Bella Blvd and May Arts teamed up for great inspiration and a few giveaways too!  My assignment was to use ribbon on a card using Bella's Mr. Boy line. 

Oh my gosh, I actually had an idea right away!  I've had those before...a great idea...yeah, when I actually put it to paper, it usually doesn't turn out too good and most of the time it ends up in the circular filing cabinet!  This time was different though.  I thought some thin ribbon forming the spikes (is that what they are called? That's what I'm calling them) of the dinosaur would be perfect.  I actually thought it out before I started cutting everything apart and making a big ol' mess.  I tried one spike, and it worked.  Then, I tried the 2nd and 3rd spike, IT WAS WORKING PEOPLE!  

My second assignment, which was actually posted on Bella's Blog yesterday (oops, I thought they were both scheduled for Wednesday, I was wrong) was to use the Sophisticates by Stephanie line with some May Arts ribbon.  So, a while back, I remember Katherine McElvain, another Bella Artista, making flowers out of something, but I didn't know if it was fabric, ribbon, what?  Ei Yi Yi MY MEMORY! Or lack of.  So I did a search on "You Tube" and found a couple of examples.  I don't know if I did it correctly, but I didn't think it turned out too bad.  Added a stamped Bella Doiley, a few leaves and sewed some beads to the center of the flower.  I always say "ignorance is bliss."  Just dive in.

There are more images on the Bella Blog and a chance to win some great product.  Check it out!  Also, check out the May Arts Blog, not only do they have some awesome projects done with the Bella product, they also have great ribbon tips and tricks!

Thanks for looking!

BTW, did you like it when I said "big ol' mess?"  I'm practicing my "southern!"

Stamp Giveaway!!

Did I get your attention?  Good...now for the details...hop on over to the Bella Blvd blog and tell us what you're doing this weekend.  It's that easy!

I made this layout using some of the stamps from Bella's Family Dynamix set made by Unity.  The two cuties are Jacob and Sophie, my grandkids...aren't they adorable?

This is the whole set...awesome isn't it? 

Now it's time to hop on over to Bella to leave your comment.  

Thanks for looking!

Sophisticates

Featured on the Bella Blvd Blog today is another project, a greeting card holder, I made for CHA Winter.  I used the Bella Sophisticates line along with the coordinating stamps from Unity.  How, you ask?

The container came from the dollar spot at a big box store and I covered it with the Sophisticates paper and found matching buttons in my stash (imagine that!)  The monthly dividers are made from the same beautiful paper and I stamped a calendar for each month and adhered to the top edge so that it mimics a tab divider.  For a little added "something, something," I made charms from the seasons stamps, stamping "winter," "spring," "summer," and "fall."  I cut the season impressions out and covered with glossy accents.  When they were dry, I punched a hole in the top and hung with a fine metal chain from the box. Tedious...um, yes, the jump rings and my fingers were not getting along that day.

Here is the easy peasy part...the "Tall Tags" paper from the collection is perfect for card making.  I cut them out and adhered to the front of an A2 card...perfect!  Sometimes I added an extra embellishment or sentiment, some, I just left with the Tall Tag...perfect.  These tags are perfect for making some quick bookmarks too.  Oh, I should probably mention how "perfect" these are.  Oh, I did? But they are!

Well, anyway, this paper is shipping in a few weeks.  Get your supplies ready, because there is so much you can do with it. And while you are checking out the Bella Blog, you have to read Wednesday's (February 23, 2011) post as well, Julie Johnson made the cutest mini book out of this line.  I hope, hope, hope she offers this as one of her kits at Paisley & Polka Dots.

I was scrappin' and having fun with my peeps yesterday, made some note pad holders and a card that I will hopefully post soon!  Until then, enjoy!

DINO-mite!

This is a card I made as an assignment for Bella Blvd in preparation of Winter CHA.  I used the new Bella stamps by Unity to make the background paper, dinosaur, and "super cool."  This dino (Bella Itty Bitty) makes me really happy, I think because Jacob, my grandson, is soooo into dinosaurs right now.

Here is a little tutorial on the background paper...try it...it's really easy and fun.

I used the Bella Quadrants (yep, loving those Quadrants) paper from the new Family Dynamix collection which gave the background the graph paper-like look.  I am using plain paper for this example.  Using Versamark ink,  I stamped the stars from the Mr. Boy stamp set.  Next, I heat embossed the stars with white embossing powder.

Using the Inksentials Blending Tool and Tim Holtz's Broken China Distress Ink, blend ink onto the background paper.  You want to blend in a circular motion, starting off the paper on your craft mat and working onto the paper.

And, like magic, your stars will appear.  So easy.   If you haven't stopped by the Bella Blog today, go, run, NOW PEEPS...there's more CHA inspiration that will have you running to your crafty spot!

Congratulations Bella Blvd

I am quietly reading my mail this morning.  Yeah, for a little while anyway.  I love when there is a new issue of Scrapbook Update, love reading what the scrapbooking industry is up to next.  Well, I am reading and loving the article on the CHA Winter 2011 Top Ten Hot Picks, and THEN...I SEE THIS...

Bella Blvd: Sophisticates by Stephanie

Since its inception, Bella Blvd has consistently provided scrapbookers a bright, cheery look without going 100% over into the cute style dominated by companies like Doodlebug and BoBunny. Existing in a middle ground has allowed the company to draw from a wide range of scrapbook customers.

You can read the rest of the article here.

I just can't stop "Happy Dancing!"  CONGRATULATIONS Stephanie and Bella Blvd!

Bella Fiori Stamps

I have been thinking I need to update my blog, so today seemed perfect.

Stephanie posted some of my cards on the Bella Blvd blog today that I made using her stamps Bella Fiori by Unity.

All the pictures were taken by Stephanie...so much better than mine!  Well there you go...hope you are inspired.  Now hop on over to Bella Blvd for a chance to win this awesome set of stamps!

Happy Father's Day

...a little late.  Didn't get a chance to post these yesterday.  We spent the day over at the kid's house and we were gone much longer than I expected.  What a fun day it was!  Happy belated Father's Day to all the dads out there!

This is a card I did for the Bella Blvd blog.  It was a lot of fun to make.  I got the washer's at Farm & Fleet...funny story...Paul loves to go to F & F, me, not so much.  Therefore, I have made a game out of it, while he is shopping I walk around to find something I can use for scrapbooking.  This has made our trips much more enjoyable.  Soooo, you will see I found my first purchase, washers, being used on this card.  I hope you find some inspiration and enjoy!

Birthday Card and other Goodies

Today I have a card I made for Paul's birthday.  I used patterned paper from the Bella Blvd Man of House collection.  The stamps I had on hand...except...that new border cling stamp from Hero Arts.  Just love the distressed edges.

Now, how about these?  Had a party on Friday for Paul's birthday and these little gems were my centerpiece.

Little bite-size desserts.  Half the spoons are filled with Tiramisu, whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  The other half are blueberry topping, cheesecake and a little whipped cream.  The chocolate cups in the middle are filled with Bailey's Mint Cream.  They were yummy!  I want to try this with savory appetizers next.

Then we went to Shipshewana, IN for a couple of days.  I love hearing the clip clop of the horses hooves on the pavement pulling the black buggy.  I've got to stop complaining about getting into a cold car in the winter! 

Driving through the country roads we saw this!  You really can't tell in the photo, but this little guy wasn't even two feet tall!  Too cute!

A card and more "stuff"

I know, it has been a while since I last posted, but really folks, I have a pretty boring life and there is not a whole lot to write about.  BUT, I was in my crafty space yesterday and made some "Thank You" cards.  Here is a picture of one of them.

I used the Studio Style set from Papertreyink.  A little tedious coloring in all the buttons, but worth it in the end.  The patterned paper is from Bella Blvd and the cardstock from WeR.  I think it is so "Springy" and fresh looking!  Here is a closer picture of the button jar.

And...then...I thought I would check the front door...just in case there was a package and they didn't ring the doorbell...and, guess what?

There it was!  My order from PTI with the new Hawaiian Shores color had arrived!!!  Buttons, ribbon, felt, ink, oh my!  I love PTI, in case you hadn't noticed.  The colors work perfect with the Bella Blvd papers that I usually scrap with.  So much fun.  Gotta go play now!

P.S. Don't you love the card holder? Stephanie gave me these to use on my blog...so cute...thank you Stephanie!

Get your crawl on!

How would you like to win Bella beautiful-ness worth $50?!  It's Bella's brand new CHA winter products! For a chance to win Bella Blvd's giveaway, leave a comment over at Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker blog. Nikki will choose the winner on Sunday night and you will find the winner announced on Bella's blog Monday morning.

Then are you ready to Blog Crawl?! Here are the details:

The Crawl is a "free-style" crawl, meaning there is no correct order to hop from blog to blog. I have all the Bella Blvd Artistas participating in the Handmade Craft Giveaways listed below. Each one of us has a unique, one-of-a-kind handmade craft to give away. From frames and cards to party favors and gifts, they were all made with Bella products!

It's easy...here is my giveaway:



These three sheets of goodness are ready-made embellishments you can use to make cards or embellish your scrapbook pages.  There is one from each of the new collections: Man of the House, Estate Sale and All Inclusive. You know you want it!!!  All you have to do is leave me a comment and I will be drawing a name on Sunday night and will announce the winner here Monday morning.  After that, hop onto the next blog, soak up some inspiration, enter to win their hand-made goodness and have fun!

Akiko Kuroki   www.akilia-island.typepad.jp/

Beth Gerlach  www.myworld-beth.blogspot.com/

Brittny Lejeune  www.paisleylane-britt.blogspot.com/

Celeste Smith  http://www.celestefs.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Carney  www.itsmythingy.blogspot.com/

Emily Jones  http://www.emilyjones.typepad.com/
Erin Wells  http://www.erinwells.typepad.com/

Estee Stone  www.because-estee-says-so.blogspot.com/
Gail Hoecker www.gailhoecker.blogspot.com/ (done!)
Heidi Sonboul www.queenofpaper.blogspot.com/
Jana Eubank  www.frommyfeatherednest.blogspot.com/

Janis Medina  www.thereluctantscrapper.blogspot.com/

Jenneke Knol www.jenneke-justwhoiam.blogspot.com/
Jessica Jo Salber  www.jessicajo78.blogspot.com/

Lorendana Bucaria  http://www.lovescraplife.typepad.com/

Michelle Alynn Clement  www.michelleclement.typepad.com/blog

Michelle Lanning  www.michelle-lanning.blogspot.com/

Mimi Leinbach www.mycharmingblog-scrappermimi.blogspot.com/
Sheri Feypel  www.thedesperatescrapper.blogspot.com/

Stephanie Hunt  www.iamstephanie.typepad.com/myweblog/

Tanisha Long  www.tanisharenee.blogspot.com/

Tricia Wilson  www.triciawilson.blogspot.com/

Wendy Cieklinski  www.wendylee-positivelypink.blogspot.com/

When you're finished crawling around the Bella Blvd Artistas' blogs, hop on over to Jillibean Soup and Nikki Sivils to get more links to their designers' Handmade Giveaways! You have the entire weekend to crawl! On Monday, March 8, more than 50 giveaway winners will be announced throughout all the blog sites!  

Scrapbook Store Sketch Layout

Today is going to be quick.  I have lots to do, finish up project for the Blog Crawl that starts tomorrow!

So I was in charge of the sketch contest at The Scrapbook Store this month.  To make things easy (of course!) I asked my friend Beth if I could use her sketch from her guest blogger appearance on the CK Blog. 

Here is the sketch:

and this is the sample layout I did.

The photos are of my very adorable grand daughter, Sophie.  Just want to kiss those cheeks all day long!  The paper is, of course, Bella Blvd Estate Sale.  I think everything I have done on the blog so far is with this collection.  Well I did warn you earlier that I love, love, love this collection!

Blog Crawl Sneak Peek #2

Here is sneak peek #2 for my giveaway during the Blog Crawl.  The "crawl" is sponsored by Bella Blvd, Jillibean Soup and Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker.  You won't want to miss this! So many giveaways...so much fun...who dosen't like that?  With nearly 50 handmade giveaways from design team members, and 3 large yummy product packs from each company!

Well, here it is...

I used Bella Blvd paper line Estate Sale for this one.  Love, love, love this paper.

and,

humor me for a second, I am, afterall, "the crazy cat woman!"

Nellie loves to watch television. Here she is watching my fav couple on Amazing Race.  It cracks me up.  She will stay there for an hour!

Last, but not least, THANK YOU to everyone for stopping by.  I love reading the comments!

PTI Blog Hop...here I come!

I'm so excited to take part in the PapertreyInk Blog Hop.  I have admired all the designers of this company for awhile now.  February's theme is Design Team Appreciation Day. I took this as a sign I should participate since I don't leave comments on their blogs very often.  Every single one of the DT blogs has the best inspiration and I probably check them at least every other day.  The challenge was to go through the DT gallery or their blogs and find a project that you found inspirational and recreate it giving it your own spin to make it unique.

The card above was taken from Besty Veldman's Blog, one of those very talented ladies.


And, here is mine...not anything the way Betsy originally posted...well, maybe a little, but, it was supposed to be unique right?

A close-up view.  Thanks for looking!  Oh, and leave a comment, I know I will from now on!

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Kraft, Vintage Cream - PTI

Ink: Ripe Avocado, Enchanted Evening, Dark Chocolate - PTI; Chestnut Roan - Colorbox Chalk

Buttons: Spring Moss, Razzberry Fizz, Ocean Mist - PTI

Twine: Rustic Cream Button Twine - PTI

Stamps: Blooming Buttons Bits - PTI

Patterned Paper: Estate Sale/Nana's Apron - Bella Blvd

Ribbon: Unkown

A sneak peek!

This is so exciting!  I have a new blog and I actually have something to post on it!  My sister thinks I have too much time on my hands :) My house isn't clean, that's for sure.  I can't thank Stephanie enough for the cute header.  I had a name and she made it come to life.  What a friend!  Oh, and did I mention, how much I am learning!  I think it only took me 3 hours to post this!

Here is a little sneek peek of the handmade items I have crafted for the Blog Crawl...enjoy!