Meet the New Additions to the AllyScraps Design Team

First of all, I need to say that every single DT finalist was first rate, top quality and super to work with... we loved them all, and wish that we could accept them all to the Design Team. But, that is just not possible. So, I'm pleased to announce that joining Debbie, Morag and I will be 2 brand new Design Team members. Welcome and congratulations to....

Raechelle Bellus (scrappinRae)





Hello! I am Raechelle Bellus (pronounced Raechel) and I am thrilled to be a member of the Ally Scraps team! I am married to Kenneth and we live in beautiful Spokane Valley, WA where we get the best of all 4 seasons. We have a blended family of 6; 5 girls and 1 boy; ranging in age from 9-19. All 5 of the girls live with us, so we have 4 teens and a drama queen all under one roof. There is truly never a dull moment around here, nor much of a quiet one either. In addition to our wonderful children we have 2 dogs, 4 cats and plenty of fish.

I have been scrapping about 7 years now. I like to dabble in all areas and enjoy creating cards and altered items as well as layouts. I definitely have a girly style and like to use striped and floral papers the most.

In my free time I enjoy reading, playing Guitar Hero (my family would tell you that I am addicted, it's not my fault I am a complete level ahead of everyone else *wink*), gardening and mostly hanging out with my family doing anything.

Chris Hertel (chrispea)





I've always loved creating things. Drawing, painting, ceramics, writing stories and taking pictures. I went to art school and received a degree in visual communications. Immediately after, I was one of the lucky ones who actually landed a job at a small agency. I loved the early years of graphic design before the computer. Cutting and pasting, coloring with markers and prismacolor pencils.... using rubdown letters... no wonder I've fallen in love with the art of scrapbooking. It takes me back to the early days of graphic design when I used to get paid to color all day, rather than spend hours in front of a computer monitor. There is nothing like getting your hands dirty.

I still enjoy graphic design, and own a little design studio with my illustrator/designer husband Matt. We've been happily married 16 years. My greatest creations to date are my 12 year old daughter and my 9 year old son. I don't think I can top those beauties! We also share our house with a pug, a boxer mix, and a black and white kitty. My family, friends, nature and everyday stuff are my favorite subjects to scrap.

Recently I was published in Cards magazine with a little mini card. I have a layout being pubbed in the May/June 2009 issue of Memory Makers magazine. I've been featured a few times as page of the day on the Creating Keepsakes website. I'm rather new to scrapbooking, but am thoroughly enjoying this addictive, fun, creative hobby.

Thanks to everyone who applied, and especially to our DT finalists... you are the best!

Dana x