Citrus Twist Kits: August Life Crafted Kit & Album

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for my final Design Team post for Citrus Twist Kits! 

I have had such an amazing 14 months designing for CTK, and wish Trina and the team all the very best for the future! 

Citrus Twist Kits will always hold a special place in my heart!

For today's post, I am sharing some more August Life Crafted: Chasing Rainbows Kit inspiration!

If you missed my scrapbook layout post earlier this month, you can go back and check it out HERE.

For today's post,  I am totally focusing on documenting the everyday stories in my Life Crafted Album. Nothing fancy or time consuming - just simple, beautiful everyday moments recorded!

Here's what I have created with the Chasing Rainbows Kit....

"This Kid"

How sweet is this?!

I've been going to scrap these photos for sometime now, but never really found the right collection to do it with. Until now! The designs on the exclusive pattern papers are similar to the one on my son's shirt, and partner perfectly! The cool blues & teal with the white base create such a refreshing, and modern look. A light & fun color palette for Summer pages. Love it! 

Here's how these pages look in my Life Crafted Album.....

To add emphasis to my photographs, I layered both of them on 3 x 4 note cards, and kept embellishments to a minimum. You'll spy a few tabs and hearts, and of course, those incredible printed cork stickers. The cork adds a touch of warmth & balance, and connects the color photograph to both pages. 

I used the vellum tape stickers for a tiny spot of journaling, and finished with the Turquoise Puffy Alphabet Stickers title.

Simple, but so effective! 

Next up, I created a page for my darling daughter, using some of the gorgeous florals in this month's kit....

Sigh! SO pretty! 

Another really simple design that only takes a minute to create. 

Here's how.....

Simply trim the pink floral pattern paper to 5" x 8". 

Adhere the 3" x 8" bookmark onto the pink floral paper, about half an inch from the left hand side. 

Next, back your photograph onto the yellow bloom 3" x 4" note card, and mount it to the bookmark with thick foam tape. 

Embellish with an acrylic heart, sentiment from the Digital Printable Cutapart Sheet, and that awesome Printed Cork adornment. 

Voila! 

Super pretty & with minimum fuss!

The Life Crafted Kits make memory keeping a breeze, especially for those of us who are time poor! 

Here's another double pager from my Life Crafted Album, recording the simple things in life....

Life's little pleasures, indeed! I absolutely LOVE the colors in this month's kit! So much variety, and a perfect mix of Summer blending into Fall! 

For the page on the left, I have used a 5" x 8" sheet of smooth white cardstock and layered it with note cards. I used the acetate ephemera for my title at the base of my page, and then embellished with printed cork, a chipboard sticker, and a vellum tape sentiment. 

For the page on the right, I  opted for a pattern paper base, which I mostly covered with smooth white cardstock. I oversized the bloom pattern tag from the Digital Printable Cutapart Sheet, & created a book mark to layer my photograph and embellishments onto. 

Here's a closer look for you.....

Such a simple, but oh so pretty page! 

And there you have it! 

Daily documenting made super easy, and really beautiful with the Life Crafted Kits & Albums!

I hope I have inspired you to dive into your kits, and start documenting those important everyday stories! 

Thanks so much for visiting, 

and for sharing my CTK journey (& joy!) with me! 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Technique Tuesday: August Guest Designer: Travel & Adventure Classic Products

Hi Friends!

Welcome back to the Happy Arty Days blog! 

I am super excited to be a Guest Designer this month for....

Technique Tuesday

Yayyy!!! What an amazing opportunity! 

So honored to be creating for this fabulous company!

If you aren't familiar with their products, you can  see them all HERE

Soooooooo many incredible stamps, dies & memory keeping supplies! 

For today's post,  I am showcasing the Travel Buddy Clear Stamps which are currently available in a discounted bundle set with the Captions & Labels Crafting Dies. 

Here's a look at that amazing stamp set...

Awesome!!! 

Perfect for documenting all your travels & adventures! 

Shop the bundle set & save!

PLUS.....

There's a special FREE shipping offer!*

*From now through til Thursday 22nd August at midnight PDT, you can get free shipping on all the products in the Travel and Recreation section of the Technique Tuesday website (this includes the Travel Buddy stamp I'm featuring today - yay!).

If you already subscribe to the Technique Tuesday newsletters, they sent you the coupon code on Sunday 18th August. 

Not a subscriber, but want in on this special offer?

 Click HERE to sign up for their newsletters and they will send a coupon code to you right away!

Here's what I created with the Travel Buddy Clear Stamps....

"Enjoy The Journey"

Whoa!!!

Such an awesome adventure page!

I have combined the Technique Tuesday Travel Buddy Stamps with the Pinkfresh Studio: Out & About travel collection to create this layout. The two partner perfectly together and make for one amazing boy-gone-wild page!  

I've used the Travel Buddy Clear Stamps to create a super cool feature background, as well as to adorn my photo!

Here's a better look for you.....

You'll spy that I stamped all the images onto white cardstock in a variety of green & blue inks. I then cut them out with the coordinating cuts, and positioned them into vertical rows on my page. To secure them to my layout, I machine stitched each row of stamped images. 

Next, I embellished each row with a mix of the Out & About embellishments and or, more stamped images from the Travel Buddy Clear Stamps. 

I just LOVE how effective this looks! 

I lifted the edges of the Going Places globes which formed a wing like effect and added dimension & a lil more interest to them. For more dimension, I also attached some of the single stamped images with thick foam tape. 

I just adore that, It's A Big World stamp, and had to feature it on my photo cluster! I also tucked a couple other stamped images into the photo layers for good measure. SO cool!  

And there you have it! 

Simple, fun creating that looks amazing!

I hope my first Guest Designer post for Technique Tuesday has inspired you to get a lil inky today!

Thanks so much for visiting, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Elle's Studio: August Kit is #1 BEST!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration! 

Today I am sharing another layout created with the fabulous August Kit & new release items! 

There are SO many awesome new elements & add ons to this month's kit, that I challenged myself to incorporate most of them into my layout! 

Here's what I created with them, 

"#BEST" 

Elle's Studio Supplies: August Kit, Makes Me Smile Cork Circles, Back to School Stamp, Back to School Puffy Stickers, Notebook Alphabet Puffy Stickers, Title Builder Vol.3 Acrylic, Sunshine 6 x6 Paper Stack, Noteworthy 12 x 12 Paper Pack.

Other: Blue & teal stamping ink, white tissue wrap.

Whoa! What a fun school themed page! 

It may not be 'back to school' in Australia where I live, but this theme in the August Kit works perfectly for any school occasion. Really versatile, and ideal for my sweet boy's photos. 

I started my layout with the Noteworthy repeat print 12" paper, and 1 1/2" strips of the Sunshine 6 x 6  Paper Stack. I butted these two strips together on the left hand side to create a feature point and anchor for my design. 

Next, I stamped up a mix of blue & teal stars with the Back To School Stamp. I used both types of stars, and positioned them to the right of the Sunshine paper strips. As I had planned to only use the left hand side of my page, I was to careful to avoid stamping further than the center of the page. 

I love the pop of color the stars add to the background! 

Design Tip: The use of tiny stamped icons, and or shapes, is a great alternative to enamel dots or sequins, especially for masculine pages.

The next step in creating my layout was to form the photo clusters & layers. For this, I used a mix of 3" x 4" journal cards & die cuts from the August Kit, 3" x 4" cuts from the Sunshine 6 x 6 Paper Stack papers, and the Back to School Puffy Stickers. The pencils and book stack embellishments were fussy cut from the note cards included in the Kit. At the base of the photo layers, I added a torn sheet of tissue wrap, followed by some foam tape. This added both texture & dimension to the clusters.  

To unify the two photo clusters, I used one of the Makes Me Smile Cork Circles as focal embellishment between them. This draws attention to both photos, and in turn, connects the images. 

You'll also spy the Notebook Puffy Alphabet Stickers travelling down left side of both clusters too. The use of A,B,C 1,2,3 is not only a fun way to incorporate more of the school theme, but it also an orderly pattern that subtly encourages further connection between both photos. 

For a finished look, I stamped the #1 from the Back to School Stamp and followed it with the # BEST acrylic from the Title Builder Vol.3 Acrylic set. 

And there you have it! 

A really effective looking layout from such a relatively simple design! 

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with the fabulous Elle's Studio August Kit and new releases today!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Shimmerz Paints: August Color Kitz Inspiration & Process Video!

Hi Shimmerz Friends & Fans!

Amanda here, & today I am sharing a lil inspiration 

(complete with process video) 

with our gorgeous August Color Kitz!

This month's Color Kitz is absolutely stunning! 

Such pretty colors! &  just check out that exclusive ice cream cut file!!!

Colorz featured are:

 Vibez Hermit the Frog

Coloringz Heidi Ho Blue

Inklingz Sunkissed

Shimmerz Pink

Plus Sprinkle Time! sequins from our friends at SpiegelMomScraps.

If you're super quick, you *might* be able to snare one still before they completely sell out!

Shop August Color Kitz HERE

I couldn't wait to get creating with this beautiful kit! 

Here's what I came up with.....

"Bloom & Grow"

Oh my heart! Isn't this so pretty!

And before you ask about the ice cream cut file, let me tell you that my moody cutting machine ate every single one of those ice cream cones! I know, right?! So frustrating!

On the upside, digital files keep forever, & I'll try cutting it again after I've updated my software, lol!

I've also opted for a 'clean look' mixed media page - lots of controlled painting for this sweet page!

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

Whoa! So.much.pretty!!!

Turns out you don't have to use the cut file to maximize the awesomeness of this kit! 

I began my layout by painting a bunch of blooms and leaves from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio "Sophisticated" pattern paper (Midnight collection) using ALL the colors! 

Where's the Heidi Ho Blue, I hear you ask? 

Well, to create those darker green leaves I mixed Coloringz Heidi Ho Blue with Vibez Hermit the Frog - so you kinda get a bonus 'extra' color in your kit ;)

Once dry, I fussy cut all the florals and arranged onto the 12 x 12 white cardstock base.

Next, I sprayed some scrap paper with pure Coloringz Heidi Ho Blue. 

With this newly created blue paper, I punched a few butterflies, and even backed it to my photograph for added interest. 

In keeping with the butterfly adornments, I just couldn't resist using the beautiful

 Butterfly Beauties Dotz

Aren't they the perfect embellishment?! 

You can shop them HERE

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

Beauties, indeed! 

The pretty yellow & lime butterfly coordinates perfectly with the Vibez Hermit the Frog painted leaves. Love it!

For finishing touches, I add my title Bloom & Grow also from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Midnight collection, & end with scattering lots of Spinkle Time! sequins onto my page....

So many lovelies to look at!

Absolutely gorgeous!!! 

And such a 'clean' approach to using paints on your projects! 

Wanna see how it all came together?

Please watch my process video HERE

I hope you enjoyed watching my process video

& feel inspired to get creating with your August Color Kitz! 

Thanks so  much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio Midnight Layout & Process Video!

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing my take on this week's design team theme post using the divine MIDNIGHT collection. The theme this week is....

creations that "put a ring on it". 

Think rings, wreaths, circles, dots - basically include any round element! Such a fun theme!

Here's what I came up with....

"Love This"

Oh.my.heart!!! So dreamy & divine!

The MIDNIGHT collection is so elegant &  beautiful! It's the perfect collection for documenting stories of my sweet girl!

Here's a closer look for you....

So incredibly beautiful!

I start this layout with pattern paper, CV-MN007 INKY DEPTHS - it's the perfect base! Such a stunning background paper & I just love how it reminds me of the night sky and clouds. To this paper, I trace a circle shape to create a guideline for my wreath (ring) design.

To form the wreath, I fussy cut pattern paper CV-MN001 BLOOM &GROW. I arrange these larger blooms over the traced circle, and adhere with a mix of double sided tape and foam mounting tape. This adds a sense of dimension, soft texture, and brings interest to the design.

I also fussy cut the wreath icon from the CV-MN006 ALL THE THINGS pattern paper, and adhere it to the opening of my ring design (top right corner). 

Here's a close up for you...

SO pretty!!!

Next, I pull out my gel pens, and draw a mix of sketchy leaves that are not dissimilar to that of the BLOOM & GROW pattern paper. The white gel pen is super striking on the INKY DEPTHS paper!

The scribbled leaves serve two purposes - they add a new design element (& visual stimulus) to the layout, plus they also 'build up' the wreath so that it looks full and attractive. In keeping with the whimsical feeling of the page, I add lots of tiny dots in both white, pink & blue pen.

I just LOVE how effective the gel pen looks!

Design Tip: If you like this look, but are nervous about drawing on your  layouts, you could always achieve the same look using stamps and white embossing powder.

Next, I tuck my photo into the left hand side of the wreath and decorate around it with a few ACCESSORY STICKERS. I also embellish with that fabulous FLAIR BUTTON (which also features a pretty wreath on it!). Lots of rings and wreaths and pretties on this sweet page!

With the ACCESSORY STICKERS handy, I also add some butterflies to the wreath and add a subtitle to the bottom right corner, Love you so....

For finishing touches I foam mount the Love this DIE CUT EPHEMERA title to the fussy cut ALL THE THINGS wreath, and sprinkle a few HELLO LOVELY sequins!

Voila! Beautiful creating in a matter of minutes!

Wanna see more of how this pretty page came together? 

Please watch my process video below...

Thanks so much for joining me today!

I really hope that I have inspired you to not only 'put a ring on it',

but also to make some marks & get doodling on your memory keeping projects!

'til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Citrus Twist Kits: 3-to-Inspire!

Hi Creatives! 

Welcome back for another inspirational installment of the CTK 3-to-Inspire challenge post! 

The August Citrus Twist Kits are simply STUNNING! 

& I just had to use both of them for my layout today! 

(If you don't know what I'm talking about, you better head over to the CTK store now before they're completely sold out!)

Before I share my layout, here's the 3 things you'll need to feature in your projects to play along too....

1. Use floral pattern paper  I love a good floral & to be completely honest, both kits are sporting some very pretty designs! Infact, it was hard to pick which floral paper to use!

2. Put a heart on it  There are a myriad of heart embellishments, digtial items and even stamps  for August. Show us how you like to feature hearts on your creations.

3. Make it messy  Feature any form of mixed media on your project - be it stamping and inks (the stamps this month are aaah-mazing!!!), watercolors, or even some texture paste. Whatever medium takes your fancy - just be sure to include it on your finished project.

Now with the formalities outta the way, here's my layout to inspire you with...

"Hello"

Isn't this dreamy & divine?!

As I mentioned previously, I couldn't decide on which gorgeous August Kit to create with, so in the end I combined both the Life Crafted Chasing Rainbows Kit with the Scrapbook Add-On Kit. I think they coordinated pretty well together! You'll also spy that I used this months Traveler's Notebook Stamp, and some of our wonderful Digital Cut Apart Elements too! Simply stunning!

Here's a closer look for you....

I used the divine floral pattern paper, New Thoughts from Pinkfresh Studio that was included in this month's Scrapbook Add-On Kit. I just LOVE the colors in this pretty floral paper - they complimented my photograph beautifully, & became the color scheme for my entire design. I used the white cardstock as my layout base, and then created a painty, watercolor background using the Pinkfresh Studio Liquid Watercolors. The colors I used were Lavender, Sapphire, Bubblegum & Sky Blue and you can find them all in the shop HERE! To this background, I also repeat stamped the heart icon from the Life Crafted Traveler's Notebook Stamp. Gorgeous!!!

In keeping with my color scheme, I decided to print & fussy cut a number of the Digital Cut Apart Elements. Believe it, or not, my larger lilac banner base is actually the same banner as the tiny one with the blue rose on it (simply enlarged and printed singularly).

 So cool! I just love how versatile the Digitals are! 

Over this banner, I built my photo cluster using lots of lovelies from the Life Crafted Chasing Rainbows Kit. If you look carefully, you'll even notice that I fussy cut the Kit Title Note Card, & used it both above, and to the side, of my sweet photo! To complete this cluster, I adorned my photo with that fabulous printed cork embellishment. 

The hello acrylic word included in the Chasing Rainbows Kit was too amazing not to use! I positioned mine over my mixed media base so that it was more visible on the white cardstock. 

For a finished look, I added cotton floss & Strawberry Tart sequins from SpiegelMomScraps, as well as the blue puffy alphas & acetate hearts from the Life Crafted Kit. Voila!

There you have it! My take on this week's 3-to-Inspire challenge! 

Now it's your turn! I can't wait to see what you'll create! 

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

Haven't shopped your kits yet? 

If you're super fast there *might* be one or two still available in the store HERE 

but, to avoid disappointment be sure to sign up for a subscription 

& never miss a kit again - YAY!!!

Happy Creating!

Thanks so much for visiting, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo