Bella Social Events

Being a Bella is more than just crafty goodness and shopping, we loved meeting each other in various venues. Here I am with my roomies Kris and Sue Our first gathering was and Italian Buffet on Thursday evening. We tried spotting our favorite paper arts bloggers

Swap night was a very hyped (hyper?) social outlet. Glitter and Sugar giving everyone the giggles, and lots of eye candy in the form of supply and art exchanges.

I knew there were a number of people I wanted to meet (bloggers that I've posted comments with, shop owners, and great teachers). I found many of them on vendor night, including the sweet Jenni Bowlin (and thanks to her hubbie Jared for shooting the photo!)

Vendor night was where we all wore our Bella theme aprons, too. I almost missed getting a photo of mine, a perky sheer hostess apron found at Second Chance Antiques (next blog post). Black with metallic gold dots and velvet sash!

Another large luncheon, with centerpieces by Cari Kraft, and carrot cake and red velvet cake for dessert!

Even more photos to come!

Before the Bellas - Shopping In Omaha

I hope to show you many of the things I saw and did while in Omaha- every single moment was amazing! I came in extremely late at night on Wednesday, so the fun started Thursday morning. My two roomates, Kris and Susan went into the Old Market district. I love the old buildings and architecture, and the fun outdoor decor of the shoppes as they beckoned us inside. Second Chance Antiques was a destination for many of the Bellas. I fell in love with this piece, but left it behind (knowing that packing for home would be difficult enough) I knew someone would love it as much as I and it would find a new home soon.

I did spoil myself with many new crystal chandelier drops- but forgot to grab a cobalt one (in the dish on top)! Already I see another trip to Omaha in my future.
One of the permanent residents of Second Chance.

Look at all these lovely vintage music sheets!

Our first celebrity sighting. I'll take a picture with anyone holding a Reese'

More sights...

Some of the shopping was underground!

This little hidden alley is indoors, and we are standing below street level.

Fab Shab Blossom in Artful Blogging

Only one more day until I hop aboard the train that'll whisk me away to the fabulous Silver Bella retreat. Aside from the fact my iPod will not cooperate with being charged and synced I seem to be fairly ready. I made a last minute run to the big M's last night to gather a few more supplies. I always love to check out their magazine selection, Stampington's lines being my favorites. I picked up the latest Artful Blogging because I knew Kari Ramstrom had written an article on her a Year of Color blog.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear... My photo, done for the fabulously shabby blossoms/nests tutorial on the blog, on the bottom of the title page!

My jaw hit the floor when I saw that, but the other shoppers at M's didn't seem to know that the whole world had stopped for a minute. Aren't they silly?

Bits and Bobs

Finally, a few more pretties. This time inspired by the Christmas favorite "Raindrops on Roses". I've started with two colorways for my collection "Brown Paper Packages". They aren't tied up with strings, though! The first colorway is Whiskers on Kittens.

I also wanted to invoke the feeling of the fleeting autumn in "With the Moon on Their Wings"
I also did "Whiskers" in specialty ribbons- velvets and curls! and an embellishment set. I couldn't resist the red shoes in the backdrop. But, alas, the Princess Royale still needs to wear these through the holidays, so I'm not sharing those!

Velvet Ribbon

Hmmff! I've been waiting for about 2 weeks since I placed a wholesale order for more velvet ribbon that I've needed for some upcoming etsy or other projects. Finally called them today to ask about said order and it's backordered til next week! Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Company.

I'm hoping to add more painted velvets and some more made-to-match lines soon, just waiting on the supplies!

My new toys

Brand new lines of Martha at the big M's. LOTS of new glitter sets, just waiting to be collected and sprinkled. My must-take-home set for the day is her Vintage Leaf Glitter. It's a flat chunky glitter, similar to gold leafing, but in ever so many sparkly colors! I also like the new packaging with the molded trays that the tubes lie in, easier to pull out without the others all rolling around.

I'll go back next week for some of the tinsel glitter (I got the Christmas set of that last year) or the new irradescent colors. She also has flocking sets and microbead sets (and lots of new punches).

Just thought you might need some enabling inspiring.

Something to Crow About!

One of the most anticipated exchanges of the year is ArtsyMama's Sweet & Sinister Swap. Our swap suggestions for this year included something sweet, something sinister, something handmade, a home decor item, and something thrifted. Mostly black & white, with just a smattering of orange. Now, I was so excited to get my package to my partner Candice Carpenter of Peacoats & PartyHats that I neglected to take pictures of what I sent out, so I made sure to share all of the black and white deliciousness of my received box here. This is only the first layer, a spooky handmade card and two black roses on white shred. Everything was wrapped in black tulle. Upon removing the first layer, I discoverd many tissue wrapped parcels amongst other treats- the lolli is from a new line I've admired "skelanimals". The beribboned box holds even more surprises...

The second layer: a white pumpkin, autumny candle, black&white purse filled with Reese's. Well, it WAS filled with Reese's. Black cat and halloween ornaments. The black and white striped bowl is JUST perfect for this stripe-loving person!

It took awhile to get everything unwrapped, but here is the main photo of everything, also including some Bethany Lowe Halloween tissue banners, and a homemade banner by Candice herself-very dimensional with those white yarn poms!

I waited and opened the candybox last- little things are too fun, and this was no dissappointment- cupcake picks, mica and super chunky glitter, velvet flowers, ribbon, Halloween rings, bingo cards, even the dried baby's breath lent an autumny scent to the box.

Yes, this year's swap is definitely something to crow about!