Bella Ink Designs

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Invitations from Bella Ink

2012-03-05T12:13:00.000-06:00

There are only two months left before Cinco de Mayo! Is it us, or does this year seem to be moving at a very rapid pace?

Since it's never too early to prepare for your party, we'd like to share our two newest Cinco de Mayo invitations with you, today.

FI-9, Fiesta, is part of our foray back into fill-in invitations. This design comes in at a lower price point than our Imprintable invitations, making it the perfect fit for the host or hostess throwing a bash on a budget, and doesn't mind a little DIY.

PH-110, Margaritaville, is a larger version of our popular PT-57 invitation, My Chihuahua, (below). This new half-sheet invitation would be a fabulous fit for those with more party details to share with guests. (Bring a dish to pash, BYOB, entertainment details, etc.)

PT-57, My Chihuahua, is a Bella Ink classic. This card has been one of our best-selling invitations year after year. It has been used for everything from Cinco de Mayo bashes to engagement parties. Its tea-length size makes it perfect for those who like to keep things short and sweet.

PH-38, Cabana, is another Bella Ink favorite. This half-sheet invitation, with its place setting design, would be a fabulous option for the host or hostess throwing a Mexican dinner party.

To find a Bella Ink retailer near you, or online, please visit our Find A Store page. Retailers, please contact Bella Ink directly.

Shop Girl Focus: Amy of Stone Hill Paperie

2012-03-02T09:45:00.001-06:00

In this month's Shop Girl Focus feature we are talking with Amy of Stone Hill Paperie (formerly Leap Frog Paper). Amy loves giving customers her undivided attention, so she has made her shop by appointment only. You may also browse her online webstore HERE.

So Amy...

Q: What motivated you to get into the stationery business?

A. After a career as a General Manager in corporate dining, and several years as a stay-at-home mom, I went to work part time at a local stationery store. I had been working there for less than a year when the owner of the shop decided to sell or close the store due to another business opportunity. I was not ready to stop working in the industry, so I purchased several of the albums she carried and opened a small studio where I work with my clients by appointment. My original major in college was Graphic Design. I graduated with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. I really feel that I took a long, winding path to exactly where I am supposed to be, and I love it!

Q. What was your best moment as a businesswoman in the last year?

A. My best moment was when the mother of a bride that I had worked with stopped in the studio on the busiest weekend of the year to show me her daughter's wedding pictures. I thought she was coming to the Village for Skippack Days. It really touched my heart when she told me that she was just stopping in because she saw on Facebook that I was in the studio. I am so fortunate to have the best clients!

Q. Your favorite celebration of the year is...

A. The Fourth of July. We have a big pool party each year with friends, family and fireworks. Each Spring I search for the perfect invitation.

Q. Do you have a secret talent?

A. Hmm... not that I know of.

Q. What 3 items can't you live without?

A. Mascara, Chapstick, and my hand-turned wooden pen, a gift from my husband... it writes so smoothly!

Q. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to your next party, who are your top 3 invitees?

A. Eleanor Roosevelt, my grandmother, and Anna Quindlen

Q. Will you be attending the National Stationery Show this year?

A. Yes! Unfortunately, I won't be able to stay as many days I would like to.

(Note: Bella Ink Designs will be in a new booth this year, Booth #1754)

Q. Who is your personal style icon?

A. I don't think I have just one. My top four would be Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Katherine Hepburn, and Nicole Kidman.

Q. I should have _________________, yesterday.

A. Spent more time outside. It was a gorgeous day for February in Pennsylvania.

Q. Outside of industry shows, where is your favorite place to scout out new products?

A. I love to check out blogs, Pinterest, and Stationery Trends Magazine.

Q. Will you be drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day?

A. Absolutely not! Unless they make green Guinness, but why mess with perfection?

Q. What is your favorite thing about where you live?

A. The view. I live across the street from a small ski hill. I love winter nights when the ski hill is lit up.

Q. Your go-to hostess gift is...

A. A personalized cutting board with some cheese & crackers.

Q. The key to a great party is...

A. The guest list. If you don't invite fun and interesting people that you enjoy spending time with, it won't matter how good the food or ambience is.

Q. What is your fantasy purchase?

A. An ocean-front beach house!

Stone Hill Paperie is by appointment, only.
You can find Stone Hill Paperie at:

4038 Skippack Pike
Skippack, PA
P: 484-802-2645 (For Appointments)
W: http://www.stonehillpaperie.com

A Bella Ink Designs Truism

2012-02-21T10:32:00.000-06:00

Image from Pinterest

Bella Ink Designs is on Pinterest, now! Head on over to check out our boards. We're just getting started, but we already have some beautiful wedding images pinned, as well as pieces by fabulous paper artists, and more!

To Sir, With Love

2012-02-17T13:35:00.000-06:00

Bella Ink EF-114 (Little Birdie Told Me), Anthropologie Sheer Rover Scarf,
Bella Ink CC-70 (Live the life you love), Bella Ink CC-100 (100% Genuine),
and Restoration Hardware Cote d'Azur Postmark Outdoor Pillow Cover

While the United States Postal Service appears to be contemplating raising stamp prices, again, and cutting back on the number of days they deliver mail, many designers are incorporating postmarks into their work. It's like we're feeling nostalgic for something that is not yet lost.

As a company whose origins are rooted in invitation and note card design, we believe there will always be a need for non-electronic mail ("snail mail"). We'll be sad if and when we ever receive a formal wedding invitation via email. If you'd like to read the Greeting Card Association's position on the state of the United States Postal Service, click HERE.

2012-02-14T09:46:00.000-06:00

Bella Ink Designs' CC-79

Dress to Impress on Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T13:31:00.000-06:00

Do you have big Valentine's Day plans tomorrow, but absolutely zero idea what you're going to wear? We at Bella Ink Designs have a few suggestions based on what you may be up to...

If you're going to a nice restaurant, the kind where they give you a black napkin because you're wearing a dark color and they don't want you to walk away covered in white lint; consider dressing a bit more demurely. A shift dress with a fun print in muted colors will keep you looking stylish but ladylike.

Print Tuck Shift Dress at Topshop

If you have a hot date at that new restaurant everyone is talking about, the one where you go to see and be seen, because it is a scene, you'll want to make a statement. Heads will turn if you show up in a red jersey dress with convertible straps that allow you to adjust the level of exposure you'll be getting.

Twobirds Tea Length Convertible Dress at Shopbop

If you're heading to an anti-Valentine's Day get together with friends, wear a fun and flirty little black dress. Just because you're bashing Cupid this year doesn't mean you don't want to look your best in case next year's date walks into the bar.


Meshima Divinity Dress by Theory at Bloomingdales

Oh Baby! A Bella Ink Bundle is on the Way!

2012-02-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

We've known for awhile, now, but we're finally announcing it on the blog. Congratulations to Kristin and her husband. They're going to be new parents in June! Above is a reserved parking sign we've designed just for Kristin.

Perfect Proposals

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

You can do it in a photo booth:

Images from http://www.bridepop.com

You can do it at the beach:

Image from http://mentalfloss.com

You can put it on your shoes:

Image from http://www.manolobrides.com

You can put it in a new pair of shoes for her:

Image from http://www.shoesofprey.com

You can cut it out:

Image from http://plumtreeweddings.com (We love, because we love paper!)

Or you can make it into a movie:

Whatever you do, tailor the proposal to her and/or the relationship and you'll be golden! Simple or full of pomp and circumstance, every proposal is perfect when all that matters is you're future together.

Shop Girl Focus: Elisse at Flights of Fancy

2012-02-03T09:00:00.002-06:00

This month's Shop Girl Focus features Elisse at Flights of Fancy. Her shop is located within The Alcoves in Greenwood, SC. Elisse stocks jewelry, accessories, baby/toddler gifts, stationery, and more! She has been a Bella Ink customer since 2005. We love the vibrant blue walls in her space. They're so cheerful. The perfect cure for the winter doldrums.

So Elisse...

Q: What motivated you to go into the stationery business?
A: When I was little, instead of playing with dolls, I collected and stored paper! I wouldn't let anyone use it, and I didn't use it myself. I just wanted to sit it on the shelf like a store. My mom always said, "You will own a paper store one day," and boy was she right! (These days, I do allow people to actually buy it off my shelves and use it!!!)

Q: Who was your first celebrity crush?
A: Oh my, I'm going to date myself, but... probably Ricky Schroeder from Silver Spoons!

Q: What haven't you done in life that you most want to do?
A: I by no means have a thrill-packed life, but there isn't anything that makes me feel like I'm missing out on living life.

Q: Will you be attending the National Stationery Show this year?
A: No, but I'd love to go one day when life's schedule allows. For now, I attend Americasmart in Atlanta, which is a fabulous resource for me.

Q: What was your proudest moment as a businesswoman in 2011?
A: Probably my 4th quarter sales! My sales doubled over the last year, and in this economy, that's huge!

Q: What are you looking forward to most in 2012?
A: I'd love to start a blog for my business. That thought excites me... I just need someone to send me extra hours in the day.

Q: Who is your "IT" girl?
A: I'm not a celebrity-observer, so my "IT" girl is actually a dear friend... she embodies everything I think makes a woman fascinating... style, kindness, sincerity, dedication to family, and a fantabulous personality!

Q: Do you have a philosophy that you live by?
A: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?
A: Definitely email! But Facebook is making its way up to the top of my list as well.

Q: Did you have a nickname as a child? Do you have one now?
A: Oh, gee. Yes, and I HATED it... it was "bug." Thanks a lot, Mom. I made my parents stop calling me that by charging them a quarter every time they said it, and that worked like a charm. Happy to say I have escaped nicknames in my adult years!

Q: Besides stationery shows, where do you like to scout out new vendors?
A: Finding new products and vendors is one of my favorite obsessions! I scour the Internet, look through Stationery Trends magazine, and one of my new favs... Pinterest! It's great because you can actually see what your customers and friends are finding appealing.

Q: What would you like to see more of from your stationery manufacturers?
A: Most of my business is gift, so I always love anything new that packages up to make a great teacher gift, birthday gift, etc., but at a price that doesn't break the wallet!

Q: Fashionably late is...
A: Preferred by me, but aggravates the hound out of my husband. So I'm not allowed. Boo.

Q: If it's potluck, your go-to dish is...
A: Cheesy apples! Don't ask. It's a Paula Deen recipe and it involves butter and sugar galore...

Q: What is your favorite trend for the Spring/Summer 2012 stationery season?
A: I'm liking the sophistication I'm seeing. Don't get me wrong, us girls here in the south love our cuteness, but I think the market has been saturated with that for awhile. I'm enjoying the themes and patterns that show an air of refinement at a great price without sacrificing on quality for customers.

Thank you for participating in our Q&A, Elisse! We hope you have a successful 2012.

You can find Flights of Fancy at:
601 Montague Avenue (Within The Alcoves)
Greenwood, SC 29649
P: 864-223-5324
W: http://www.facebook.com/fofgwd

Will You Be Our Valentine?

2012-02-02T10:56:00.000-06:00

Clockwise from top left: CC-77, CC-76 (Inside: I walk the line), CC-81 and CC-80

Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away. Show everyone in your life a little love with a Bella Ink Valentine. The designs featured above are just the tip of the iceberg. Bella Ink offers cards for everyone in your life, from your significant other to your mother.

Bella Ink Valentines are available at boutique card and gift shops nationwide, as well through select online retailers. Please visit our Find A Store page for a complete list of retailers.

*Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs or your sales rep directly.

Stock the Bar

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

Your friends have moved into a new home and are now hosting a Stock the Bar party. Before you head over to check out their new digs, be sure to have a fabulous gift in hand.

For wine lovers, bring a celebratory bottle of Sparkling Shiraz. It's a bubbly red, sweet Australian wine that pairs well with cured meats. Chowhound enjoyed Mollydooker's Goosebumps Sparkling Shiraz (bottom, center), when it was available. Now you can try Mollydooker's current vintage, Miss Molly Sparkling Shirz.

Pick up a unique bottle opener, such as the antique key from Pottery Barn pictured above (bottom, left), to partner with the wine, as well as a cookbook about wine bar food, such as Wine Bar Food: Mediterranean Flavors to Crave with Wines to Match by Cathy and Tony Mantuano (bottom, right), available at The Art Institute Museum Shop. We highly recommend the endive marmalade recipe.

For those who prefer a classy drink, like a gimlet, we suggest shaking things up a bit. Give their drink new life with Absolut's Wild Tea Vodka. Don't forget the limes!

Drink Responsibly!

{Top Row: Bella Ink Designs PH-114, Stock the Bar Invitation; Pottery Barn Sheffield Entertaining Bar Cart; Absolut Wild Tea Vodka. Bottom Row: Pottery Barn Antique Key Bottle Opener; Mollydooker Sparkling Shiraz; Wine Bar Food by Cathy and Tony Mantuano}

National Letter Writing Week

2012-01-10T13:03:00.000-06:00

Bella Ink Designs GS-5 and GS-7 Gift Sets

Bella Ink Designs is celebrating National Letter Writing Week, are you? January 9th through January 16th is National Letter Writing Week. It's time to put down the computer/phone/tablet and pick up a pen. There is no shortage of fabulous stationery out there to help you get through the week unscathed. Simply head to your local stationery & gift shop to pick out a design that speaks to you. Don't know where to go? Click HERE for a list of Bella Ink Designs' retailers.

New for 2012 at Bella Ink Designs is our note card gift sets. Each set contains 8 folded notes, 8 flat notes, 19 envelopes and 1 bookmark. Pictured above are GS-5, Bilingual Bulldog, and GS-7, Metamorphosis. Gift sets come packaged in a sleek, chocolate brown box.

If you prefer to write a lengthier letter than a note card may allow, consider any of Bella Ink Designs' writing papers. We offer both single-sided and double-sided designs in various color schemes.

Bella Ink Designs WP-11, WP200-3 and WP-10 Writing Papers

We wish you a wonderful week of thoughtful, hand-written notes!

Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs directly for information on ordering any of our stationery or gift products.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

Bella Ink PH-82, Mulled Cider

Fall in Love with Bella Ink's 2012 Valentine's Day Cards

2011-11-21T12:49:00.000-06:00

Bella Ink Designs' CC-75, Billion Little Things, Folded Note Card

Whether you admire, like, or really looove someone, Bella Ink Designs has several fabulous new Valentine's Day cards to relay the message.

Check out all of our 2012 Valentine's Day folded notes HERE! These notes will be available to sip after December 1, 2011.

Please visit http://www.bellaink.com/stores.html for retail and online locations. Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs for more information.

Host a Holiday Card Addressing Party

2011-11-18T10:00:00.005-06:00

Top Row: Bella Ink Designs' CC-66, GC-22, and CC-57
Bottom Row: Bella Ink Designs' GC-24, CC-42, and GC-18

Sitting down and knocking out a stack of holiday greetings, then addressing them all can be a tedious task. Make it fun for everyone by hosting a holiday card addressing party. Invite friends to gather for appetizers, cocktails and conversation. All the buzz in the room will make the chore of addressing envelopes go by more quickly.

Create a cozy environment conducive to conversation and addressing by placing large floor pillows around one or more coffee tables. Keep fingers, and thus cards, from getting greasy by serving appetizers on tasting spoons, in shot glasses or pierced with toothpicks. (Pier 1 has some adorable options) Don't forget to mix up a quick and easy champagne cocktail, like the Tickled Pink:

Fill a champagne flute 2/3 of the way with your favorite bubbly. Top with X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (a mix of blood orange, mango, passion fruit and Vodka).

Finish off the evening with paraffin wax spa hand treatments for everyone. Their sore hands will thank you.

To find a Bella Ink retailer near you, visit www.bellaink.com/stores.html. Retailers, please contact Bella Ink directly.

Shop Girl Focus: Alma of That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium

2011-11-11T10:00:00.003-06:00

That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium: Houston, TX

Welcome to Bella Ink Designs' first Shop Girl Focus feature on the new blog! We're very excited to have Alma of That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium participating this month. She's a wonderfully eloquent and passionate woman with a beautiful new store in Houston. Her favorite, and best-selling, Bella Ink Designs invitation is PT-57, My Chihuahua. Luckily for Alma and her customers we have tweaked PT-57 for Spring 2012 to fit a half-sheet invitation and a fill-in invitation. (Which we haven't done in years!) Sneak peek coming soon. Now Alma...

Q: What inspired you to open your stationery business?

A: I got to a place in life where I realized that I was giving my best energy and focus to realize someone else's vision instead of realizing my own dreams and visions. When I came to that conclusion, I knew immediately that one of those dreams was having my own store. At that time I had two passions: doll collecting and paper, but I felt that paper had a larger following, and my area of Northwest Houston was well in need of their own stationery/invitation store. And thus was born That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium!

Q: The key to running a successful business is...

A: ... loving what you do. Being in business for yourself, your business becomes your life. And if you don't love what you're doing, you won't stick with it when the going gets tough. As you'll hear over and over again, success comes from persistence... from sticking with it. Loving it makes sticking with it easier.

Q: What are you thankful for?

A: a) The little things, the uneventful days. An uneventful day means that all is well. b) The beautiful days like today where I can roll down the windows on the way to work. c) My ride through tree-lined streets where the sun shines at the perfect angle. d) My customers who share their happy events with me. e) The beautiful new lifestyle center we recently moved into and the great community it supports. f) And so much more!

Q: What is your favorite method of communication?

A: Absolutely, positively email! There's just no way way I can communicate over the phone when a customer's in the store. And sometimes the information I have to relay is too detailed for a phone call, but I can compose a detailed email a little at a time as traffic allows.

Q: If you could move your business anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Miami. It's a world I already know and love.

Q: When should children begin writing Thank You notes?

A: As soon as they're able to write words. My niece is 4 and already composing sentences by asking, "Daddy how do you spell..." Graciousness is a character trait that should be instilled as early as possible.

Q: What is your fantasy purchase?

A: I'm not picky about the combination of numbers, but so long as it says "Mercedes" or "BMW" in front of them...

Q: Where do you turn for the most up-to-date news in the stationery industry?

A: My vendors. We get several trade magazines in hard copy and online, but considering that most placement is purchased or rehashed, I put most stock in what I see and garner directly from my vendor's communications with us.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: If I do, they're hidden from me too...

Q: What design is on your personal stationery?

A: A light blue damask background on a white shimmer stock.

Q: What was the best movie you've seen in the past month?

A: Zookeeper. Family movies are pretty much my speed. I knew it would be silly, but it turned out a lot funnier and much better than I expected.

Q: When it's pot-luck, what's your go-to dish?

A: Lasagna. A full meal in a casserole dish.

You can find That Absolutely Fabulous Paper Emporium at:

126-C Vintage Park Boulevard

Houston, TX

P: 281-257-0009

The Holly Holiday 2011 Gift Guide: Bella Ink Designs' Recipe Cards and Recipe Card/Note Pad Sets

2011-11-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Today Ms. Holiday shares her favorite Bella Ink recipe card and recipe card/note pad sets. Either option makes a fabulous gift for the chef extraordinaire, or one simply in training.

Top Row: RC-7, RC-8, Middle Row: RC-6, RC-5, RC-4,
Bottom Row: RC-3, RC-2, RC-1

Bella Ink's recipe cards inhibit home chefs from keeping a cluttered kitchen. Help loved ones toss those loose pages printed off the Internet or torn from magazines in favor of a coehesive set of 4'' by 6'' recipe cards with beautiful patterns. Each recipe card has room for identifying the kitchen of origin at the top and serving size at the bottom. RC-8, Holly Deer (no relation), is great to have on hand for when Aunt Judy wants a copy of the family's famous stuffing recipe. It's also a good option for holiday cookie exchanges, or holiday-theme bridal showers. For the bridal shower, simply stick the recipe card in with the invitation and have guests bring them back with their favorite recipe for the bride and groom.

Top Row: 311-53NPR, 300-49NPR, Middle Row: 311-55NPR, 300-15NPR,
Bottom Row: 300-59NPR, 300-54NPR

Ms. Holiday suggests combining Bella Ink's recipe cards with their coordinating note pad sets for an extra special stocking stuffer. Preparing menus and grocery lists will be fun when they're bordered in vibrant colors and classic prints.

To find out how you can purchase any of the gift items featured in our 3-day guide to stocking stuffers, please visit our find a store page at http://bellaink.com/stores.html. Retailers, please call Bella Ink directly.

The Holly Holiday 2011 Gift Guide: Bella Ink Designs' Bookmarks, Mini-Journals & Note Cubes

2011-11-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today Holly Holiday is going to share her favorite Bella Ink bookmarks, mini-journal trios, and note cube designs, each of which is a fabulous stocking stuffer!

Clockwise from top left: 311-BM6, 300-BM4, 311-BM10,
311-BM12, 311-BM7, and #11-BM8

While Ms. Holiday doesn't argue the E-readers are gaining in popularity, she'd like to point out that some people still love the weight of a classic novel in their hands. For those who enjoy the option of flipping back to an earlier chapter for clarification with ease, Bella Ink offers bookmarks with sassy reading related phrases like, "Keep Calm, Carry a Good Book," "Read Pray Love," and "There's Nothing Like a Good Book and a Good Glass of Wine."

311-MJS1 Moody Blues (Also available in Raspberry Sorbet, 311-MJS2)

Ms. Holiday knows an artist or writer (amateur or otherwise) will appreciate either one of Bella Ink's mini-journal trios. Each booklet features fully printed interior pages that alternate between lined paper and graph paper. Measuring 4'' by 6,'' it's easy to toss these journals into a bag and keep them handy for when inspiration strikes on the go, near or far from home.

Clockwise from top left: 311-NC3, 311-NC4,
311-NC-1, and 311-NC2

For those who are always searching for a piece of scrap paper, Ms. Holiday suggests a jumbo Bella Ink note cube. Measuring 4'' by 4'' by 4'' and containing 800 sheets apiece, each note cube will keep scratch paper close at hand for at least 800 ideas and reminders. Simply have the recipient place one cube by each phone in the house (if she still owns such an antiquated object), or on every flat surface between the front door and the bedroom. 311-NC4, Four Square, features a different pattern on each panel, one uniquely its own and three borrowed from the other note cubes available for purchase.

To purchase any of Bella Ink's stocking stuffers, visit http://www.bellaink.com/stores.html for a complete list of local and online retailers. Retailers, please call Bella Ink directly to order.

The Holly Holiday 2011 Gift Guide: Bella Ink Calendars

2011-11-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

One of Bella Ink's signature gals, Holly Holiday from invitation CH-25, brings you the ultimate stationery gift guide for the 2011 shopping season. Whether hostess gifts need handing out, stockings need to be stuffed, or beneath the tree needs to be filled in, Bella Ink Designs has just the thing. Today's focus is on 2012 calendars.

Bella Ink Designs' 2012 Jewel Case Calendar (311-1C)

Ms. Holiday declares that students, social butterflies and businesswomen alike will benefit from any of Bella Ink Designs' three 2012 calendar options. 311-1C, a jewel case calendar, features 12 individual pages, each with their own unique kaleidoscopic print. The plastic jewel case the pages are packaged in flips open to display each month as it arises. Measuring 4.25'' by 7.25,'' this calendar's petite size allows it to be the cute pop of color needed in small spaces, like a desk or kitchen counter.

Bella Ink Designs' 2012 Monthly Planner (311-2C)

311-2C, Bella Ink's 2012 monthly planner, allows the recipient to jot down class or meeting dates and times on 28 fully printed interior pages, including a section for super important dates, notes and lists in the back. Measuring 6.5'' by 7,'' this planner is a smart size for backpacks, briefcases, and most purses. Each monthly planner cover is hand-glittered in the Bella Ink Designs' studio, and each planner comes packaged with a Bella Ink pencil.

Bella Ink Designs' 2012 Easel Calendar (311-3C)

Thanks to the sophisticated black iron easel packaged with Bella Ink's 5.375'' square 2012 easel calendar, each month becomes a work of art fit to display on any desk, counter top or end table. January through December demonstrate Melissa's ability to mix color, pattern and whimsical hand-drawn/or hand-painted icons on even the most dainty of stationery gift products. Each month's icon, be it a gold fish or an Adirondak chair, is hand-glittered in the Bella Ink studio.

To find out where you can purchase a Bella Ink Designs 2012 calendar and help keep your loved ones organized in the year ahead, visit http://www.bellaink.com/stores.html for a list on nearby and online retailers. Bella Ink retailers, please call Bella Ink directly to order.

Tomorrow we will feature bookmarks, mini-journal trios and note cubes. Wednesday we will focus on recipe cards and recipe card/note pad sets.

Happy Halloween from Bella Ink Designs

2011-10-31T11:25:00.000-05:00

Bella Ink Designs PH-91 Halloween Invitation (2011)

We asked to see your best Halloween costumes and you all sent in some fabulous images. Below are a couple of our favorites. We may post more later, so be sure to check back!

Top: Taylor as a Mad Scientist who has lost her head in an experiment gone wrong
Bottom: Fantastic Mr. & Mrs. Fox from Burdastyle

Be Part Of Bella Ink's Halloween Costume Showcase!

2011-10-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

Chia Pup (Image from Puplife.com), Bella Ink's Heather as Madonna, Bella Ink's Hazel as Lady Gaga and Ava as a bumble bee, and Lobster Baby (Image from Racked Chicago)

Bella Ink Designs wants to see your best Halloween costumes from years past. We'll post our favorite G-rated pups, kids and grown-ups on the Bella Ink blog on October 31, 2011. It will be our version of the elementary school costume parade we all had to participate in as kids. If you want the chance to be a part of this showcase, be sure to send us your photo, in jpg format, by October 28th, 2011. Please email images to bellainkdesignsco@gmail.com.

Remember, costumes don't need to be elaborate to be fabulous. Bella Ink's Studio/Marketing Director, Heather (above), loves pulling things from her closet to create her costumes. She'll run out and purchase a few accessories here and there to complete the look. In the end, it's all about the attitude and having as much fun with it as possible.

Wedding Looks We Love: Black Gowns

2011-10-21T11:57:00.000-05:00

Vera Wang Fall 2012: Images from Damon Scheleur/Huffington Post

Vera Wang recently debuted her Fall 2012 collection of bridal gowns, which included a series of black and nude color dresses. The idea of a black gown for a wedding may get a lot of women up in arms, but we quickly embraced the look and began to have beautiful, ethereal daydreams based on these dresses.

The bride who selects a black dress does not have to opt for a Halloween-theme event, unless that's what makes her happy. Our thoughts traveled to expansive gardens, like Villa d'Este in Tivoli (Rome), where the mood would be more Jane Austen mixed with a Midsummer Night's Dream than Bride of Frankenstein. One can't help imagining that somewhere in the villa's history there were opulent parties populated by women in flowing ball gowns who flirted with suitors in any of the lush nooks and crannies of the garden while orchestral music and twinkling lights, not to mention champagne, made them dizzy. Of course BHLDN had accessories and decor that fit our vision perfectly.

Top Row: Necklace by BHLDN, Taper Holder by BHLDN
Middle Row: Custom Wedding Invitation by Bella Ink Designs, Wedding Gown by Vera Wang
Bottom Row: Wedding Table image from Theweddingdecorator.blogspot.com, Veil by BHLDN
Background images from Bella Ink's Studio Director and Rustyandtara.com (lower left)

They Ask Me: Raising Money for St. Baldrick's

2011-10-07T11:08:00.000-05:00

Rocky Wagner, aspiring rapper, well-loved educator, and husband to a Bella Ink graphic designer, has written a rap to raise money for St. Baldrick's, an organization whose goal is to cure childhood cancer. Find out more about Rocky's mission at http://www.swagsinspires.com/index.html. If you like what you hear (above), head over to iTunes and purchase the song. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to St. Baldrick's.

Bella Ink Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research

2011-09-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

CC-64 Warrior

Bella Ink Designs has been supporting breast cancer research since 2008 when the company introduced their first Think Pink folded note card (EF-59). Since then the company has released two new designs in support of finding a cure, Hope (SF-15/SF-15A), and Warrior (CC-64), pictured above.

Warrior is the newest folded note card in the company's Cards that Care series. This card has been printed on a premium textured, cream card stock. The pink ribbon is hand-glittered in the Bella Ink studio before shipping to card and gift shops nationwide (including online retailers).

10% of the wholesale proceeds (5% retail) from Warrior will be donated to an organization dedicated to finding a cure and/or educating young women about early detection and prevention options. In the past the company has donated to Bright Pink and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Donations are made in January after the year's total sales for individual cards in the Cards that Care series have been recorded.

To view additional breast cancer awareness cards and an interview with Lindsay Avner, the founder of Bright Pink, visit our past posts here.

If you or somebody you know is hosting a fundraiser and needs invitations or stationery for printing event menus, you may be interested in Bella Ink's For the Cure (PH-97) invite. It's also a great option for celebrating a survivor's remission.

PH-97 For the Cure

We'd also like to suggest having a sweet treat on hand at any fundraising event, or shipping a sweet treat to a woman or family touched by the disease. Shari's Berries will deliver one or two dozen chocolate dipped strawberries to the recipient of your choice and donate 10% of the proceeds to Komen for the Cure.

Shari's Berries

To purchase any of Bella Ink Designs' stationery and gift products, please visit http://www.bellaink.com/stores.html for a list of nearby and online retailers.

Bella Ink retailers, please call Bella Ink, directly.

Bella Ink Designs' Bridal Budget Helpers

2011-09-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

If you're still putting together the final touches for your October wedding, or have just begun planning your fall 2012 wedding, Bella Ink Designs would like to share a couple of DIY projects that may help cut costs in the floral and bridal accessories departments.

Pumpkin Place Card Holders:

Photo by Studio West

These mini craft pumpkins are made out of styrofoam, so "carving" them is a lot easier than creating an elaborate jack-o-lantern for your front porch. A paring knife was used to carefully create a shallow slot on top of each pumpkin, just behind the stem, for the place cards to sit. Similar pumpkins are available in variety packs at craft stores, like Michaels, now.

Photo by Studio West

Don't be afraid to bring the decor elements you've purchased for your DIY projects to your florist. He or she may be able to incorporate them into your centerpieces. In this case, the florist took extra mini craft pumpkins and decorated the simple, yet elegant wedding cake the bride had selected. Fewer flowers and incorporating items that had already been purchased lowered the cost of the cake, created cohesion in the reception and kept the finished product looking beautiful, even without fancy fondant.

Centerpieces:

Photo by Studio West

Heavy, cut glass vases from Home Goods, which looked like crystal, were used as centerpieces at the bridal shower. Each vase was partially filled with clear glass beads, and a votive was nestled inside. For the wedding reception this look was repeated on the place card table with three of the vases, a wreath of fall berries placed around the base of each to tie them into the centerpieces inside the ballroom.

The florist filled the remaining vases with flowers and placed them on one half of the tables at the reception. This smaller flower arrangement, combined with items that had already been purchased, continued to keep the floral budget down and allowed the bride to select a more elaborate centerpiece for the other tables, which she would not have been able to afford otherwise.

Custom Jewelry:

Photo by Studio West

You may think custom jewelry isn't in your budget, but if you're crafty, or you know where to find the crafty people, you too can have one-of-a-kind pieces for your special day. This bride hosted a Lia Sophia party and, thanks to her family & friends, was able to select a beautiful pair of silver earrings set with rhinestones to compliment the silver beading in her gown, for free.

The bride then went on a search for the perfect necklace. The dilemma: Anything elaborate detracted from the beadwork on the front of her gown's bodice. The solution: A single strand of clear Swarovski beads that would make the most of the gown's low back. The bride discovered a jewelry designer, Melinda Brinkley of Joy Designs, at a craft fair (hpifestivals.com) held semi-annually near her home, and consulted with her on length, color and the type of beads to be used in the necklace. The designer also suggested adding beads from the necklace to the bottom of the bride's earrings to make them look like a set. Luckily the bride had them with her! Total cost for the necklace and earrings was around $120. A Swarovski necklace with fewer crystals retails for about the same price.

Time to Order Your Thanksgiving Party Invitations!

2011-09-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Whether you're hosting a sit-down dinner...

PH-81 The Bradfords

Or a casual gathering...

PH-82 Mulled Cider

Or even taking the party to the park or an NFL stadium near you...

PH-96 Tailgatin'

Bella Ink Designs has an invitation that will get guests in the mood to give thanks with you this Thanksgiving.

To order your Thanksgiving invitations, visit any of Bella Ink Designs' retailers nationwide. Find a complete list of retailers at: http://www.bellaink.com/stores.html for nearby and online vendors.

Retailers, please contact Bella Ink Designs directly to order.

Bella Ink Designs' Call for Cakes Results

2011-09-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Submitted by Britton Green

At Bella Ink Designs, we love cake. One of our gals, Camille, makes a fabulous "fat ass" cake. All we know is that it contains loads of cream cheese and we shouldn't eat it on a regular basis, especially since another one of our gals, Kristin, keeps making cupcakes for our meetings.

We also love putting cakes on our bridal shower invitations. This past week we asked our fans to submit their best wedding cake photos to inspire us as we design Spring 2012, and to inspire brides currently planning their big event. We're sharing our top four picks with you, today. You'll find that there's elegance in simplicity, and that you shouldn't forget the groom. The groom's cake is a fun trend that allows a bit of the guy's personality to take center stage.

Clockwise from top left: Blue Cake Submitted by Dawn Siebenhaar, Calla Cake Submitted by Anne Jajko, Bella Ink WH-19 Invitation, OSU Groom's Cake Submitted by Brenda Thomason

Bella Ink Donates Invitation to Primetime Emmy Event

2011-09-14T12:46:00.000-05:00

Last night in Beverly Hills, California Queen hosted a Talent Swag Social in honor of the Primetime Emmy Awards benefitting the Keep A Breast foundation. The foundation's mission is to educate young people about breast cancer, methods of prevention and early detection. The group raises awareness through art events, educational programs, and fundraisers.

Bella Ink Designs proudly designed and donated the invitation pictured above for the event.

Bella Ink Designs Wants to See Your Wedding Cake!

2011-09-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

Your mom taught you to share, right? At Bella Ink Designs we're in the process of designing new wedding stationery and we're looking for a little extra inspiration, as are new brides in the planning process. Submit ONE jpeg of your fabulous fondant to info@bellaink.com. We'll post our favorites on the blog next Friday, September 16th, 2011.

*There is no guarantee that any submissions will actually be used in part or in whole on any Bella Ink Designs print run.

2011-09-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

PH-72 Garden Party

How will you be spending your Labor Day Weekend? Let Bella Ink Designs know on Facebook and/or Twitter. As for the Bella Ink team, we'll be BBQ-ing, boating and taking advantage of the sales this weekend!

Welcome to the New Bella Ink Designs' Blog

2011-09-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

Thank you for following us over to our new blog! Please be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily come back and find what's new at Bella Ink, as well as what's on our radar.

If you're looking for past posts, we've got the link to our old blog at the top of this page. You can also link to it HERE. (You'll find our Fall 2011 Halloween Invitation there, as well as some other classic posts.)