Keeping Calm & Carrying On

Puerto Rico Recap

It was a successful adventure to Puerto Rico as I stayed for several days teaching Bella Blvd workshops. Nilmarie was a fabulous host and her customers were just the same. It's always wonderful to see familiar faces sign up for the workshops; I feel like these ladies are part of my extended family. Thank you Nilmarie and Scrapbook Gallery for a fabulous week of Bella Blvd, laughter, fun and more. Together we make such great memories!

The crop party I hosted included a Halloween costume requirement. The staff showed up all decked out!

Before one of my workshops this beautiful woman came up to me with this handmade gift, a puppy blanket for Mio! Last year I told the students how my dog is like my baby, so spoiled! She found my Puppy Park fabric with Riley Blake Fabric Company and created this thoughtful gift, with hand embroidering along all sides. SO BEAUTIFUL!

Mio has already grown quite accustomed to it :)

This was also the first education trip that Steven traveled with me. While I worked, he played :) and then at the end we spent a couple night together before heading home. Check out this gorgeous sunset!

For Sale: Halloween Album Kit

This workshop is the only Halloween one I've taught this year, and since the majority of my newTrick or Treat collection is sold out I thought I'd offer up some of these kits for you!

This Halloween Mini Album kit measures 4x7”. It's a landscape-style chipboard mini album.

The kit will come complete with color step-by-step instructions and all supplies including myTrick or Treat collection, Feathers and Designer Washi Tapes, black board pages, acrylic, buttons and MORE!  All you need to do is follow the instructions to assemble and add your photos!

 If you want a kit – email me directly at [email protected]

The kits are limited quantity and are $45 total (shipping is included within the USA). International inquires please email me for final total.

I will accept orders until the kits are sold out!

Headed to Puerto Rico Soon!

In the blink of an eye I'll be in Puerto Rico at Scrapbook Gallery teaching five new workshops! Have you signed up yet? I can't wait to see you there!

Workshops: A 2 page Bella Blvd Layout

This double-page features a ton of mixing and matching! Sophisticates, Birthday Girl, Daily Chevies, Tapes, Snapshots, High Fives, Too Cute To Spook and Play Date products! It's the crossover of colors during design that I love so much, that makes mixing and matching so easy.

Photographs are from Archiver's Scrapfest event at the Mall of American in Minnesota during 2011. Several local artistas came with me, assisted in class and helped out at the crop.

It's easy to add depth to a layout by punched shapes out of the same patterned paper background and then popping them up with dimensional adhesive. Give it a try sometime!

I repeated the same dimensional effect on the coordinating right-page in the purple strip area.

The stripes here are created from 12" stickers, Designer Tapes, patterned paper and sticker arrows.

New Workshops Coming

Just as one event ends, another begins. I've been waiting to announce this next event until IU was successful and finished. I'm beyond thrilled to announce that I will be traveling back to Scrapbook Gallery in just a few weeks! When Nilmarie asked me to come and teach more classes I couldn't wait; Her customers are so much fun, so friendly, fashionable and colorful! I can't wait!

For this event I've put together 5 brand new classes, never taught before, never kit before!

Marathon Layouts: Are you ready to complete 8 total pages in just one workshop?! Build your layouts with simple backgrounds, and we'll embellish them together. Page themes include Christmas, Thankful for You, Girl, Boy, A week in the Life and Family. Feel great as we get eight pages done!

A Day at Play Everyday Mini Album: It's bright, colorful & whimsical just like a day outside with your favorite people! Think sunshine, blue skies and bright flowers as we mix chipboard, paper, vellum and more for this funky vertical 5x8" mini album. When was the last time you spent a day out int he sun? Great for family picnic photos, a day at the swimming pool or at the park!

Trick or Treat Mini Album: At Bella Blvd Halloween is all about the kids. Come and create a darling landscape-style chipboard mini album cute enough to put your faovirte little trick or treaters in! Mix & Match the new Trick or Treat collection with other Bella Blvd products and embellishments.

Christmas Countdown Mini Album: If you're like me, you take plenty of photos in December, especially at Christmas time. I celebrate with more than one side of the family so it seems like my photos are never-ending! Join me for a challenge-a-day in December; I'll give you a fun holiday activity or a photo challenge for each day to keep you going. You'll have lots of extra product as we work through pages for each day of the months, enclosed in a beautiful binder sponsored by Simple Stories.

Year in Review Mini Album (inspired by Bella's Shellye McDaniel): This mini album is colorful and so much fun! Join me in recalling one of your favorite photos from each month of the year. This album is great for your everyday/family photos, a baby album (capture all 12 months), a first year of marriage, or anything you'd like to remember a special year by! The funky chipboard album is made up of tabs pages, circle pages and brackets too! 

 

For a complete workshop schedule, pricing and sign up information contact Scrapbook Gallery at 787-792-0001.

Inspiration Unlimited Recap

I probably should have pulled my camera out of my bag more often. (I always end up saying that), but the hours and days fly by at IU & before I know it's all over ;( Here's a few of my favorites from IU 2013 that just wrapped up this past weekend.

These two, Ginger and Teresa, sure do have a lot to celebrate each year. Both have become dear friends of mine, ladies that I admire and respect so much for all their hard work & success. The impact that successful women can make in this world is worthwhile & amazing.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of IU again. Teaching Pre-IU allowed me to design more than one workshop and spend a lot of one-on-one time with students. 

As always, I was in good company during Pre-IU with people like Vicki Boutin, Joey from Bazzill and more! Ginger you do an awesome job at picking a diverse group of styles!

I find it very entertaining event after event to look through my camera afterwards. Jenna (my assistant) often snags the camera and takes some of me teaching. They always crack me up because they are never flattering....my mouth is open, I look bossy, etc. etc. :) Here's just a couple :)

This woman, Faye, came up and gave me a handmade gift during our workshop. How thoughtful and sweet of her. The beautiful card inside is a masterpiece--and now in my office at Bella :)

The InstaLove class was the biggest hit. I probably could have sold 50-75 more kits of these. Sorry ladies....I never quite know exactly what everyone is going to take-to. Thank you for your overwhelming support! You'll just have to wait until next year's pre-IU :)

These two (below) were crackin' me up during class. They were a hoot, working together, helping each other, or not helping each other ... lol, you had to be there!

During the closing ceremonies this lucky lady won her deposit for 2014 for free!

Before heading off to Scrapfest in Minnesota, Teresa reminded us Saturday night to be thankful for each moment we have, and to document them because we don't know what's next. 

IU is such a wonderful event filled with friendship, common bonds and the love of crafting. I say it time and time again that I don't take my job, or my career, for granted, ever, and I just think it's so incredibly "cool" (for lack of a better word) at how scrapbooking can bring women together in this way. IU holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return for Pre-IU 2014. 

Thank you Ginger Nelson for putting this event together and making it all happen. You and your volunteers are the reason it's such a success. Bella Blvd loves you :)

Inspiration Unlimited Recap

I probably should have pulled my camera out of my bag more often. (I always end up saying that), but the hours and days fly by at IU & before I know it's all over ;( Here's a few of my favorites from IU 2013 that just wrapped up this past weekend.

These two, Ginger and Teresa, sure do have a lot to celebrate each year. Both have become dear friends of mine, ladies that I admire and respect so much for all their hard work & success. The impact that successful women can make in this world is worthwhile & amazing.

Thank you for inviting me to be a part of IU again. Teaching Pre-IU allowed me to design more than one workshop and spend a lot of one-on-one time with students. 

As always, I was in good company during Pre-IU with people like Vicki Boutin, Joey from Bazzill and more! Ginger you do an awesome job at picking a diverse group of styles!

I find it very entertaining event after event to look through my camera afterwards. Jenna (my assistant) often snags the camera and takes some of me teaching. They always crack me up because they are never flattering....my mouth is open, I look bossy, etc. etc. :) Here's just a couple :)

This woman, Faye, came up and gave me a handmade gift during our workshop. How thoughtful and sweet of her. The beautiful card inside is a masterpiece--and now in my office at Bella :)

The InstaLove class was the biggest hit. I probably could have sold 50-75 more kits of these. Sorry ladies....I never quite know exactly what everyone is going to take-to. Thank you for your overwhelming support! You'll just have to wait until next year's pre-IU :)

These two (below) were crackin' me up during class. They were a hoot, working together, helping each other, or not helping each other ... lol, you had to be there!

During the closing ceremonies this lucky lady won her deposit for 2014 for free!

Before heading off to Scrapfest in Minnesota, Teresa reminded us Saturday night to be thankful for each moment we have, and to document them because we don't know what's next. 

IU is such a wonderful event filled with friendship, common bonds and the love of crafting. I say it time and time again that I don't take my job, or my career, for granted, ever, and I just think it's so incredibly "cool" (for lack of a better word) at how scrapbooking can bring women together in this way. IU holds a special place in my heart and I can't wait to return for Pre-IU 2014. 

Thank you Ginger Nelson for putting this event together and making it all happen. You and your volunteers are the reason it's such a success. Bella Blvd loves you :)

Single Photo Saturday

It's that kind of day...enjoying the roses. Today I'm thankful for such an opportunity as Inspiration Unlimited. Friends like Teresa Collins & Ginger Nelson are rare in life. Genuine & real. Months of preparation and work is coming to an end today as IU will close tonight. I promise to share my photos from this amazing trip very soon. Did you get any scrapping does this weekend?

Pre-IU: Last Call to Purchase!!

Happy Saturday everyone! Aren't you thrilled that the weekend is finally here?! In less than a week I'll be headed to Nevada to Inspiration Unlimited 2013. Teresa Collins and Ginger Nelson put on quite the spectacular event, and I can't wait to reunite with industry friends and scrapbookers too, it's going to be great!

Consider this the "last call" on Pre-IU kits! We've sold out of some already, and only have a few, and I mean a FEW left of each of these. Unfortunately for my friends that can't make it to IU all the mail-order kits are SOLD-OUT. Only thing left are class seats at the actual Pre-IU event.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT with these workshops! 

Penny for Your Thoughts Mini album have just about a handful of spots left in class.

The workshop price is $29.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th from 10:10am-12:30pm.

Reasons to Relax is the only Layout workshop I'm teaching during Pre-IU. There's only 3 spots left in class, so act now if you want a chance!

The workshop price is $27.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th from 8am-10am.

 

And this little gem, the Insta Love Mini album workshop sold quick! We only have ONE SINGLE SEAT left in class for you to join us.

The workshop price is $29.50 and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 19th.

To access the Down To Details Store and sign up for my workshops, click here. You can also email Ginger if you have any questions or requests. Email her at gingbugg {at} cs {dot} com

Thank you again for all the purchases and sign-ups! These workshops are some of my favorite ever and I cannot wait to teach them for the first time. And wait, there's more great news!!!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IU PARTICIPANTS!!!

 For those of you that have missed out on pick-up kits and won't be at the IU event until Friday, we may have, just may have, prepped a few extra kits of each workshop (even the sold-out Dec. Daily album workshop) and will available for purchase at the Bella Blvd table in the IU store next week! The price is a bit higher than the listed workshop prices were, as we always encourage class sign-ups, but rest assured you will still secure a great deal on the retail value of the kit contents, plus step-by-step color directions will be included. While supplies last, first come first serve basis at the IU Store at the IU event at the Green Valley Ranch! 

See you there. Mwwa! (kisses!)

Pre IU: More Peeks Layout Workshop!

I'm back today with more sneak peeks for you! Most of the Pre-IU workshops are filling up quickly/or just about sold-out, but I thought I'd make one more push to sell-out the workshop seats and pick-up/Mailer kits.

The only Layout Workshop I'm teaching at Pre-IU is Reasons to Relax summer & vacation themed layouts. The workshop is $27.50

All these classes are selling now for Pre-IU 2013. Class size is limited, and kit pick-up or Mailing option is available and also limited. (If you purchase a kit to be mailed to you, kits will be mailed right after the event in September, complete with color step-by-step directions). 

Click Here if you'd like to ATTEND the Reasons to Relax Layout Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to PICK-UP A KIT or HAVE A KIT MAILED TO YOU: Reasons to Relax Layouts.

Here's a reveal of 2 of the 4 pages we'll create during the workshop. If you have plenty of summer photos at the pool, the park or on the beach this workshop/kit will be perfect for you! Check out the original post describing the workshop here.

If you have any additional questions regarding the workshop, Pre-IU or class kits email me!

Pre-IU 2013: More Peeks-Penny For Your Thoughts Mini

Teresa Collins' Inspiration Unlimited event is right around the corner. My team and I have been crazy busy with prepping kits, embellishing my own project samples and writing directions! I have sooo much in store for the weekend including four never-taught-before workshops designed exclusively for Pre-IU 2013, and tons of exclusive page kits to sell in the IU store as well! (My initial post about Pre-IU workshops is here.)

I've added photos and finished up my personal workshop samples. I think seeing these pictures will give you a much better idea of what your completed projects will turn out like, photos & all!

This interactive mini album has a finished size of 6.5x9" and hold more than 25 photos of all different sizes! It's colorful and fun and forces you to write a bit about things and people that are important to you and part of your daily life!

The good news is, there's still time to sign up for the class....or to purchase a kit if you can't make it to class. The class kit comes complete with step-by-step color instructions and all the product you need to create this fun mini album!

Click Here if you'd like to ATTEND the Penny For Your Thoughts Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to PICK-UP or have a KIT MAILED TO YOU: Penny For Your Thoughts. (Kit mailers will go out post-event, end of September!)

If you have any questions regarding the class, the kit or Pre-IU email me!

Attend or order a Workshop Kit Today!!

A Bella Blvd Event

This weekend I'll be hanging out with some local scrapbookers and Bella Blvd fans at a weekend Crop Event at The Scrapbook Store in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

We have a lot of fun things planned including Bella Blvd Trivia, a layout contest, giveaways, make-n-takes and prizes too! Here's a sneak at some of the make-n-takes planned!

There are still some spots available if you're local and free this weekend. You can sign up for Friday night, Saturday night or save when signing up for both days. Find all details here.

Pre-Inspiration Unlimited Recap & Links

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, I shared previews and details to my four new pre-IU workshops taking place this September in Henderson, Nevada.  Thank you for the awesome response and for supoprting me. Creating & teaching is one of my most-favorite things about owning Bella Blvd. The opportunity to meet creative people from all around the world is something so cool...that we have this one thread of capturing life's moments in common....that brings us together as instant friends! It's pretty amazing. 

Because this year I am a part of the PRE-IU festivities my kits are available to anyone and everyone. You can order one to be mailed to your house, come to the venue and pick-up your kit in person, or attend the workshops at the Green Valley Ranch in Nevada.

Here's A List of Quick Links for My Classes and Kits:

December Daily Album & Challenge=$35

InstaLove Mini Album=$32.⁵⁰

Penny For Your Thoughts Inspiration Journal/Mini Album=$29.⁵⁰

Reasons to Relax Layout Workshop=$27.⁵⁰

Happy Friday! Hopefully you're out there enjoying some family time and sunshine!

All the details are being outlined and shared today via the Bella Blvd Studio Blog. 

Pre-IU Workshop #4: Reasons to Relax Layouts

 Welcome back to my fourth & final post of the day featuring my only 12x12" Layout workshops for Pre-IU 2013.  Remember, all these classes are now officially on sale. Class size is limited, and kit pick-up & mail option is also limited. Thank you to Ginger & Teresa for inviting me to be a part of this year's event! Last year I had a blast meeting all the attendees and I'm honored to be a part of IU again this year. 

Reasons To Relax Layout Workshop $27.50

Click Here if you'd like to Attend the Reasons to Relax Layout Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to pick-up or have a Reasons to Relax Layouts Kit Mailed to You.

Want to scrap a bunch of summer photos at the pool, the park or on the beach?!  These layouts are exactly what my style and Bella Blvd is all about---color, color, color! With layout titles like, "This Place Makes Me So Happy!" and "On a Sunny Afternoon" your options are endless to use photos that document great times in the sun! 

Tear your papers and Washi Tapes to create poolside pages. We'll layer, ink and cut up shapes!

 

The official Workshop Description Reads: It seems like the days are filled with things to do, places to be and chores to complete that everyday routine becomes very mundane. So why not treat yourself to a day in the sun, a small vacation and some relaxation! After all, a little daylight rejuvenates and colors our world! We will create four 12x12" pages inspired by making the most of a packaged Collection Kit, color blocking and project life too! Get your hands on some great new products including Bella Blvd's Sand & Surf collection, buttons and Crochet Hearts too!

Well, there you have it, sneak peeks to all four of my new Pre-IU workshops. Remember kits are available to mail or pick-up, no matter where you live! Quantities are already set and limited, so if you love what you see, visit Down to Details>Pre-IU Today!

 If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave in the comments below, or email me!

Pre-IU Workshop #3: Penny for Your Thoughts

 Stop back today for 4 total posts, previewing each of my Pre-IU workshops that are now officially on sale! You can attend, pick-up a class kit, or have one mailed to you! No matter where you live take advantage of these brand new classes designed just for Inspiration Unlimited 2013! Space and kits are limited.

Penny For Your Thoughts Inspiration Journal/Album Workshop $29.50

Click Here if you'd like to Attend the Penny For Your Thoughts Workshop.

Click Here if you'd like to pick-up or have a Kit Mailed to You: Penny for Your Thoughts.

 

This handmade folding album is very interactive and makes a great gift for your children, a close friend or even for yourself to document some of your favorite things including favorite people, best advice you've ever received, favorite songs and more! What inspires you?! Kids? Music? Family? Art? What makes you tick?

The album is colorful and energetic and inspired by those little moments in life that make the biggest difference. The album can feature just one week of your life, or random snippets of anything you'd like...there's no rules! If you are intimidated by Project Life, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet by paying attention to the small things in one event's timeline.

Add photos and journaling to tell your story! Use photographs to show lessons learned and favorite mantras! This is a great feel-good book :) 

The official Workshop Description Reads: Do you find yourself often giving advice, or maybe even biting your tongue instead of offering up some words of wisdom to friends and/or family? Do you love hanging onto motivating quotes, even framing them throughout your house? Join me in this inspiration journal/mini album workshop where we'll create a unique journal with plenty of flips and flaps! Inside document life's daily details, favorites, lessons, and more that has shaped your life with the ones you love!

I'll be back one more time later today with my final workshop preview, Reasons to Relax Layout Workshop.