02/14/2014
12/10/2013
Free Project Sheet: Elf Adventures!
How adorable is this Christmas Countdown layout designed by Bella's Special Projects and Design Team Coordinator, Laura Vegas? Do you have an elf causing mischief in your house? Get a jump start on documenting the fun with this month's Project Sheet released today for you!
Bella Blvd's monthly project sheets include a complete supply list, and step-by-step directions on how to create this adorable layout. All you have to do is pull out your Bella Blvd Christmas Countdown collection, along with some basic scrapbooking supplies and you'll be finished in no time!
Visit the Bella Blvd Studio Blog today for the link to download December's Elf themed project sheet!
For all the past and previous step-by-step Project Sheets visit the gallery by clicking here.
Sign-up for a free copy to your in-box each month by entering your email address on the homepage widget. Happy Tuesday!
11/22/2013
FREE Thanksgiving Printables
I have an *AWESOME* something special for you today :) I can't tell you how many times, SO MANY TIMES, I've been asked, "are you going to make another Thanksgiving album printable like the one back in 2011?" (see 2011 Thanksgiving Album Printables here) It honestly surprised me how many people actually downloaded the designs and created the album for their Thanksgiving gathering. The power of the internet sure is amazing, and I was so grateful to hear that everyone loved them! So...do you want to make this album?! I must confess this is my album from last year (2012-hence the cover). My process is such that each year I turn the previous year's personal project into a public tutorial for you :)
Well, well, well.....today I have a Thanksgiving gift for you! NEW printables PLUS bonus table place-cards too :) So, why a digital album you ask...because it takes less time (for you!) and this way you can have the ENTIRE album prepped and ready for Thanksgiving Day!
Here is my finished album. I'm giving you the digital printables inside pages for FREE today so you can make your Thanksgiving 2013 Album this weekend! You're going to love it! The finished album is 6x6" in size.
I'm going to walk you through the tutorial. If you'd like you can skip to the bottom and begin downloading the FREE PRINTABLES so that you can get started.
You'll need: Pen & paper for your list/planning, a printer, cardstock or photo paper to print digital printables, a scissors or paper trimmer, some chipboard for the base of your pages, adhesive, hole punch to bind the album, and some key rings to bind the albums.
First, you'll need to make a sketch of your book, for planning purposes. The sketch will show your album in it's finished order (assign one page to each guest/family member), and include the front and back covers. Here's mine.
Ready? Here we go...
Everyone at my Thanksgiving Day celebration will have one page (one side) in the mini book. Start by making a list of all the people that will participate int he mini album. In my case it's 21+ front cover + back cover = 23 pages. Then divide this number by 2 because you'll be adhering printables back-to-back onto chipboard. 23/2=11.5 I'm going to round up and prepare 12 pages for my album. By creating a quick sketch (like mine above) you will establish a plan/an order for the mini album. This will help you later when adhering your printables and assembling your mini album.
Now, you'll need to click & download *also save if you'd like, the free printables (scroll down) at the end of today's post. THere are 5 total pdfs sized for 8.5x11" paper (this does not include the bonus place-cards download). You'll need to select some cardstock or photo printing paper and print out the pages you want. You can mix and match them, or you can make all the pages identical. Whatever you like best :) Most likely you'll print duplicates/multiples, depending on how many people will be participating in your mini album.
Using a trimmer (or scissors), trim all your printables along the thin gray line. The final book size will be exactly 6x6".
You'll notice here on my pages in the lower corner I've customized them for my family, with each person's name (ie. "Nicky" on the bottom). Your version of the printables has an empty office tab along the bottom of the page for you to customize it in your own way.
Once you have all your printable pages trimmed stack them up nice & pretty :) Are you excited?
Next you'll need to purchase or locate several sheets of thin chipboard-this will make the album sturdy. These will be the base of your mini album. Trim chipboard to 6x6" pieces, cutting enough according to your album sketch that you made in the very beginning. (ie. I needed 12 pieces of chipboard).
Now you have all your printables and all your chipboard pages trimmed. It's time to assemble your pages. Using chipboard as the base, and referring to your album sketch, adhere in order: BE SURE TO LEAVE FRONT COVER AS BLANK CHIPBOARD for you to DESIGN later! Flip over and adhere next page. Continue through all participants (be sure to follow your sketch), finished again leaving the BACK COVER BLANK for you to design.
Now all your pages are mounted. Put all pages in order. Now you're ready to bind the album using a hole punch or CropADile. Punch holes in exact spot on all pages, and add two 1" key rings to secure. Now it's time for you to get crafty! This year's album printable does not include front or back cover designs, because let's be honest :) we're all a little creative, right?! So, scrapbook and design your own! Here's mine...
I used burlap paper and adhered it to my front and back chipboard covers. Then embellished with my Bella Blvd Feathers, Chipboard alphabets, stickers #s for the year, a wooden button and a flag (all Bella Blvd) You can purchase some of my Thankful collection online here. Keep it simple, remember plenty of people will be handling and touching it. Here are the insides of my front and back covers.
I used patterned papers from my Thankful collection-they will coordinate perfectly. Depending on the amount of printables you are using, you can adhere the first of last page to the inside front cover. My Aunt Chaya was on the back inside cover of this album.
I would suggest to prep everything before Thanksgiving, then take the book completely apart on Thanksgiving and place the chipboard pages in a cute basket with some nice fine point pens and remind everyone to fill out their page. REMEMBER to take photos this thanksgiving because this year's album has a space on each persons page for a photograph-and be sure to pay attention to photo orientation!!
Then, after the party's over I'll re-assemble the book and add my photos and it will be done!! Each year I display the past year's worth of mini albums/projects like this. It's fun as kids grow up, and our lives change that we can reflect on each year's blessings.
I really hope you'll tackle this project this week. The tutorial includes a lot of detail and might seem overwhelming but it's actually really easy! I've done all the work for you already :)
And here they are! Just click the links below each image, to begin downloading.
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PRINTABLE Six: BONUS PLACECARDS
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Consider this your Thanksgiving challenge, and a gift from gratitude from me to you :) Hope you have a wonderful and beautiful Thanksgiving, and that this project makes it much more memorable. Be sure to share the links and printables with your friends!
11/19/2013
Coming Soon: A Fun Thanksgiving Day Project
I can't believe how many email and special requests I've gotten for a new Thanksgiving Printables for 2013. I designed an album in 2011 and released printables and a tutorial for free (see 2011 album idea and printables here) . So, one more time....FOR FREE....I'll be sharing links to create a darling 6x6" mini album this November that your family can participate and write-in, capturing 2013's favorite memories and more. And this year's album includes spots for photographs...so you'll have to snag a photo of everyone at your gathering :)
The free printables will be right here very soon :) Stay tuned for this fun free gift from me to you :)
And if you're not a scrapbooker, don't worry! These printables are so easy you can assemble the album and participate too, I promise! Plus I made some bonus table placecard printables too!
11/15/2013
Free Download: The Bella Buzz November 2013
The newest newsletter issue from Bella Blvd is now available! If you subscribe (via the Bella Blvd homepage) you'll receive it in your email inbox today! If not, be sure to subscribe today for future issues. And, in the meantime
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN DOWNLOAD THE BELLA BUZZ-NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE
11/12/2013
Sneak Peek: Bella Buzz November
Laura and I have organized some awesome content for this month's The Bella Buzz e-newsletter, including the talented Vicki Boutin as our featured designer, tons of fall and family themed-inspiration and a little bit of Christmas too :) Here's a sneak peek of what's inside! The full issue will be available on Friday for download via The Bella Blvd Studio Blog.
09/16/2013
Free Download: The Bella Buzz Newsletter
Bella Blvd is back with a fresh new issue of The Bella Buzz: September 2013. Today is the official release date, so check your inbox for your free copy, or click here to download today!
The Bella Buzz took a brief hiatus during my crazy wedding season, and now it's back with some awesome and fresh new ideas, created solely for the newsletter. The layouts featured by the Bella of the Ball and the Designer Challenge have never been seen before! Enjoy! Happy Monday!
and pssst......don't miss the newsletter giveaway this time!
02/14/2013
Happy Valentine's Day: Free Download
Hello all! Bella Blvd has a Valentine's freebie today just for you! The latest issue of The Bella Buzz e-newsletter has officially been released. It's our first issue of the new year! Here's a sneak peek of the colorful 5-page issue...and don't forget all issues include a fun giveaway!
February's issue is full of Valentine's and love-themed ideas, including plenty of ideas showcasing Bella's Kiss Me collection! Find a CHA Winter recap and a friendly reminder that all Bella Blvd's new products are NOW SHIPPING to your favorite local & online stores worldwide!
To Download the February 2013 issue of The Bella Buzz Just Click: HERE.
To download past & previous issues of the newsletter visit Bella's newsletter page!
Looking for more inspiration featuring my latest Kiss Me (love-themed) collection? Check out the Kiss Collection Gallery for tons of great ideas!
Happy Valentine's Day! Remember to hug and kiss as many of your favorite people today!
02/14/2012
I'm Back: Sneak Peek
I'm home safe and sound from two fabulous Bella Blvd trips. I can't wait to tell you all about them and share more photos! I will be back here regularly .... thanks for waitin'!
I've just completed the latest edition of The Bella Buzz. Laura Vegas, my Design Team & Special Projects Coordinator, has put together some awesome content for this month's issue which features lots of love and Valentine themed inspiration!
It will be officially released tomorrow, Februrary 15th. Be sure to visit Bella for the free download!
12/15/2011
NEW! Bella Blvd Newsletter Dec. Edition
It's here! The last issue of 2011 is now available for download (see link at end of post)!
Here's a sneak peek!
The featured Bella of the Ball this Issue is Diane Payne.
I loved her fun facts and her layouts were so great! They're inspiring me to pull out some old-school photographs I have and use some of my modern colorful Bella products!
In the "Challenge on the BLVD", Megan Klauer & Vivian Masket accepted this seasonal challenge:
Create a Christmas Layout, Combining Christmas Wishes & Winter Wonder Products
Are you as excited as I am? I this this is our best issue to date! The Bella Buzz has a total of 6 fabulous and juicy pages of content.
Begin Downloading the NEW Issue Now by Clicking Here
or
Visit Bella's Newsletter Page to see the newest issue and previous issues too!
Enjoy!
11/18/2011
*FREE* Mini Album Printables
Are you strapped for time & want to create something fun this Thanksgiving w/your family?
Then I've got some great news for you! Today over at the Bella Blvd Studio Blog I'm sharing a Thanksgiving Day Digital Mini Album
I've designed, along with a step-by-step tutorial!
Each page has the same identical mini questionarre for each person in your family to complete/fill-in. Give this year's Thanksgiving a personal touch with this FREE download, creating handwritten keepsakes for years to come!
Here's a sneak at the finished 5x7" mini...
It can be as many pages as you want to be. Whether you have a large family gathering of 20 (like me), or small immediate family dinner of only 5 people, create this darling mini album this weekend so you are ready to go next week!
The free printables come in high resolution pdfs ready for you to printout onto photo paper or cardstock.
What do you say? Will you join the pre-Thanksgiving weekend Mini Album Challenge?
VISIT THE BELLA BLVD STUDIO BLOG FOR THE FULL TUTORIAL AND
FREE DIGITAL PRINTABLES FOR THE ENTIRE MINI ALBUM!
02/13/2011
Valentine's Fun + Free Coupon Download!
I played with my nieces and nephew today so that we could create some fun stuff for mommy (my sister) for Valentine's day tomorrow. First we made cupcakes...and then we took some fun pictures for mom!
And then we used the pictures and some creativity to print, cut and staple together some miniature Valentine Coupon Books for her. Each of the kids thought of 3 "gifts/chores" they'd like to do for mom for free! The covers of their books looked like this....(each one customized with their own photo).
Followed by three of these coupons that they filled in.
It was a fun afternoon. And the coupons were rather quick (once they were designed), they only took about 45 minutes to put together. So if you're still on the hunt for something sweet and special to do or give tomorrow, I've created an 8.5x11" pdf download of the coupons for you FOR FREE!!!!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THEM FOR YOURSELF! All you have to do is print and cut and bind!!
Happy Valentine's Day, a bit early. Hope its full of snuggles, love and kisses from everyone you love...even your puppy dog!
Stephanie Smokovich
Ciao! Ciao! I'm Stephanie, also known as Bella! I'm the designer and owner of Bella Blvd, a fabulous scrapbooking company located in the sweet little town of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. For as long as I can remember I've loved drawing, crafting and creating handmade gifts and cards.
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