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 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.

Bella Blvd + Silhouette + Chipboard

 

Silhouette's May Promotion went live today, and we are excited to help them spread the news, while sharing some new project inspiration along the way. One of the newest additions to the products you can use along with your Silhouette and Cameo digital die cut machines is chipboard!

“Welcome Baby Boy” mini album, by Laurie Schmidlin.

I was so thrilled when I first saw the Silhouette Chipboard! It's perfect for creating mini albums, embellishments for cards, home decor items, and even for fun packaging! For my first project, I created a little Baby mini album! I cut out album pages using my Silhouette Cameo and some Silhouette Chipboard. I then cut some Baby Boy pages using the same cut files. Both the front and back have different patterns (all from the Bella Baby Boy collection). I decorated the front of the Album using some coordinating Baby Boy Ciao Chip pieces, Alpha+Bits Stickers, a couple of Saltwater Feathers, and a Star Button.

Supplies:
Baby Boy: Momma's Boy, Borders, Baby Boy, It's a Boy!, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Feathers: Saltwater; Button market: Stars

Blooming Thanks Gift Basket, by Laurie Schmidlin.

One of the projects that I couldn't wait to create using the Silhouette Chipboard was a gift container! The heavier weight lends itself nicely to holding heavier gifts! I started by cutting out the Fruit Basket shape using my Cameo, assembling it, and then adding some white wash paint over it. I decorated it with a strip of Bella patterned paper, Ciao Chip, and a Button Market button!

Supplies:
Birthday Girl: Miles of Smiles; Sophisticates: Sprinkles & Lace Punch, Ciao Chip Icons, Miniature Card Sentiments; Button Market: Hot Pink Flowers

“Super Great Friend” card, by Laurie Schmidlin.

I love adding both dimension and texture to my cards, so the idea of being able to create my own custom chipboard pieces really appealed to me! I used my Silhouette Cameo, Silhouette Chipboard, and various Bella patterned papers to cut out the tree and heart shapes for my card. For embellishments, I added a Miniature Card Sentiment and two Button Market buttons!

Supplies:
Birthday Girl: Miles of Smiles, Party Dress; Sophisticates: Sprinkles & Lace Ice, Sprinkles & Lace Punch, Miniatures Card Sentiments; Love And Marriage: Smokeys in Love; Button Market: Pink Flowers

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Silhouette makes some amazing products, and scrappers everywhere are addicted to these machines. If you've been thinking about purchasing either the Silhouette Portrait or the Silhouette CAMEO, now is a great time to make it happen. You can find these great chipboard promotions HERE, with prices lasting until May 15th.

Cards On Thursdays

"Thinking of You" card, by Gretchen McElveen.

Many times when I am kind of stuck in a rut, I go back and look through my albums or box of cards for a little inspiration. I usually can find something that will at least help me get started on my next project. Like this card, for example! I started this card by using the same design as I used on the "Congratulations" card above. Obviously, it evolved into something completely different! Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
Sand & Surf: Paradise, Miniatures, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers; Love and Marriage: Smokeys in Love; Engaged at Last: Alpha+Bits Stickers 

"Congratulations" card, by Gretchen McElveen.

I have a cousin who got married over Thanksgiving weekend. The wedding was in Rhode Island and we could not make the trip. Confession: They just celebrated their 6 month anniversary and I have not yet sent a gift. So the inside of this card says, "Happy 6 month anniversary!" and I have a gift card to include. Better late than never, right??! I tried to make the card extra cute so that hopefully she won't be too mad that I am sending it so late!

Supplies:
Engaged at Last: Borders, Engagement Chipboard Icons, Bachelor/ette Chipboard Icons, Alpha+ Bits Stickers; Love and Marriage: Turner Hall Ballroom, Cute Cuts, Alpha+Bits Stickers; Sand & Surf: Paradise; Sophisticates: Miniature Card Sentiments

 

“Congratulations” card, by Sheri Feypel.

I really love the extra fun that the Feathers add to projects. They add a splash of color and texture that is exactly what some of my projects need. I designed this card around the feather and added a few of the Cute Cuts for the sentiment. Believe it or not this card came together quickly for me!

Supplies:
Love and Marriage: Smokeys in Love, Cake Testing, May Eighteenth, Turner Hall Ballroom, Cute Cuts, Miniatures Wedding Day; Feathers: Cotton Candy

“Boy” card, by Sheri Feypel.

I recently bought a mustache punch and I am obsessed with it! I want to use it on everything right now, so I created this Boy Card. I was trying to keep it simple and clean with only a few layers. I also had to work my foam adhesive in there popping each mustache off the card.

Supplies:
Baby Boy: Baby Blue, Momma's Boy, Borders; High Five Alpha Stickers: Brown/Cream

“Happy Birthday Wishes” card, by Shellye McDaniel.

It seems like squares are all the rage these days and I just had to play along! Using a 1.25" square die cut, I created a quilt of colors from the Birthday Girl Collection. After mounting them onto a piece of cardstock, I machine stitched down the center of each row. I kept the top simple by adding on a couple of chipboard stickers and a "wishes" banner under the die-cut shape.

Supplies:
Birthday Girl: Celebrate, Party Dress, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Button Market: Pink Flowers; Crochet Hearts: Gulf; High Five Alpha Stickers: Blue

“Happy 4^th Of July” card, by Shellye McDaniel.

A small piece of feather gathered and tied made the cutest plume effect to the top of the chipboard firecracker! I attached the feather to the chipboard using a Ultra-Thin Glue Dot. I built a 4th of July collage using several components from the Alpha+Bits and Just Write Journaling Stickers. So happy and festive, and I love the idea of displaying it on our Patriotic buffet table. Bring on Summer!

Supplies:
All American: United We Stand, Seeing Stars, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Button Market: Stars; Feathers: Ice

"Celebrate" card, by Wendy Wagner.

I decided to do a smaller card for this. I think it would be a fun card to share with someone hosting a party for the 4th of July or Memorial Day! I placed the Feathers to look like fireworks & added some stickles to the chip shapes. Thanks for looking!

Supplies:
All American: American Pride, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Chipboard Icons; Flags: All American Icons; Feathers: Surf N Turf

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