Baby Wishes Downloadable Shower Game

I will be spending January designing new colors, patterns, etc. to use throughout the year.  One of the current designs I would like to improve is the Baby Wishes Shower Game. If you are looking for a particular color theme, pattern or school, let me know by commenting below! I'll add it to the list.

Purchase here

Fun Christmas Gift for Friends

I was browsing Pinterest for some fun diy Christmas Gift ideas and came across this one from Avry on her blog: Craft Yourself. Such a cute idea and I love the text!! You can check out her version here.

Instead of using rolls of dough, I decided to go with the nice square packages of cookie dough because I thought they would be easier to wrap and accessorize. 

Using my Cricut machine I cut out pieces to make a tag from the Accent Essentials Cartridge. 

Then I prepared the text in Photoshop but any word processing program would work. Here is a copy of the finished product. If you prefer no to make your own tags, comment on my blog and maybe I'll surprise you with a free printable!! 

The card reads, "We could all use a little extra DOUGH this time of year. Merry Christmas from the Wilsons. 

The tag is a total of 3 pieces. The outside piece is a Solid Tag from the Cricut using the SHIFT key at 3 inches. The interior blue frame is the same frame at 2 3/4 inches without the shift key this time. And the interior is printed on card stock and I just cut it out so it would go neatly between. I used Xyron Tape Runner to attach then hole punched for the twine. I used the twine to keep it all together and finish the pretty packaging. Here is the final product which I delivered on Christmas Eve. 

My friends were very happy to receive these!! And it was fun getting to play Santa. The fun thing about this is that I think you could change the text to match many of the holidays. Something like "It's not a Trick, Enjoy this Treat". And use the awesome Pillsbury Halloween Cookies.

2013 SEC Champs - The Auburn Tigers Christmas Card

To celebrate the great Auburn Tigers win, here is a Christmas Card to celebrate with all your friends and family!! Congrats to the 2013 SEC Champions!!

Purchase here

Gender Reveal Football Invitation

My popular Gender Reveal Football Invitation is back in stock!

Belle Announcements Designed Christmas Cards

If I designed your Christmas cards this year, thank you!!!!! I really appreciate your business!! Please consider posting this image to your social media pages.

You know it has been a good day when...

You come home with these fabulous finds!! I am in love with all things ink. It is by far the greatest gift anyone can give me. Santa generally always gives me fun sharpies in my stocking.

I love writing letters to friends and family. I also write to my chemo buddy twice a week so it's great to have new, fun colors to use when I write her notes. If you've never heard of ChemoAngels and you love sending snail mail, you should check them out.

Polar Express Invitations now with Photo

Celebrate your Polar Express or train themed party with these Golden tickets! This design includes the conductors photo. I do offer this design without a photo if you prefer. These train ticket themed birthday invitations are sold in sets of 25. You will receive envelopes with your order.

These are printed on Metallic Professional Grade Photo Paper. So they shine like a real golden ticket!

Set of 25 for $34. Purchase here.

Chevron Thank You Cards

This set includes 10 flat cards and 10 envelopes plus free shipping! Only $8.50 pet set.

Each design is printed on quality card stock with a coordinating backside. Cards are trimmed to 4.25 by 5.5. Edges are rounded.

Purchase here

Shop Huntsville and Madison this Christmas Season

I am thrilled to present a Christmas Giveaway to our local Huntsville and Madison Friends. Please take a moment to like each company's Facebook and show your support for all they do in the Madison County Community.

Enter to win one of the following items. Six total winners will be announced after the giveaway closes on November 21st.

Belle Announcements - 50 Christmas Cards 

Broadway Theatre League - 2 tickets to see Flashdance

Fleet Feet Sports Huntsville - $50 Gift Card

Little Lang’s - $50 Gift Card

Mary Colleen Photography - 2014 Mini Photo Session

Pure Barre - 10 classes 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Auburn Baby Shower Game

Now available as an instant download!

Polka dot Baby Shower game is a great way to celebrate and have a treasure for the mom-to-be to take home. Perfect for SEC Tailgating parties. This design has a matching baby shower Invitation.

This design is for PDF file that you take and print at the location of your choice.

Purchase your Auburn Shower here.

Gender Reveal Football Invitation and Cake

I found a blogger photo in October that just made my day.  She had a cake made to match the Gender Reveal Football Invitation that I designed for her! So awesome. And her baker is very talented! The cake looks stunning. I am so impressed! Very creative party ideas in her blog too. I really like the jersey's she used in her party. Take a look for some Gender Reveal Football Party Ideas!

Visit her blog here

Heart Happy Testimonial

This makes my heart happy! I received an email that read, "I always put her old invitations out at each party and her old Christmas cards on the mantle each December. You're a tradition!"

Special Delivery: Oscar

Special Delivery!! Send a happy note to a friend this week! Let them know you're thinking about them.
 
Meet Oscar, the newest member of the Belle Family!! Oscar is 12 weeks old and an absolute doll!! We adopted him when he was 8 weeks old from M.A.R.F. We are so thankful to them for rescuing him from a local kill shelter. We love him. He weighs 4 pounds, 9 ounces. He is super sweet. Look for Oscar inspired designs coming soon!

Thinking with type

I just finished this book, Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton. I am now very inspired for Christmas!! It offered an interesting and for me a new perspective on design with type. Total book nerd I know. These are the crafts of the trade.

It's fall and photo time

I was very excited to have Mary Colleen Photography take new family photos for us this year as it has been years since we have had our family photo take by a professional. Mary is talented and spends just the right amount of time getting everyone situated. The children ages 1, 4 and 7 stayed happy throughout the shoot and Mary captured amazing photos of the girls in their natural element. While we love the posed family photos, it's photos like the one below that are magical.

Take a look at her facebook page

Shop Diva Night at Fleet Feet Huntsville

Find out more info on their facebook page

Enter to win a Halloween Printable

Enter to win a Halloween Printable! Use it as a party invitation or a Happy Halloween Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Custom changes to designs in my store

Here is an example of custom changes to designs in my etsy store. This client asked me to change the above design and the bottom is the result.

Her feedback, "Such a great vendor to work with. Flexible, creative, and speedy! We love these cards!!!"

Houndstooth Monogram Folded Notes

Houndstooth Letter S, half price! Only one left. Reg. price is $58.50.

Use couponcode BLOGFRIEND to receive Free Shipping.  Purchase here.

Auburn themed Baby Wishes Shower Game

By popular request I have added two orange and blue themed baby shower invitations. Choose from polka dots or a fun pattern. Both match baby shower invitations! More items can be made, just ask!

These are Instant Download files priced at $6. If you need another team color set, please ask. I am happy to design for any color theme. 

Purchase the Pattern

Purchase the Polka Dots

Mississippi State Baby Shower Game

Mississippi State Baby Shower game is a great way to celebrate and have a treasure for the mom-to-be to take home. This design matches my Polka Dot Belly Silhouette Invitation. The design is given in two matching color themes. Go Dawgs!

This design is available as an instant download in my Etsy store.  Purchase the design for $6 and you will receive a download link! Arrives to you in an 8 1/2 by 11 PDF file for easy printing.

Send a Handwritten Note

I was so happy to see this blog post on The Harvard Business Review's website. Here is a recap, "Personal written notes grow rarer by the day. But if you want to convey to a client, a potential customer, a colleague, or a direct report that you value your relationship, put down the Blackberry and reach for a pen. Emails, tweets, texts, or Facebook messages are easy to write and free to send. Handwritten notes mean more because they cost more. Drafting an actual letter involves selecting stationery, paying for stamps, and visiting a mailbox. They let the people know you appreciate them enough to pause for 15 minutes and put pen to paper in an attempt to connect and sustain a relationship with them."

This was adapted from “Handwritten Notes Are a Rare Commodity. They're Also More Important Than Ever,” by John Coleman.

Winner Photos Houndstooth Stationery

Thank you to our Houndstooth Stationery winner, Trixie for sending in these photos!!! I love seeing the unwrapping in action!! Happy letter writing!

The Artist Behind Belle Announcements

I specialize in custom graphic design services for personalized party themes, unique weddings and community events while also catering to non-profit organizations, schools and corporations hosting events. I endeavor to work closely with my clients to craft a design and print option that precisely conveys their message and style.

You can purchase a design I have already prepared and have available in my etsy store or you can request a new one. If your office is having a themed Christmas party, let me know! While I have the store available, designing specifically for a client is why I started this business. I wanted to make custom designs available to everyone and every budget.

Alabama Cheerleader Bow

I am always looking for cute ideas to spice up my girls hair and this little cheerleader is perfect for football season! I found it on facebook. It is from a local Huntsville artist so that is even cooler.

Although we are Mississippi State fans in this house, my parents are Alabama so if we have to choose, we go for Alabama. I love the houndstooth pattern that is so classic to the University of Alabama. It is so much fun to design around so much to my husband's distaste, I do end up designing more Houndstooth themed invitations and stationery than Maroon and White! Oops!

Anyway, love this cheerleader and will look forward to seeing the State version. Go dawgs!!

Top to Bottoms Bowtique Facebook Page

Celebrating 1,111 fans with a HUGE giveaway

1111 has been my lucky number ever since I can remember! It is so neat to see that number in fans of my business!! Thank you so much! To say thank you, I am offering a Year of Stationery Giveaway. Here are the details!

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States, ages 18 and older. You will receive 50 custom designed 5 by 7 Flat Christmas Cards as part of your prize pacakge. You can choose a design in the store or request a brand new design. All other designs and products shipped will be hand selected by Belle Announcements for a total value of approximately $300. You will receive a variety of products from my store over 12 months beginning August 2013 and ending July 2014.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner of the Houndstooth Stationery

Thank you to everyone who entered, joined the Belle Announcements Facebook page and shared the posts! I want to especially thank The Crimson Ladies for their support!

Houndstooth Giveaway with The Crimson Ladies

I am so excited to partner with The Crimson Ladies to bring you this Roll Tide Giveaway! The Crimson Ladies are committed to supporting the University of Alabama and children’s charities such as Nick’s Kids while sharing their love for the Crimson Tide athletics and the University academics through social functions and media. You can become a fan of The Crimson Ladies facebook page here.

Celebrate your Houndstooth love with these Crimson Tide inspired initial stationery notes. These gorgeous 4 by 5.5 folded notecards are printed using real liquid ink for a rich, bold finish. You will receive a set of 25 cards/envelopes. The winner of this giveaway and your Belle Announcements artist will work together make sure their Houndstooth letter looks fantastic. It may take a few font's to find the perfect option!

Enter to win beginning, Monday, June 24th through Midnight June 30th. Winner will be announced on July 1st.  Thank you and good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pool Party Invitation

Is your little fishy having a pool party? Announce your birthday party with this new invitation from Belle Announcements.  It's a bold, fun pool party invitation perfect for your flip flop loving kiddo.

Purchase your printable here

Moment of the Day

My husband asked the girls to get their shoes on so they can ride bikes and go to the park. My four year old puts her finger to her lip in her "I'm thinking pose" and finally says, "That's a long way, let's take the barbie jeep".

Daddy won...

Alabama Houndstooth Wedding Invitations

These invitations were so much fun to design. The bride wanted a fun Houndstooth style invitation that let everyone know that the party would be family friendly. This design is a great choice for the modern bride who wants a more casual, fun style party vs. the classic, formal invitations. Let me know if I can custom design a wedding invitation for you! I offer many print options to fit all budgets.

Alabama Houndstooth Wedding Invitations

Puppy Reading a Book

This adorable puppy is reading your book! These bookplate stickers are perfect for your child's library and can be customized with any color scheme. Additionally I can design a bookplate to match your child's favorite colors, hobby, animal, sport, etc. These are stickers with a UV gloss on the front for lifetime wear and tear on the books. You will receive a set of 25 3 inch by 3 inch bookplates. If you decide to write on them, I would recommend using a sharpie. Purchase your personal design in my store.

Click image to enlarge these bookplates

My daughter's ever expanding library

My 7 year old loves to read and as an avid reader myself, it is the one thing I can't say no to. If we are in a bookstore and she finds a new book she wants to read, I am all about it!! We have tried our local library but it's small and she doesn't have a lot of options. There is a larger library across town but honestly by the time I drive the 25 minutes to and from and then to and from again to return it, I spent the cost of the book on gasoline.

So getting to the point of my long winded blog post. She is also starting to share her books with friends. Today her buddy brought over 8 new Rainbow Fairy books for my daugther to read. Since we are starting to share our books, I thought it was important to put her name in them. My hand writing is not pretty so of course I designed book plates. They turned out adorable and since I print them in 25's we can do new designs often. Both my girls are thrilled and we went through the first set of 25 in about an hour.

If you need book plates designed, let me know! I am happy to design one around you or your child's favorite things, sports, hobbies, colors, pets, etc. And the fun thing is, years down the road, you'll remember when you bought the books and what your child was interested in because of the themed bookplates. You can purchase your set for $24.50 here or request a custom design.

Click the image for a better view

Pink Jungle Enclosure Cards

Purchase your Jungle Enclosure Cards here

Pink Jungle Photo Enclosure Cards are still one of my favorite Enclosure card designs. These are printed on 2x3.5 Cardstock and include a design on the front and back.  I use REAL LIQUID INK.  for a rich finish vs a dry ink process that leaves dots in the colors.  I highly recommend Pearl Cardstock for this design.

Another way to support the Teal Life Foundation

Designed this for the Teal Life Foundation Fundraiser event. If you're in the Mobile area, please consider eating at Zea's Rotisserie and Grill on June 19th!! I ate there a few weeks ago and it was delicious!!!

This Moment Starts Today

I've recently started reading Little Miss Momma's blog and she posts a This Moment post every friday. {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. She got her inspiration from SouleMama so of course I checked out SouleMama's blog. So many amazing women!  I've definitely not done the best with my blog but I am going to try to do better. These women have inspired me. Here is to a new day!

Here is my {this moment}

Chevron Calendar On Sale

The Chevron Weekly Calendar is on sale for $10. Limited time only.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129350301/perfect-for-summer-chevron-weekly?ref=shop_home_feat

Wedding Invitations

These are wedding invitations I have designed in the past. You can choose from one of these designs and we can work together to customize the colors or I can design a brand new design for you.

Vintage Bicycle Wedding Invitations

Formal Black & White Wedding

Houndstooth Wedding Invitations

Lanterns Wedding Invitations

Vintage Swirl Wedding Invitations

Writing Thank You Notes at 7

I grew up writing thank you notes. Every Christmas and birthday, I knew that after celebrations were over, it was time to sit down and write thank you notes. Eventually I began writing them for general kindness such as when a sweet friend decided to surprise me with my favorite starbucks.  Everyone enjoys receiving a thank you note in the mail. Yet I hear people repeatedly say that there is no need for a snail mail thank you, that an email or face to face is just fine. I disagree wholeheartedly. I think a snail mail card is absolutely necessary. It shows an extra effort and appreciation for the kindness extended to you. Children should learn to write these early so that it forms a natural habit.

While my 4 year old can't write more than her name yet, she does write thank you notes. I ask her what she wants it to say and I write exactly what she says which is normally, "hi. i love you. thank you for my lalaloopsy. she is cute." Then she signs in her crazy huge all capitals kind of way.

My 7 year old has been writing her own thank you notes since the end of Kindergarten. It has been fun to see how she has progressed. For instance, it took her 4 weeks this past Christmas to write all 30 of her thank you cards. But she persisted and worked hard on each and every one of them. Then in February when she wrote her birthday thank you notes, they took her only a few days to write about 15 notes. What makes it fun for her is that she gets personalized notecards. She is quite the little designer and is always asking me to design her specific cards. It's a lot of fun for both of us.

She was recently invited to see Disney on Ice with her best buddy. She had so much fun!! When we got home she said, Mommy I think I should probably send them a thank you note. Fist pump!! So excited that she is thinking of others and appreciating their generosity in her life.

Things You Should Know About Me

I have recently found the blog, Little Miss Momma, and I love her! So on the side of her blog, she has this post featured “Things You Should Know About Me if We’re Gonna Be BFF” I clicked on it right away and thought, let's do this!!! So here is my post in response to hers.

I am the little sister.
I love to read romance novels.
I love bacon.
I love potatoes in any form.
I rarely wear make up.
I do not like wearing socks.
I think Tom’s Shoes are ugly but they are super comfy so I suck it up.
My favorite number is 11.
I think seeing 1:11 and 11:11 on the clock are good luck and I make wishes. Thanks dad!
My husband made me toss my VHS tapes and I miss watching Clueless but haven’t bought the dvd out of principal.
I straighten the books at Barnes and Noble. Sometimes I even alphabetize entire sections.
I eat frosting straight out of the container.
I can’t go to bed without putting lotion on my feet first either!!! (Saw this on Little Miss Momma’s blog and was shocked there was another one out there!)
I will never drink Coke Zero again. It made my eye twitch.
I am allergic to milk and eggs. Eggs will give me an anaphylactic reaction and it totally bums me out because I enjoyed eating eggs for the first 29 years of my life. 
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
If I could redo high school with what I know now about the wonders of a flat iron, I’d totally do it!
I think Dasani and Smartwater are the yummiest tasting waters!! My husband thinks they all taste the same but nooo... these are the best.
I wish I had gone to an SEC college.
I can’t swim under water without holding my nose.
I love watches and feel naked if I am not wearing one. When I was in high school I wore two... one on each wrist.
I love taking photos.
I like reading on my nook in the dark.
I am not a fan of doing crafts that involve glue. Can't we just tape everything together?
I love all things paper.
Sharpies are my go to pen.
I can't go into Staples without buying new post it notes or pens.
I have to turn the email alert sound off on my phone or it would drive me nuts.

That's all for now! And borrowing this from Ashley's page, Your turn. Three things. Ready, go!
Or write your own post and link up in the comments.

Hello Monday

I grew up knowing an amazing couple who breathed joy into my life. They were kind, generous and gave love freely. Their honest love made the sun brighter and the hard days easier. When both passed away, I felt like I lost that light in my life that I had always depended on. For years I wanted to get a tattoo of a balloon so that I'd never forget and I'd remember to love freely, honestly just as they had taught me. So recently, to give me this permanent reminder, (and probably to make sure I didn't get the tattoo finally) my husband bought me a bracelet that says, "from your love i will love".

Princess Belle Party Invitations

Princess Party Invitations, so many princesses, how do you choose!? Here is Princess Belle for all those little girls who love Beauty and the Beast. I am happy to design coordinating party supplies for this from cupcake toppers to display cards! Just let me know!

Gender Reveal Football Thank You Cards

And to go with my refreshed edition of the Gender Reveal Football Invitation, download these easy to print and cut Thank you cards! Final size is 4.25 by 5.5.

Download your $6 Thank you Notes

Gender Reveal Football Invitation 2013 Edition

My original Gender Reveal Football Invitation as been a fan favorite ever since I introduced it years ago. About a year or so ago, I did an updated bolder version so I felt it was time to offer another refreshed, updated edition! This is still one of my favorite designs and I had so much fun updating it for you into this 2013 edition! Let me know what you think.

Thank you for your continued support!! I love designing for you. 

Purchase your $15 Printable here

And the original Gender Reveal Invitation