Cocoa Vanilla Studio: One Of A Kind

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing my latest layout with the gorgeous Bohemian Dream collection.

And because I was team 'Blue' for the team theme post earlier this month,
I wanted to pay respect to the other colours in this collection.

This time I am focusing on all those pretty purples and pinks.....

Here's what I created,

"One Of A Kind"

Swoon! Oh so beautiful!!!
And how cute are my two in the pic?
Always happiest when they're together!

& let's not forget to mention that PINK wall backdrop!
I know, right?! Everyone needs a hot pink wall in their life!

When it comes to using purples and pinks I like to use complimentary tones and lots of pretty layers! I wanted to create a real feature of such delicate colours -
 and the diagonal design was just perfect for this!

 I start with that gorgeous triangle of patterned paper, CV-BD003 ABSTRACT (B side), I just LOVE this paper - the colour and the print are just divine!!!
The school teacher in me dictates that the focal point must be top left, as we read left to right, top to bottom. This ensures that your eye is drawn to the photograph immediately, and forms a much greater impact too!

I've used white cardstock leaf die cuts to soften that sharp triangle edge, and then layered it with pretty butterflies, blooms and my photo cluster. So many pretty layers to create more texture, dimension and interest for your eye!

A few scattered ENAMEL SHAPES, a super sweet FLAIR BUTTON & journaling in the bottom right corner complete this lovely layout.

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

 Oh that butterfly!!!
 It's been fussy cut from patterned paper, CV-BD006 BOHO BITS,
 and is just the prettiest adornment to my sweet photograph!
 And speaking of pretty, those pink 3 x 4 cards beneath my photo are from patterned paper, CV-BD004 BEAUTIFUL MESS. 
My photo is also supported by some white tissue paper, and a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame, bloom and printed tab. Gorgeous!

With the base layers beneath my photograph sorted, I turn to embellishing the photo with an ACCESSORY STICKER, One of a Kind,
and that super cute CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER heart!

Here's another view for you......

Lovely, indeed!

You'll spot more butterflies, this time from the DIE CUT EPHEMERA pack, as well as a few ENAMEL SHAPES. I add some white cotton floss for a gentle textured look.
 That LOVELY sentiment is also from the CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS -
how fabulous is the ombre finish on it?!! LOVE!

Gah! SO pretty!!!! I NEED an entire packet of those butterflies! So good!

Pink & purple never looked so good together!

For a polished and finished look, you'll spot that sweet FLAIR BUTTON, and the typewriter font journaling from the ACCESSORY STICKERS.......

Yes. LOVE THIS!

Blue may be my favourite colour, but the pink & purple in Bohemian Dream has definitely won me over!

I hope you liked my pink and purple page, and feel inspired to create with these colours too!

Thanks so much for visiting today,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo 

Shimmerz Paints: November Carousel Love!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Shimmerz Paints inspiration!

Today I am being totally inspired by, 

and scrap lifting 

fellow team member, Missy Whidden! 

I know, she's Aaaaah-mazing right?!! 

So inspirational!

Well,  this layout started when my son asked me how to draw a carousel. 

I showed him how to look for shapes, and recreate from there.

And then while we were playing with drawings, 

I casually painted up my carousel with my Shimmerz Paints: Vibez & Spritz colours....

Literally, the basics! 

And how pretty are those colours!!!

As soon as I saw this Carousel base on pattern paper, I recalled that awesome layout from Missy Whidden and off I went, 

recreating my own take on her fabulous original!

Here's my finished layout...

"Happiness Is Here"

Oh isn't this the cutest?!! 

Amazing how one simple illustration can become a thing of beauty! 

And just look at those shimmering hues!

I've used Shimmerz Paints: 

Vibez: Jeni B Bleu

Vibez: Hermit The Frog

Vibez: Glorious Day &

Spritz: Cotton Candy 

To use as a paint (as opposed to a mist), I simply sprayed them onto a plastic artist palette, 

added a few drops of water and painted away!

You'll spy the Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Carousel collection for this layout. 

It was perfect for embellishing my painted carousel with! 

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

Love that rick rack ribbon across the front of the carousel! So cute!

The splatters on my background are just from my brush with the Cotton Candy Spritz!

To make my carousel stand out, I also backed it with thick cardboard for extra dimension & depth.

So super cute! 

Shimmerz Paints really do make the layout!!!

I hope you enjoyed viewing my take on Missy's original carousel layout!

Need a lil Shimmerz Paints?

Visit the store here

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA in the comments section 

& you'll receive a free gift! 

Yay!!!! 

Maybe you need more Crate Paper?

Get yours in the Paper Issues store here

& Use code AMANDA to receive 20% off! Double Yay!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November Try It Tuesday!

Hi Papercrafting Friends! 

It's time for another super fun edition of 

One of my favourite challenges on the Paper Issues calendar, 

but hey, I may be bias, lol! 

I just love trying new things, and I get really excited by all the wonderful ideas you all share with us! 

This month we want you to try....

 creating your own embellishments!

(and then use that embellishment/s on your project that you share with us!)

So much fun!

Here's just a few suggestions/ideas of DIY embellishments to get you started:

Make your own flowers from dies, layered cut files or ribbons

Paper rosettes

 Layered tags

 Feathered arrows from skewer sticks

 Stitch die cut ephemera together to create a new look

Banners / bunting & flags from washi tape

The possibilities are endless!

& Remember: This challenge is suitable for all creations; scrapbook layouts, cards, OTPs, planners etc

For my DIY embellishments,  I chose to make paper rosettes. 

You'll notice that I hot glued puffy stickers over the center joins for a more 'polished' look......

Aren't they gorgeous?!
You'll also spot that I also created my own layered tag from pattern paper, ephemera, stickers and one of my rosettes. I LOVE how this turned out!
Here's how I combined them all into my layout,

"Sweet Girl"

WOW! Happiness is definitely here!

Such a fun and vibrant page of my sweet girl!

I have used the stunning Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes Carousel collection & it's available in the store HERE.

 I just love how bright and playful it is!

To keep everything looking beautifully coordinated, I used pattern papers and stickers from this line to make my rosettes and tag too!

 Let's take a closer look.....

Oh so gorgeous!!! All the paper pretties!!!

From the 6 x 12 Stcikers to the Puffy & Chipboard Stickers, the Die Cut Ephemera & even those Enamel Pin Stickers -  this collection is out to impress!

Just look at that Enamel circus tent?!! So super cute!

The patterned paper base is the B-side of Fairgrounds - love the black n white pattern against those POP colours!

And before you ask, that STUNNING mixed media background has been created with my favourite Shimmerz Paints: Vibez mists!

You'll spy Hermit The Frog, Jeni B Bleu, Sunset Strip & Razzeldazzel Berry! LOVE them all!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my take on this month's challenge! 

Now it's your turn,

 I can't wait to see what you make! 

Upload your new projects to the Friends & Fans Facebook Group:

 November Challenge Album HERE

Need supplies before you start?

Get yours in the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend - Yay!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November: Pinspire Me!

Hi Papercrafting Friends!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues fun with the November edition of 

This challenge is awesome to play along with! 

Simply take inspiration from the pin board below......

Oh isn't this gorgeous?!! 

All the Fall & Thanksgiving inspiration here! 

I decided to create a Fall page with a non-Fall collection, 

"Fall"

Nawww! 

Love this photo of my two just being in the moment together! So sweet!

I have used the gorgeous Elles Studio: Family Fun collection for my layout today. 

How stunning is that woodgrain paper?!! 

I've pulled from the greens and yellows in this collection, as they compliment the colours in my photo. 

You'll also spot a few embellishments from Pinkfresh Studio on my layout too!

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

How good are the acrylic shapes?!! Love them!

Fall-tastic!

Hope you liked my interpretation of this month's board!

Needing some scrappy supplies before you play along?

Visit the Paper Issues store here 

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA to save 20% off your total spend! Yay! 

Looking for more Pinspiration?

See what the rest of our awesome team has created here

Thanks so much for stopping by - I hope I inspired you to get creating!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Bohemian Dream: Remember

Hi Creative Friends!

Time for another Cocoa Vanilla Studio post,
&  I am SO excited to be sharing my take on pink OR blue theme week!
Both of these colours are divine - but one of them is my all time favourite!

I am still swooning over the beautiful Bohemian Dream collection, and just had to use it for today's layout.
It's just so dreamy and divine!

Here's what I've created,

"Remember"

Oh isn't this pretty?!!!
And no surprises, I chose to use blue for my layout! Did you know it's my favourite colour? lol!

There are a couple gorgeous hues of blue in the Bohemian Dream collection,
& I decided to feature both of them in this sweet page.
There's that delicate, pastel aqua, as well as that super pretty royal blue.

My layout begins with that sensational stripe pattern, CV-BD005 DREAMER.

I just adore this shade of blue, and with it's watercolour appearance - well, let's just say it's a sure favourite of mine! LOVE it!
To really draw your eye into my page, I use a central focal point design for my photograph.
The VELLUM & DIE CUT EPHEMERA wreath also serves as a border for my sweet layered photo! And those layers! Well, aren't they something?!
That's exactly why I LOVE the new 6 x 6 PAPER PAD - it has so many uses and is perfect for layering!

Let's take a closer look....

That wreath is SO pretty!
I've combined those incredible watercolour leaves and intricate butterflies from both the DIE CUT EPHEMERA & VELLUM ACCENTS packs, as well as those sweet ENAMEL SHAPES.
Being selective to only use those with blue tones.
To further establish the love of blue, I have also added a very soft and delicate mixed media base within the wreath.
It's a combination of Shimmerz Paints: Vibez: Jeni Be Bleu, Inklingz: Me & Blue, &
Creameez: Sky's The Limit. So so pretty!!!
The 11 inch square white cardstock base really emphasises the colours and again, draws you into my layout.

I have used a black and white photo for my layout because it lends itself to the colour palette beautifully.  And just how divine is that photograph?
I have double framed it to really focus in on that sweet moment.....

Beautiful, indeed!

My photo is layered onto a few of the blue patterned 6 x 6 PAPER PAD papers, and then framed with the distressed timber frame DIE CUT, which I then double up on with matching CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER frame.
The frames also mimic the jetty and shapes formed within my photograph. Everything so carefully positioned, to create a sense of unity within the design.
The frame is then embellished with an ENAMEL SHAPE, DIE CUT sentiment & another CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER. Central to it all is that gorgeous layered butterfly. It's another of those fabulous CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS with a DIE CUT simply added over the top of it! Such a simple idea, but adding such dimension!

You'll then spot that incredible CHIPBOARD TITLE STICKER, 'Remember'.
I love that these chippies are bare, and can be hand coloured to suit your needs. I gave mine the blue treatment with some of the Shimmerz Paints I used to create that soft background with. I also dove into my stash and used a butterfly punch to cut out a few tiny cardstock butterflies. One is positioned beneath the edge of my title and the others within my wreath design. They just help to break up all the blue, and add a lil interest.

For finishing touches, more ENAMEL SHAPES, a lil cotton floss thread & that FLAIR BUTTON. Who doesn't love a good flair?!
And at Cocoa Vanilla Studio, the flairs are always so beautifully coordinated and designed with the collection in mind.
Absolute perfection!

And there you have it!

Sweet. Simple. Understated.

But oh so Beautiful!!!

Hope you feel inspired to seek out the blue (or even the pink) tones in your Bohemian Dream stash!

Need more Bohemian Dream?
Visit our online store HERE before it's all sold out!

Need those Shimmerz Paints? 
Visit the online store HERE &
REMEMBER: Place my name in the comments section of your order to receive a FREE gift! Yay!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Pinkfresh Studio: December Days & Christmas Cheer!

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

Welcome back for a lil Pinkfresh Studio Christmas cheer!
When I first received the gorgeous December Days collection it was like Christmas at my place! 

I just adore the pretty color palette and with so many sweet embellishments & fresh pattern designs December Days made my day! 

You see, I'm not much of a Christmas scrapbooker. 

I prefer to enjoy the moment rather than be capturing it on camera- but I do have a few special pics from last year..... 

And with December Days being oh so special, well.... 

I just had to share a few of our more personal memories with you. 

Here's my first layout with this stunning line.....

"A December To Remember"

Oh my! Isn't he the cutest?!! 

There's a super sweet story to this page and it's about a little boy who discovered that "eating Santa's walking sticks is yummy", lol! (love that he calls candy canes Santa's walking sticks) 

He literally became a peppermint addict over night - love everything peppermint is the perfect sentiment for this photo! 

And with mint being so fresh it seemed only fitting that this page be clean in design. 

Simple but oh-so effective! 

I also took inspiration from his cute star t-shirt, and used the pretty STARRY NIGHT pattern paper as my background. I love how it brings the page together!

The 6 x 6 PAPER PACK is perfect for creating layers beneath your photographs. To add more interest and dimension, I've used a few sweet DIE CUTS between those layers and embellished the photo cluster with those divine WOODEN BUTTONS.  

For finishing touches, I have scattered a few WOOD STICKER & PUFFY STICKER stars - perfect! And that PHRASE STICKER unties it all!Sweet, and fresh just like the peppermint story!(and very special to my heart!)For my second layout I have opted for a softer, more delicate style.It's a very cute page of my two darlings, after dressing the Christmas tree....

 "December Traditions"

Isn't this pretty?!! And what could be more traditional than trimming the tree and having that first impromptu photo in front of it? Life moment captured!I instantly fell in love with the B side of pattern paper, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, and knew I'd have to make a feature of it! That pink is just oh-so delicate! 

I also really wanted to use those 3 x 4 JOURNALING CARDS WITH FOIL ACCENTS in a non pocket page style. You'll spy the gold confetti card as the matte for my sweet photo, thus lending the design  to lots of gold embellishing. 

In particular, that incredible FOILED WOODGRAIN STICKER title - so stunning! 

Here's a closer look at it.....

It really is something! 

And the warmth of the veneer and gold adds balance to all that pale pink too! Impressive to say the least! 

You'll spy more veneer in those sweet WOODEN BUTTONS & lots of pretty DIE CUTS! 

I just love those intricate snowflakes! 

To add balance to the vertical design, I've started and ended the 'line' with matching sentiment banners, as well as coordinating sentiment squares.... 

Time for magic, indeed! 

Such a pretty page to document December! I hope you have enjoyed seeing a very personal side of my creating, and feel inspired to celebrate your Christmas memories with Pinkfresh Studio December Days!

Need this stunning line? Get yours in the Paper Issues store here

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend! Yay!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, til next time, Happy Arty Days, Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November: Scrap Soup

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for the November edition of 

And what a fun round it is! 

If you haven't played before, 

simply use all the items on the 'soup recipe' and create away!

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

"YAY"

SO much fun!!!

I love the Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Carousel collection! 

It's just perfect for all our Fair and Carnival photos! 

And how awesome are the fabric bows?!! 

You should be able to spot all the soup items on my page - 

but the 4 x 6 rectangle is a lil harder to see. 

It's beneath my photo cluster & features those cute zebras on the paper!

Let's take a closer look at that title.....

The title is from the Die Cut Ephemera pkt in this line, and embellished with those sweet sequin stars - also from the Die Cuts!

So many gorgeous details here, but let's not forget that pretty mixed media background!

I've dived into my Shimmerz Paints stash again, this time using Vibez: Jeni B Bleu & Cold As Ice. 

Such a pretty colour combination!

And speaking of pretty things, those Chipboard Stickers are incredible!

So much awesome in the Carousel collection! 

I hope you like my fun take on this challenge, & feel inspired to play along too!

Need supplies before you start?

Visit the Paper Issues store here 

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA to save 20% off your total spend! Yay!

Maybe you need some Shimmerz Paints in your stash too?

Visit the their store HERE

Psssst! Type my name into the comments section of your order to receive a FREE gift ;)

When it comes to papercrafting supplies I've got you covered!

Looking for more Scrap Soup inspiration?

See what our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November Take 5 Tuesday

Hi Creatives!

It's time for another super fun Paper Issues challenge - 

Yay!!! So.much.fun!

For my 5, I have used 

red, die cut, patterned paper, cardstock & title. 

See if you can find my items on my page..... 

Here's my layout, 

"You Are Magical"

Preeeeeettty!!!

I love this photograph of my daughter, I'm so glad I captured it!

She's growing up so fast - I just want time to slow down!

And yes, she truly is Magical to us!

I have used the beautiful American Crafts, Dear Lizzy: Stargazer collection, and really drawn on those sweet floral papers!

I have used pattern paper Pretty Petals, and the B sides of Make A Wish, & Falling Stars.  They coordinate beautifully together! 

You'll also spy some gorgeous embellishments......

The 6 x 12 Cardstock stickers are really fun, 

but it's the Magical Phrase Thickers that I am totally in LOVE with! 

Just look at that title!!!

Hey girl! YOU are Magical!

 Love it!

Hope you feel inspired by my layout today!

You can get all the Dear Lizzy in the Paper Issues store here

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA to save 20% off your total! Yessss!

Looking for more Take 5 inspiration?

See what our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for visiting today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November New Issue Monday!

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with Round 1 of

I love all the Issues, but this really does have my heart

It's called...

Home is Where the Heart Is!

Suggested ideas include:

Create a project about your home 

(favorite room, neighborhood, new home, renovations, favorite spot in your town/state)

Use heart embellishments

 Share November activities

 Family gatherings

 Thanksgiving traditions 

and/or favorite recipes.

Here's what I created for it.....

"Hello Love"

Oh isn't this divine?!!
That photo just melts me!
Beautiful memories, indeed!

And what a soft and delicate page!
I have used Simple Stories Beautiful collection, and I think that sums it perfectly!
From the soft pastel pink to the barely there minty green, this line is just prettiness overload!
And just look at those black, and white florals! All the heart eyes!

Here's a closer view.....

So, so preeeeetty!!!

Loving the warmth of the gold foil accents, creating balance to this very cool palette!

And speaking of palette, I've created that sweet mixed media background with my favourite Shimmerz Paints!

I've used Creameez: Cheeky Pink & Refresh Mint from the Gracie Set 

It's prettiness overload!

You can get Simple Stories in the Paper Issues store here

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA and you'll save 20% off your total! Yay!

I hope you liked my take on this month's issue!

See what the rest of our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for stopping by!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo