Bella Blvd Studio Blog

Bella Blvd & Hampton Art Blog Hop: Day Four

This week, Bella Blvd is teaming up with Hampton Art Stamps to provide you with some stamping inspiration. Our newest cling stamps (Love and Marriage, Sand & Surf, and Kiss Me) are licensed and manufactured thru Hampton Art Stamps. We thought it was only fitting for a handful of our designers to team up with a handful of their designers, and see what they could all create using Bella’s products and the Bella/Hampton Art stamps.

“You're Awesome” card, by Laurie Schmidlin.

For my card I combined two stamped flowers, a stamped sentiment, Ciao Chip Icons, Journaling Sticker, and a Sand & Surf patterned paper. I just adore the bright and sunny colors in this collection! For embellishment, I added some ribbon and three Button Market buttons.

Supplies:
Sand & Surf: Surfs Up, Paradise, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Miniatures, Ciao Chip Icons; Button Market: Outdoors, Hot Pink Flowers, Fruit Punch; Hampton Art Stamps: Sand & Surf

“Friends” card, by Kathy Martin.

I love creating with Bella Blvd collections! They’re always colorful and happy and perfect for projects like this card for a special friend. To show off many of the beautiful coordinating patterned papers in this line I made die cut tags and layered them with foam mounting tape in between.

Supplies:
Sand & Surf: Paradise, Surfs Up, Flying High, Miniatures Stickers, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Hampton Art Stamps: Sand & Surf 

“Mr & Mrs” card, by Kathy Martin.

I love the whimsical images Stephanie creates for Bella Blvd. and think they make awesome rubber stamps! The latest release of Bella Blvd. stamps is so fun and offers so many project options! For my card I used one of my favorite stamps in the Love and Marriage collection, the adorable wedding dress. First I stamped it on card stock and then on patterned paper, cut it out and layered it with foam mounting tape to create dimension.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Esther Fleming, Miniatures Stickers; Button Market: Pickle Squares; Hampton Art Stamps: Love and Marriage

“He & She” card, by Carina Lindholm.

I used this adorable “He & she” stamp from the “Kiss me” collection on this card. I stamped my image on a blue cloud paper, cut it out and used it as a centre pieces for my flower. I also punched out a bunch of tiny hearts in pink/dotted designers tape. I used the hearts to decorate the top part of my card.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: May Eighteenth, Cake Tasting, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Designer tape: 12mm Combo, Chevron Combo, Polka Dot Combo; Hampton Art Stamps: Kiss Me

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We are doing a giveaway this week. We will be giving away the Love and Marriage Collection Kit, along with coordinating chipboard and embellishments, to one lucky reader! We will randomly draw a winner from all four posts this week, which means you can comment each day to improve your chances. A winner will be announced on Saturday. 

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Now head on over to Hampton Art Stamps to see what their designers have created today, and also be sure to visit their Facebook page as well. They also have a giveaway happening this week, so be sure to visit each day this week. 

Bella Blvd & Hampton Art Blog Hop: Day Two

 

For the next few days, Bella Blvd is teaming up with Hampton Art Stamps to provide you with some stamping inspiration. Our newest cling stamps (Love and Marriage, Sand & Surf, and Kiss Me) are licensed and manufactured thru Hampton Art Stamps. We thought it was only fitting for a handful of our designers to team up with a handful of their designers, and see what they could all create using Bella’s products and the Bella/Hampton Art stamps.

“My Loves”, by Shellye McDaniel.

To begin my layout I started with strips of various Designer Tapes to create a background/photo mat. I then thought that the Ice Stripe Designer Tape would make a cute set of clouds. I applied the tape to paper and then stamped with black Staz On ink. When you're stamping onto a slick surface, be sure not to wiggle or walk the stamp back and forth as you may get a smudged look; instead stamp directly down and then back up. For the border of hearts, I only stamped the image a quarter, a third or half-way to create a staggered look. I used Color Box's Squash ink for this and it matches the Orange Crochet Hearts perfectly!

Supplies:
Love & Marriage: Smokeys in Love; Kiss Me: Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Frosting; Ciao Chip Elements: Borders; Designer Tape: Ice Stripe, Piggy Pink Stripe, Pickle Juice Stripe, Navy Dot, Pony Dot; Crochet Hearts: Orange; Hampton Art Stamps: Kiss Me

“Hello Sunshine” binder clip photo display, by Shellye McDaniel.
Photo courtsey of Aleksandra Gadji.

I recently ran across a cute idea using binder clips to hold place-setting cards...I wondered how well it would work as a photo display! 

I set out by adhering three large binder clips together by wrapping with a piece of patterned paper. Next, I made a 4x6 photo mat and backed it with a thin chipboard for extra sturdiness. After decorating the photo mat, just insert the frame into the binder clip prongs and it's ready for displaying. 

For the stamped clouds, I used Bordering Blue ink by Stampin' Up! and plain white cardstock by American Crafts. After stamping the image three times, I used a blue watercolor pencil by Faber Castell. 

Color in the bottom of the clouds only. Next, use a blending tool or paint brush and (starting at the bottom) begin blending in the watercolor pencil. 

To make the banner, I took a length of Designer Tape and applied it to a scratch piece of paper and then cut out. I then stamped the sentiment onto it with a black Staz-On ink; this works well and doesn't smudge!

Supplies:
Baby Boy: Momma's Boy, Wild About You, Cute Cuts; Ciao Chip Elements: Clouds; Designer Tape: Yellow Chevron; Hampton Art Stamps: Kiss Me, Sand & Surf

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We are doing a giveaway this week, and I think we'll start the week off with it! We will be giving away the Love and Marriage Collection Kit, along with coordinating chipboard and embellishments, to one lucky reader! We will randomly draw a winner from all four posts this week, which means you can comment each day to improve your chances. A winner will be announced on Saturday. 

********************************************************
Now head on over to Hampton Art Stamps to see what their designers have created today, and also be sure to visit their Facebook page as well. They also have a giveaway happening this week, so be sure to visit each day this week.

Bella Blvd & Hampton Art Blog Hop: Day One

For the next four days, Bella Blvd is teaming up with Hampton Art Stamps to provide you with some stamping inspiration. Our newest cling stamps (Love and Marriage, Sand & Surf, and Kiss Me) are licensed and manufactured thru Hampton Art Stamps. We thought it was only fitting for a handful of our designers to team up with a handful of their designers, and see what they could all create using Bella’s products and the Bella/Hampton Art stamps.

“Best Wishes” card, by Laurie Schmidlin.

One of my favorite stamping techniques is paper piecing (stamping onto patterned paper and cutting it out). For my card, I stamped the heart (from the Love And Marriage Cling Stamp set) onto five different Love And Marriage patterned papers, cut them out, and then stitched them all together. I added a sticker border, Ciao Chip piece, Button Market button, and a stamped sentiment to complete the card.

Supplies:
Love And Marriage: Cute Cuts, May Eighteenth, Borders, Cake Tasting, Esther Fleming Floral, Ciao Chip Wedding Icons, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Button Market: Pink Flowers; Hampton Art Stamps: Love and Marriage

“Congratulations” card, by Carina Lindholm.

When I usually make cards I use lots and lots of colors on them, so I thought it would be fun to do the opposite for once. I stamped all the wedding images in black ink on grey heart paper. I cut out all the images and adhered them all to the white card base using pop dots. And to give my card that little bit extra and a splash of color, I adhered a teal button among the stamped images.

Supplies:
Buttons Market: Gulf Squares; Hampton Art Stamps: Love and Marriage

“Congratulations” card, by Sheri Feypel.

My inspiration for this card was the Wedding dress stamp. I knew that I wanted it to hang on a metal hanger on the front of my card. I stamped the dress twice, once on He Proposed and once on Esther Fleming Floral. I used the second stamped image for accents on the first stamped image, cutting out the scalloped waist and flower. I added a little dimension to the flower with a foam adhesive dot and topped it off with a pearl accent. I added another stamped image, the Diamond ring and attached it with Ivory twine to let it float on the front of the card. I also stamped my sentiment along the bottom of the card directly onto the floral print with a black ink. I love all of the layers on this card!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Cute Cuts, Cake Testing, Esther Fleming Floral; Engaged At Last: He Proposed; Hampton Art Stamps: Love and Marriage 

 

Altered Gift Bag/Tag, by Sheri Feypel.

I love to personalize gifts, something as simple as adding a scrappy touch to the packaging. It just makes it a bit more personable and thoughtful. I altered a plain white gift bag with papers from the Love and Marriage collection. I cut out the flowers from the Cute Cuts and arranged them with dimension on the front of the bag. I then cut out a small tag and stamped it with stamps from the Love and Marriage Cling Stamps, which stamp wonderfully might I add! I also stamped and cut out the diamond ring and attached it with some Ivory twine so that it appead to be dangling (I used a small foam dot behind it to keep it from being damaged in transit). I love the little extra that the stamps add to my projects and this collection.

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Vows, Cake Tasting, Turner Hall Ballroom, Esther Fleming Floral, Borders, Cute Cuts; Hampton Art Stamps: Love and Marriage 

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We are doing a giveaway this week, and I think we'll start the week off with it! We will be giving away the Love and Marriage Collection Kit, along with coordinating chipboard and embellishments, to one lucky reader! We will randomly draw a winner from all four posts this week, which means you can comment each day to improve your chances. A winner will be announced on Saturday. 

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Now head on over to Hampton Art Stamps to see what their designers have created today, and also be sure to visit their Facebook page as well. They also have a giveaway happening this week, so be sure to visit each day this week.

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 Five

Tomorrow is the big day for Stephanie and Steven, as their wedding day finally arrives! We hope she has enjoyed getting a peek at the design team's own wedding photos as we have all shared our layouts this week. We also hope you've enjoyed seeing us put the new Love and Marriage collection to work, along with some of Bella's other amazing products. We have a few layouts left to share with you today, all from the local designers, all of which are lucky enough to be attending Stephanie's wedding!

“Happily Ever After”, by Sheri Feypel.

I don't know if I am qualified to give marital advice, but here goes. Communicate, Compromise, Nurture, Laugh, Cry. Marriage is always a work in progress, so to speak. 

Supplies:  
Love and Marriage: Cute Cuts, Borders, Smokeys In Love, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Miniatures The Wedding Party, Miniatures Wedding Day; Engaged At Last: Alpha+Bits Stickers; Feathers: White; Crochet Heart: White

 

“Autumn Love”, by Allyson Meinholtz.

A few tips to a happy marriage: Never go to bed angry. Say "I love you" everyday. Communication is key. Never leave without saying good-bye. Patience. Always make time for one another - date night!

Supplies:
Thankful: Bountiful, Our Spot, Turkey Tracks, Borders, Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Love and Marriage: Smokeys In Love; Finally Fall: Leaf Pile; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Pony; Carla Alpha Stickers: Mudpie; High Five Alpha Stickers: Brown-Cream; Blooms A Bella: Sole; Baby Blooms: Saffron; Button Market: Checkers

“Until GOD Opens The Next Door”, by Wendy Wagner.

Stephanie....I can't wait to see the layouts you create from your wedding day. I know they will be beautiful. Always make time for each other, laugh together and play together. Finding time alone every day is so important, even if it’s for 15 minutes! God's blessings to both you and Steve! I love you! Xoxo

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Cake Tasting, Smokeys in Love, Cute Cuts, Turner Hall Ballroom, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Engaged At Last: Chipboard Icons; Sienna Chipboard Alphas: Pony; High Five Alpha Stickers: Black-White, Blue, Gulf; Quattrofina Alpha Stickers: Salt Water & Pacific; Crochet Hearts: Scallop

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Stephanie and Steven - We hope you have an absolutely amazing wedding day, spend surrounded by family and friends, and filled with love and laughter!

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 

Step-By-Step Monthly Project Sheet: Love And Marriage

Looking for fresh ideas and new inspiration using Bella Blvd products? Want to learn how to mix and match Bella products and create cute layouts? Stuck on a project and need some help? Want to teach a Bella Blvd workshop at your LSS? Or, do you own a LSS and need a sample idea to hang next to our products? If you've said yes to ANY of the above--you're going to love this!

 

Bella Blvd has launched a new monthly feature to help you get inspired and keep you scrappin'. I have been designing a fresh never-featured-before project along with step-by-step directions for you to use, EVERY MONTH! Complete with a list of tools, supplies and Bella products needed, it couldn't get any easier! So dive into your stash today, or check out the online store links (on the sidebar) and pick up your supplies today! You'll get more pages completed with our help! Use us ... that's what we're here for!!!

You can download our Love And Marriage project sheet HERE. 

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We recently added all of our project sheets into a gallery on the sidebar, for easy reference. There are now 20 step-by-step project sheets, all available for you to download, save, or print out. Just look for the image above on the right sidebar, and each project sheet image will have a link to the downloadable version. You can also find our previous project sheets by simply clicking on "Project Sheets" in the "Category" section on the left sidebar. That will bring up any post where we have shared project sheets.