Bella Blvd Studio Blog

Journaling on Your Pictures

Hi there Bella Blvd Fans! We've been exploring creative journaling techniques all week and today I am here to share an idea with you! When there's white space in your picture, why not add your journaling there? This works especially great with a layout with a big picture on it! Let's take a look!

I printed my picture in a big size for this layout. That left room in that upper corner for me to add journaling. I opted to have my journaling be an appropriate quote. When my pictures don't have a major story to go along with them, I like to just use a quote to tell the story!

I've said it a number of times and I will say it again: the Florence Alphabets are simply marvelous!  They are great for journaling and titles and card sentiments and, well, pretty much everything!

Knowing that I wasn't going to have a lot of room for embellishing, I decided to focus on hearts for my embellishments! In this section alone you can see nearly all the different types of hearts that Bella Blvd makes: Heart Hugs, stickers, ephemera, Acrylic Hearts, and Puffy Hearts. I love the selection and the ability to be able to add so much texture to my projects!

Want a close-up look at how I created this layout? Here's a process video that will walk you thru!

 

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Acrylic Shapes, Heart Hugs, Let's Go On An Adventure, Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot, Ciao Chip, Home Sweet Home, Squeeze the Day

Creative Journaling Pocket

Hey Bella Blvd Friends! It is Leanne here today sharing a super cool, interactive layout pocket in which to house your journaling. Can you see it on my page?

I always make it a priority to include some form of journaling on my layouts. If you can't see it, then it's hidden behind the photo (or written on the back of the page!!). True story! But for this layout I had a lot to say and wanted to create a feature without the clutter. The easy solution was to slide the documented story between the paper and cardstock layers. The bonus - the title is guaranteed to capture the reader's eye!

Like magic, accessing the story changes the outlook of the layout. And it is as simple as using a cut file, vellum and strategically placed double sided tape! Here's a closer look at how my page came together.

step 1. Gather your supplies. As mentioned before, vellum (or alternatively, clear acetate) has been used to prevent the journaling card from catching on the title alphas.

You will also need extra cardstock scraps, the same width as the top layer of cardstock; a cut file title (I used the standard fonts in my software program) and coordinating patterned papers and embellishments.

step 2. Decide how much journaling you want to include and then size the title cut file to fit over the top of the story. Once you have cut out the title, flip the cardstock over and secure the vellum/acetate to cover the cut out alphas. Adhere any inner alpha pieces for "O" and "R" directly on top of the vellum. 

step 3. Trim a 1" circle notch from the right side of the title. This allows easy access to the journaling card.

step 4. Mount the journaling onto cardstock for extra strength and durability as it slides in and out of the journaling pocket. Next sit the journaling on top of the reverse side of the vellum to measure the width of the pocket. Place and secure the cardstock scraps on either side of the journaling card to form a channel. Finally adhere the cardstock firmly to the background patterned paper and test the journaling card sliding feature. It is much easier to fix any issues at this stage, before photos and embellishments are added.

step 5. Complete the layout with small clusters of embellishments that relate to the journaling. I have delved into the Let's Go on an Adventure collection and the Word Salad sticker booklet.

Touches of Alex patterned paper and Oh My Stars Gift Tags are used to compliment my photos' colour story. I just love how versatile Bella Blvd collections are! Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Freehand Graph & Dot: Blueberry Graph & Dot; Let's Go on an Adventure: Ephemera Words; Alex: 6x8 paper pad; Sticker Booklet: Word Salad; Heart Hugs: Rainy Day; Puffy Stickers: Oreo Puffy Stars; Oh My Stars: Gift Tags; Illustrated Faith Basics: paper pieces.

 

Fall-ing for Bella Blvd Cut Files

Over the last year, Bella Blvd has started offering cut files and they sure do add some flexibility and options to your projects. Today I am using the most detailed of all those cut files - the Tile Background Cut File from the Home Sweet Home Collection! Christine joining you with a layout packed with details and time featuring this gorgeous cut file!

Cut files like this take a long time to cut. You have to set them at a slow speed and then just be patient. In this case, it took about 35 minutes to cut! Planning for that, I set it to cut and then did other things!

Once it was all cut, I pulled out my Bella Besties and my circle punch and started backing it! I knew I wanted lots of fall colors! A fine tip glue pen made this job a little bit easier!!!

Because the layout already has lots of detail and color I knew I wasn't going to have to do a lot for embellishing! I created my title using a combination of an Acrylic World and Florence Alphabets.  Then I added some Heart Hugs and punched out vellum leaves to my design. I opted for vellum here because it would still let the colors and cut file show thru while adding a little bit of texture!  

Head on over to my YouTube channel to check out the full process video for this layout today!  Thanks for stopping by!

Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot, Acrylic Words, Cut Files, Heart Hugs

World Cardmaking Day - Dimensional Flowers Card

Happy World Cardmaking Day Bella Blvd Fans! If there's one thing I love to add to my projects it's dimension. And when I can create dimension in a unique way, well, it just gets me so excited!  Christine joining you with what just may be one of my favorite cards that I have ever made! Check out all the details but also make sure to catch the quick process video at the end of the post for a close-up look! 

Dimensional Flowers Card

When I looked at the Bella Blvd Blue Flower Cut File, it occurred to me that it could beyond initial appearances. I thought with the right layers, I could give it the look of a fall mum. Here's what I came up with!

For my patterned paper I opted to use the 6 X 6 Freehand Graph and Dot pad. This gave me lots of color choices and would allow me to choose more fall-like colors.  

I cut the flower base in three different colors and then I cut the tendril-like petals in three different sizes. By varying the size and adding 3D Foam Adhesive in between I was able to create a fuller dimensional flower! I used a metal die to cut out some leaves and attached those in just a few spots so they would have the same delicate look of the flowers.

Of course, I can barely make a card these days without using my Florence Alphabets. They are simply the perfect size and you can always coordinate with the right color!

Let's take a close-up look at how I created this card and these dimensional flowers in my quick process video!

 

Do you ever think outside the box with your cutfiles? We'd love to see what you are creating with Bella Blvd files on this World Cardmaking Day! Thanks for stopping by!

Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot 6 X 6 Paper Pad, Heart Hugs, Florence Alphabet

 

World Cardmaking Day - Heart Hugs Background

Happy World Cardmaking Day Bella Blvd Fans! What is your favorite Bella Blvd embellishment? If I had to narrow it down to just one, it would definitely be Heart Hugs. I find myself using them on EVERYTHING! Christine joining you today to show you a quick idea on how to use your Heart Hugs to create a background for a card!

Heart Hugs Background Card

As I was sitting and looking at my packages of Heart Hugs, it occurred to me that they would make a really neat background. I opted to create a monochromatic one - but I definitely think they would look amazing in ombre or rainbow colors!

Although it looks like there's a lot going on, there really isn't a lot to this card! In fact just four products: Heart Hugs, Squeeze the Day Patterned Paper, an Acrylic Word, and some Nuvo Drops!

Let's check out how I created it in this process video:

What do you think? Can you see yourself making a background with these hearts on one of your crafty projects? Thanks for joining me today!

 

 

World Cardmaking Day - Fall Cut File Card

Happy World Cardmaking Day Bella Blvd Fans! While some cut files can make creating a card really easy, others are a little more complicated and time-consuming but still totally worth the effort.  Christine joining you with a Fall Cut File Card that I created using the Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot 6 X 6 Paper Pad. Be sure to scroll all the way down to check out the quick Process Video to go with this card!

Fall Cut File Card

This specific owl cut file does not come from a fall collection BUT because I used the Freehand Graph & Dot 6 X 6 Paper Pad, I was able to choose my colors and give it a fall feel.

This was one of those fun, lighthearted cards that sometimes you just want to make. As soon as I saw the owl, I knew it would make for a fun and punny card!

This owl is made up of lots of small detailed parts. A sharp blade and a slow speed on your machine will prevent tearing.

My kids are all into puns these days so one of them will definitely love this card. Florence Alphabets made it easy to add my own cheesy pun!

Let's take a look at the Process Video for how this Fall Cut File Card came together:

Whooooo else is creating lighthearted cards today? How about cards with puns? Thanks for stopping by to check out mine!

World Cardmaking Day - Clean and Simple Card

Happy World Cardmaking Day Bella Blvd Fans! Sometimes you just need a card to come together quickly without too many tricky techniques. Christine joining you today with a Clean & Simple Card combining layers of Patterned Papers, Heart Hugs, and a Bella Blvd Cut File.

Clean & Simple Card

Cut files are a great way to make a really simple card but still have it look fabulous! This tree card using the Bella Blvd Tree Cut File is the perfect example

I cut out the tree with the cut file but then I actually just did the circles using a circle punch.  Assembling the layers was quick and easy to do!

Bella's products all coordinate beautifully making the Heart Hugs a perfect embellishment for the Squeeze the Day 6 X 6 Paper Pad and the Bella Besties 6 X 6 Paper Pad.

Florence Alphabets are the perfect size for creating one of a kind sentiments as well as sentiments that coordinate perfectly without having to search through every product you own!  

Thanks for stopping by - hope you are creating some fun cards of your own today!

Squeeze the Day 6 X 6 Paper Pad, Heart Hugs, Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot 6 X 6 Paper Pad, Florence Alphabet

 

 

 

Besties combined with Cut Files

All this week the team is working with the new Bella Besties patterned papers. One of my favorite things about these new papers is that they can work for any season! As fall approaches I had an itching to create a fall-themed layout but I didn't have any specifically fall-themed products on hand. Bella Besties combined perfectly with some Bella Blvd cut files to make my theme come together! Christine joining you today with a Fall Family layout, let's take a look!

Bella Blvd has a lot of what I would consider "signature shapes" like the tree I used here! As soon as I see that tree with the chunky limbs and circles, I know it's a Bella Blvd design. When I started playing with it, I set out to make a card.  But the file came up full size on my screen and I knew I couldn't pass up the chance to use it on a layout. I love how it's a focal point but still involves the pictures!

I opted to cut the circles in Besties papers in colors that coordinated well with my pictures AND worked for fall. I also used a colorful Bestie page for my base. I know a lot of people like white for backgrounds and I definitely do too, but I really love a colorful background. So when I set my tree up against the Pickle Juice green paper, I was thrilled to see it worked really well AND complimented my pictures nicely too!

My title is composed of both a Bella Blvd cut file - to make the nice big "Blessed" and some Florence Alphabet!

To add some texture and a different shape, I went to some of Bella Blvd's heart-shaped products. The combination of White Heart Hugs with Puffy Sticker hearts in coordinating colors worked perfectly for the feel of the layout.

Finally, some enamel dots from the Heart Hugs sheets were my final touch to each colored circle. This layout came together fast and is pretty simple but I love the way it captures some family portraits and tells our colorful story!  Check out my process video below to learn more about how I put it all together!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have a colorful week!

Bella Besties Freehand Graph & Dot, Bella Blvd Cut Files, Heart Hugs, Puffy Stickers, Florence Alphabets

 

 

Fun ways with Washi Tape by Kim Watson

Are you looking for some more cool ideas to use washi tape?

Then you have come to the right place! Today I have a few ideas you might enjoy!

Follow my step-out process below:

Step #01

Grab a selection of washi tape & adhere them in a vertical pattern in the middle of your page. 'White-out' the area around the tape to 'knock back' some of the background pattern. This helps the page look less busy.

Step #2

Using a card stock circle as a guide, pleat one of the wider tapes around the edge. This will become one of the layers of 'petals' of your flower.

Step #3

Create a pleated circle slightly smaller in size that the first one you made, using different color tape. 

Layer them together, topped with a fussy cut flower for the center. 

 

Now that the first couple of layers are stuck together, you will have a size guide for your last & final petal layer. Again, it is easier to pleat onto a card stock guide, for bigger circles. 

 

Once completed, stick them together to complete your rosette flower.

 

The rest of the page consists of fun layers of tags, ephemera & stickers. Inspired by the yellow diamond paper, I created a twine diamond on top of the washi tape background, to frame my photograph. 

 

A 'tension' cluster on the top left side of the page, helps balance the overall design as well as color. 

 

Tags add height above the photo & introduce patterns that read as solids, balancing out the multiple patterns

Clustered sentiment stickers & ephemera help tell my story, as well as create tension within the design.

 

The rosette flower becomes the focal accent drawing one's eye towards the photo.

....and for the completed page! A bright, fun, riot of pattern & color! I hope you have enjoyed my process & are inspired to grab your washi tape & try these ideas? If you'd like to buy some of the bright, fun washi's just released by Bella, be sure to stop by their online store, the links are below.

I am so glad you stopped by! Have an awesome Friday & weekend!

Hugs Kim XXXX

Let's Go on an Adventure (all products), Bella Washi Tapes, Let's Go on an Adventure Collection kit

 

Back to School Cards

Hello Bella Blvd Friends! Welcome to Back to School Week! Today I am sharing easy to make cards to welcome back that special teacher or amazing friend! Such an awesome way to start the school year.

With a cute patchwork style, these cards can be made in a snap. And why not have some fun with scissors and glue yourself?!

Let's get started by gathering our supplies. You will need the new Bella Blvd Squeeze the Day & Freehand Graph and Dot 6"x6" mini paper pads; Florence Alphabet Stickers; Squeeze the Day Ephemera Icons; & white cardstock.

step 1. Cut two (2) strips of patterned paper from the mini paper pads at 1" wide. Cut the paper strips into 1" squares. Cut each square on the diagonal to create triangles. Use coordinating colours to create your apples.

step 2. Take four (4) triangles and trim 1/2 cm off the top angle (see image below). Leave the right angle intact. Overlap the middle two triangles to create a gap for the stem to "grow" from.

step 3. Align the triangles (as shown below) to form the patchwork apple shape. Use a set square ruler for even placement on your base cardstock.

step 4. Add a leaf to the top of the apple using a heart shaped ephemera icon and layer it with an enamel heart or Florence Alphabet heart sticker.

step 5. Use a cute phrase or school pun for your sentiment. The Florence Alphabet Stickers and Tiny Text alphabets are perfect for this!

step 6. Back your cardstock base with patterned paper from the mini paper pad.

step 7. Finally attach your patchwork apple to a white cardstock 4"x6" card.

Here's hoping your student or favorite teacher has a fabulous first day back at school. Thanks for visiting!

 

Squeeze the Day: 6"x6" mini paper pad, Ephemera icons, Heart Epoxy; Bella Besties: Freehand Graph & Dot 6"x6" mini paper pad; Florence Alphabet Stickers: McIntosh Florence, Bell Pepper Florence, Pickle Juice Florence, Guacamole Florence, Pony Florence, Black Florence; Tiny Text Alphabet Stickers: Pumpkin Spice Tiny Text.