, Esther Fleming Floral, Borders, Cute Cuts, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Frosting; Feathers; White, Saltwater, Oreo 

Wedding Celebration Week: Day Three

This coming weekend is going to be a very exciting time for Stephanie, as her big wedding day is finally just days away! We thought we would spend the days leading up to her special wedding day sharing wedding layouts from out entire design team. And not just any wedding layouts, but layouts using photos from our own weddings. I think we have all enjoyed traveling down memory lane as we dug out photos for these layouts. Each designer is also sharing a few tidbits of marriage advice from our own personal experience.

"In Love", by Becky Williams.

One bit of advice for the happy couple: As life gets busy we don't always take enough time for each other. Remember to keep doing little things for each other because as the years go by and lives get busy with kids and other pursuits, it will be those little things that make a big difference. 

Supplies: 
Love and Marriage: Esther Fleming Floral, Turner Hall Ballroom, Smokeys in Love, Cute Cuts, Ciao Chip Wedding Icons, Wedding Day Miniatures; Engaged At Last: Bachelor Party, Miniatures; Designer Tape: Piggy Pink Stripe, Teal Stripe, Gray Chevron, Blue Chevron, Gray Dot, Polka Dot Combo

“Happy Couple”, by Jennifer Edwardson.

I am so lucky to have been married to Scott for 15 years this coming August and boy have I learned A LOT in those years. The number one piece of advice I can honestly say has gotten us here today is our communication. Scott & I talk ALL THE TIME. He's the one I can spend hours with and never look for something to say. We disagree just like anyone else. BUT. We always talk it out. I say he's my favorite and it's true. Just remember to keep talking to each other no matter what and everything will work itself out. Xoxoxo

Supplies: 
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Scallop; Love and Marriage: Cake Tasting, Flags, Chipboard Icons, Wedding Day Miniatures, Alpha+Bits, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Engaged at Last: Bridal Shower; Designer Tape: Ice Stripe, Gray Chevron, Piggy Pink Stripe, Black Stripe; Crochet Hearts: White, Scallop, Gulf; High Five Alphas Stickers: Black-White

“10 Years Ago”, by Gretchen McElveen.

It may seem silly and unromantic but my favorite marriage advice is this: Get a hobby! Guys always have hobbies. A lot of girls I know don't really have one and they sure do like to whine about it when their man is off doing his thing. This is one of the main reasons I love scrapbooking! It is my thing! Husbands and wives don't have to do everything together. We are each still individuals even when married, so it is good that we have things that we like to do apart. So get a hobby! And when your husband says he is going to play golf, you won't bug him about it because you have your own things you want to do! :)

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures; All American: Borders & Cute Cuts, American Pride, Seeing Stars, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Flags Icons

“Wedding Day Memories”, by Jaclyn Rench.

Though I have been married for nearly 12 years, I hardly feel I should be handing out marriage advice! LOL! My relationship with my husband, while great, is certainly a work-in-progress, as I think most married couples would admit to! We are constantly working to better our communication, balance our time and put our relationship at the forefront. So, whether I feel qualified to give it or not - my advice to Stephanie and Stephen would be to realize that marriage is work and always worth working for! The time and effort you put into maintaining your relationship will reap many great rewards and hopefully a lifetime of wonderful memories and happiness! Congratulations!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Turner Hall Ballroom, Cute Cuts, Smokeys in Love, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Miniatures The Wedding Party; Thankful: Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Engaged At Last: Chipboard Icons; Crochet Hearts: Scallop; Feathers: Cream

“We Do”, by Kathy Martin.

Congratulations Stephanie! After 21 years of marriage the words of wisdom I can lend you is to keep a sense of humor! Always look at the funny side of a situation, laughing is the best medicine! Never use profanity towards one another; hurtful words can never be taken back. Marriage is not 50/50. Often times you have to give more. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Honesty and trust are key! Wishing you the best! May you both live happily ever after!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Cute Cuts, Cake Tasting, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Flags; Designer Tape: Cotton Candy Chevron, Gray Chevron; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Frosting; Crochet Hearts: White; Feathers: White; Button Market: Stars

Wedding Celebration Week: Day Two

This coming weekend is going to be a very exciting time for Stephanie, as her big wedding day is finally just days away! We thought we would spend the days leading up to her special wedding day sharing wedding layouts from out entire design team. And not just any wedding layouts, but layouts using photos from our own weddings. I think we have all enjoyed traveling down memory lane as we dug out photos for these layouts. Each designer is also sharing a few tidbits of marriage advice from our own personal experience.

“A Toast To The Bride & Groom”, by Diane Payne.

Always remember that you are a team. Marriage is like a roller coaster, it has ups and downs and twists and turns that you don't expect, but if you always turn to each other, hold on, and ride it through it’s a great adventure.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Smokeys in Love, Turner Hall Ballroom, May Eighteenth, Esther Fleming Floral, Cute Cuts, Borders, Wedding Day Miniatures, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Engaged At Last: Alpha+Bits Stickers; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Punch; Designer Tape: Teal Stripe, 12mm Combo; Button Market: Pink Flowers; Flags: Love; Crochet Hearts: Punch, Gulf, Bell Pepper, White

“Mr & Mrs”, by Malika Kelly.

Rather than marriage advice, I will share with you a quote that I really like and feel is rather important to keep in mind:  "Always remember how you felt on your wedding day."

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Turner Hall Ballroom, Cake Tasting, May Eighteenth, Esther Fleming Floral, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures, Chipboard Icons; Designer Tape: Chevron Combo; Flags: Love and Marriage; Feathers: Saltwater, Oyster 

 

“Our Wedding Day”, by Laurie Schmidlin.

During our 18 years of marriage, I have found that my husband and I have been happiest when we remember to laugh! Sometimes it takes a serious effort, but keeping laughter and joy in our home has always been a priority for us. Another thing that has really helped to keep our relationship solid is regularly making time to spend together. As the years have passed, and more children have been born, this was not always an easy thing to do but it has really paid off!

Supplies:
Love And Marriage: Smokeys in Love, Cake Testing, Chipboard Icons, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Engaged At Last: Engagement Chipboard Icons; High Five Alpha Stickers: Brown-Cream; Button Market: Neutral Mix; Crochet Hearts: Cotton Candy, Scallop, Bell Pepper; Feathers: White 

 

“Wedding Day”, by Shellye McDaniel.

After being married for 22 years the one thing that stands out to me is how much my husband and I have evolved over the years. Things that we had in common when we first met aren't the same today. Over the years you will develop new hobbies and interests. My advice is to be open to the changes that you will find in your spouse; learn to adapt to them as much as you can. It may not be ideal for you to ride around in a pasture to check on the livestock, but when it's important to your spouse you learn to share your time. For those things that you do have in common, expound on those and make time to enjoy them often. And even after the kiddies come along, keep a date night on the calendar...it's amazing how refreshing a night out can be!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Turner Hall Ballroom, Vows, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures, Chipboard Icons; Sand & Surf: Paradise, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Ciao Chip Elements: Stars & Hearts; Crochet Hearts: McIntosh, Punch, Cotton Candy, Pickle Juice, Gulf, Bell Pepper; Flags: Love and Marriage

“Two Hearts, One Love”, by Gina Lideros.

My marriage advice for Stephanie and Steven is: Compliment more than you criticize. Always make time for the two of you. Never compare your marriage to others, what you see on the outside is not always what it is on the inside. Always believe that you got better than you deserved. And the best marriage advice that I ever received was from my grandmother: "Marriage is not always 50/50. Some days you will wake up and may have to give 90% and your spouse will give 10%. Other days you may wake up and give 25% and your husband will have to put in the 75%."

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Vows, Cute Cuts, Esther Fleming Floral, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Engaged At Last: He Proposed, Bachelor Party; Sienna Chipboard Alpha: Pickle Juice, Pony; High Five Alpha Stickers: Brown-Cream; Flags: Love and Marriage; Designer Tape: Gray Chevron, Pony Dot; Feathers: Pony, Pickle Juice, Oreo-Black; Button Market: Checkers

Wedding Celebration Week: Day One

This coming weekend is going to be a very exciting time for Stephanie, as her big wedding day is finally just days away! We thought we would spend the days leading up to her special wedding day sharing wedding layouts from out entire design team. And not just any wedding layouts, but layouts using photos from our own weddings. I think we have all enjoyed traveling down memory lane as we dug out photos for these layouts. Each designer is also sharing a few tidbits of marriage advice from our own personal experience.

“Our Wedding Day”, by Sheri Reguly.

After nearly 18 years of marriage, the best piece of advice that I can offer you is not to sweat the small stuff, and to look at the “big picture.” Focus on the positive, and all the wonderful things that you share together. Don’t allow your little disagreements, or the pet peeves that you have about the other person to become a bigger deal than they actually are. It’s kinda like raising a child...you have to pick your battles. You can’t always get upset about the crayon on the wall or the spilled milk on the floor. I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t waste your energy arguing about the silly things. Save it for when he really peeves you off!!!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Vows, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures; Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Saltwater; Kiss Me: Flutter, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Birthday Boy: Streamers; Baby Boy: Momma’s Boy; High Five Alpbabet Stickers: Gulf, Piggy-Punch; Flags: Love & Marriage

“Wedding”, by Yohko Takiguchi.

Congratulations for your marriage, Stephanie! As a proverb in Japan says, “Children are a link between husband and wife.” I do believe sharing something common as topics between husband and wife is a key point for happy married life. Anyway, please enjoy your marital life. 

Supplies: 
Love and Marriage: Vows, Turner Hall Ballroom, Smokeys In Love, Esther Fleming Floral, Cake Tasting, Borders, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Chipboard Icons; Engaged At Last: Alpha+Bits Stickers, Miniatures; Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Cotton Candy

“I Love You”, by Carina Lindholm.

My best advice for a good marriage and relationship is to make time for each other. Have fun and laugh often.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Smokeys In Love, Cute Cuts, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Crochet Hearts: Punch; Designer Tape: Cotton Candy Chevron, Blue Chevron, Pickle Juice Stripe, Grey Chevron, Polka Dot Combo, Grey Dot, Pickle Juice Dot

"The Reveal", by Jenny Evans.

Always, always communicate. I couldn't imagine going a day without talking to my husband! Be it serious discussions or joking and laughing all day, you have to talk to your partner!! I am lucky enough to be married to my best friend, and he can make me laugh to tears today just as he did when we first met! So, communication and laughter are 2 key factors to staying happy for a very long time.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Cute Cuts, Esther Fleming Floral, Vows, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures, Chipboard Icons; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Frosting; Designer Tape: Cotton Candy Chevron; Button Market: Aqua Flowers, Neutral Mix; Flags: Love & Marriage

"On This Day", by Leanne Allinson.

My Grandmother told me never to go to bed angry with your husband. Always resolve your differences before the day ends and if you can't do that at least be on speaking terms. After fourteen years of marriage this year, I must have held that piece of advice in my heart because my husband and I have never had an argument that we couldn't settle. Take turns listening to each other especially if and when children are welcomed into your family. All the very best Stephanie, for a long and happy marriage!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Esther Fleming Floral, May Eighteenth, Vows, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Pickle Juice; Crochet Hearts: Pickle Juice 

Layouts On Wednesday + A Video Share

Today is our free-for-all layout sharing day, and we definately have a fun variety of layouts from our designers, along with a mini album share. We have an extra little surprise as well, as designer Jennifer Chapin filmed a video about her process of assembling her album. Kind of exciting, as I'm pretty sure this is the very first video to come to the Bella blog!

“Happy”, by Katherine McElvain.

This was a fun layout to put together. I had long ago seen a layout with a sun made out of scraps and a button center and today recreated it with all sorts of Bella yellow scraps. Going with the piece together a l theme, I also made the title out of a number of different chipboard pieces trying to create a fun, whimsical look at the top of the page.

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Banana; Sand & Surf: Flying High; Engaged at Last: Alpha+Bits Stickers; Birthday Boy: Alpha+Bits Stickers; Baby Boy: Chipboard Icons; Sweet Celebration: Sugar Cone; Sunshine & Happiness: Chipboard Icons; Spring Flings & Easter Things: Chipboard Icons; Ciao Chip Elements: Clouds; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Saltwater; Button Market: Wood Mix

“Hen’s Night”, by Kim Jeffress.

I am finally getting around to scrapbooking my hens night (similiar to a bachelorette party) from 8 years ago. The colors in the Engaged at Last collection were a perfect match for the colors in my photos. I had several extra photos so I created a little fold out booklet that I added the photos to. You can see it blends in with the Bachelorette Party pattern paper and I tied it with some thin gold ribbon to complete.

Supplies:
Engaged at Last: Bachelorette Party, Bachelor Extras, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Miniatures, Chipboard Icons, Flags Bachelorette; Sophisticates: Punch 

"Dance", by Yohko Takiguchi.

I chose the All American Collection for this layout, matching the colors to my son’s T-shirt in the photos. I started by pulling out Scallop paper from Freestyle Sophisticate collection as my background paper. I love this collection because they are versatile. I created a cluster on the right side of the photo using stickers, chipboards and flower from Cute Cuts.

Supplies: 
All American: American Pride, Boom Boom Pow, Seeing Stars, July Sky, Borders And Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Flags: All American Icons; Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Saltwater; Birthday Boy: Alpha+Bits Stickers; Designer Tapes: Ice Stripe; Button Market: Red Flowers; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Pony; High Five Alpha Stickers: Black-White

“Day In The Life” album, by Jennifer Chapin.

Last week I participated in Day in the Life. It's a great way to document those everyday details that you might not normally include in your scrapbooks. I decided to use a 6"x8" binder album, project life style, to document my day. I finished the cover and the first few pages for my project this week. I've also created a video to show you a bit of my process.

 

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Scallop, Freestyle Saltwater; Engaged at Last: Bachelorette Party, Bridal Shower, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Love and Marriage: Smokeys in Love, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Sand & Surf: Paradise, Borders, Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Miniatures; High Five Alphabet Stickers: Yellow, Blue, White; Miniatures Stickers: Family; Ciao Chip Elements: Trees, Clouds, Stars & Hearts; Sienna Chipboard Alpha: Pickle Juice; Designer Tape: Piggy Pink stripe, Blue Chevron, 12mm Combo; Crochet Hearts: White

Today's Product Spotlight: Button Market

It's time for another Product Spotlight feature, and this month, we are putting the focus on Bella's Button Market collection!

"We Love These Girls", by Becky Williams.

For this assignment I wanted to really keep the focus on the buttons so I kept the overall page design really simple letting the buttons be the star. I used some of just about every kind of buttons available from Bella Blvd and love the mix of colors and shapes available. 

Supplies: 
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Banana; Engaged at Last: Engagement Icons; Love and Marriage: Just Write Journaling Stickers, Ciao Chip Wedding Icons; High Five Alpha Stickers: Piggy-Punch; Designer Tapes: Gray Chevron, Ice Stripe, Navy Dot, Pink Flowers, Orange Stripe; Button Market: Merlot Flowers, Gulf Squares, Pink Flowers, Wood Mix, Orange Stars, Outdoors, Feminine Mix, Text, Stars, Fruit Punch, Red Flowers, Hot Pink Flowers, Blues, Neutral Mix, Masculine Mix, Pickle Squares, Purple Flowers

"Lake Adventure", by Jenny Evans.

It is so easy to coordinate any Bella collection with their amazing buttons! I used the adorable large polka dot paper, Beach Balls from the Sand and Surf collection, and punch out the circles, and coordinate them with some Bella buttons framing the layout. Such a fun and different way to incorporate buttons onto a craft project.

Supplies:
Sand & Surf: Alpha+Bits Stickers, Cute Cuts, Ciao Chip Icons, Miniatures, Beach Balls; Designer Tape: Yellow Chevron, Pickle Juice Stripe, Ice Stripe, Blue Gingham, 12mm Combo; Button Market: Aqua Flowers, Pickle Squares, Blues, Red Flowers, Orange Stars, Gulf Squares, Outdoors, Checkers, Tie Dye Masculine Mix, Wood Mix, Neutrals Mix; Flags: Sand and Surf

“Mornings With My Boy”, by Jaclyn Rench.

It's not often that I make a page that doesn't include at least one button, and Bella's wood buttons are some of my favorites! While I love the raw natural element that the wooden buttons add to my pages, I wanted to add an additional pop of color with my embellishing. To change up the color of some of the buttons, I simply flipped them to their flat (non-design) side, pressed them into a clear stamp pad, sprinkled on some colored embossing powder and used my heat tool to melt and secure the powder. The finished result is fun and textural, not to mention a great way to make your supplies work, no matter the color!

Supplies:
Sophisticates: Tall Tags; Birthday Boy: Toadilly Cool, Borders, About a Boy, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Baby Boy: Baby Blue, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Thankful: Burlap; Ciao Chip: Baby Boy Icons; Button Market: Checkers; Designer Tape: Navy Dot

"Easter Eggs", by Leanne Allinson.

I really love how all the elements in the Bella Blvd collections color match perfectly with each other! Especially the buttons and the designer tape. This layout is fun and full of color because of that reason! To make the buttons stand out even more, I stamped the new cling stamp Sand & Surf images onto patterned paper and layered a coordinating button over the top. 

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Pickle Juice; All American: Borders & Cute Cuts; Sand & Surf: Beach Balls, Miniatures; Birthday Boy: Alpha+Bits Stickers; High Five Alpha Stickers: Gulf; Designer Tape: Yellow Chevron, Red Chevron, Blue Chevron, Pickle Juice Chevron, Orange Stripe, Polkadot Combo, Pickle Juice Stripe, Yellow Stripe; Button Market: Orange Stars, Outdoors, Wood Mix, Checkers, Tie Dye, Red Flowers; Cling Stamps: Sand & Surf

 

National Scrapbook Day: All About Shellye & Laura + A GIVEAWAY

Happy National Scrapbook Day everyone! I challenged 24 of our designers to create an "All About Me" layout, giving us a peek into a little part of their lives. Each of them also answered five quick scrapbooking related questions. We will be sharing these 24 layouts throughout the day. So sit back, grab a snack, and get to know our designers just a little bit more, and hopefully their projects will inspire you the next time you go to create!

"The TV & Me", by Shellye McDaniel.

I honestly don't watch much television. But recently I've become pretty obsessed with Amazon Prime and the ability to stream videos of old favorites, as well as some new-found favorites!  I went to the internet and found images representing the shows that I love. After printing them out (with a white border) I trimmed each photo's edge with various Designer Tapes. Next, I typed out my favorite characters from each show, printed it out and then cut into banner strips. It was fun to find different sticker pieces that best described the photos. The Crochet Hearts added a bit of softness and a pop of color too!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Esther Fleming Floral, Cute Cuts, The Wedding Party Miniatures Stickers, Wedding Day Miniatures Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Engaged At Last: Bachelor Extras, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Engaged Miniatures Stickers; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Pickle Juice; High Five Alpha Stickers: Piggy Punch; Button Market: Stars; Designer Tape: Combo Pack

And now for some scrapping Q&A's: 

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?
Sewing machine, foam dots, crochet thread or twine, Fabri-Tac and Sookwang Adhesive

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I stream videos on Amazon, listen to Pandora (which can range from Frank Sinatra to the 1980's Hair Bands) or Talk Radio.

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping?
Always, always a big mug of coffee (hot or cold...I don't care!). I try my best to snack on fruits like grapes, strawberries or bananas.

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day?
During the day when everyone is at work and school! I find it hard to concentrate when the house is full of folks.

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places?
In piles...and I even have empty albums to put them in!

"Words With Friends", by Laura Vegas.

I love doing fun all-about-me layouts about the simple things in my life. I think it's fun to look back on these layouts and see what I was into and obsessed with at different times in my life. Right now, I am addicted to playing Words With Friends. Actually, I have been for quite some time now. It gives me something to do here and there, throughout my day, and I am constantly popping on to play a few games.

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Pickle Juice; Hello Beautiful: Blue Without You; Family Dynamix: Quadrants; Winter Wonder: Icy; Birthday Boy: Toadilly Cool; Making The Team: Chipboard Icons; Ciao Chip Elements: Stars & Hearts; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Blueberry; High Five Alpha Stickers: Black-White; Designer Tape: Gray Chevron 

And now for some scrapping Q&A's: 

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?
Patterned paper, dimensional adhesive and glue dots, sewing machine, buttons, rulers (I'm a freak about things being totally straight!). 

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I find that I get more done when I scrap in silence. Which I need sometimes, after spending my days surrounded by little kids. If I'm not feeling in the scrapping mood, I will watch a show on my laptop, which then forces me to stay at my desk and work.

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping? 
I don't usually snack on anything while I scrap, but I always have either a huge cup of ice cold water or a Starbucks Frappacion with me.

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day?
I used to be a late night scrapper, but with my day job being so demanding lately, I just don't have the energy or desire to do much in the evenings. I try to do little things here and there during the day, but most of the time the kids don't let me. So I tend to do most of my scrapping on the weekends, especially late at night.

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places?
I have plastic 12x12 Iris totes that I pile my layouts in as I complete them. When 2-3 of the totes get full, I will sit and seperate them all into piles, depending what albums they are going into. Then I'll take them and add them into their albums. I usually do this every few months.

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It's giveaway time!!! For our second giveaway, we are giving away our entire Feather collection. That's EIGHTEEN packs of colorful feathers that coordinate with any and all of our collections.

We are also adding in our Freeystyle Sophisticates collection. So one lucky winner will receive both the Feathers and the Freestyle Sophisticates collection! Just leave us a comment to be entered in the random drawing. We'll leave comment open until Sunday evening, and will announce a winner on Monday.

National Scrapbook Day: All About Jaclyn & Katherine

Happy National Scrapbook Day everyone! I challenged 24 of our designers to create an "All About Me" layout, giving us a peek into a little part of their lives. Each of them also answered five quick scrapbooking related questions. We will be sharing these 24 layouts throughout the day. So sit back, grab a snack, and get to know our designers just a little bit more, and hopefully their projects will inspire you the next time you go to create!

“This is ... Me”, by Jaclyn Rench.

Happy National Scrapbook Day, Bella friends! I hope you are sneaking in some time to get crafty today! If so, I encourage you to scrap a page about yourself. Admittedly, this was a bit of a challenge for me, as it’s something I don't often do. But I'm happy that this assignment forced me out of my 'scrapbook box', so to speak. I know it will be fun page to look back on, for both myself and my family, in the years to come!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: May Eighteenth, Esther Fleming Floral, Smokeys in Love, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Engaged at Last: Bachelorette Extras, Bachelor Extras, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Sand and Surf: Paradise, Borders; All American: Chipboard Icons; Baby Boy: Just Write Journaling Stickers; Designer Tape: Chevron Combo; High Five Alphabet Stickers: Gulf; Crochet Hearts: Punch

And now for some scrapping Q&A's: 

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?
My fiskars paper trimmer, sewing machine, foam adhesive, pretty patterned papers and buttons!

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I love to listen to music - right now it's Taylor Swift's Red album on repeat!

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping?
I'm too much of a klutz to attempt eating or drinking while I scrap. That's not to say that some type of candy or chocolate hasn't made it to my scrap desk a time or two. But when it does it almost always ends in disastrous results.

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day? 
I have little ones, so most of my scrapping is done late, late at night and too often into the wee hours of the morning.

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places? 
My favorite layouts get displayed in my crafting space for a bit. The rest of my pages often end up in a small pile on my scrap desk, until I notice they are collecting dust - then I try to organize them into their necessary albums.

"Only Me", by Katherine McElvain.

Creating a layout about being an only child has been on my list of things to do. When I thought about it in the past I had planned on making the page about how my parents have always made my life special (Some may call it spoiled). But when I chose this photo, or maybe it was just the mood that I was in, it became about something else. I started thinking about how we have always just been the three of us, and how unique and intimate that can be. So that is what the layout became. When I wrote the journaling it made me emotional. I really am blessed to be me, my mom and dad's only child.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Smokey's in Love, Esther Fleming Floral, Borders, Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, The Wedding Party Miniatures; Engaged At Last: He Proposed; Sand & Surf: Flying High; Sophisticates: Sprinkles & Lace Oreo; High Five Alpha Stickers: Black-White; Crochet Hearts: Punch; Designer Tape: Grey Dot, Pickle Juice Dot, Gulf Dot, Pickle Juice Chevron, Blue Gingham; Buttons: Text, Neutrals Mix

And now for some scrapping Q&A's:

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?
My top 5 supplies are photoshop elements, a pad of grid paper, my set of journaling pens, white cardstock, and letter stickers.  Reflecting on that list, looks like I am a pretty boring, sort of no nonsense scrap girl.

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I listen to Pandora, books on tape from the library, I have been known to watch almost an entire new series on netflix while I stayed up very late, but my favorite thing to stream is the public radio series, This American Life (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/), I highly recommend it.

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping?
I am a water girl. But red Swedish fish go great with water on very special scrap nights.  

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day?
I am a planner of projects. I usually make a sketch and size my photos while watching TV at night. As far as putting things together, during the day when I am not working and the kids are in school is great, but many days cooking, cleaning and laundry get in the way of creative production, so late nights are always the perfect option for me.  

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places?
I keep thinking I will find the perfect way to organize my layouts....until then, they are in two large rubbermaid tubs in my basement. Before a layout makes it to the bin, it usually sits on a shelf or counter somewhere, waiting to be spilled on, or touched by grubby little hands. Probably not the best system. 

National Scrapbook Day: All About Carina & Sheri

Happy National Scrapbook Day everyone! I challenged 24 of our designers to create an "All About Me" layout, giving us a peek into a little part of their lives. Each of them also answered five quick scrapbooking related questions. We will be sharing these 24 layouts throughout the day. So sit back, grab a snack, and get to know our designers just a little bit more, and hopefully their projects will inspire you the next time you go to create!

”Saker jag gillar”, by Carina Lindholm.

I rarely make layouts about myself, so this was a fun challenge for me. I made a layout about a few things I like at the moment. I also incorporated some of my favourite colors and patterns on this layout. I had so much fun making this I really must make more “all about me” layouts in the future.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: May Eighteenth, Borders, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Sand & Surf: GPS; Engaged at Last: Chipboard Icons, Miniatures Stickers; Designer Tape: Chlorine Dot; Simply Simona Chipboard Numbers: Oreo; Button Market: Fruit Punch; High Five Alpha Stickers: Black-White; Feathers: Saltwater; Hampton Art Stamps: Kiss Me

And now for some scrapping Q&A's:

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?
Patterned paper, Designer tapes, Different kind of twines, Scallop border punch & and of late i LOVE using clothes pins on my projects.

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I don't do silence well..:-) So I always listen to music or watch a movie/tv show on the computer while I create.

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping?
Coffee and/or water

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day?
I like to take some creating time in the mornings right after I have dropped of the kids at school and I have taken my morning walk.

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places?
My layouts goes straight into albums,that's the only thing in my life where i'm totally organized.

“I'm Not a Girly Girl”, by Sheri Feypel.

As the title goes I am not a girly girl, but I do love all of the girly, pretty products on the market and rarely get a chance to use them. So, for my layout I chose to girly it up with feathers and crochet hearts along with some splashes of colors. Loving how all of the pink elements pop off the grey background.

 

Supplies:
Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Scallop; Love and Marriage: May Eighteenth; Feathers: Frosting; Crochet Heart: Scallop; High Five Alpha Stickers: Piggy Punch; Sienna Chipboard Alpha: Pony; Designer Tape: Grey Chevron

And how for some scrapping Q&A's:

1. What are your top 5 supplies/products that you cannot scrap without?  
In no particular order- Foam pop dots, buttons, Pattern paper, a good adhesive and alpha stickers/chipboard (is that two?).

2. What do you listen to while you scrap? TV, music, or do you do your best working in silence?
I usually have my ipod plugged in while scrapping and I like a wide range of music but my favorite is Bon Jovi (he sings well too ya know).

3. What snacks and/or drinks are beside you when you're scrapping?
I eat cheetos while scrapbooking (everyone gasp at once) kidding! I don't usually snack while scrapping, maybe some M&M's (the peanut butter ones) and Pepsi.

4. When do your do your best scrapping? Are you a morning scrapper, a late night scrapper, or do you find time during the day?
Until recently I have been a late night scrapper, now with a rotating work schedule I have some time during the morning to get scrappy.

5. Be honest. Where do your layouts go once you're done with them? In albums, in piles, or shoved in random places?
My layout are in nice piles on a few shelves in my studio. I have good intentions of putting them in albums, but honestly I would rather be scrapbooking that filing. Someday they will have a more permanent home, someday.