Bella Blvd Studio Blog

Designer Spotlight: Beth Gerlach

Occupation/Day Job:

Day Care provider

Q: What kind of camera do you use?

A: Canon Rebel Digital SLR 8.2 mega-pixels

Q:How would you or other describe your scrapbooking style?

A: I have been called the Liberace of scrapbooking because I use a ton of bling and glitz!

Q: When do you make time to scrapbook?

A: I usually put aside 1 night a week. 

Q: How many albums have you completed?

A: 61+ and counting...

What about "This or That?"

Local Scrapbook Store or Online Shopper?

Local scrapbook store....I need to touch!

Photographs glossy or matte?

Shoulder tote or Crop N Style XXL?

Neither....crate on wheels!

Thank you . . .

Thank you to everyone that submitted their work throughout the past week and a half. The submissions were overwhelmingly beautiful. We had a great time getting to know you through your essays and page layouts, and a difficult time making final decisions. You are all such talented and creative women! 

We are waiting for some final replies and will announce the new Bella Artistas very soon!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Ciao Ciao for now!!

Gail's Designer Challenge

Create card gift set, holding 3 different coordinating cards.

Check out the detail on this beautiful card. Gail added adhesive pearl accents and turned the Bella Blvd cardstock stickers into epoxies. (See details and link below.)

And what a great idea she had here....using Bella Blvd patterned papers to back clear buttons! Love that!

Gail, this is *amazing*! What a great gift idea for a close friend or family member! I *love* it.

Here's some notes from Gail,

"My challenge was to make a "set of three cards." Years ago, I made these easy-to-make folders to hold sets of cards and thought it would be perfect for this challenge. (See pattern and directions below.) I like to make card sets as gifts, and the folder helps for a nice presentation. The epoxy embellishments came about because I bought a jewelry kit at Little Windows Brilliant Photo Jewelry months ago and thought this would be a good time to try it out. I think they turned out pretty good and I can't wait to make some more!"

Designer Spotlight: Gail Hoecker

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Occupation/Day Job:

Local Scrapbook Store, part-time.

Other Hobbies:

Quilting and beading.

Q: On average, how much a month do you spend on scrapbooking supplies?

A: Way, way too much...my husband might be reading this!

Q: Why did you want to be a Bella Artista?

A: I know Stephanie has had a dream of designing her own line of scrapbooking supplies since I met her at the LSS we both worked at the time. I couldn't be happier for her and I really believe it is my privilege to do this.

Q: What is your favorite scrapbooking tool?

A: Right now, I'm into punches (what's old is new again!), but that could change with the next shipment at the LSS! :)

Q: How do you find/make time to scrapbook?

A: I am retired from my full-time career and my husband travel a lot...life is good!

What about "This or That?"

Leopard print or Zebra print?

Leopard.....cat, of course!

Life of the party or Wallflower?

Definitely wallflower.

Starbucks or Jamba Juice?

Starbucks for breakfast, Jamba Juice for lunch!

Photographs-glossy or matte?

I really like matte but can't get them at Walgreens in one hour. I'm a last minute gal, picking up my photos on the way to the crop!

Today is the last day

for Bella Artista Submissions.

Thank you to everyone that has already submitted artwork. We've seen some wonderful stuff come through the emails. 

If you're still interested, you have until Midnight tonight (Saturday) to submit.)

See all the details here.

Special Event

We are excited to announce our very first special event! 

On Friday night, October 10 from 7-9pm I will be at The Scrapbook Store in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

This store has a special place in my heart. It is where I first discovered scrapbooking! Back when I was in high school I found the store because I needed supplies for a class project. Being the artistic kind, I was overwhelmed with excitement when I first walked in. (Mind you these were the days of the My Minds Eye "Friends" and the Me and My Big Idea stickers on the roll!) I loved it all! I wanted it all! I asked the woman behind the register if she was hiring, and she told me to come in on Sunday for training. The rest is history! I worked at the store for 5+ years in customer service, teaching classes, organizing special events and conventions and so much more. The friends I have made through working at The Scrapbook Store are so great. I practically grew up with them! I'm honored that they will be hosting a special event in Bella Blvd's name! Thank you!

While special invitations went out to The Scrapbook Store's top 100 customers, everyone is welcome to join us. Refreshments and make-n-takes are on a first come first serve basis. I hope you'll mark your calendars and stop in to introduce yourself!

If you're interested in hosting a special event, please email us at info@bellablvd.net.

Lastly, the deadline for Bella Artista Designer Submissions is tomorrow night (Saturday) at midnight! Be sure to get yours in soon!  

Wendy's Designer Challenge:

8 photos, one layout.

About the challenge, Wendy says,

"For me, choosing 8 or more photos is the easy part for a layout, but to include them all on a two-page spread made it a bit more tricky for me. I usually use a 5x7 photo front and center, but I needed to share the page to get this many photos on. To do so, I trimmed down the 5x7 photo. Most of the time I am a straight line scrapper, so I used my comfort zone for the layout, keeping it pretty square. It all came together quite nicely, and with trimming the 4x6 photos the page was not at all overwhelming."

Wendy, thank you for sharing your techniques! It's great to see layouts with lots of photos....considering you told us on Monday you're developing over 400 of them each month!! :)

Lastly, a reminder for everyone out there...Don't forget about your Bella Artista Submissions. You have until Saturday, September 20 at Midnight to submit! See details here.

Bring 'em on!

It's been exciting reviewing the submissions that have already come in. If you want to be a Bella Artista we want to hear from you!!!!

Look here for details!

Designer Spotlight: Wendy Cieklinski

Q: How long have you been scrapbooking?
A: 12 years!

Q: How would you or others describe your style?
A: Straight lines, lots of bling, and fun. (And don't forget pink! pink! pink!)

Q: What is your favorite scrapbooking tool?
A: Right now, Ink! I will ink almost anything and everything!

Q: How many albums have you completed?
A: 37 12"x12" albums - wow!

Q: On average, how many photographs do you take in a month?
A: 400+ (I first put 200, but then I went back and counted! wow!)

Q: Average photos per layout?
A: 3 or more.

When asked to choose between "This or That...."

Local Scrapbook Store or Online Scrapper?

Brett Favre or Tony Romo?

Canon, Nikon, or Kodak?

Polka Dots or Stripes?

Tennis Shoes or Stilettos?
Rocket Dogs! Love 'em!!

Thank you Wendy!
Look for Wendy's Designer Challenge on Wednesday!

Call for Submissions

Yes, that’s right, we would like to expand our Bella Artista family!
We are excited to announce that Bella is looking for 6 guest designers to be named Bella Artistas for the months of October, November and December 2008. This is such an exciting step for our small but growing company.

The Bella Artista call for submissions is officially open. Submissions will be closed on Saturday, September 20 at midnight.

What are we looking for?
We cannot wait to meet new scrapbookers with enthusiasm and passion for this hobby. We are looking for Artistas that can display a unique style, communication skills, cooperation, and excitement for Bella Blvd products. International designers are welcome to apply.

What is a Bella Artista?
Different than a design team member, a Bella Artista is an independent monthly guest designer. As a Bella Artista your portrait and a little bit about yourself will be featured here on the studio blog along with your layout creations. Additional details will be sent via email to the winners chosen.

Submission Details
1. Send in 2 recent layouts that best demonstrate your style. (A layout can be a single page or double page, any size of your choice.)

2. Be sure each file does not exceed 500px by 500px or 500KB. Only one photo per layout please.

3. Write a 200-300 word personal statement about why you would make a great Bella Artista. Be yourself, and feel free to share any information you would like us to know about you. Be sure to tell us about yourself including publications, scrapbooking awards, design teams you have participated in, and your strengths and weaknesses in designing.

4.Email the above along with your name, email address, website/links, and blog address to art@bellablvd.net, subject line: I WANNA B A BELLA ARTISTA!

If you have any additional questions regarding the Bella Blvd submissions, please write to art@bellablvd.net

Winners will be announced by the end of September, once the future Artistas have accepted our invitations. Winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 72 hours to accept or another winner will be chosen.

We look forward to viewing and considering your entries for our first open Bella Artista call.

NOTE: We have also linked the Bella Artista call for submissions to our web site, www.bellablvd.net. Send the link to your friends and family. Simply click the "Wanna Be a Bella Artista" button on the home page!