November 17, 2009

What’s New at La Carta Bella – Newsletter & Promotions for November 21st

Merchandise:

Memory Box:

We have restocked some of the most popular images from the Brighter Days Release. These stamps have sold out once; however, due to demand, we restocked.

AMuse:

The AMuse Fall Release is so beautiful and elegant. We used these stamps during our Fall Party to create from really beautiful cards. We have restocked the sold images just in time for you to create special Thanksgiving or Fall cards.

Savvy:

We have once again restocked the sold out images; however, there are a few images that are on back order but should be in soon. These stamps have been very popular and have been used to create some very beautiful cards. Do not miss out.

Lizzie Anne Designs:

We have in the new Winter and Holiday Stamps set in along with some really cute Lizzie Anne winter paper set.

 

Upcoming Classes:

Monogram Card Gift Set:

This class is being offered on Sat 11/21 and Sat 11/28.  This is an absolutely beautiful Gift Set. It’s perfect for the holidays. Give a gift from the heart…..give something you created with love. Click here for details.

Check us out on Facebook:

We are now on Facebook!!! Check us out by clicking here. Become a Fan of our page and receive 10% off your next purchase. Refer a friend and receive 20% off your next purchase. We will be using our Facebook Page to provide updates on our Blog posts and general store chat.

November 16, 2009

Monogram Card and Envelope Gift Box Class Saturday 11/21/2009 and Saturday 11/28/2009

The Holidays will be here before you know it and if you are wanting to give a gift from the heart this Holiday Season, this is a perfect Class for you! In this Class, you will create a beautiful personalized gift. The completed gift set includes 5 cards and 5 envelopes, monogrammed with the monogram of your choice, and  packaged in a clear box tied with beautiful bow. There are 3 different colors to choose from. We are offering this class for the next 2 Saturdays. It is self paced and self guided so feel free to drop in during regular store hours. If you don’t have time to take the class, we are selling the complete project kit which includes ALL materials pre-cut. The project kit will sell for the same cost as the class itself.

Note: We have a limited number of seats and kits available so we strongly recommend that you call and reserve your seat or kit.

Dates: Saturday 11/21/2009 & Saturday 11/28/2009

Time:  12:00 to 4:00

Cost: $15.00

 

Below are samples of the colors available:

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Finally, the completed gift set. Stunning!

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November 9, 2009

Savvy Holidays – Beautiful Card Ideas

We have just gotten in tons of beautiful new holiday and winter stamps from Savvy and Impress. These stamps will help you create simple yet stunning holiday cards that are perfect for ‘mass’ productions. Here are just a few samples.

This Snowglobe Card was created by Melanie Brown using the new Birch Tree, Snowflake, Petite Deer and Let it Snow stamps from Savvy.  Melanie got here inspiration from the creative ladies at Savvy Stamps; however, she had a ingenious idea when she applied her glitter. If you are like me, I LOVE GLITTER but I sometimes avoid using it because it does not always like to stay on the card. Melanie stamped all her images and then used her Xyron Adhesive machine to apply adhesive on top of the stamped images. She then applied her glitter giving the card a snowglobe effect. I was really surprised at how well the glitter stays on the card and NOT on my hands!  I am now inspired to use more glitter on my cards this holiday season. :)  Thanks Mel!

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This next card was created using the Savvy Outline Poinsettia and Merry Christmas Stamp. The card base is Memory Box’s scalloped note cards. The Poinsettia was colored using Copic Markers and center was accented with AMuse Pearls. This card is simple and quick yet elegant. This is a perfect card for mass producing for your holiday cards this year.

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This Ornament card was created using Savvy’s Swirl Ornament, Pine Branch and Merry Christmas Stamp. Both the Swirl Ornament and Pine Branch stamps have been very popular. So versatile and so elegant. Once again, this is a perfect card for mass producing for your holiday cards.

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This last card was created using Savvy’s Cupcake Snowman and Sweet Holiday Wishes stamps. The little Snowman was colored using Copic Markers. 

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Hope these samples get you inspired. Stop by the store for even MORE ideas. We are always glad to help by answering your questions and providing helpful tips and techniques.

See you soon!!!

November 3, 2009

The Thoughtfulness of a Local Stamp Club

A month ago, long time customer and friend of La Carta Bella, Tammy Renaud, approached me about our 2nd Annual Christmas Card Collection for the Jesse Helms Nursing Center in Monroe in Memory of my Dad.  She asked if when it came to her time to host her Stamp Club, if they could meet at the store and then donate the cards they created to our Christmas Card Collection for the nursing center. I was deeply touched that her and her stamping girlfriends wanted to do this.

This past Sunday, Tammy Renaud along with Wilda Mitchell, Vickie Hedgepeth, Leslie Waldon, Pat Byrum, and Peggy Gould spent a fun afternoon of stamping at our store and created beautiful cards for the nursing center.  I wanted to take a moment to thank  each and everyone of these wonderful ladies. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture and will not soon be forgotten.

Once again, THANK YOU!

October 22, 2009

What’s New at La Carta Bella – Newsletter & Promotions for October 24th

New Merchandise:

Fall Release from AMuse :

We have in the newest Fall images from AMuse along with their new Shimmer Couture Paper Line. This Release is full of beautiful fall images and is complimented with shimmery paper in wonderful colors. There are 16 new wood mounted rubber stamps and 3 new clear stamp sets. Stop in and get inspiration for your Thanksgiving and Fall cards.

Memory Box’s Brighter Days Release:

We have in the new Brighter Days Release from Memory Box. This release is packed full of some of the most beautiful images of the season. There are 8 images that portray a fawn/deer, wintery tree silhouette, and pine branch just to name a few.

Also in from Memory Box is the restocking of some of the most popular images from the What’s in the Box 2009 Release.

Lizzie Anne Designs:

Lizzie Anne has a new Release that truly captures the essence of the Fall and Winter Seasons as well as the Holidays. These stamps are perfect for everyday Winter cards or for creating beautiful gift tags.  Lizzie Anne stamps are unmounted cling stamps and come packaged in neat cd cases. For those of you who are limited on storage, unmounted cling stamps are the way to go. Lizzie Anne unmounted cling stamps easily mount on a clear acrylic block, are easy to clean and allow you see exactly where you are stamping your image.

Savvy Stamps:

We have in 2 New Releases from Savvy! One release is called Winter Wonderland and the other release  is called Christmas Traditions. Savvy's style is clean, simple and beautiful. That’s why I have always loved Savvy stamps and I know you will too. Below, are some samples made with just a few of these stamps.

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Reminders…………..

Fall Party October 28th

Don’t forget to Pre-Register for our Fall Party and Open Stamp Catalog Order night. Click here to read all the fun that we have in store.  :)

Halloween Card and Project Contest

La Carta Bella is hosting a Halloween Card and a Halloween Project Contest. There are very few restrictions. Basically, submit your most creative Halloween Card and/or Halloween Project. The Card contest will be judged separately from the Halloween Project Contest. There will be a winner selected for each category. You may use any stamps and supplies that you wish. We would prefer that you use stamps or supplies that were purchased in the store :) but are not limiting to only those items.

Submissions must be received by Saturday 10/24/2009. The winners in each category will receive a $25.00 Gift Certificate and  10% off their next purchase.

 

Christmas Cards -

For the Jesse Helms Nursing Center

Since the loss of my Daddy on 12/29/2007, the approaching holidays are a constant reminder of the deep sadness that I experienced and the void that was left. Since then, I have tried to keep his memory alive to continue to show how much unconditional love my family and I have for him.  With that goal, came the idea of collecting cards for the Jessie Helms Nursing Center. (To read the full story on the painful journey my family and I endured with my Dad and the inspiration behind this effort, click here.)

Last year was a wonderful yet surprising success since it was our first year. We had just enough cards for EVERY resident and EVERY staff member. Once again, a huge ‘Thank you’ to everyone that helped us reach this goal. We could not have done it without you. This year, we want to do it again but even bigger and better. Once again, I will be offering a 20% discount on your entire purchase with the donation of 5 or more handmade cards. The inside of the card can be blank and should be unsigned.

October 19, 2009

Beautiful Autumn – AMuse Fall Release

The chill in the air inspired me to create this Fall card using the New AMuse Fall Release. The stamps in this release are so beautiful and so inspiring. More to come later this week using more of these fabulous stamps.  Enjoy!!!

PS: If you love these stamps, you will not want to miss our Fall Party Wednesday - October 28th. Click here for information.   pumkins and gourds with falling leaves animated gif

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October 14, 2009

Join Us for a Fun Fall Party Wed - October 28th

Fall is in the air and with that comes the time for La Carta Bella’s 2nd Annual Fall Party!

Those who attended last year know what a wonderful time was had by all. At our 1st Annual Fall Party, we created 2 super cute Halloween Treat holders using our Scor-Pal and several fabulous Thanksgiving Day and Fall cards.

This year, we plan on doing it even bigger and better. With the help of some of LCB’s most talented and creative friends , we have planned some fantastic and versatile projects planned along with unique, wonderful Fall and Thanksgiving themed cards. The Projects and Cards that we have lined up are some of the most unique and creative ideas that we have ever offered!!! You will be amazed!!!  (Hint: One of the Projects planned is one that was praised by Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box , himself and was posted on Twitter!) The night will be packed full of stamping and cardmaking tips and tricks. This is the perfect opportunity for beginning and advanced stampers alike. There will definitely be something for everyone.

Tools we will use: Copics and Scor-Pal

For creating our projects and cards, we will be using Copic markers along with the ‘must have’ for every cardmaker……the Scor-pal. There will be 2 certified Copic Instructors on hand to answer your questions and to give you tips on how to get the most out of these markers. Have a Scor-Pal and not sure how to use it? Have you been contemplating purchasing a Scor-Pal but just not sure about making the investment? This will be a perfect opportunity to use our Copics and Scor-Pal while being able to ask questions and getting some valuable information on both.

Details:

Date:         Wednesday, October 28th

Time:        6:30 to 8:30

Place:        La Carta Bella

Cost:           2 Projects and 2 Cards $15.00 per person

                       3 Projects and 3 cards $20.00 per person

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This year, our projects and cards are better and more unique than ever before. Due to the time and cost involved in preparing for the projects and cards, we ask that you Pre-Register AND Pre-Pay. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Deadline for registering is Sunday 10/25 or until all spaces are taken (whichever comes first).

What to bring:

Click here to find out what tools you should bring with you.

 

Open Catalog Stamp Ordering: Featuring New Stamp Companies at a Discount!

We are adding to the fun and excitement of our Fall Party, by allowing Open Stamp Catalog Ordering from NEW Stamp Companies. If you are not familiar with what this is, let me explain. We will have catalogs from several NEW stamp companies available for you to browse. You can go thru our catalogs, pick out what you want and we will order it for you! Now for the best part of all….any orders placed the night of the Fall Party will receive a 25% discount! All we ask is that you pay a deposit of 50% when you place your order and the remaining 50% when you pick your order up.  We will call you when your order arrives (usually within 1 week). If you are unable to come by the store to pick up your order, we are happy to ship it to you for little or no cost.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity get unique stamps that you can’t get anywhere else.

The following Stamp Companies will be offered:

  • Unity Rubber Stamps
  • Rubber Romance
  • Lockhart Stamps
  • American Art Stamp (Karen Stophler stick chicks)
  • Lizzie Anne Designs
  • Stamping Bella
  • Memory Box
  • AMuse
  • Savvy
  • Impress

October 4, 2009

Halloween Tri-Fold Shutter Card Sample

Here are 2 Halloween Tri-Fold Shutter Cards that Melanie Brown created for us. These tri-fold cards have a lot of character and tons of detail. Melanie found this tri-fold shutter card pattern on SplitCoast and couldn’t resist the challenge. Both turned out fabulously. What do you think? Feel free to leave comments for Melanie here on our blog.

Trick or Treat….the kiddies are on the hunt for some Halloween treats! This first a card was created using primarily AMuse Stamps.

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  Come join the costume party!!! :) Here is the second tri-fold shutter card that Melanie created, using primarily Memory Box stamps, where a costume party is underway. This card draws you right into the party and make you feel like part of the fun!

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Don’t forget to tell us what you think. Leave your comments for Melanie. :)

September 4, 2009

What's New at La Carta Bella - Newsletter & Promotions for September 5th

New Merchandise

We have the new Mandy's World, Back to School, and Halloween Releases from AMuse. Mandy's World is a brand new line at AMuse featuring a cute little girl named Mandy. The Back to School Release is perfect for those who have kids in school. Lastly, the Halloween Release is full of cute versatile stamps that will help you create the perfect Halloween card. Here are some wonderful sample cards that were designed and created by the AMuse Design Team.

Mandy's World Release:

Mandy Balloons2

Mandy Balloons

Mandy Ice Cream

Mandy Mermaid

 

Back to School Release:

Rocker Chick

Cheerleaders

 

Halloween Release:

Tiny Witch

Candy Corn

Cat on Fence

Crash Witch

 

Pumpkin Basket

August 20, 2009

What's New at La Carta Bella - Newsletter & Promotions for August 22nd

New Merchandise

Memory Box's What's in the Box 2009 is here. These stamps are truly works of art. To see a few card sample made with these wonderful stamps, click here.

Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, will be at the store this weekend teaching 2 Classes Saturday August 22nd using Memory Box's newest Fall, Halloween, Winter, and Christmas stamps from this release. Dave is not only the owner and artist behind Memory Box stamps, but he is also the Author of Card Design - Rubber Stamping with Colored Pencils and Watercolors. His book has been a huge success due to his simple step by step instructions provided for each card sample in his book. Dave will be teaching some of the techniques that he outlines in his book. This is a rare opportunity to learn from such a talented artist. For detailed information on his classes, click here.

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New items on sale

We have tons of new items that are now on sale, including discontinued stamp lines (both clear and wood mounted) and other miscellaneous items.

Newly Consigned Stamps

We have gotten in more newly consigned stamps. Most of these stamps are brand new. Remember, the best way to get new stamps are to recycle your old ones. If you have stamps that you would like to recycle, stop by the store of click here for details on how our Stamp Consignment Program works.

August 13, 2009

Reminder: Time is Running Out......Sign Up Today!!!!

Dave Brethauer of Memory Box Hosts Classes at La Carta Bella August 22nd & August 23rd

Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box, is coming all the way from Washington to host 2 classes at La Carta Bella! Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a class from such a talented person as Dave. We all love, admire and wait anxiously for Dave's new stamp images so this is a perfect opportunity to see him in action.

The classes are 2 hours long with a half hour to an hour between sessions - 16 people is probably max so that everyone gets some good attention. Class fees are $40 per class or $70 if you sign up for both. The Saturday Classes will be at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The Sunday Classes will be at 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

Dave will provide colored pencils, watercolor pencils and brushes; however, if you are more comfortable using your own pencils, brushes, or paints, you can bring your own too. Dave does ask that you bring a paper trimmer and adhesive (strong double stick tape works well for the watercolor class). Below are some details on each class being offered:

Memory Box Colored Pencils

Come and learn about color, blending and shading while using Memory Box images and papers. Each student will make 5 cards using colored pencil techniques that will make you color like a pro. We'll put color to work in analogous and complementary colors schemes to really make your greeting cards stand out!

Memory Box Watercolor

This fun class teaches watercolor through watercolor paints and watercolor pencils. Learn the advantages of each watercolor media and get some helpful tips for applying watercolor to greeting cards. Try out different types of watercolor paper while learning washes and blending techniques. Each student will create 5 cards in an informative and supportive teaching style.

Dave will be using the New Fall and Christmas images from the What's in the Box 2009 Release. He will use be using Prismacolor pencils for the colored pencil class and Faber Castell watercolor pencils. At this time, Dave has been teaching with Twinkling H2O's, but may have to switch to  a different product depending on what happens with this company. He will let me know a little more when it gets closer to the time.  Also in the watercolor class, Dave will be using 140 lb cold press and 140 lb hot press paper.

August 6, 2009

What's New at La Carta Bella - Newsletter & Promotions for August 8th

New Merchandise

Memory Box's What's in the Box 2009 is here. These stamps are truly works of art. To see a few card sample made with these wonderful stamps, click here.

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Promotions

  • 40% off AMuse, Memory Box and Savvy  Fall, Halloween and Christmas (excluded newest images)

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  • New items on sale - We have tons of new items that are now on sale, including discontinued stamp lines (both clear and wood mounted) and other miscellaneous items.
  • New Consigned Stamps - We have gotten in more newly consigned stamps. Most of these stamps are brand new. Remember, the best way to get new stamps are to recycle your old ones. If you have stamps that you would like to recycle, stop by the store of click here for details on how our Stamp Consignment Program works.

August 4, 2009

Memory Box's What's in the Box 2009

We have just wrapped up our first week of the unveiling of What's in the Box 2009. The feedback that we have received about this release has been amazing. The Release is packed full of beautiful papers and 30 new stamp images that capture the best of the Fall, Halloween, Winter, and Christmas Seasons. To truly appreciate these stamps, you must see them in person; however, card samples are the next best thing. :)  This week, I will show card samples that were designed by the Memory Box team. There are so many card samples, I can't show them all at once; therefore, I will unveil them by theme. Today's theme is Fall. My next post will show all the fabulous Winter and Christmas card samples.

Here are some of the exquisite cards that were created by the Memory Box team.

Stamp: Twizzle Tree

Paper: Twilight 6 x 6 Paper

NoteCard: Memory Box Gourd

Ink: Versamagic Gingerbread

The tree was colored using Copic Markers. Glitter Glue was used to add some sparkle.

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Stamp: Tree Border

NoteCard; 24 karat Soiree Notecard

Paper: Watercolor Paper

Twinkling H2O's was used to create the background.

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Stamp: Cattail Birds

Paper: Cattail Birds were stamped on Watercolor paper, Polka Dot paper (DewFrost 6x6 paper), Truffle Soiree NoteCard

Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate

Twinkling H2O's were used to create the background.

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Stamp: Tendril Collage

Paper: Twilight Paper Pack, Gourd NoteCard

Copics were used to color the image.

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Stamp: Bubble Tree

Paper: 6x6 Twilight Paper, Gourd Memory Box NoteCard

Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate Ink

Accents: Halloween Jewel Sticker Pack

Copics were used to color the image. IMG_1764

 

Stamp: Cat and Lamp

Paper: 6x6 Twilight Paper, gourd Notecard

Ink: Versamagic Gingerbread Ink (Mask)

Copics were used to color the image. The lamp portion of the stamp was stamped on colored paper and adhered on top of the stamped image. IMG_1760

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2009

What's New at La Carta Bella - Newsletter & Promotions for July 31st & August 1st

What's in the Box 2009

The Fun begins Friday July 31st!!!! We will be open 12:00pm - 4:00pm

It is finally here!!!! The new Memory Box What's in The Box 2009 Release! This is Memory Box's Fall and Holiday Release for 2009. Included in this release is 3 New Clear Stamp Sets, 20 New Wood Mounted Stamps (Christmas, Halloween and Fall Images) and 3 New 6 x 6 Paper Packs called DewFrost, SpiceBerry, and Twilight. This release has something for everyone. These stamps are sure to the be most beautiful stamps of this winter/holiday season. Below you will see the New 6x6 Paper Packs. After the last picture, you will find link that you can click on to see the New Stamps included in this Release. Enjoy!!!!!

DewFrost Paper

DewFrost Paper

SpiceBerry Paper

 SpiceBerry Paper

Twilight Paper

Twilight Paper

To view the stamps included in the New What's in the Box Release 2009 click HERE.

          

July 16, 2009

What's New at La Carta Bella - Newsletter & Promotions for July 18th

AMuse-a-Palooza is winding down but there is still time to get in on the fun. We have lots of Make 'n' Takes available and tons of Door Prizes. Remember we are the only store in the area that has these NEW AMuse Winter and Holiday stamps! Read on for all the fun activities that we have planned.

Door Prizes:

We are giving away lots of Door Prizes and this Saturday is your last day to get in on the drawings.

Here are the ways you earn entry tickets.

  • Everyone thru the door will get 2 tickets to enter into the drawings.
  • Take 1 of our classes and you earn 3 entry tickets (Free Make 'n Takes are excluded)
  • Earn a ticket for every $20.00 you spend.
    • Spend $100.00 and earn an additional 5 tickets for a total 10 entry tickets
    • Spend $150.00 and earn an additional 10 tickets for a total of 15 entry tickets.

Read on to find out the fabulous Door Prizes that we have lined up. :)

Grand Prize:  Scor-Pal & Scor-Pal Cutting Mat ($55.00 Retail Value) and $100.00 worth of AMuse Christmas, Fall and Holiday Stamps (excludes new images)

Door Prize #1:  $50.00 La Carta Bella Gift Certificate and a pack of AMuse Notecards of your choice plus 20% off your next purchase

Door Prize #2:  $25.00 La Carta Bella Gift Certificate plus a pack of AMuse notecards of your choice.

Door Prize #3:  $10.00 La Carta Bella Gift Certificate

Door Prize #4: $5.00 La Carta Bella Gift Certificate

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Promotions

  • 40% off AMuse, Memory Box and Savvy  Fall, Halloween and Christmas (excluded newest images)

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12 AMuse-a_Palooza Make 'n Takes to choose from:

We have a separate classroom with plenty of room set up for this special event. We are offering 2 Free Make 'n Takes. We will be offering these while supplies last so don't wait.We also have 12 Make 'n Takes to choose from at a cost of 2 cards for $5.00. This is a great opportunity for get a head start on you Christmas, Winter, and Holiday Cards. We will supply all materials needed. All you need to bring is adhesive. Here are some samples of the Make 'n Takes:

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