CTK: Sunday Sketch Challenge!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Citrus Twist Kits inspiration!

Today I am sharing my take on the awesome Sunday Sketch challenge! 

I hope you'll get some crafty time to play along too!

Here's the fabulous sketch we're being inspired with.....

Wow! What a terrific sketch! 

I love this design & can see it working for both scrapbook pages AND 

as a page for my Life Crafted Album!

So naturally,  I've created both pages to inspire you with!

First up is my scrapbook layout, "Sweet"

CTK Supplies: Life Crafted February Love Stories Kit, February Scrapbooking Add-on Kit.

Sigh! Isn't this divine! 

Such a young, fresh & feminine page of my daughter & niece! 

I just adore all those pretty pattern paper layers & colors! Gorgeous! 

With such a fabulous sketch, I really didn't want to alter it. 

I mean, seriously, that design rocks! So my layout follows it fairly closely. 

I especially loved the shipping tag feature, & just had to use the 4" x 8" cream tag that was included in the Love Stories Kit!

Here's a closer look at my layout....

I switched the messy thread in the sketch for the hearts, butterfly & acetate die cut. The larger hearts are fussy cut from one of the Crate Paper La La Love papers. That bright blue one coordinates perfectly with the puffy sticker heart & die cut butterfly, and really pops against the soft colors. 

And need I mention how amazing the acetate die cuts are in this month's Love Stories Kit?! Love!!!!!!

Here's a look at another acetate shape on my layout.......

Beautiful!

I use the crisp white Heidi Swapp Thickers from the Scrapbooking Add On Kit for my layout title, and embellish this cluster with more of those pretty ephemera butterflies, and puffy sticker hearts.

Oh.so.pretty!!!

For my Life Crafted Album page, I rotate the sketch 90 degrees so it will better suit my narrow 5" x 8" layout....

CTK Supplies: Life Crafted February Love Stories Kit, February Scrapbooking Add On Kit, February Subscriber Printables. 

Oh how beautiful!

I've used a similar color scheme, but this time I opted for warm red accents instead of mint green. I used one of the February Subscriber Printables in place of my layout title, & positioned my title where the journaling may have featured.

Those exclusive gold puffy alphabet are simply stunning! 

Such a sweet lil page for my Life Crafted Album! 

And there you have it - one sketch, two ways! 

I hope my layouts have inspired you to play along and 

get creating with your Citrus Twist Life Crafted Kits! 

Be sure to share your creations in the Citrus Twist Kits Fan Page HERE.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks so much for joining me today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Shimmerz Paints: Main Squeeze Scrapbook Layout & Process Video

Hi Shimmerz Friends! 

Amanda here, & I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

I just can't get enough of Happy Heart Day creating - 

so here's one more scrapbook layout sharing the February LOVE!!! 

"Main Squeeze"

Oh isn't this sweet?!! 

Lots of Shimmerz lovelies here, & as this layout is for my album, it must feature a pop of blue! 

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

So awesome! 

Such a beautiful color combination! The peachy pink with the pops of blue and striking red, are just too gorgeous for words!!!

Beneath my photo cluster, you'll spy a fabulous mixed media base created from 

Shimmerz Paints: Vibez: Pop Art Pink, & Quit Yer Wine-n, 

Spritz: Ruby & Cotton Candy, 

and Dazzlerz: Spun Sugar.

Just divine!!!

You'll also spy our favorite paints on the cut file hearts! 

I have used Shimmerz Paints:

Vibez: Pop Art Pink, Sweet Heart & Snow Way Man

And Spritz: Ruby

See the techniques, and how-to, in my process video HERE.

https://youtu.be/zBuhbVaKVuQ

I hope you enjoyed watching my video! 

Here's a couple of close ups for you....

So super cute & so much fun!!!

Who would've thought that Snow Way Man would be my new fave Valentine's color?!!

I urge you to give this color scheme a try - it's so beautiful! 

I love the subtle Spun Sugar stripes in the mixed media base! 

Perfect!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

I hope my layout has inspired you & that you enjoyed watching my process video! 

Order you fave colorz in the Shimmerz Paints store HERE.

And don't forget to earn yourself some free paint too.....

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

The Cut Shoppe: Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi Friends! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I am sharing a sweet Happy Hearts Day page for The Cut Shoppe. 

( 'cos there's no such thing as too many hearts, right? ) 

This one is a super sweet n fun, mom & son layout.....

"Happy Valentine's Day"

Sigh! Such a sweetheart! Love this boy! 

I have featured the fabulous Cross My Heart cut file, and combined it with Crate Paper's Main Squeeze collection. Such a fun & playful page! 

Here's a better look at the Cross My Heart file....

Awesome, huh?!

Such a fun digital file, & it also comes in a 12" x 12" size in the same download. 

Get yours from The Cut Shoppe HERE. 

Here's a few close ups for you.....

Nawww! So Sweet, indeed!

I have backed the cut file with the Specialty Red Glitter Hearts Cardstock. 

Love those tiny sparkly hearts! Super effective! 

I foam mount the Cross My Heart file to the white cardstock base, creating both gentle dimension & interest. I then embellish the cut file hearts with a few Puffy Stickers from the Main Squeeze collection - aren't those rainbow ones just adorable?!!

My photo cluster and titles are layered over the mounted cut file, & I embellish the layout with a few more hearts. Perfect! 

So simple, SO SWEET! 

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today,
til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 
Amanda xo 

Elle's Studio: Be Mine, Valentine! Card Set

Hi Friends!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I just adore this happy holiday! 

And to celebrate, I'm sharing a trio of

Elle's Studio Valentine's Day Cards! 

If you saw my February Reveal Day post, you'll already know that the 

Elle's Studio February Kit is all kinds of amazingness! 

It has so many elements that are perfect for Happy Heart Day crafts! 

( If you missed this post, you can go back & check it out HERE ) 

***You can also shop ALL the Elle's Studio products in the shop here***

I couldn't wait to use all the pretty pinks, reds & hearts for LOVE day cards....

Sigh! Aren't they the sweetest cards?! 

I just love how versatile the Elle's Studio Kits are - perfect for all types of crafting! 

Each card is created with a 3 x 4 journal card from the February Kit, and is then layered with two sheets of pattern papers from the All My Heart 6 x 6 Paper Stack. They're all mounted onto white card bases, and adorned with a few of my fave Elle's Studio embellishments! 

A really simple design to replicate, but oh so effective!

Here's a closer look at each one....

Gosh, these pretty colors have my heart! So elegant! 

Elle's Studio Supplies: February Exclusive Kit, All My Heart 6 x 6 Paper Stack, Puffy Icon Stickers, Real Life Phrase Stickers, Jane Alphabet Stickers - Red.

 Isn't this fun?!! Such a cute card!

Elle's Studio Supplies: February Exclusive Kit, All My Heart 6 x 6 Paper Stack, Jane Alphabet Stickers - Red, Noteworthy Puffy Stickers. 

Beautiful! 

Elle's Studio Supplies: February Exclusive Kit, All My Heart 6 x 6 Paper Stack, Puffy Icon Stickers, Die Cut Labels, Jane Puffy Alphabet Stickers - Black, Noteworthy Puffy Stickers.

And there you have it! 

A trio of cards to share with a special someone for Valentine's Day!

I hope I have inspired you to get creative with your Elle's Studio Kits! 

***Shop ALL the latest releases in the Elle's Studio Shop HERE***

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Sealed With A Kiss!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio loveliness!

Today I'm sharing a Valentine's inspired layout with the gorgeous Midnight collection!

A super sweet, melt your heart kinda moment....

"Sealed With A Kiss" 

Oh how divine! Such a beautiful page!

This sweet little boy always makes everyday amazing, and this photo of us is just a bit precious! So very dear to my heart! When I was I reflecting on the photograph & memory, my title Sealed With A Kiss came to mind. This title fostered the idea of sealed envelopes, love letters, & writing paper, and so my layout design evolved. That's how simple my creative process is! Inspiration can be found in the smallest of details!

I used the lovely script pattern paper, CV- MN005 MOONLIGHT for my layout base, and softened it's edges with lilac watercolor tones. I also added a watercolor base for my envelope cut file to rest on. Speaking of cut files, this one is from Paige Evans and is called "Envelope Flowers" - SO pretty!

I back the envelope hearts, flowers and leaves with an assortment of papers from the 6 x 8 PAPER PAD, & CV-MN004 MIXED BLESSINGS. The actual envelope is backed with pattern paper, CV-MN003 INSPIRED - totally gorgeous! I embellish the flower centers with ENAMEL DOTS & ALPHABET STICKERS from our LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL collection. 

The colors compliment the MIDNIGHT collection beautifully.

The alphas featured are the O's which I fill with the enamels. Such a small, but oh so effective detail. Love the soft dimension and texture this creates! I use these same ALPHABET STICKERS for my layout title. Perfect!

I seal my envelope with a FLAIR BUTTON, and also embellish it with the take note DIE CUT EPHEMERA. My sweet love letter is really looking the part!

I adorn my treasured photo with a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame, which I mount with thick foam tape. I embellish it with two sentiment stickers from the ACCESSORY STICKERS sheet. 

Here's a closer look....

Adore! Melts my heart every.single.time!!!

For finishing touches, I add a sprinkle of sequins, and a few more flower and heart DIE CUTS around the love letter.

So very beautiful!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my Valentine's theme layout & feel inspired to get creating with the delightful MIDNIGHT collection!

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

 Amanda xo

Elle's Studio: February Creating & New Releases!

Hi Lovelies!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio awesomeness! 

It's New Releases Day & we all know that means a new kit,
& lots of amazing add ons! 

As always, I have a couple of layouts to inspire you with too! 

But first, here's a looksee at all the new items in the shop.....

February Exclusive Kit

Oh yeah!!! SO good!
Just look at the colours this month!!!

And the add ons are pretty fabulous too.....

Ahh-MAZING!!! 

Two words - Rainbow Acrylic!!!!

GAH! You know I can't resist me a rainbow!
& don't even get me started on the Oh Happy Day Stamp! 

And last, but by no means least, this month's Digital Cut Files & Printables....

Wow! Another amazing release day!

***Shop ALL the new releases in the Elle's Studio Shop HERE***

But enough chatter, let's get straight into the inspiration and that Rainbow Acrylic! 

"The Best Day"

W.O.W!!!

All the rainbow love here!

Elle's Studio Supplies: February Exclusive Kit, Oh Happy Day Stamp, Puffy Icon Stickers, Little Acrylic Stars, Rainbow Acrylic, Die Cut Labels, Real Life Phrase Stickers, Jane Alphabet Stickers - Black, 12 x 12 Noteworthy Paper Collection. 

Other Supplies: Watercolor paints, White Bazzill Cardstock, Umbrella Crafts Premium Ink Dyes - Red, Orange, Yellow, Lime, Blue, Purple. 

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

For the love of color!!!

I can't decide if I love the Rainbow Acrylic, Oh Happy Day Stamp, Little Acrylic Stars or the Die Cut Labels the most! Oh heck, I LOVE them all!!!

And truly, why wouldn't you?! Such gorgeous products for all types of crafting! 

Here's a few close ups....

The acrylics are truly to die for! Exquisitely cut and just so fancy!

I matched my stamp inks to my rainbow watercolor base, & repeat stamped the Oh Happy Day lines & stars. SO cool! 

I layered the coordinating color of Die Cut Labels onto the mixed media base. I also adorned each label and color strip with more color matching embellishments! Those Puffy Icon Stickers & Little Acrylic Stars are especially fabulous! 

SO much awesomeness!!!

But if bright & bold just isn't your thing, don't despair! 

The February Exclsuive Kit has some seriously pretty pastel elements too...

"Dreaming With Eyes Open: Happiness"

Sigh! So dreamy & divine! 

All the heart eyes for this pretty page! 

Elle's Studio Supplies: February Exclusive Kit, All My Heart 6 x 6 Paper Stack, Happiness Acrylic, Wood Veneer Confetti, Real Life Phrase Stickers, February Labels, Light Purple Puffy Alphabet Stickers, 12 x 12 Noteworthy Paper Collection.

Other Supplies: White Bazzill Cardstock. 

Gosh, this is pretty! 

And how fantastic is that confetti veneer heart base?!! 

Such a creative and fun way to use those sweet veneers! 

I need to add that I am totally crushing on those soft Light Purple Puffy Alphabet Stickers! 

That color is so divine & totally swoon worthy! 

Here's a few close ups for you.....

More dreamy purple in those lusicious layers......

The photo cluster layers are created from the February Exclusive Kit & the  6 x 6 All My Heart Paper Stack. So gor-jus! 

 & let's not forget that a-may-zing Happiness Acrylic! 

Another exquisite embellishment for your memory keeping! 

Whoa! So.much.gorgeousness! 

Be sure to stop back on Valentine's Day as I share a trio of loved up cards using this kit too! 

Remember you can shop ALL the new releases in the Elle's Studio Shop HERE

or, if you're like me and don't like to miss out, 

set up a Monthly Kit Subscription HERE.

Thanks so much for visiting today! 

I hope I've inspired you!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Elle's Studio: More January Kit Inspiration!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration! 

I just can't stop creating with the gorgeous January Kit & new releases!

  I know I say it every month, but honestly, this month's products are just incredible! 

The proof is that this is my 5th scrapbook layout that I've created with these supplies!

 Yes, 5th! It's that good! 

And before you ask, you bet I used the Happy Heart Stamp! 

I've stamped all.the.things this month! I la la LOVE this stamp! 

I created a lot of loved up Valentine's inspired projects, but today I want to demonstrate the versatility of these awesome products! 

So enough of the chatter, here's my latest layout to inspire you with.....

"#Besties 4 Eva"

Wow! Isn't this fun! Besties forever, indeed! 

Elle's Studio Supplies: January Kit, Happy Heart Stamp, Sweetheart Puffy Stickers, XO Wood Veneer Confetti, Wood Veneer Hearts, Heart & Star Acetate Die Cuts, January Labels, January Blank Label Stickers, Happiness Found Stickers, Black & White Polka Dot Alphabet Puffy Stickers, Jane Alphabet Stickers, Noteworthy 12 x 12 Paper Collection, Noteworthy Puffy Stickers. 

Other Supplies: White Bazzill cardstock, machine stitching, staples, Umbrella Crafts Premium Dye Ink in Sunshine Yellow & Black. 

For this layout, I was totally inspired by my sweet photograph of my daughter & niece. The great mix of  colors and designs in the January kit allowed me to draw on the near black of my niece's hair, the gray of my daughter's tee, & that golden butterflies filter! The movement of the butterflies in the photo also influenced the flow and movement of my design. 

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

I started this layout with the fabulous yellow striped pattern paper from the Noteworthy collection. I layered a sheet of torn white cardstock over it, inserted a couple of 3 x 4 cards into the layer, and stitched & stapled it all into place.  

I featured the dominant yellow stripes on the left, to encourage your eye to move across my layout, left to right. The Happy Heart stamped yellow base adds to the directional flow, and further guides you across my page. I selected all the yellow acetate hearts & stars from the Heart & Star Acetate Die Cuts pack and aligned them with the stamped base also.  

To complete the base, I embellished with lots of stickers, die cuts and veneers! I love the layered Wood Veneers Hearts over the acetate hearts - so cool! I also loved the confetti style look of the stamp, so I tried to arrange my embellishments in a similar fashion. For a more interesting & striking effect, I added a few black icon stamps as well. The pops of black balance the bright yellow perfectly!

For my photo cluster, I layered more of the 3 x 4 journal cards from the January Kit, and then tucked in a few labels, stickers and even one of the acetate hearts. I embellished my photo with a Sweetheart Puffy Sticker & that divine Wood Veneer Heart! 

For finishing touches, I included a few sentiment die cuts and the Happiness Found Stickers. Last but by no means least, I added my mixed alphas title! 

I used the extremely versatile and everyday essential, black Jane Alphabet Stickers for the #Besties part. Love these stickers! 

And for the remaining title, I used the super cute Black & White Polka Dot Alphabet Puffy Stickers. Perfect! 

The January Kit is jam packed with all kinds of awesomeness!

I hope my layout has shown you it's versatility for creating, & inspired you to take some inspiration from your photographs too! 

Thanks so much for joining me today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo