Tuesday, September 2, 2008

How do you catch a cloud and pin it down...

Right after I started stamping 2 years ago, I discovered a site called Splitcoast Stampers. It was there that I discovered a whole new world of stamp companies and tools that I wasn't able to exist without. A shoebox full of stamps and ink quickly took over a room in our house. Can anyone else relate?

One of my first addictions was to Bellas...an adorable line of stamps from creator Emily Block, da bella herself. You can read her inspiring story HERE. The attitude of the Bellas is more than just stamps...it is a Sistahood. It's a community, a feeling, a support network. Emily's love for her "work" (who can call that work???) is extremely contagious...you can't help but fall in love with her.

I can't remember why, but Em and I started emailing back and forth one night and totally hit it off. She had me laughing so hard that I had tears rolling down my cheeks. We became fast friends, and it seemed we had a pretty special bond. I kept bugging her for weeks, telling her she needed a design team. Her response was always the same: I have Nickabella!

I got to meet Em last February at CHA...FINALLY! We were like long lost friends, and I had such a blast with her and Nicky that week. Look how cute we are. Nicky, where were you???
Sorry, my red eye thingy did something funny to my eyes. Anywho...why the mondo tribute to Em today, have you wondered? Well, mostly I'm just sucking up. Carole has this big word for it that I can never remember. *grin*

I was taking a little nap on the couch a few weeks ago when I got an email from Nicky. I thought I was dreaming...she asked if I would like to be the very first Guest Designer for Stamping Bella!! WHAT???!!! Seriously?? Somebody pinch me!!!!!!! I kept saying to my husband, "Do you know what a big deal this is??" He didn't get it.

So today is the day I can share my secret with all of you! If you've been reading my blog for any time at all, you know how much I love Em and her stamps, that's nothing new. I've got some super fun projects planned that you'll LOVE, and some challenges and blog candy too! YIPPEE!!

ETA: The Blog hop-skip-and-a-jump will be coming soon....keep your eyes peeled!!!

My first project is a little gift basket boxy thing. It's 2" deep and the front is 4" square. Perfect for a special little treat to leave on a co-worker's desk or to give to a special friend. This image is called Little Witchy...isn't she the CUTEST?

I stamped Battiful Darling in Olive ink on my Intense Kiwi Prism cardstock and sponged the edges of the box with Olive ink as well. Then I stamped Little Witchy in Brilliance Graphite Black on hot press watercolor paper and watercolored her with my Peerless Watercolors. Ok, seriously...these are my new obsession. I am innnnnnnn loveeeeeeee with the peerless and must have every color.......did I mention I loveeeeeeeee them? You gotta try them. Here's a close-up shot:
Ok, so then I cut her out with my Rectangle Nestabilities, added a scalloped rectangle mat of Suede Brown Dark Prism cardstock. I stamped the spooooooky sentiment in Memento Rich Cocoa ink on a scrap of my watercolor paper, then trimmed it down and inked the edges with my ink pad. Add a hole and it makes a perfect tag! I tied a string around my boxy basket thingy and tied my tag to it, then popped my main image up on pop dots on top of the string.

The final touch was to add these super cute Queen & Co. flowers to the sides to cover the seam where the handle and box meet. The flower layers and handle are held together with brown brads.

Ok, so really, I'm sorry for the super long post today, you understand, don't you? As a reward for sticking with me and reading all the way to the end...I'm offering you some blog candy! How about Cakeabella? Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite stamp is from Stamping Bella. There's something there for everyone...so check them out and report back. Then I'll draw a winner using random.org on Friday, September 5th. Sound good?

Thanks for visiting me today, and stay tuned for more Bella creations coming soon!

88 comments:

Rachel V. said...

Congrats on the exclusive GD gig! I love so many of the bellas, but I'd have to say Clickabella...since that's what I look like most days. :)

I'd love to win Cakeabella! Thanks for the chance.

Anonymous said...

Wow! So many to choose from! I think (right now) that Stella's Chariot is one of my fav's. I LOVE your little witch ~ saw it at the online store and have been craving it! Also love your blog -- so glad to have been introduced to it!

Vicki Burns said...

Congrats, Shannan! Can't wait to see what you do with Em and Nicky! This whole Stamping Bella world just keeps getting bettah and bettah!

So...is there a tutorial on how to make this darling little box?

You are just too sweet and generous to be offering blog candy to us! Thanks for the chance to play!
Am I allowed to have 2 favorites? 1) Glideabella b/c my sweet SIL, scrapinglori, sent me a Glideabella card in January, and that is what kicked off my Bella obsession! I immediately bought her and now own way too many Bellas to admit to :)
2) Bookwormabella b/c I am an author and would LOVE to publish that whole stack of books! LOL

Callie said...

Yeah for you for being the first guest designer... hubby's just don't get it, but we do!! That's awesome.
That little gift box is incredibly too cute... I may have to make some for my daughter's upcoming birthday party.
Okay, my favorite bella.... presentahbella
I LOVE all of them, but she's definitely my favorite. I love the size of her gift and the fact that she and the gift are covered in polka dots, another fav.
Anyways... congrats again... can't wait to see all the stuff you have in store!!

Rachel Hope said...

SOOOOO Cute!!! Love that image!!! your coloring is Wonderful!

Le Bleu Bonnet Boutique said...

Such a cute little gift basket!! I love all the Bella's. Its hard for me to name a favorite, but I guess if I had to, it would be cardbackabella cause she knows a fun hobby when she sees one.

Rachel Hope said...

OH, durn...push the button before I finished my post...I meant to say how AWESOME it is that you got a Designer spot for BELLA!! WOW...so cool! Congrats!!!

And my Fave is....well, that is Hard! I love GoodLuckaBella...she is my next purchase...right after this cute Lil witch you are forcing me to buy!

Anonymous said...

I am torn between two, although they are all just so cute! I love "teachabella" because I am a teacher. I also love "blingabella" because I am hoping that is what my ring will look like when I get engaged! :)

Donna Baker said...

wow! what a cutie patootie image & your box is adorable! congratulations, Shannan! I think my favorite is cupcakeabella, I love that she's perched up on that huge cupcake!

Rita said...

Wow cute basket box! Congrats on being a guest designer!!! I feel your excitement all the way to New England...how exciting for you!

My all time favorite if I have to pick one, (which is very hard) would have to be my very first Bella purchase, Java Bella's sitting at a table have coffee, do we all do that with our friends & just talk. I luv it!!!

Jery said...

who can pick a favorite bella - they are all so cute! I want teachabella most right now - but I could have one of each.

Love your treat bag - that is so cute!

Anonymous said...

Shannan,
Congratulations!!!!! Mwah sistah.
The basket box is just the cutest.
Lovey it!!!
My fav bella would have to be...
cuppacakeabella. I lovey her.

Congrats again Shannan. I have really loved your work for a long time. Enjoy!!!!!
~~Diane~~

Monica said...

Congrats Shannan!! I read it first on Em's blog and them came here!! How exciting! I think my favorite Bella is Lattebella or Teddybella.

Kathleen said...

Shannan---CONGRATULATIONS!!! THIS IS HUGE!!! (i'll stop shouting now!) So happy for you....my favorite bella? Seriously....maybe javabellas? There are too many to pick one, but that is definitely ONE of my favs! Congrats again!!

Amy said...

Congratulations, my friend! You deserve it, you Talentabella! :-)
--amysings

Alyssa S said...

Congrats! What a fun *assignment*! :) Your watercoloring is phenom!!! My favorite is Veggiebella - she is my first and still yet to be inked. Hmmm...I may have to remedy that now! I also am in love with all the Chichiboulie fairies (don't know if I'm spelling that even remotely close!) Thanks for the chance! Can't wait to see what else is in store! :)

LindaH said...

i totally understand the sisterhood and have met so many wonderful people just because i stamp! who-da-thunk! i am sooooo glad you are the first EVAH guest designer and you deserve it! congrats...and i'd even hug ya if you came anywhere NEAR chatham! one day, sistah...one day!

Anonymous said...

congrats! I love all the bellas, but my recent fave is bookwormbella and daisyboardabella!

Lauren (mytime) said...

You don't need at add me to the winnings. I just wanted to say a huge congrats!! Well deserved :D Love your creation here! Now for your question, how am I suppose to pikc a favorite?!! That is just insane.

Kate said...

Congrats to you! I love, love, love the bag! And what wonderful coloring! My favorite bella is bikabellababe.

Anonymous said...

Hey Girl!!! I am SO thrilled for you. You are the perfect choice for the Bella Guest Designer spot - your creations are always jaw dropping!

Now, you silly sistah.....how can I possibly pick my favorite Bella....not humanly possible....I love them all for different reasons. Hmmmmmmm.......weeelll.....ok....alright....I guess I would choose....Cosmobella. She was my first Bella, that is where the love started....so Cosmobella it is.
Please do not put my name in the draw cause I have Cakeabella already - pass her along to anotha Sistah.
Congrats again Shannan - I look forward to seeing your creations.
Cheers,
Lori (Pinky66 on SCS)

Christi Flores said...

Congrats sweetie!! I am SO excited for you!! You know I've been a Bella lovah since I started stamping too so I know what an honor this is for you. Em has GREAT taste! *wink*

My favorite Bella?? Can I really pick one? Right now I am loving Eloise Greengrass. I know she's not Bella herself but I just love her!

Lisa F said...

I love cupcakeabella - she is my fav!!!!!!

Congrats on your new gig! What a great opportunity!

I already have cakeabella - so you don't have to put me in the drawing. I kind of have an addiction to Bellas.... I have lots of them.

Anonymous said...

hee hee.. I hope i WINNNNN!!!! LOL
I love you shannan and I congratulate you.. you worked DAMN hard to win me ovah..LOL just kidding!
make me proud sistah! you always do!
Em

Bethany Paull said...

You go you designabella you! This rocks.

Cindy said...

I love cosmoabella. so cute:) congrats on being the guest designer. Cute stuff here:)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Shannan! I had to leave a comment, even though I already own the lovely Cakeabella. Please don't add my name to the drawing...but, I do want the chance to say that my favorite stamp from Stamping Bella is either Jump for Joy by Tiddly Inks or Eloise by Chichiboulie. It's a tie!

Can't wait to see all of your fab-oh designs, Shannan!

Anonymous said...

Congrats Shannon, on becoming the first DT member for da bella. You deserve it.
My Favorite bella stamp is Cosmobella, she suits me to a tee and goes great with my addiction to Sex and the City.

Lori said...

You could ask me this question any day of the week and I would give you a different answer because I love so many of them...Today, I will say Rockabella....
Congrats on the design team!

Lori

Kerry Johnson said...

Congrats on being a guest designer! My fave bella is Javabellas and I'd love to win cakeabella. Thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

Congrats Shannan!! You are a fabulous person for their first Guest DT!! Your little box is too adorable!! :)

Kristin said...

a HUGE congrats to you!! lucky girl!

I just got my first bellas last month (i've drooled over them for months) and my favorite is actually eloise greengrass... such inspiration- i have her colored and cut out sitting on my desk at all times.

but, my fave bella is daintybella (the first i had to have!)

Anonymous said...

my fave bella would have to be the treakortreatbella. Thanks for a chance to win! and congrats on being the first guest designer!

Karyn said...

Huge Sparkly Pink Congratulations Shannan on being Em's first Guest Designer! She sure chose well! You are one amazing designer and I truly love all of your work. As a Sistah, I couldn't ask for more either!! Can't wait to see what you have planned for us! My Fave Bella...it is a very hard choice, but I am loving Halobella! Hugs, Karyn (OakvilleMom)

Martha said...

congrats... I love your little box. that stamp was perfect.

as for my favorite bella.... that's hard. but I guess it would have to be cuppacakeabella

Jennifer Aviles said...

this is simply adorable, shannan! I lovey it! (and don't enter me, but I love, love, love the chichiboulies. I need to order some!)

Nicky said...

Congrats Shannan, welcome
on board. You asked where I was, I was the person taking the picture.:o)

luve ya
Nicky

Anonymous said...

I'd love to have a "bella"! My budget hasn't allowed me to be a "sistah" yet, but I hope to be one soon!!! For now, I'm reading Em's blog and gathering up all the beautiful examples until I get a bella of my own.
Deborah in TX

lia said...

YOU R THE LUCKIEST GAL ON TEH PLANET!!!! I loveeee all the bellas, but if I have to pick one...hippiechickbella! Did I get the name right! LOL!
Congrats on your gig!!!!

Debbie Olson said...

Yay, Shannan! Look at you GO gril! You'll be a great Bella girl, and your little witchy is plumb cute. :-)

My all time favorite Bella is Teddy Bella!

Anonymous said...

How great for you to be able to do what you love..life is full of little blessings. I DEFINITELY have a fave Bella, it is the Imeldabella. I am certain those boxes are full of shoes but I think maybe that thin one on the bottom has Cakeabella and a few of her friends in there... I would love to find out. Thanks for the blog candy offer. I am new to stampin, but this is great fun.

Tina said...

It'd be hard to pick a favorite Bella, they're adorable. Congrats on your news, your excitement pops right off the page.

Anonymous said...

Congrats Shannan! How sweet is that! You definately deserve this:)
Can't wait to see more Bellas!

carole (TruCarMa) said...

Are you not just the coolest stamper on the planet right now?! Yes, you are!!! Love that lil witchy baggie!!! And the word you're looking for... is it that you're trying to 'ingratiate' yourself with Em?! Ingratiate: gain favor with someone by trying to flatter or please them. :) hee!

And my favorite Bella... how do I choose?! I'm thinking it's going to have to be Bookwormabella (for obvious reasons!)...

So proud and happy for you, Steuby-Doo!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the hugely amazing news!! Men never understand...especially our husbands :) Oh wow....a favorite Bella, if I say all of them does it count *wink*...Well if I had to pick just one I guess I would have to go with Savvy ShoppaBella, because I wish my butt still looked like that....lol! Oh yeah and a girl just has to shop :)

Sarah Elliott said...

congratulations, you are soooo lucky, I would love the chance to be a guest designer for stamping bella! My absolute favorite TODAY is Fabby.

Carisa said...

Wow!! What an awesome gig!!! Hubbies just don't get it... LOL I am so new to bellas & returning to stamping -- I can't wait to step it up & LOVE SCS to help me get there! Anyhoo, my fav bella...hmmm....I would have to say I love Mwahbella! I just think she's so cute! I can't wait to see what else you have planned for us!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is great news. congrats. Love that halloween bag. Very cute. You look like so much fun!! Come to DC and we'll stamp together....

Mary Duffek said...

Congrats!!! you are a lucky gal...

Cute creation...

Ok, how can you just pick one Bella??!?!?? Well I'll tell you the first bella I saw that got me hook-line-and-sinker....Flowahbella for coarse.

There are so many bellas that are just adroable and I have a container full....love em!

Thanks for a chance to win some yummy candy. I don't have cakeabella yet. =)

Denise Marzec said...

Ohhhh...myyyy...WORD....that little witch is totally adorable and I love your project. So cool!

Bunny B said...

Woohoo!! Congrats!! :) That little witchy really is adorable! Love your creation! My fave Bella is daintybella! So sweet! Thanks! :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you! I do not have any Bellas (can you believe it?), but I do think the pregnant sistas are awfully cute... Thanks!

Jean H. said...

Way to go -- what a BIG honor. You have to be ever so excited. I think my favorite is jammybella

Val said...

Congrats on being the FIRST GUEST DESIGNER!! What an honour! I love the Cosmobella. She is just so kewl!! Thanks for getting a chance to win an awesome bella!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! That's so exciting!! My favorite Bella is winobella :o) Love your first project - and just can't wait to see what else you'll come up with!

Maria said...

Congratulations on being Em's first Guest Designer! Not a surprise to those of us who visit your great blog regularly for inspiration. Sooooo many Bellas are my fav but the one that tops them all is Savvyshoppabella. Hugs, Maria

Susan (susiestampalot) said...

oohh! can i play? i don't have cakeabella! my favorite bella is a toss up between my first bella which was jammybella and all the chichiboulies! how's a girl to choose? anyway, congratulations on the guest designer spot!! you and em are so cute (even if you do have whacked out un-redified eyes!)!
love ya!

Katie Cotton said...

HOLY COW! that IS huge! Congrats to you! I'm so proud of you!

I already own cakeabella so i dont need the blog candy - but then again i own 68 bellas! Hahahah! I LOVE them! I dont even know that i can even pick a favorite!

Cakeabella is awesome, thats for sure. Um... yeah, i cant pick. there are too many! :)

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Fabulous news and a fabulous box! Congrats, Shannan! What an adorable image!

Michelle Adams said...

Congratulations Shannan! I know this must be a dream come true for you!!! I know it might sound odd, but my very favorite of Em's is her owl one! ;0) Even though he isn't technically a Bella! LOL Thanks for the chance!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
Seeing your cards I can understand why you were chosen - your work is just great.

Debbie

Jocelyn said...

CONGRATULATIONS! That's so wonderful!
I love all the bellas though I don't have one yet. I'm pretty new at stamping. I'm saving up though. ;D My favorite (I actually have lots) is the Flowahbella 'coz I love flowers.

Anonymous said...

I'd always wondered why you weren't a part of Stamping Bella but knew at some point you would be! Congrats.

My fave bella has to be Cosmobella or Imeldabella. My two favorite things - martinis and shopping.

Angela
scottha@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

congratulations on your new status. Em's blog is actually the one that introduced me to you and I have read yours daily for at least 6 months now. I love your work and your sense of humor.

I love the Bella's too. I think my favorite is Daisybella because she reminds me of my niece Daisy with her cute little haircut.
Rock on girl... Rock on.

Jessie/knightrone said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jessie/knightrone said...

Congrats to you girl...it was only a matter of time before she gave in to you!!LOL!! I always love when you stamp with the Bellas, so much so I have QUITE the collection of my own. Can't wait to see what all you come up with!!
My favorite Bella right now is Eliose Greengrass!!

Jenn said...

Congrats Shannon, how exciting!!! :D I just love the cute little boxy thing you made...I will definately have to try that! :D My favorite bella is Lattebella...so looks so chic sitting on that chair drinking a tall Caramel Machiato...LOL!!! :D Congrats again!!! :D

Janet said...

How cool is that! Congrats on being a designer on the Bella team. As for picking one Bella that I like - IMPOSSIBLE! I love the Cruisabella given that I live in a Detroit suburb which is home to the Dream Cruise. BUT I also like the Clickabella since I am a blog subscriber addict. Of course, then I also love the Diplomabella since I have a daughter who is a senior in HS, but I also love Giddyupabella because my other daughter is really into horses. Gee whiz, how is a girl to pick?! I am just glad that I get a chance to win a Bella - THANKS!

Anonymous said...

You are so lucky (and extremely talented too) to be picked to be the FIRST Guest Designer for Stamping Bella. I lovey da Bellas as Em would say and I don't know that I could pick just one. I love the Sistahoodabellas because that is sooo me and my pals. Thanks for the chance to win - Cakeabella is one of the few Bellas I don't own!

Anonymous said...

GOOD JOB SHANNAN!!!! Em has picked a very good person to design for her. . . we all know how much you love Bellas! As for my favorite.. .Knitabella. Hopefully she'll come live with me here sometime soon! Thanks for a chance to win!

JJ Meyer said...

Congrats! I love your blog and Bella! My favorite stamp so far is Giggle Doodle. Of course, all of the stamps are simply gorgeous!
Blessings!

Chrisd said...

As a preschool teacher, I love Bookwormabella. She ROCKS!
Thanks for sharing your news.Best wishes!!!

Dawn M said...

I just love the pregnant one! she is adorable!

Jackie Pedro said...

I don't stop by for a couple days and look what I missed!! Huge congrats to you, Shannan! You are very worthy of this honor!!

Your project is adorable!~

Deb Neerman said...

Congrats Shannan! She picked the best when she picked you!!

My favorite is Bella is "savvyshoppabella" ... for the obvious reason, LOL!

Hope all is well with you and yours ...

Thanks for the chance to win, Kiddo, you da bestest!

~Hugs, Deb

Anonymous said...

Congrats Shannan! How exciting!!! Your gift box is adorable as is Little Witchy! My favorite Bella is Cosmobella - the first one (of many) I bought!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS SHANNAN!!! Exciting news, and men never get it, good thing you have us ;) My fave is Cupcakeabella. I have been eyeing her for awhile but have never ordered a bella...gasp!!! Thanks for the chance to win one!

Kacey Elliott said...

WOW - How Fabulous for you! Congrats on the new gig! You really do deserve it Shannan! No need to enter me in the candy, I just wanted to send happy greetings!

Stephanie Hargis said...

I saw this announcement on the Bella blog and I was so excited for you! I was going to tell you that tonight at the party but I didn't want to step on any toes since it was a MFT party! :D So...I am going to say it here! CONGRATS GIRL! :D You completely deserve it! Your work is just fabulous! I can't wait to see what you create! Anyway, I do have to say that my all time favorite Bella is Matilda Muffin bread! She's so adorable! :D

((hugs))

Christi said...

Shannan, I am so excited for you...you and the bellas are a PERFECT fit!!! I ADORE this little bag that you made...so darn cute!!!

My favorite bella...jeez, just one!??! I think savvyshoppabella, but bookwormabella and snowbunnybella are close behind! smiles...

Kim said...

Congrats! How cool is that, that you get to be the VERY 1st GD for Em!!!! Awesome! I am so happy for you! Can't wait to see what you all make, your work is beautiful! My favorite bella is Daisybella even though I don't own her yet!!!
Hugs~ Kim

Anonymous said...

I love all the Bellas, but am most grateful for the Fellas since men's cards are the most difficult to make.
Congrats on guest designer - you are the best saleswoman they could ever hope for!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I just love the them all but if I had to choose one it would be the cakeabella. I wish they had a pharmacist image.

Harriet Skelly said...

Congrats Shannan - that is great news!! My favorite images are the Chichiboulles. They are so cute!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the GD spot, totally awesome. I love all the bellas. But if I had to pick one, right now it would have to be trickortreatabella, she is going in my cart with my next order. Can't wait to get my hands on her. :)

Marcie Sharp said...

Congrats Shannan! So excited for you! I have to pick ONE Bella fave?? :) I guess to narrow it down, it's Pregabella...I kinda identify with her right now, ya know?! :)

Charlene Austin said...

Shut it! First Bella Guest Designer. I am SO freakin' excited for you. Seriously....I know how big that is!!

My favorite Bella?? Hmmm....I have to say it's the new DaisyBella....or I wish I looked so good on a bike ABella.....or maybe my first love LatteBella.

Lynn said...

You are so-o-o talented and totally deserve to be the Guest Designer!!

Without a doubt, my favorite Bella is I-wish-i-looked-so-good-on-a-bike-ABELLA. I was so-o-o hoping that Bella would be found on a bike this summer...I'm so thrilled!

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