Happy Arty Days: April 2016

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: These Are The Days!

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio Friends!

Welcome back for a little more Colour Me Happy inspiration!

Today I am super excited to be sharing my first layout with this incredibly fun new collection!

Despite all those fabulous colouring-in pages, I was immediately drawn in by the colours of the patterned papers.

Here's what I created.....

"These Are The Days"

I know, does this kid get any cooler?!! Such a groover! And so much fun to snap & scrap!

And aren't those papers divine?!! Loving the star print and the combination of pale blue with orange - a perfect partnership for scrapping the boys!

I've made a real feature of these 3 papers for my layout. I used CV-CH006 - STAR SPANGLED, CV-CH001 - FLORAL FANCY (reverse side: orange paper) & CV-CH002 - SPOTTY DOT (reverse side: blue paper).

As my layout design is quite simple, I've added machine stitching, as well as fringing, to add texture and dimension to the page. I've also die cut some stars with the blue and orange pattern papers to layer, and add interest.

Let's take a closer look.....

Oh how awesome! The die cut stars lend perfectly to the Star Spangled paper and bring the page together.

Must add: I am loving the Snip-Its!!!

Those cute typewriter font words are ideal for journalling and subtitles - I arranged mine to form a sentence but they're just so practical that you could use them in a number of ways.

You'll spy that I stitched my journal card title so it kinda looks like a pocket & then embellished it with a cute star and those wood veneer words!

I get soooo excited by those wood veneer words!!! They truly are stunning & a firm new favourite of mine!

If you missed seeing them on Colour Me Happy debut day, here's an extra peak....

I told you they were awesome!!! A staple MUST HAVE for any scrapper's kit! They just work with any and every thing!!!

Let's have a look at my embellishment cluster around my photograph....

Oh yes - Cocoa Vanilla Studio have flair! Oh my goodness, do they have flair!!! I layered mine with a few more of those cool Snip-Its, and I've also used a golden doily (CV-CH0018B) and enamel dots (CV-CH012 ENAMEL DOTS - COOL) to further enhance my photo.

Here's another view.....

Loving the effect that the fringing creates too! Really fun!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my layout today & feel a lil inspired to get your crafty fingers on some AWESOME

COLOUR ME HAPPY collection!

Thanks for stopping by,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

2016/17 KAISERCRAFT DESIGN TEAM APPLICATION

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

I am so excited to be participating in Round 2 of the Kaisercraft DT Applications!

Having spent the past 2 years on the Kaisercraft team, I already feel like the luckiest creative alive!

That said, it would be a true honour (& dream come true) to renew my contract for a third year - so please wish me luck!

You all know how much I LOVE my Kaisercraft, and with all the wonderful new products coming this year, well...need I say more?! ;)

Round 2 requires one project from the stunning NEW Boho Dreams collection.

This task is easier said than done. Boho Dreams is so divinely gorgeous that I could've created an entire album of layouts, cards, & off the page pretties - not to mention planner pages galore!

In the end though, I couldn't go past the Specialty Paper: Dreamcatcher Die Cut, so I created this layout....

"You Make Me Smile"

Isn't that Specialty Paper just stunning?!!

Told you Boho Dreams was GORGEOUS! Such a warm, fun and contemporary collection!

So what was my inspiration for this layout? Great question.

Have you ever wished you could create the Silhouette Cameo Digital Cut File look without having the expensive machine?

Well, I do!

ALL.THE.TIME.

& when I saw the Specialty Paper: Dreamcatcher Die Cut

I knew that all my (Boho) Dreams had come true.

I also found that selecting just one or two sheets of this gorgeous patterned paper was way too hard.

Why not use a good dozen of them? I mean, they're too pretty not to showcase, right?

And how about creating a layout that has three levels of appeal - one version for beginner scrappers, one for intermediates, and one for the more advanced scrapbooker? I tell you, my ideas are just endless for this collection!!!

But enough chattering about it, let's get on with the good stuff...

I always start my layouts with a 'flat lay' shot of what pattern paper combinations will work well together - you'll see from my photo below that I was already sold on that Dreamcatcher Die Cut before I even got started!

It's just such a fabulous design!

And if you're a beginner, or less confident scrapbooker, here's how you can incorporate this Specialty Paper into your page design...

I know, even just on white, negative space this paper is WOW!

Most of you will know how much I adore a 'clean' look & this is just up my alley!

To create this look, use the Nesting Circles Decorative Dies to cut the denim pattern paper
P2110 | Free, & your photograph.

Combine and layer with some stunning Boho Dreams Collectables and,

Voila!

A super pretty page that really draws you into your special photograph.

If you're a more seasoned scrapbooker, or love a lil more colour, the page above was part of my planning process. Next up, I used the Specilaty Die Cut as a template and began tracing the shapes I'd need to fill my design with to create that Cutfile look....

TIPS: Use soft lead pencil so you can erase any marks on your Specialty Paper at the end of the template process.

Be sure to draw onto the reverse side of the patterned paper that you're using too!

When it comes to snipping out the shapes, cut 5mm wider than your pencil lines to allow room for taping down.

As I snipped my shapes out, I started arranging them in my proposed layout plan -
just to make sure I had the right colour & pattern combinations...

Once happy with the colour and pattern cut shapes, attach to the Specialty Paper using Kaisercraft Double Sided Tape 6mm.

You could easily just leave it like this and it would still look amazing!
What a clever design that Dreamcatcher is!
And doesn't it already look like one of those fancy cutfile layouts?!!

Level 2: Intermediate scrapbookers, or lovers of colour!
Attach your denim nested circle and photograph, with layered Collectables as per the beginner version. Mount the embellished Dreamcatcher onto the bluewash, distressed boards paper
P2113 | Bohemian and Voila!

Another stunning layout for your album....

I ADORE this colour combination! Soooo very pretty and it has a real bohemium warmth to it as well!

But for the more advanced, confident scrapboooker, you have a few more details to complete...

Firstly, you'll need to attach the center Nesting Circles cuts, & Collectables, with Kaisercraft Foam Tape to add a lil more dimension.

Secondly, mount your embellished Dreamcatcher to the more bold and contemporary, black and white stripes paper, P2108 | Young.

Using a bolder pattern paper, as opposed to a pretty coordinating one, will give more 'pop' and 'wow' factor to your layout. It really showcases that Dreamcatcher perfectly, don't you think?

Thirdly, to complete the look and add more of the cut-file look, cut the titles from black cardstock, CD102 | Licorice and use the Decorative Dies: DD769 | Be Yourself Word Pack and DD146 | You Make Me Smile. Attach to layout.

Voila!

A striking, and truly stunning layout with Boho Dreams!

And I must mention that super awesome girl with the camera Collectable - isn't she the coolest?!

She really reflects my pretty subject in my photograph! So sweet!

I just love it!

And there you have it!

My Kaisercraft 2016/17 Design Team Entry

I hope you liked it

feel a lil inspired to start pre-ordering Boho Dreams from your local Scrapbook store now!

Thankyou for stopping by and wishing me luck!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Simple Stories: You Are Here Layouts

Hi Creative Friends!

Today I am sharing my first DT creations for Shop & Crop Scrapbooking

& boy-oh-boy was I delighted to receive the new

Simple Stories: You Are Here collection!

With bright, vibrant colours and a modern, contemporary feel this collection was right up my alley! LOL... I may have created not one, not two but three layouts to inspire you with!

(Yep. It's that good!)

But enough chattering, let's see what I came up with...

"You Are Here"

I know - how awesome are those chipboard frames?!! Lots of cool ephemera and wood veneer shapes here too! With such vibrant colours and patterns a really simple page design works perfectly. I've used double thick mounting tape to raise my sweet photograph, as well as the title & subtitle bars to create just a lil more interest.

Let's take a closer look at that fabulous wood veneer title.....

Love that cute veneer heart too!

Did I mention the to die for stickers?

I mean, seriously, how awesome are those hibiscus stickers that I've layered with my wood veneer title?! Just adorbs!

Next up, I have this sweet holiday snap page....

"HELLO Paradise"

Naww.... Love this pic! So many wonderful memories from this trip together!

I've used lots of off cut pieces of patterned paper to create a beautiful layers to matte my photograph onto. Sweet! (I've also added in a doily from my personal stash).

But the real hero on this layout are those stickers!!!

That title is just fantastic! Exquisitely cut and super easy to apply - love!

Here's a closer view.....

Those pineapple veneers are just too fun!!!

You can see why I am totally in LOVE with Simple Stories: You Are Here - just awesome!

I'm not much of a travel scrapper but this collection is just so fun and playful!

And my final layout that I am sharing with you today is this selfie one.....

"GO Travel"

Love the map patterned paper here - really cool!

And again, those stickers - the title 'travel' and that camera?!! Just too fabulous!

This page is actually quite a story for me.

For sometime, my health was in a bad way....

But I am pleased to say I am doing well & this pic reminds me that I now look healthy and am ready to go travel! Time to spread our wings and fly!

How wonderful that our papercrafting can be so cathartic too!

Here's a close -up for you....

Lots of fun, bright layers and yes, those stickers are definitely a MUST buy! ;)

Thanks for stopping by today!

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with this fantastic Simple Stories collection!

Best part - it's all in the store NOW and you can get it here

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Don't Grow Up!

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for another super fun Cocoa Vanilla Studio: TOTALLY RAD boy layout!

This collection is just as the name promises - TOTALLY RAD!!! I can't rave enough how awesome this new collection is!

But rather than chatter, why don't I let my pictures do the talking?

Here's my oh-so-happy, super cool, boy layout....

"Don't Grow Up"

Yep, that's my boy! How totally awesome and RADICAL!

With such fantastic photos of my boy, it is so truly wonderful to have Totally RAD to scrap them - it's just Sooooo BOY!!!

I mean, where do I start?!

Robots, skateboards, stars, and a fun colour palette - it was always bound to be amazing!

Let's take a closer look....

Just loving the combination of the Woodgrain pattern paper (CV-TR004 - STELLAR), Woodies & Wood Veneers to take the 'edge' off the cool pattern papers. Adding depth, warmth, balance and texture to the layout.

And those Die Cut Ephemera robots are the bees knees!!! So playful and fun but still masculine - very cleverly designed!

To cut through the cool patterns, and the natural wood tones, I've featured a bold, black subtitle, as well as the 'Awesome' flair button....

This really is such a fun, colourful, all-boy collection! Love, love, love!

That camera pattern paper (CV-TR006 - HAPPY SNAPS) is super cool! The cameras have a vintage look to them, and are slightly distressed too....

And how fabulous is that Die Cut Ephemera title - don't GROW UP - it's a trap?!!

I stapled mine and added a tiny Woodies embellishment to it to add more interest- but isn't it cool?

I truly am loving having such a fun, and genuinely cool boy collection to create with!

Trust me when I say, if you have boys in your life, you NEED Totally RAD ;)

And on that happy note,

Thanks for stopping by today!

I hope I have inspired you to get scrappy!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Kaisercraft: Tutorial Tuesday Plus More!!!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

Welcome back for another super fun Kaisercraft: Tutorial Tuesday!

Today I have a fabulous mixed media layout that features 4 different techniques to try with your Kaisermists!

It is tons of fun, so let's get straight into it ;)

Here's my layout created with the all NEW Sea Breeze collection....

"Love"

I know, how awesome is this?!!

I immediately fell in love with the Sea Breeze collection and it's Specialty Gloss paper just beckoned for mixed media goodness!

So many awesome tips and techniques here - enjoy!

Our first technique is 'bagging'. To create a really cool effect, with a little more control than spraying your Kaisermist, simply apply with a soft plastic bag. (I use freezer bags but any soft plastic will work).

To apply, simply sponge the Kaisermisted bag in the areas where you want the colour.....

Really cool, huh? For this background, I 'bagged' Kaisermist Apple, & Turquoise.

Our second technique is to flick the Kaisermist nozzle for a more random, but small, splatter look. I used Charcoal Kaisermist for this effect.

Didn't our first two techniques work well to create a fun, background effect? They also really highlight the embossed glossy pattern in the Specialty paper - which creates another layer of texture too!

While that background dries, grab some 400gsm artist paper and get inky!

You'll need to use a permanent/waterproof black ink & the stunning new background stamp, Majestic Butterfly. I fill my paper with this stamp, so that I have a few options to get creative with.

Next, I select a few of my Kaisermist colours and use them as an alternative to watercolour paint...

(Yes, I paint outside the lines and messy! I don't believe in time wasting & these butterflies are going to be fussy cut. So no need to be careful ;) )

Once my Kaisermist is dry, I use a waterproof, fine point, black pen to 'touch up' any of my stamping.

And now, grab your scissors and get fussy cutting! :)

Our fourth technique for fun ways to use your Kaisermists is to use them to hand colour our favourite Wooden Shapes. I sprayed my hearts with Kaisermist: Charcoal.

Tip: If the wood veneers are a little porous, allow to dry and then spray a second coat of colour over them.

Now, to get our layout complete, you'll need to die cut the doilies in black cardstock, as shown below...

And now it's time to assemble!

Attach some Sea Breeze Collectables, as well as staple some craft wire to the layout as shown.....

Next add a couple more of the Collectables, then add the larger doily.

Attach your photograph to the smaller doily then adhere to layout. Also attach the large, hand painted Majestic Butterfly in the centre of the large doily. Add a few paper & mini paper blooms in Grape.

Finally, add your title and those gorgeous Kaisermisted wooden hearts.

Voila!

Super easy, tons of fun and WOW!!!

Hope you enjoyed learning a few different ways to use your Kaisermists!

As always, the NEW collections for this month were so incredible that I just had to create a few extra layouts with them!

Here's more mixed media layouts with the super cool Sea Breeze collection...

"Smile"

Isn't this cool?! I used the 'bagging' & nozzle 'splatter' techniques on this layout too!

I also used modeling paste & the Designer Template: Cobblestone to add more texture to the background.

Here's a closer look....

Love the 'grungy' feel that the cobblestones create, & how cool are the epoxy star stickers?!

Perfect for boy pages!

The next layout I am sharing features the same patterned paper & turquoise Kaisermist - but what a differrent look........

"LOVE life"

So pretty!

And those gorgeous painted stripes? Well, another cool way to use your Kaisermist is to add a few drops to gesso & mix! I love the softness of the colour in this one. The gold pops add a fun element, & keep an eye out for more glitter cardstock coming soon ;)

Here's a closer look......

Love it! Such a very different look created with the same pattern paper.

I could have kept creating with Sea Breeze all month long.....but there are two stunning collections this month, & the second one is Cottage Rose. It is prettiness overload!

Here's my mixed media take on this very elegant & feminine collection....

"BeYOUtiful"

I adore this! So elegant and pretty! And this time, I mixed few drops of Kaisermist: Candy into my modeling paste and applied with a palette knife and the Lace Template.

Just beautiful!

And yes, there's that stunning Majestic Butterfly Stamp again too - I think it's my new favourite!

And now I am officially Mixed Media-ed out!

Time for a couple classic pages to finish with today....

"Remember This Moment"

How sweet!

And did I mention that Decorative Frame Embossing Folder?!!

It's stunning - take a close look....

Lots of beautiful layers here!

"Beautiful MEMORY"

A really simple, but oh-so-pretty page to finish my post with! I love this photograph and think it anchors both patterned papers perfectly! Just divine!

And there you have it!

I hope I have inspired you to get creating (especially with your Kaisermists ;) )

Thanks for stopping by,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Pages

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: These Are The Days!

2016/17 KAISERCRAFT DESIGN TEAM APPLICATION

Simple Stories: You Are Here Layouts

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Don't Grow Up!

Kaisercraft: Tutorial Tuesday Plus More!!!