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!