Bella Ink Blog

Bella Ink Designs' Cards in Real Life

As we were flipping through the Winter 2011 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, we ran across an ad for the book How I Planned Your Wedding by Susan Wiggs and thought, hmm, that looks familiar.  The book cover looks amazingly similar to our Spring 2009 shower invitation, Lauren (WT-26).  

Wiggs, author of numerous fictional love stories, has written a book about the real life experience of helping plan her daughter's wedding.  As those who have already gone through the process know, there are ups and downs along the way.  For those who are going through the process now, pick up Wiggs' book and see how they made it through, nod at the parts that seem familiar and maybe take away some good advice.

A Very Merry Message from Bella Ink's Elf

A Winter Wedding Wonderland

There's no reason to shy away from a winter wedding.  So much inspiration can be drawn from the season and it's holidays.  It seems that many couples who embrace a November or December wedding often default to a red and white, or gold and white, color scheme for their "off-season" event.  We at Bella Ink think a winter wedding would look particularly dazzling in silvers, creams and icy blues.  While what we've pictured above is quite elegant, we think a fresh spin on an informal, campfire dessert would fit in just beautifully.  

Single No More S'Mores

Skewer one large marshmallow with a silver or white toothpick, then dip into melted milk and/or dark chocolate. Next, dip the marshmallow into graham cracker crumbs.  Set on wax paper to cool.  Arrange on a silver tray at the dessert table.  Serve with hot chocolate.  (Spiked with rum or not is up to you)

{Pictured: Engagement party/Wedding invitation: WCH-11 by Bella Ink, Gown: Tadashi, Flowers: Sharon Nagassar Designs LLC, Ice Sculpture: Ice Sculpture Designs.com, Shoe: A. Marinelli, Jacket: Vintage, Place Card Holders: Beau Coup, Church Setting: Save on Crafts, Dress: , Table Setting: Table Talk}

Having A Moment: Matryoshka Dolls

Russian nesting dolls, or Matryoshka dolls, have been around since 1890, but it seems everybody has taken a new interest in these babushka adorned ladies.  They're popping up everywhere from stationery to kitchenware.  We've pictured some of our favorite items, above.

With the release of Bella Ink's Accessory Easel back in October, we introduced our take on the Matryoshka dolls in the form of Favor/Gift Tags and Stickers.  These may be affixed to presents, lunch bags or favors as cute & unique identifiers.  (Perfect for field trips!)  Bella Ink Accessory Easel products are available through authorized dealers, only.

{Pictured: Bella Ink KGFT/KST-318, Urban Outfitters Sweater, Anthropologie Dish Towel, Sewn Natural Blanket, Urban Outfitters Picture Frame, Cost Plus World Market Place Card Holders, Britgaldesigns E-Reader Cover (no long available), Paper Source Babushkups Drinking Glasses, Bella Ink KGFT/KST-319}

Shop Girl Focus: Kathy of The Paper Habit

Kathy at The Paper Habit is December's Shop Girl Focus featured retailer.  Kathy has been working with Bella Ink since February of 2009, and it was a pleasure to get to know a little bit more about one of our California retailers via this month's Q&A!  Kathy and her fellow McHenry Village Shopping Center occupants began their own shop local program with some unique benefits.  Read about Kathy and her program, below.  

So, Kathy...

Q. Why did you open a stationery and gift shop?

A. I purchased an existing shop to give my creativity a chance to experience self-employment.

Q. What has been your best moment as a businesswoman in the past year?

A. Pulling 25 merchants in our strip mall together to run a campaign called "A Taste of Giving Back."  We sell membership cards for $15.00, the total going to a local charity in exchange for store discounts during November and December.  We're trying to get customers to buy local and keep dollars in our community.

Q. Stay in or go out this New Year's Eve?

A. Going over to a friend's house to celebrate in comfort.

Q. If it's potluck, your go-to dish is...

A. Baked beans.

Q. Favorite place to scout out new merchandise outside of industry shows?

A. Shopping while on vacation.

Q. Will you be attending any January shows?

A. San Francisco's.  

Q. What factors into the buying process when selecting which brands to sell?

A. A new look for social invitations.

Q. Dead or alive, who are your top 3 party guests?

A. My best girlfriends and their parents.

Q. What is the last book you read?

A. The Last Day of My Life by Jim Moret.

Q. Is an email address appropriate for an RSVP?

A. I say yes if it is a casual, social event.  (Shower or Birthday)

Q. What design is on your personal stationery?

A. A "P" initial and fancy motifs.

Q. I should have ______ yesterday.

A. Done devotionals.

Q. I work best...

A. Under pressure, but well rested!

Q. At what age should children begin writing "Thank You" notes?

A. 4-5 years old, even a scribble is a beginning.

Q. Are you a fan of gift cards?  Why or why not?

A. Yes, for the busy man or woman who can't shop for many, I think it is appropriate.  It's also nice for the "sale motivated" gift recipient.

Thanks, Kathy!

You can find The Paper Habit in the McHenry Village Shopping Center at 1700 McHenry Avenue, Suite A13, Modesto, CA 95350 and online at www.paperhabit.com.