Pinkfresh Studio & Altenew "Celebrate" Collaboration Blog Hop & Giveaway

Hi Friends! 

Welcome to the Happy Arty Days blog! 

I am so incredibly excited to be participating in today's fabulous 

Pinkfresh Studio & Altenew 

'Celebrate' Collaboration Blog Hop! 

It's no secret that I adore both of these amazing paper crafting companies, & I am so happy to be celebrating this milestone 6th birthday occasion with them! 

And talk about celebrating in style - 

the new Celebration collection is simply gorgeous!!!

SO beautiful!!!

To make this 6th birthday celebration even more momentus,

 there's a ton of giveaways happening too!

Pinkfresh Studio is giving away the full Celebration release on their blog

PLUS

Every blog you visit in this hop is also giving away either a Pinkfresh Studio, or Altenew Gift Card!!!

My blog has this fabulous Pinkfresh Studio giveaway....

 $15 Pinkfresh Studio Gift Card

YAY!!!

Giveaway Details

To enter the giveaways, be sure to leave a comment on every blog involved in the hop by July 8th, 2020 for a chance to win one of the fabulous prizes!
Winners will be chosen by Pinkfresh Studio at random from the comments left on the blogs listed in the hop. Winners will be announced on the Pinkfresh Studio GIVEAWAY PAGE. It is the entrants responsibilty to check that page & claim their prize within 2 weeks.

Goodluck!

And, as if that wasn't enough, Pinkfresh Studio are also offering the following special deal....

Awesome!

If you've just arrived here from the amazing Heather Hoffman's blog, then you're in the right place - if not, or you're a little unsure of the blog hop details please visit Pinkfresh Studio HERE to see the full hop list & get started!

Now, onto my pretty project....

"Hello, Love"

 

Sigh! SO pretty!!!

For the love of florals and pinks and all the pretty things - this collection is just divine!

Supplies Featured: Celebrate 12 x 12 Paper Pack, Celebrate Today Stamp Set, Celebrate Today Metal Die, Celebrate Ephemera Pack, Pinkfesh Studio Liquid Watercolors, Pinkfresh Studio Essentials: Jewels Mix.

Such a beautiful collection for documenting my darling daughter with! 

I instantly fell in love with pattern paper THIS STORY and knew I would have to fussy cut it! To make it even more amazing, it has a coordinating stamp & die set which I have also featured in my layout too!

The clear stamp is called Celebrate Today, & I inked mine in permanent black ink before hand coloring the florals with the following Pinkfresh Studio Liquid Watercolors: Candy Apple, Bubblegum, Clementine, Sunshine, & Key Lime. 

Such a beautiful stamp set! 

I am so happy with how these florals turned out - it's hard to pick which florals are mine and which are the manufactured die cut ephemera ones! LOVE it! 

I also couldn't resist that stunning floral pattern paper, PROGRESS. The repeat watercolor floral print works beautifully with my design, and of course those Celebrate Today stamped images! 

As well as the Celebration stamps and die cuts,  I also included some sewing machine stitching & those stunning Pinkfresh Studio: Essential Jewels for soft texture and interest. 

Celebration is such a beautiful collection! 

Please watch me create this lovely scrapbook layout in my process video below, or alternatively, you can watch in Full HD on my channel by clicking HERE.

Thanks so much for watching! 

Don't forget to leave a comment below to go in the draw to win that fabulous 

$15 Pinkfresh Studio Gift Card!

Time to send you hopping on over to the crazy talented, Jaycee Jaspar's blog HERE now! 

Thanks so much for stopping by, 

and Good Luck with the giveaways! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda Baldwin

Elle's Studio: More June Kit Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio: June Kit inspiration!

Summer is my favorite season, & I just couldn't resist adding a lil sunshine into today's layout -  

Here's what I'm talkin' 'bout....

"Summer Snapshots"

For the love of Summer, sunshine & sunbursts! 

Whoa! 

The June Kit is outta this world!

Elle's Studio Supplies: June Kit, Summer Fun 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack, Summer Wood Veneers, Vacation Wood Veneers, Summer Stickers, June Labels, Tiny Shapes & Dots Puffy Stickers. 

Other Supplies: White Bazzill Cardstock, & Pale Blue Tissue Paper

Let's take a closer look at this striking sunburst page....

Inspired by the theme & colors of my family photograph, I knew I wanted to create a page that evoked all the Summer vibes. As soon as I saw the yellow sun pattern paper in the Summer Fun Paper Pack, I knew I would have to use it! 

However, unlike my usual butting of two papers together to create the illusion of a full 12" paper, I had to get a little creative to make this design work. 

To form the sun, I had to trim the first sun paper to 6 inches long, and then rotate the second sun paper, and trim it to 6 inches wide. Now, when combined these two sun papers became one large radial 6" x 12" sun  - awesome! 

To add extra dimension, & texture to this sun, I cut along all the sun rays, distressed all the edges and foam mounted all the pale yellow segments. For added impact, I also added a half inch trim of the blue striped pattern paper (also from the Summer Fun Paper Pack) beneath this sun. 

To keep my design uniform, I lightly distressed the edge of this paper too. 

So effective!

I layered my photograph onto a couple of the 3" x 4" note cards from the June Kit, some pale blue tissue paper from my stash, and some of that gorgeous blue striped paper. Into these layers, I tucked in a few embellishments - die cuts, June Labels and even that fussy cut 'summer fun' circle. 

I wanted to use the Summer Fun circle as a feature embellishment as it combined the sun design with the blue colors and also aided to anchor my photo cluster onto that circular sun. 

Such a fun way to use the June Kit journal cards! 

I cleverly positioned this photo cluster over the center of the sun for two key reasons. 

1. So that your eye would be drawn directly into my photo

and 2. To cover the paper joins & enhance the illusion of 12 inch papers. 

Drawing on the natural sand color in my photograph, and a need to balance out all that bright pop color, I mixed the Summer and Vacation Wood Veneers and added them to my design. 

The Summer Snapshots veneer fitted beautifully across my photo and formed the perfect title! 

To further enhance the sun design, I used a mix of circular embellishments throughout my page, and even scattered some puffy sticker dots (from the Tiny Shapes & Dots Puffy Stickers released in May) too. Those little pops of teal created a point of difference between the dominant blue & yellow, and added that extra interest. 

For finishing touches, I added a spot of journaling with the Summer Stickers. 

Such a simple, yet super striking page to document my family's Summer story! 

I hope I have inspired you to start documenting your Summer stories with the fabulous

  Elle's Studio June Kit & new releases! 

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Shimmerz Paints: June Color Kitz Inspiration!

Hi Crafty Friends! 

Welcome back for more Shimmerz Paints inspiration with the gorgeous new 

June Color Kitz! 

If you missed the reveal, here's what this month's amazing kit looks like....

Whoa! What a spectacular kit! 

So.much.gorgeousness! 

The June Color Kitz contains:

Boogie Boardin' Blue Creameez

Sunset Strip Vibez

Sunkissed Inklingz

Pool Me Close Shimmerz

Pretty in Pink Coloringz

Orange Sherbet Shimmerz

1 exclusive Sunkissed Flower cut file created by Shimmerz Paints

1 wavy textured stencil

1 set of "Summer Vibez" Dotz

1 package of Minty Meadow Sequins from "Spiegelmom Scraps"

WOW!

These kits are jam packed with awesomeness & are bound to sell out fast! 

***Get your June Color Kitz HERE***

Here's what I created with this stunning Summer themed kit....

"Happy"

Wow! Such a striking Summer vibes page! 

I couldn't resist creating with all the colors - they look so incredible together!

Let's take a closer look at this messy, fun page....

So much to love about The June Color Kitz! 

I started my layout by painting up that gorgeous sun design with Sunset Strip Vibez, Orange Sherbert Shimmerz & Sunkissed Inklingz onto some smooth watercolor paper. Once dry, I trimmed apart all the sections, & arranged them onto my white cardstock base. I distressed each segment, & then messily machine stitched into place. 

I love how effective this sun burst looks! 

Those colors really are somethin'!

Next, I painted up my ocean with Pool Me Closer Shimmerz, applied the new waves texture stencil (included in the June Color Kitz) and painted in some Boogie Boardin' Blue Creameez. I also added in some royal blue stamping ink with the stencil too! This really added definition & interest to my waves.

I layered my darling boy's sweet photo onto a few sheets of tissue wrap, & some ephemera pieces before tucking in & adorning his framed photo with the fabulous Summer Vibez Dotz. Super cool!

I used a few labels from Paige Evan's Bloom collection to 'tell my story' and add a bit of journaling to my layout. I used the warmer tones with the sun rays, and the cool blues through the ocean. I also adhered the blue ones in a wavy fashion to mimic the Boogie Boardin' Blue stenciling. Simple, but so effective! 

For finishing touches, I used the Minty Meadow sequins to complete my Summer fun page! The teal sequins matched beautifully with the ocean  & all the warmer tone sequins coordinated with the sunshine! Love it! 

Please watch my process video of how this layout came together

Thanks so much for watching! 

I hope you enjoyed my video & feel inspired to get a lil painty today! 

***Shop Shimmerz Paintz Color Kitz: The June Collection HERE***

Thanks for stopping by today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Elle's Studio: June Kit & New Releases Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio awesomeness! 

Like always, this month's exclusive kit and new release items are amazing - check them out:

Elle's Studio June Kit


Wa wa WOW!!!
Such a fun array of colors, patterns and Summer themed sentiments!
 And the Add-On items are just as desirable...

Yes, please! Gimme.all.the.things!!!

So.much.gorgeousness!

And last but by no means least, 

the Digital Cut Files and Summer Snapshot Printables are all kinds of awesome too!

Yep, it's another month of Elle's Studio amazingness!!! 

***Shop ALL these fabulous memory keeping products HERE***

Here's a look at my first two projects created with the June Kit & extras! 

First up is this sweet page,

"A Summer Story"

Oh, how sweet is this?!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for icecream! 

Too cute!

Elle's Studio Supplies: June Kit, Summer Fun 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack, Summer Stickers, Icecream Stickers, Chipboard Star Stickers, Puffy Alphabet Banners. 

Other Supplies: White Bazzill Cardstock. 

The colors in the June Kit and the Summer Fun papers are so bright and fun that I just had to make the most of them for this happy Summer page! Everything coordinates so beautifully and is just a joy to create with. 

Those gorgeous Chipboard Star Stickers are no exception either! Aren't they divine?! 

And who can resist icecream stickers? Adore them!

Such a simple design, and yet so striking! Love it!

My second layout also showcases those stunning Summer Fun pattern papers....

"Sweet Dreams" 

Nawww! Sweet dreams, indeed! 

Such a magical page!

Elle's Studio Supplies: June Kit, Summer Fun 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack, Chipboard Star Stickers, Puffy Alphabet Banners, Summer Fun Stamp. 

Other Supplies: White Bazzill Cardstock, Blue & Mint Stamping Ink, Silver Embroidery Thread, Pom Pom Trim & White Tissue Paper. 

Isn't this just the sweetest puppy page ever?! 

I was so inspired by all the stars present in this month's kit and new releases that I just had to make a feature of them. Needless to say, a star burst design was the answer! 

Here's a better look at this page....

So full of texture, and so super whimsical too! 

From the Summer Fun Stamp stars, to the Summer Fun pattern papers, the Chipboard Stars and even the die cuts from the June Kit - this page simply shines! 

The printed Chipboard Star Stickers are my this month's must-haves! 

They are so awesome and super versatile for all your paper crafting projects!

And how cool are the Puffy Alphabet Banner Stickers?! 

Perfect for both scrapbook & pocket page titles and even for greeting card sentiments!

Seriously gorgeous creating with the Elle's Studio June Kit and new releases!

***Shop ALL the Elle's Studio products HERE***

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with this month's kit!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Hip Kit Club: Color Challenge & Process Video!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Hip Kit Club inspiration!

 Today I am sharing my take on the HKC color challenge! 

I had so.much.fun! 

The April 2020 Hip Kits are nothing short of ahhh-MAY-zing, but rather than rave, 

here's a look at my take on the Color Challenge: yellow, pink, dark pink & aqua....

"Sweet Happy Summer Days"

Oh.my.heart!!! 

As soon as I saw the Carta Bella: Summer Market collectionpick-up truck filled with flowers, I knew I would have to create one of my very own! I mean seriously, does it get any cuter?!! And how sweet with my two darling's photo positioned in amongst all those gorgeous florals! 

Love it!

The Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes: Sweet Story: Sweetest pattern paper was too pretty to refuse and I just had to have it for my layout background! Soft and pretty pink papers are one of my faves! The Carta Bella: Summer Market: Summer Day Floral paper from the April 2020 Main Scrapbook Kit was just begging for fussy cutting, plus the colors in the florals matched the color challenge. Needless to say, I snipped them out to 'fill' the back of my truck!

To create my pick up truck, I sketched up a quick stencil template in plain paper, and checked I had my proportions correct. Once happy, I overlaid the template onto the Bazzill Sparkle Bling Cardstock (April 2020 Cardstock Kit)and cut away! For the rear window and tires, I used some black cardstock from my stash - but you could easily paint or color the Bazzill White Cardstock to get the same result. I used a white gel pen to add a few highlights to these features too!

The Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes: Sweet Story, 'HAPPY' Ephemera (from the April 2020 Main Kit) was the perfect adornment for the truck's number plate. I faux bolted it onto the trailer with the Carta Bella Summer Market Enamel Dots. Sweet! 

Such a simple idea, but so effective!

I also used the Sweet Story Ephemera to back my photo onto, and create a frame. I embellished my lovely photo with an ephemera bow and Summer Market Adhesive Brad, as well as more fussy cut florals and the 'favorite' Summer Market Chipboard Sticker.

To add more playfulness and whimsy to the page, I adhered that cute Chipboard bee Sticker, and some of the Sweet Story Layered Butterflies to the page as well.

For finishing touches, I added the Sweet Chipboard & Sunny Days stickers to my title and embellished with a few more Carta Bella Adhesive Brads! 

You can see my page come together in my process video below. 

I really hope you enjoy watching it!

Please watch my process video here:

Thanks so much for watching! 

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with your Hip Kits & the HKC Color Challenge today!

Til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Elle's Studio: May Kit - Pocket Pages Inspiration!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing something a lil different and out of my comfort zone - pocket pages!

I have always admired pocket page documenting, but I've always been daunted by having to fill so many pockets with photos and text. I mean, I'm kinda minimalist when it comes to this sort of thing and if I do have lots of photos, I tend to make a one-off mini album. 

Not to mention, I just don't have the time to fill a 12 x 12 double pager every.single.week - eeek! 

I'm hyper-ventilating just thinking about that level of commitment! 

Fast forward to today, & the smaller format pockets and albums now available are winning my minimalist heart! 

Finally I can document the 'everyday' moments with quick & simple pockets in a matter of minutes, plus I can still add in the occasional 'paper' page as well! 

The Elle's Studio May Kit and new release products are so beautifully coordinated that they make this form of memory keeping so easy! 

At last, I've found my pocket page heaven! 

Here's how I am documenting the special guys in my life....

"The Boys" Everyday Moments Pocket Album

Elle's Studio Supplies: May 2020 Kit, Eat Sleep Repeat Printables, May Label Stickers, Icon Chipboard Stickers, Cerulean Blue Puffy Alphabet Stickers, Puffy Heart Stickers, To The Moon & Back Wood Veneers, Acrylic Stars, Currently Icon Stamp, Springtime Tab Stamp, Everyday Tab Stamp, Flourish 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack. 

Other Supplies: Staz On - Black Ink, Staples, Life Crafted Album - Sapphire Blue. 

So awesome! 

As my album is dedicated to documenting 'The Boys' everyday moments, I opted for a more masculine color scheme with blues, black , white & gray. 

To add a pop of color I also introduced yellow into the mix - but not on the opening pockets. 

As a scrapbooker and mini album lover, I couldn't resist creating a opening cover page for my album too! I used the blue paper from the Flourish 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack as my base and layered it with the love this story 6 x 4" notecard from the May Kit, followed by more Flourish papers and two of the 3 x 4" note cards. I stapled the die cut stars from the May Kit onto the note cards, and then embellished with black Puffy Heart Stickers, and my Cerulean Blue Puffy Alphabet Stickers title. Cute!

Here's a close up of this cover page....

As you turn the cover page, you'll spy that I lined the back of it with another of the Flourish papers. Rather than waste this page, I ditched my intended pockets and simply adhered my 3 x 4" note cards onto it. So pocket page creating without the plastic pocket! That said, I was careful to align these note cards with the actual pockets on the opposite page - so everything looked cohesive and flowed!

Love it!

To keep everything looking unified, I limited each note card to no more than 2 types of embellishments. I also ensured each card had some black ink journaling - mostly using the Currently Icon Stamp, but also with die cuts, or the pre printed journaling on the cards I chose. As the photos feature our sweet doxie pup, I couldn't resist the paw icon stamp - so sweet!

Here's a look at the next pockets in my album, 

Those pops of yellow are really striking! 

However, I was limited by my color palette.

To keep everything uniform, and maintain my color scheme, you'll notice that I cut a triangle of the blue Flourish pattern paper to cover the red/pink on my 'rise & shine' 3 x 4" note card.  I also made the most of the Eat, Sleep, Repeat Printables too! 

Simple, easy pocket pages with the May Kit & Elle's Studio new products!

Oh, and if this style of pocket documenting doesn't appeal to you, the note cards could be easily arranged into a more traditional pocket page style, as shown in the images below...

Fab-u-lous! 

No matter your pocket page style, Elle's Studio has got your memory keeping supplies covered! 

I hope my non-traditional approach has inspired you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

 Amanda xo