Bella Blvd Studio Blog

Saturday Sketches #2

Twice a month, we'll be bringing you a new sketch, and showing you a few takes on the sketch by our designers. We loved seeing some of you create your own layouts, based on last week's sketch. Stephanie and a few of her Local Artistas were at Scrapfest last weekend, and hosted a Crop Around Town. They decided to host a challenge that evening, and asked everyone to create layouts or cards based off last week's sketch. You can check out some photos of some of the works in progress HERE. This week, I have a few of our Local Artistas joining us, for our second sketch.

 

 

"He's My Brother", by Sheri Feypel.

I created this layout with the Tail Waggers and Cat Naps line based on the sketch provided. This was the perfect line for me to document how much my son Logan loves his furry brother Riley. They've grown up together and have a cute bond.

 

 

 

"The Best Gift Of All", by Allyson Meinholz.

I used this sketch, along with the Christmas Wishes collection, to create a layout about one of the best gifts of all. Great Friendship. Since the photos were taken at Christmas, this collection was the natural choice to scrap them. I decided to do a mirror image of the sketch, and just flip everything to the opposite side of the page.

 

 

 

"Sweet & Sassy", by Wendy Wagner.

I used the sketch exactly as it was shown. Usually when I look at a sketch I can pick photos out easily to work with it. In this layout I trimmed 5x7 photos to adapt to the 4x6 openings. They are not true 4x6's, but are close enough! I personally love sketches because it takes away half the work of preparing a layout! Thanks for the challenge :)

 

 

Remember, we'd love to see your takes on our sketch, if you try it out. You can link it here in the comment section, or share it on Bella's Facebook page.

 

Saturday Sketches #1

Welcome to Saturday Sketch's. I know, I know. It's Sunday, and we're a day late. It's been a busy weekend, with Stephanie and her girls out at Scrapfest, at the Mall of America. And I've spent the last 4 days teaching at CKC in San Marcos, TX. I still wanted to keep the "Saturday Sketches", since that's what this new feature will be called. Twice a month, we'll be bringing you a new sketch, and showing you a few takes on the sketch by our designers. This week, I have a few of our Local Artistas joining us.

 

Here is our first Sketch for September.

 

"Colors", by Katherine McVain.

Have you ever had one of those old layouts that you want to redo? I have a bunch, but I usually don't touch them until pieces start falling off and go missing. Well, when I saw this sketch I knew the exact layout that I could use as a redo for this assignment.

 

I created the original about 6 years ago, never really loved it, and now the letters were falling off and missing (although you can not even see them, yikes, black on black, what was I thinking?)

 

To redo the layout I needed to reuse the color photos of my daughter since the original photo is pre digital and lost somewhere in the stash of misplaced photos. So I ever so gently tore them the layout, and searched thru my Bella Blvd scraps, confident that among that colorful pallet of patterned paper, there would be matches for all four color photos. I was right, finding 4 different swatches from 4 different paper lines.

 

Then to embellish my monochromatic layout strips within the layout, I used the Family Dynamics flowers and those (can't live without) Sophisticates letter sheets. A little doodling here and there, and now, thanks to my Bella Blvd products, I have a much more colorful, cheerier layout about my daughters misunderstanding of colors. 

 

Supplies:
Sunny Happy Skies: Pandaland; Family Dynamics: Mother's Day, Quadrants, Cute Cuts, and Borders & Blocks; Fall Days: Country Fields; Making the team: Borders; Sophisticates Quattrofina: Milk & Oreo, Spinach & Pickle Juice, Salt Water & Pacific, and Peep & Saffron; Sophisticates Simply Simona Ciao Chip: Saltwater, Orange, Peep, and Pickle Juice

 

"Does The Apple Fall Far From The Tree?", by Beth Gerlach.

This sketch was super easy to use. I had several smal photos on hand, and I knew right away they would work for this challenge. I flipped the sketch 90 degrees, and worked from there. I used the Finally Fall collection, since the colors matched so well and the pics were taken outdoors.

 

 

Supplies: 
Finally Fall: Autumn Splendoe, Apple Holler, Quadrandts, Cute Cuts, Borders, Stickers, Alfa+Bits stickers; Sophticates Alphabet Stickers: Peeps and Saffron, Carla Brown: Simply Simona Chipboard Alphabets: Orange. 

 

"Trick Or Treat" card, by Gail Hoecker.

Instead of photos, like those shown on the sketch, I used 1 1/2" squares of patterned paper. I love using the Quadrants, which are scaled down versions of the full size patterned paper. 

 

I used all four of the quadrants and then added a couple versatile stripes. Referring to the sketch, there are two strips going across the top and the bottom of the photos. For this part, I cut strips from Full Mood. I, of course, inked all the edges because I'm not sure I can do a project without inking edges :)  Added a few embellishments ... easy peasy! 

We'd love to see your takes on our sketch, if you try it out. Watch for our second one, coming up next Saturday!

 

Getting To Know The Local Artistas ... Again: Day Three

Today, we have our last two Local Artistas, to feature and get to know better. Sheri and Wendy Lee. Let's get right to it, shall we?

 

 

 

How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I have been scrapbooking for about 6 years. Many of my friends are scrapbookers, and they were always pressuring me to scrapbook. I tried to resist, but quickly caved in to the peer pressure. I knew that I would love it, if and when I did start. Now, I am a paper addict!

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
I definitely enjoy creating layouts more so than cards. I do however teach classes at my LSS and many of them are card classes.  Which is funny, because I don’t send out cards. I have a stockpile in case I ever start (what is your address?).

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background? 
I get more accomplished when I scrap alone, but I also enjoy getting together with my friends for an evening of scrapping (which consists of a lot of talking and a little scrapbooking ). When I am at home scrapping alone I keep the radio or my ipod on. I need a little background noise. Plus I like to sing (not that I’m good at it but hey, I try!).

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
I scrapbook or play with paper probably once a week.  You can find me in my scrap room on Friday nites.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I would like to say that I clean up after each layout, but that would not be the truth.  I have a 6 ft table and usually end up with a very small space to scrap in.

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
This one is easy! Thickers, flags, buttons.

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
I cannot sew, or should I say that I can’t sew a straight line to save my life. I have tried on scraps, but not on a real layout, I’m afraid to ruin it! I even bought the WRMK Sew Easy and it is still in the package!!

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
How would I describe my style….. I honestly don’t think that I have a defined style. Sometimes I like to “junk it up” with lots of embellishments while other times I like to “keep it clean.” I call that go with the flow- ish. I hope that makes sense.

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
I scrapbook for my family. It’s easy to throw a bunch of photo’s in a photo album, but to highlight one or a few photo’s on a layout of a special event will help spark a memory that you may have forgotten in the future.  That’s what I want for my kids, to look at a layout that I created and have a reminiscing session about it. 

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
My favorite Bella collection is….. Finally Fall. I love love love Fall, it is my favorite season! And what’s not to love about those super cute owls?

 

"One Lucky Girl", by Sheri Feypel.

 

 

 

 

How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I've been scrapbooking for 15 years. A girlfriend of mine introduced me to Creative Memories ... which is what lead me to Robin Huber!  And in return started me on a wonderful journey creating and documenting life and memories through scrapbooking!

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
I think it would have to be layouts!  There is nothing like taking a completed page & sliding it into an album and knowing that those memories are going to be there for my little girl! 

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
I think I am most creative when I am alone ... at my desk with everything around me.  I create okay when with friends but then it becomes more of a social thing and not so much a scrapbooking thing! Silence or music ... depends on my mood ... but NEVER TV!! 

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
Since I moved in December it has become something a do a few times a month ... but I hope to increase the time I spend creating!  I truly enjoyed when it was a part of my daily life! I am a late at night scrapper ... usually after my little girl is down for the night ... and sometimes that leads into the wee hours of the morning!

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I can create quite the mess while scrapping ... but I do put things away as I use them ... and I clean up after every project!  I like to know where things are!!

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?     
Ink, flowers, stickles!  I love girly, glittery stuff ... but I love ink or paint on just about everything! 

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
Really, anything that involves getting things wet and having to wait for them to dry ... if I'm working ... I'm working and the longest I will wait is for paint from the acrylic paint dabber to dry! Throughout the years it amazes me how the answer to this question changes ... it use to be i was scared of anything that wasn't 'acid free' ... then for a while it was metal ... then paint ... so I guess my answer to this question now is ... I will pretty much try anything ... and if I don't like it there is always another piece of paper to start over on!

How would you describe your scrapbooking style? 
Girly ... glittery, inked or painted ... sanded ... so maybe the word would be eclectic?   

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
The artistic side of creating memories ... documenting all the little things in life that create the circle of my family ... no matter who is in the circle ... it's still my family. 

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why? 
Sunny Happy Skies ... with Sweet Celebration running a very close second.  They are my favorite colors ... happy colors ... I mean who wouldn't love cute pandas, trees, hearts & rainbows??!!  When I see that line of product I am instantly happy!!! 

 

"Who Is She Now", by Wendy Lee Wagner.

 

 

Thanks Sheri and Wendy Lee, for letting us get to know you both a little better!

 

Getting To Know The Local Artistas ... Again: Day Two

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Allyson, Beth, and Gail, a little more, in yesterday's post. I love reading Q&A sessions, from scrapbookers. Call me nosey, or curious, but I always find it so interesting to hear how other scrapbookers work and create.

Today, we have our next two Local Artistas for you. Please welcome Katherine and Morgan!

 

 

How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I have been scrapbooking before scrapbooking was cool. I made my first mini album back in 1991 for my college roommate when she moved away to get married. Not many embellishments back then. Only a pen, scissors, colored paper, and liquid glue.

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
I always like creating layouts, but I find the most satisfaction when I complete a mini album. I guess the key word is complete. I think that’s why I like minis. They tell a story from start to finish.

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
If I have a deadline I need to be alone with the radio or pandora on in the background. But my best (but not most productive) scrapbooking is on weekend retreats or at crops with my scrappy friends. Less gets accomplished but so much fun is had!

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
Lately I only scrapbook if I am assigned to get something done. And most of the time I don’t start my projects until the sun goes down, and end up being the most productive into the wee hours of the night. Three in the morn is not unreasonable for a bedtime when I get in the mode.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
Lets just say “paper explosion” would be a good description of my scrap area by the end of a project. 

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
Scalloped boarder strips, dimensional/ sticker alphas, and little cut out shapes or stickers (especially little fluffy clouds).

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
I like to change up the techniques and am open to trying new ideas, but one thing I always struggle with is using pattern paper as my background for projects. Other designers make it look great, but no matter how hard I try I just can’t seem to get away from cardstock as the base for my layouts.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
My style is constantly changing, but always a little jumbley, with layers and overlaping pieces. (Don’t know if jumbley is a style, or even if that is how it would be spelled, but that is all I know for now:)

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
My favorite reason to scrapbook is to create love letters for my family, to communicate my thankfulness for what has been given to me in this life. Surprisingly this hobby often times has become a prayer. Can’t complain about spending time that way can I?

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
My favorite Bella collection would be Sunny Happy Skies. But my favorite Bella product are the Sanoma Chipboard Alphas. I think I could put them on every layout and never get tired of using them!

 

"My Happiness", by Katherine McElvain.

 

 

 

 

How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
11 years. I started in high school using pictures, tickets stubs and memorabilia from all the fun memories of school dances and events.

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
Cards & Mini Albums. I love to make cards because people love to receive something hand-made. Mini Albums are great to quickly put together some of your favorite pictures or to relive a trip :)

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
I usually do better when I am by myself and I like music playing. Sometimes I get a little too distracted with the TV on.

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
It is sad to say, but I don't get the chance to scrapbook that much anymore. I would say a few times a month and late at night. I have a full time job otherwise I would love to scrap during the day.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I'm neat (in this question) I like to clean up after every project. If I make a layout, I will use the scraps to make a card and then move on to the next layout.

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
Buttons, Brads & Twine

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
Besides my small attempt on our Maya Road Team up I have not gotten into the different maya mists and glimmer mists. I always think projects look cool using them, but for some reason I just haven't tried it.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
Simple with clean lines.

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
It is to record my memories and to look back on and share with others. It doesn't hurt that is also a major creative outlet for me as well

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
Sophisticates! I know that might seem like a boring answer, but I love how versatile it is. Plus the dot pattern came from the December details (Grumpy Grinch) which is another one of my favorite lines!

 

"My Best Experience", by Morgan Bandkowski.

 

 

Join us back here tomorrow, when we will get to know more about our last (but certainly not least) two Local Artistas.

 

Getting To Know The Local Artistas ... Again: Day One

Happy Monday everyone! We have a big week planned for you, here on the Bella blog. We have an amazing Guest Designer, who we will be featuring on Friday and Saturday. She has created a TON of layouts, and I can't wait for you to see them. But first, we have a special feature that we will be sharing today thru Wednesday.

We have hinted a few times about an upcoming Design Team call. Well, you won't have to wait much longer to get all the details. Next Monday is the big day, where we will announce the call. So you will not want to miss it ;)

 

But first, we wanted to take a few days to feature some girls that are very special to Stephanie and to Bella Blvd. The Local Artistas have been with Bella Blvd, since day one. You have seen their work on the blog over the last few years. But we thought it would be fun to get to know them . . . again. It's been quite a while since their last feature. So I gave them a set of questions, and asked them each to answer them, so that we could learn more about them. I also asked them all to create an "All About Me" themed layout, using the favorite collections. It was a lot of fun to see how each of the girls put their own spin on the theme.

 

 

How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I have been scrapbooking since 1996 ~ so that makes 15yrs.  I remember hearing about a lil' store that was filled with stickers and fun papers.  And being a sticker collector/trader as a young girl I knew that I had to go check it out. One day on my lunch break I stopped in and was so anxious to start.  I signed up for my first class with my mom and was immediately hooked.  Before I knew it I was working and soon managing The Scrapbook Store for 6 years until I got married and started a family. 

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
I would have to say that Layouts are my favorite ~ on a more practical side (a mommy of 3) I feel more accomplished when I complete layouts, that is one more I can cross off my list ~ Check! Check!

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
I love scrapbooking with my peeps but I definately work better under pressure ~ usually always with country music videos in the background.

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
It is definately a part of my daily life ~ I usually scrapbook anytime ~ morning, day, night and even in between.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I am messy but neat . . . I have to clean up after every project.

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
INK, I love to POP (pop dots) and flowers.

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
Sewing ~ I do not sew. (personal goal ~ someday. maybe or not)

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
I would have to say I try to keep it simple . . . more classic.

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
I truely enjoy being creative, and often get moody if time doesn't allow ~ but first and for most ~ preserving our family memories.

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
Today, I would have to say finally Fall. My favorite season is Fall ~ love everything about it, the colors, the patterns, the trees and the owls.

 

"Facts About Me", by Allyson Meinholz.

 

 

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How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I began scrapbooking in 1996, when a friend of mine brought over a scrapbook she made.  She said she was going to be hosting a Creative Memory Party and asked if I would like to go.  The rest is history!

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
I think my favorite things to create are layouts, although I do enjoy some altered projects.

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
I definitely get more accomplished when I am alone at home with the TV on, but I prefer scrapbooking with friends.

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
I scrapbook at least once a week in some sort of way.  Since I also own a Scrapbook Store, it seems like I always have projects due.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I am a very messy scrapper, but I do organize in between layouts and always clean up after myself, although, I’ve been accused from time to time of leaving a trail of glitter behind me.

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
My favorite three embellishments would have to be bling, alphas, and chipboard, probably in that order!

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
I'm not too sure it is really a technique, and I'm not really scared of it, but the one thing I never use on my pages is staples.  I just don't get it!?!  Never have, never will.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
I think my scrapbooking style has changed over the years, and I don't know if I have "one" style, but I tend to be clean, yet sometimes(more often than not) cluttered.

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
My number one reason to scrapbook is to preserve and pass along memories, but it also creates a fantastic outlet and a great for of socialization.

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
My favorite Bella line for every day is definitely Sophticates because it’s so versatile.  But if I’m working on a themed project, the corresponding collection is always great.  Stephanie doesn’t make a collection I have not been able to work with.

 

"I'll Bet You Didn't Know", by Beth Gerlach.

 

 

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How long have you been scrapbooking? How did you get introduced to scrapbooking?
I started scrapbooking in 1998 after my sister told me about it. Oh brother, you should have seen that first layout! I just recently tried to find it and “somehow” it has gotten lost through the years. Wish I had it, oh how we would laugh!

What do you enjoy creating the most? Layouts, cards, mini albums, altered projects?
Layouts, when I am making a layout. Cards when I am making cards. Mini albums when I am .... well you know how it goes. I love it all!

Do you better when you are alone, or with friends? Do you need silence, or do you have the TV or music in the background?
I love scrapping with friends even though I don’t get as much done. However, at home, don’t laugh ... I love watching my “I Love Lucy” DVDs. I know them by heart so I don’t even have to look up to know what’s going on.

How often do you scrap? Is it a part of your daily life, only on the weekends, or a few times a month? Do you scrap early in the morning, during the day, or late at night?
I don’t scrap daily, probably a couple times a week. I like to scrap early in the morning or during the day. I am n.o.t. a night scrapper. My friends were always surprised if I ever stayed at a crop past 10:00 PM.

Are you a messy scrapper, or a neat scrapper? Do you clean up after every project, or only when you can’t find your adhesive anymore?
I am a very tidy scrapper ... oh please, really? I am one hot mess, even though I say I am going to stay neat at the beginning of each project. When I was teaching at my LSS you sometimes could not walk in my scrap room, it was so messy, piles everywhere! With that said ... I can think a lot clearer when my workspace is cleaner.

If you could only use 3 types of embellishments on your layouts (other than cardstock and pattern paper), what would they be?
Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink, Rustic Twine and a border cut from one of my punches or dies.

What is one technique or product that you just can’t get into trying? One thing that you’re scared to do or use on your projects?
I am really not scared of trying anything. I, for instance, don’t like paint and glitter ... too much mess, but I still get both out every once in a while. Paint Dabbers, Stains, and Stickles have made my life much better.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
Simple, but really I don’t think I have a style. I wish I did, maybe it wouldn’t take me so long to do a layout or card! 

What is the biggest reason behind why you scrap? Is it for your family, to record memories, for the creative outlet, or something else?
All of the above and add to that the social part. I am glad to have the memories, I will look through some of at my older albums and catch myself saying “I forgot all about that!". The kids love to go through them when they are home.

What is your favorite Bella Blvd collection, and why?
This is a hard one since I have used them all and they are all fun! I’m drawn to neutral and earthy colors though so I would have to say Family Tree, Honey I'm Home, Estate Sale, All Inclusive, One Fall Day, Tail Waggers & Cat Naps, Finally Fall. I, obviously, can’t name just one. I work and teach with Bella Blvd papers often, and n.e.v.e.r. get tired of them!

 

"Georgia", by Gail Hoecker.

 

 

We hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about our first three Local Artistas. Come back by tomorrow, when we will meet the next two girls.