38 today.  I am thrilled that I have more laugh lines.  I am honored that I have some MORE grey hair… I am respectful of my crow’s feet.  Who am I?  I am a mother, wife, friend, “sistah” (only in a symbolic way), teacher, artist (me?? an artist?? well not really at all).  I AM a HUGE variety of characters.  I play many roles, I balance, juggle and try my hardest to please everyone.  I AM.

This brings me to the introduction of Stamping Bella’s “I AM.” line.  This line is meant to bring you to a different level.. to open your box.. to leave all your roles aside and focus on YOU.  Over the last little while, I have been experimenting with new techniques.. I have explored the other side of me.  I have been MESSY, and SLOPPY, and COLLAGE-Y .. I have splattered and rubbed and glued.  I have had a tremendous time doing so too. And I think you will too.. if you want to enjoy the journey.. NOT the destination.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have my “other side” (bwahahahahaha). where I LOVE neat and tidy and elegant… but I also love my ART JOURNALING side.  I believe that styles are changing.. mixed media, collage, and paint are coming to the forefront.. I think people out there are starting to focus on themselves and that is part of my 38th year resolution (that and losing a kajillion pounds.  First task is MUCH easier..LOL).  Donna Downey came to teach and visit us earlier this month and she has inspired us.  I have come out with a new line called I AM.  Now this line contains larger stamps (always look at the size below the image). stamps that can be used in your journals/layouts/cards.. INSPIRATIONAL stamps.. stamps that make you nod your head.. and just like my characters may make you smile or empathize with them , so will these botanicals, quotes and images.  I AM having a release on Monday and of course there will be a surprise with the release.. so don’t forget to come back and visit on monday.. NOD with me.. Take this JOURNEY with me.  I will be giving some examples, I will try my best to work harder (as my design team does every week) and share my work with you.  You know.. it is so hard to consider yourself an artist. I think it is the hardest thing evah but you all deserve to call yourselves one.  So make sure you take some paint.. slap it on something (or someone) lol.. and let loose.  I promise you will love it.

Ok, enough of my 38 year old ramblings..LOL  Let’s discuss BELLARIFIC FRIDAY this week, shall we?

Jodibella created a great sketch for us

So let’s take a looky what our AMAZINGLY TALENTED, BESTEST IN THE WORLD design team! (have I said that lately???)

Paulabella used STRUMMABELLA

Elaineabella used KISSY

Danabella used MATILDA MUFFINBREAD

Jodibella used KITTYCATTABELLA

Jeaniebella used CUPPACAKEABELLA

Karen MOTZ-ABELLA used TURTLE TOTS-BAKER

How’s DAT for BELLARIFICBABES I CANDEEEE?

Now let’s see what our SISTAHOOD came up with

How’s DAT for ICANDEE???

If I have forgotten or left out anybody, please email me your contribution and I will add it in.  I am so sorry but with 2 weeks lapsing, it may have gotten lost in CYBERSPACE.

Don’t forget to leave a comment.. WISH ME A HAPPY BIRFDAY (LOL.. I have no shame) and you can win $10 in Bella Bucks!  All Contributors have a chance to win $20 in Bella Bucks!

We are working on July’s calendar for the store and we will be giving an INTRO TO ART JOURNALING class.. we are so excited for you to join us on this journey.. DO YA WANNA???????

Love to all of you

Mwah

Em