Hi All, First, I want to take a moment to let you know Paisleys and Polka Dots will be taking a few days off. There will be NO SHIPPING from April 11th through April 15th. We will return to shipping orders on the 16th. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Recently, I went on a 3 day scrap retreat with friends...18 of us total! Although I spend my retreats not scrapping for me personally, I do enjoy the "girl time," spending time with friends, and they always inspire me to get tons of scrapping done for future releases. I'm pretty sure it's all the eating, chatting, and more eating! Junk food and good conversation always makes for great inspiration, right? I completed two full releases and I'm loving both of them!! Yep! There was very little sleep for me but I was on a mission. So, would you like to see..... The first release is the Urban Traveler collection from Simple Stories. After having so much fun creating the Good Stuff smash book I couldn't resist another smash book with this travel collection. I am taking my daughter on a cruise in May as a gift for her college graduation and I can't wait to fill this book with all our wonderful memories. And I already have a matching two page layout for our family album too! Here is a bit of a closer look at the front cover. This smash book has the three inside tabbed pages created for you so all you have to do is assemble them. Then, I have added 2 extra chipboard tag pages that have also been designed and ready for assembly. This means you have a total of 11 pages (including the front cover) already designed for you. Again, all you have to do is assemble them. Next, fill in your details and memories on the journaling pages included in the album and add photos. The kit will include extra 12 x 12 sheets of paper and some extra embellishments to add in your own creativity on the extra pages. I love the different sized tags popping out from the book. It adds so much dimension. Here is one of the inside tag pages added to the book. Here is another inside page. Many of the tags inside the book open up to allow for more pictures inside. And here is the next release. This masculine collection from Fancy Pants Designs is called Swagger. It's perfect for a graduation, Father's Day, Dad, or for that special "guy" in your life. There will ba a mini album kit and also a two page layout kit. I guess I was in the mood for tags when I designed these releases because this album also has different sized tags which add dimension to the album. I'm loving these tags!! Here is a closer look at a few of the inside pages. All of these kits will be available on the Paisleys and Polka Dots website... Continue reading

Before I show you a look at the April release I have some good news! So many of you have been emailing me inquiring about the Baby Boy and Baby Girl kits. I didn't think it was a possibility but Bella Blvd. came through for me and new product is on the way! Whoo hoo! The kits will be restocked!! Coming April 1st...Vintage Bliss from Simple Stories!! I love the color palette of this collection, so pretty and colorful. There are so many fun prints and I love the grey distressed wood grain. There is two full 12 x 12 sticker sheets and some really fun embellies like zippers, silk ribbon, roses, and more. The mini album measures 5 1/2 x 10 1/2 and includes 6 chipboard pages. And here is a look at the 2 page layout.... Enjoy!! Julie Continue reading

Here is a look at the March 1st release. I fell in love with this collection from Authentique because of the elegant color palette. Authentique describes this collection as nostalgic and reminiscent of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit. Keeping with the nostalgic look I have added three colors of silk ribbons, crocheted trims, vintage buttons, silk flowers, and other extras. I'm thinking this is the perfect album for all the Easter photos I will be taking very soon. And here is a look at the two page layout... Happy Scrapping! Julie Continue reading

Have I had you waiting patiently for a preview of the upcoming Simple Stories release? Here it is!! I'm so excited about this one! I LOVE the new concept of smashbooks, but I have always thought it was a bit overwhelming finding a place to start. I mean, there is no need for a theme as ANY theme will work, right? That's what a smashbook is...a journal, a year in review, random thoughts and photos, whatever you want it to be. The thought is to just stick anything and everything on a page, right? I guess I'm just too neat and tidy and the thought still overwhelmed me. So....I put some thought into it and this is what I came up with. This is a smash book Paisleys and Polka Dots style. If you are overwhelmed like me, then this one is for you. This kit starts with the Simple Stories Snap binder which includes chipboard tabbed pages, journaling pages, and sheet protector/pocket pages. This means you already have a full album to work with! I have designed the front cover and the three inside chipboard tabbed pages, both the front and back sides, plus two custom shaped "word blub" pages. Yep! You have a full eleven pages, pre designed, pre cut and ready to assemble. The kit includes full color instructions so you can easily assemble your pages. Next, use your own creativity to complete the book by finishing the journaling pages and the pocket pages. The kit includes extra sheets of paper, stickers, and embellishments to help you in completing your album. The album even includes some fun pocket pages. Here is a look at the custom word blurb pages... And here is a look at one of the tabbed pages... Tabbed page opened up... And last but not least, here is a look at the two page layout that is sold separately. I actually went on a scrappin weekend last weekend and yes, I worked on my smash book. I'm creating a book for my daughter titled, "the many adventures of a couple in love." I'm almost finished so stop back by to see what I created...more pictures coming! It's turning out so cute I may not want to give it to her. Julie Continue reading

I just spent five exciting, exhausting, and fun-filled days at the CHA convention. There were so many new collections I fell in love with and I definitely had a hard time narrowing things down. And....can I say inspiration galore!! I'm so inspired to get working! All I need is Mr. UPS to start delivering those pretty brown boxes. Can't wait to show you! So, since I can't show you all the new goodies I ordered I will show you these ADORABLE new releases coming February 1st. Are these mini albums stinkin' cute or what!!! Love the colors! Almost makes me want to have another baby. JUST KIDDING!! I don't need another baby, I just need to find all those cute baby pics I have saved of my babies. My babies are now 23 and 20 so I think it would be fun to go through their old baby photos and make each of them one of these adorable albums as a keepsake. And of course there are matching two page layouts which will be sold separately for boy or girl... AND...smash books are all the rage right now. Here is a little sneak peek at a smash book Paisleys and Polka Dots style. This album is great for everything; a year in review, daily life, travel journal, school, actually what ever you want it to be. If you are like me a smash book can be a little intimidating or overwhelming. Well, this release is going to give you a starting point to make things easier and also lets you add your own creativity. I have been giving this release some thought for quite awhile and I'm excited for this new concept. Hope you will be too. Find these new kits on the website February 1st. Happy scrapping!! Julie Continue reading

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and you and your families are enjoying the holiday season. Thought I would make a very past due stop by the blog to show you all a look at the Jan. 1st release. This next rekease comes to you from the Kiss Me collection by Bella Blvd. With Valentines Day just around the corner it's perfect for your husband, boyfriend, son, daughter, or anyone near and dear to your heart. Yes, a few of the stickers talk about a "boyfriend" but in designing this album I kept it very generic so it will work with anyone dear to your heart and any theme. So it just doesn't have to be for Valentines Day! This is a custom album, contains 6 chipboard pages (12 pages front and back), and measures approximately 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Here is a look at the inside pages and below shows you the style of a gate fold album. And here is a look at the 2 page layout... And how could we forget about a Valentine Card kit!! This kit comes pre cut with everything you need to make all 8 cards and includes envelopes. Thanks for stopping by and hope you all have a safe and happy New Year! Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

If all goes as planned this absolutely gorgeous mini album and layout will be added to the December 1st release. I'm so bummed that I couldn't get this mini album to photograph well. To see this collection in person is so beautiful. The black, taupe, and creamy white color scheme is so strikingly rich and so popular. I loved this unique collection so much I couldn't resist adding photos to this mini album and layout. I absolutely loved mixing both colored photos along with black and white photos. The hint of pine green color throughout the book is the perfect added touch to give that outdoor wintry feel. You will also love the glittered snowflakes, and sparkle embellishments that are throughout the book. This mini album is custom made, includes 6 chipboard pages, and measures approximately 8 1/2 inches. Here is a look at the 2 page layout... Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

I guess I have many of you wondering anxiously what the December release will be after putting out a teaser on the latest newsletter. Wait no longer!! Here it is.... This is a custom mini album designed using one of the latest collections from Authentique called, Festive. And festive it is; loaded with details and glitter embellishments. Home for the Holidays makes you want to come home to all those warm Christmas memories we all cherish. Open the door to family favorites, traditions, and all things merry and bright. This mini album includes six custom chipboard pages and measures approximately 7 x 8 1/2 inches. And here the 2 page layout... If all goes as planned their will be a second winter release so stay posted.... Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

Hi All! Just stopping by to give you a look at the November 1st releases. This one is UBBER cute!!! Its' a custom mini album designed using the Handmade Holiday collection from Simple Stories. I love this collection...it's so cozy Christmas!! This mini album has 7 pages!! I'm loving the extras in this kit too...pine stems, pinecones, berries, and holly all tie into this adorable mini album. And here is a look at a two page layout with 3 cards kit... And there will be one more layout using October Afternoon's Holiday Style collection. Working with all these wonderful Christmas collections I'm reading to start pulling out the decorations. Enjoy! Continue reading

I know, I know! I have really kept you waiting, haven't I. Well, wait no longer! Here is a look at all the October 1st releases. I think you might find a little something for every taste. First, is a mini album perfect for capturing all those Halloween happenings! This delightfully spooky mini album is designed using the Enchanted collection from Authentique. The album measures approximately 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 and contains 5 large tag shaped pages and 1 small tag shaped page. And for some more frightful fun here is a two page layout featuring the same collection... Every year I say the same thing. Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the colors and here in Cali it's the start of cooler weather. Um, I think the weather is a bit mixed right now because it's still really hot here! So fall right now is only inside where we are prepping lots of kits and the colors of fall are all around. Look at this gorgeous Fall mini album using the Harvest Lane collection from Simple Stories. I couldn't resist using this beautiful fall sprig on the front cover. This mini album measures approximately 7 x 8 1/4 inches and comes with 6 custom shaped chipboard pages. Yes, the house and the acorn are some of our newest dies and they were perfect for this album. Next is the two page layout which includes 3 cards as well. And last but not least this beautiful fall/thankful 2 page layout and a separate 10 card kit using the Thankful collection from Authentique. Many of you have been requesting more card kits, so we are delivering! And yes, you will receive all these cards pre cut, ready to assemble, all in one kit. All of these releases will be available for purchase on the website October 1st by noon. Hope you enjoy them! Julie Continue reading

Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend,I know I am...very little relaxing, but ton's of fun and scrapping. I'm actually out of town for the weekend with 17 of my girlfriends for a scrap weekend. Yeah for girl time!! Can you guess what I'm possibly working on? If you guessed future releases, you are correct! Stop by the blog next week for a look at all the October 1st releases. Trust me, you won't want to miss these halloween and fall kits. The girls here at the house are "oohing and awing" already! Although I am working on my scrap weekend I always enjoy the time away. It's one giant slumber party!! I get so much scrapping done and what could be better than scrapping with all of your closest friends, eating tons of food, and hooting and hollering all night long. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? It really is!! Here is a deal for all you local California scrappers. I haven't checked this place out for myself but I think another scrap weekend will be in my near future after I recuperate from this one. This place looks awesome! Check it out!! Introducing Scrapbook Place, a scrapbook retreat house conveniently located in Temecula Valley, CA. Situated just miles from the scenic Temecula Wine Country, Scrapbook Place is the perfect destination for your scrapbook retreat. Come relax and get inspired to design and create, turning your memories into works of art. Designed personally by a fellow scrapbooking enthusiast, Scrapbook Place is well equipped to meet all your retreat needs. Enjoy 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen and two spacious crop rooms that can comfortably accommodate 12 guests; all within 3500sqft of living space! Join us on September 16th at 1pm for our Open House! Tour Scrapbook Place and reserve your stay! First time guests enjoy a special rate of only $99! Visit our website and like us on Facebook! We look forward to your visit! http://www.scrapbookplace.net/ http://www.facebook.com/ScrapbookPlace Continue reading

All orders placed during the week of August 19th through the 26th will not be shipped until Monday the 27th due to our vacation schedule. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Here is a look at the September 1st release. This release was designed using the 9 to 5 collection from October Afternoon. The "Noteworthy" mini album has 5 custom shaped pages and it's versatile for any theme; documenting your job, daily life, or just some random "noteworthy" thoughts you may want to remember for years to come. And here is look at the two page layout. This kit comes with a full sticker sheet to customize your layout to fit your needs. Continue reading

Hi Everyone! Just stopping by to share with you the newest releases that will be hitting the website Ausgust 1st. Perfect for summer, this release will have you thinking about walking along the boardwalk, sinking your toes into the warm sand, swaying palm trees, fresh ocean breezes, and good times with family or friends. I'm loving the fresh nautical look of this collection from Authentique. Here is a look at the mini album. It measures 6 3/4 x 8 1/4 inches and comes with 6 custom shaped chipboard pages. The flip flops for the front cover is one of our newest dies. Your going to love the real sea shells, starfish, coconut button, and fishing net that are included with the kit...plus plenty of extra embellishments as well. And here is a look at the two, 2 page layout kit. Hope you all have been enjoying your weekend. Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

Hi Everyone! It's Inspiration week over at the Bella Blvd. Blog. Last week you had the chance to see all the great new collections and products...aren't you just loving them? I know I am! Well this week the Bella Blvd. team has arrived in Chicago ready to debut their brand new products. This means the design team has been hard at work designing some great laytous and projects to inspire you. Be sure to visit the Bella Blog daily to receive all the latest happenings and inspiration. Continue reading

This week is sneak peek week for all of the new Bella Blvd. products. Today's focus is on the new embellishments and chipboard alphas, along with their previous pieces that we still know and love! Stop on by the Bella Blvd. blog see more, grab some inspirations and get in on some of the giveaways. Enjoy! Julie Continue reading

It's day three! On Monday you saw a look at the new Birthday Boy collection. Well, you can't have a boy collection without a girl collection, right? So here is a little look at the Birthday Girl collection. It's very similar to the boy collection but has it's own unique look. Once again, be sure to stop by the Bella Blvd. Blog to see the individual images and get in on the inspiration and giveaways. Continue reading

Today is day 2 for the Bella Blvd sneak peeks. Fall is my favorite time of the year so I'm definitely in LOVE with this collection. Each year I have so many people and things in my life to be thankful for so I'm always happy when I see a beautiful line like this. Here is a little look. Be sure to stop by the Bella Blvd. Blog to see individual images of the entire collection. Enjoy! Julie Continue reading

Hi Everyone! I'm getting this post up a bit late this morning. I just returned home from being out of town for my sister's wedding. After 11 years they finally tied the knot and I couldn't be happier for them. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and we had a great time celebrating their wonderful day. Maybe I will post a few pics later. But today starts sneak peek week over on the Bella Blvd. Blog. It's Bella's fourth birthday!! Happy Birthday Bella Blvd.!!! Of course it would be fitting on a fourth birthday to have a brand new birthday collection, right? Well todays reveal is the Birthday Boy collection and, as is the case with all of Bella's collections, you won't be disappointed. Here is a quick peek of the collection. Want to see more??? Well of course you do! Hop on over to the Bella Blog to see the entire collection up close and get the latest on all the happenings! Enjoy!! Julie Continue reading

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you my latest layout for Bella Blvd. This is our 1 year old puppy, Diesel. What were we thinking leaving our leather couch outside? Definitely not too smart and we found this out the hard way. But, it's a great way to get new furniture!! Anyway, I have always loved the colors in the Tail Waggers & Cat Naps collection. You really don't even need to use it for dog or cat photos, it would be a great collection for all kinds of photos because the paper is so versatile on the prints. Just a few are geared specifically for dog or cat. I love to layer paper, especially with Bella's papers! So for this layout I cut some shapes, layered the papers, and then added a few die cut shapes to add some details. I added my title using the Alpha+Bits stickers and I couldn't resist using the "trouble maker" embellishment from the Chit Chat chipboard. The final touch was a bow made of ribbon and twine with. a Bella Flag through it. Be sure to stop by the Bella Blog for more inspiration from some other designers. Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

Hey everyone, just stopping by to show you a look at the July 1st releases. I just finished dying the crocheted flowers for the front cover and it reminded me that I haven't shown you whats coming up. Have you ever wondered how I get those little extras to match perfectly? Yep, I hand dye them, even the buttons! So I'm typing away with bright red fingers right now. The July first release is definitely on of a kind! Just received these fun new shapes and they are a perfect match for the Summer Fresh collection from Simple Stories. The bright colors and fun stickers are perfect for all your sunny summer photos. The album contains 6 custom chipboard pages and measures approximately 8 1/4 x 8 1/2. And for the two page layout there is something a bit different this month. It's a two page layout plus a three card kit. You will receive all the product to make the two page layout plus three cards with envelopes. Everything is precut all you have to do is assemble. Full color instructions are included. Thanks for stopping by! Continue reading

I'm getting this post up a bit late, but here is the latest layout I designed for Bella Blvd. I really enjoyed scrapping these photos because they are really old. Yep! I'm really behind!!! These are photos of my son who is now 19 years old. Awww, he was so cute way back then! Looking at these photos brought back so many memories of those years. This was field day at his elementary school. He ran the long distance run and little did he know that with his asthma and allergies he would have such a hard time. He was deteremined to make it to the finish line and he did. The look on his face says it all. Check out all the Layouts on Wednesdays over at the Bella Blog. Enjoy, Julie Continue reading

I can't believe summer is already upon us. The kids are getting out of school and maybe some of us are in full swing of planning our summer vacations and outings. I must say I'm really excited for the upcoming summer releases and here is a look at June's. The kits will be available on the website Frinday, June 1st but will not start shipping until Monday, June 4th, due to being out of town for the weekend. Before you know it the 4th of July will be here and here is the perfect collection for celebrating these moments. Although it's perfect for the 4th, the papers and embellishments are versatile to use for photos throughout the year. The mini album contains some custom new shapes and measures approximately 7 x 8 inches. I love the vintage and tea-stained look of these papers. And here is a look at the second release. This denim inspired collection is all about the "tried and true" friends in our lives. Just like our favorite pair of blue jeans we all have those friends that have been by our side through the ups and downs. This release is perfect for capturing the special moments you have shared. Again, the mini album contains some custom new shapes and measures approximately 7 x 8 inches. The layouts will be a two, two page layout kit. Enjoy! Julie Continue reading

Wow!!!! What is it about these kits!!! Yes, they are sold out again. I think you all hit the website at the same time becuase a few of you told me the kits were selling out even as you were checking out. I'm so sorry everyone hasn't been able to get their hands on one of these. This kit has been extremely popular!! I am unable to restock the kit as is due to product availability on some of the small embellishments. I contacted the manufacturer this morning and they are currently out on the stickers and a few of the papers but do plan to restock. So here is my plan...I would like to redesign the book as shown with a few minor changes with the small embellishments. I can't absolutely promise the kits will be restocked as I will have to wait and be sure the manufacturer is restocking, but I will do my very best. Their estimate on receiving the paper is June. There is a possibility I can restock the layouts sooner. I'm going to start a wait list for those interested and I will gladly add your name to the list if you would like. Should the kits be restocked you will have first priority so you won't miss out. If you would like to be added to the wait list please email me at info@paisleysandpolkadots.com letting me know if you want the layout ot book. Sorry for the inconvenience. Continue reading

Wow, I can't believe how time flies! It's almost May 1st and I haven't given you a look at the upcoming releases yet. I won't keep you waiting any longer. May is all about Boy's, their buddies, brothers, cousins, a boy and his dog, or even photos of Dad from his childhood. This release is so versatile for all your masculine photos and it's designed using the Loyal collection from Authentique. Your going to love the quality and design of their papers. It's thick with a linen feel and their sticker sheets won't disappoint either. Each kit has a full sheet of words and alphabets to customize your projects to match your photos and theme. Here is a look at the mini album. This mini album is one of our exclusive books, has six chipboard pages, and measures approximately 5 1/2 x 10 1/4. And here are the coordinating two, 2 page layouts... Kits will be available on the website Tuesday, May 1st. Enjoy! Continue reading

Just stopping by to let you know you can get the latest "buzz" from Bella Blvd. Stop on by the Bella blog to receive the newest Bella Buzz newsletter. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one...there is definitely something in this issue you may want to get your hands on. Here is also a look at my latest page layout I created for the Bella DT. I created this layout to highlight the new Bella High Five sticker sheets. These stickers are the best!! Each sheet has so many alphabets of different shapes and sizes...perfect for mixing an matching! I had so much fun mixing the different colors. Stop by the Bella Blog to see more and read all the details. Enjoy! Julie Continue reading