Shimmerz Paints: Major Heart Eyes for Color Stories Inspiration!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

Time for another awesome installment of Shimmerz Paints delights!
This month Paper Issues Partnered Up with Color.Stories.Inspiration and I was so inspired by the mood board that I had to create with it for a second time!
(yep, this is my round 2 entry - lol!)
I mean, the colours are just stunning!
And when it comes to colour, Shimmerz Paints has got you covered!

Here's another look at that moodboard......

And here's what I created using that stunning color scheme......

"Major Heart Eyes"

Major heart eyes, indeed! 

What a cutie! And such a bright & fun page to reflect his happy personality!

I used the playful Amy Tangerine, Hustle & Heart collection and combined it with my favourite Shimmerz Paints: Dazzlerz & Paste-eez! 

Unfortunately, I don't have a hot orange or light blue in my pastes stash... 

BUT! I do have Paste-eez Salt of the Earth

This is a gorgeous white, which I color mixed to create my 'missing' colors from the color scheme. 

Here's how....

On an artist's mixing palette, I combined 3 drops of orange food dye to one part Salt of the Earth for that stunning hot orange. 

That pretty light blue was created with 1 spritz of Vibez: Jeni Be Bleu to one part Salt of the Earth. I LOVE how pretty this turned out!

Shimmerz Paints are just Aaaah-mazing! 

You'll also spot Dazzlerz: Pucker Up Pink and Sour Apple in my mixed media background. All colours were applied with a palette knife, at the same time - no drying between colours. Allowing for lots of colour blending and tonal work.

Ga ga gorgeous!

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

The blending between the hand mixed orange, and Pucker Up Pink is just sensational!

& that Sour Apple green is just divine! 

The cut file is a FREE one from the Paper Issues store; you can download it HERE

Yep! When it comes to mixed media and all the painty things, 

It's all about the color! The Shimmerz Paints colors!

I hope my take on the CSI challenge has inspired you to get out your Shimmerz Paints and play along too!

*Did you know if you type AMANDA in your Shimmerz Paints store order HERE

you'll receive a freebie?!

Yessss! AMANDA = free paint 

  

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: More Than Words: Cherish

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

I have been waiting so long to share my first Design Team layout with the gorgeous NEW 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio:  More Than Words collection!

This collection is so delicate and divine, it makes me swoon! 

And, with the arrival of a new baby cousin, it was the perfect collection for documenting those sweet newborn moments!

Here's my layout,

"Cherish"

*sigh* I simply adore you, indeed!

Could this be any dreamier?! 

So very soft and pretty!

Absolutely smitten by this photograph and this collection just makes it shine!

I have kept to a very 'clean' look to enhance the newborn innocence and grace, and softened the stark white with delicate pinks and charcoal grey. 

Such a pretty color scheme for my beautiful subjects!

I start with the reverse side of pattern paper, CV-MT007 DARLING BUDS, for my 12 x 12 base. I use an 11 x 11 inch white cardstock for my background paper, scallop punch the sides & machine stitch it into place. Clean, simple, and so effective!

I then build up my photo cluster......

I attach a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame to my photo, then layer this framed photo onto pattern paper squares cut from the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD. 

I glue VELLUM ACCENTS blooms to my cardstock  base, then attach the photo cluster.

I slide some DIE CUT EPHEMERA pieces into the photo layers before embellishing around the cluster with sequins, a CHIPBOARD STICKER or two, and that beautiful sentiment from the ACCESSORY STICKERS. 

The final touch is that love this tab, also from the ACCESSORY STICKERS.

That DIE CUT EPHEMERA butterfly is just gorgeous!!!

So very beautiful!

Moving down my page, you'll spy more of those butterflies, as well as pretty hearts and a stunning title.....

The cut file is a free one from Paper Issues called Interlocking Hearts. 

I have backed it with 2 of the journal cards from pattern paper, CV-MT004 COLLAGE, as well as some pretty pink patterns from the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD. 

I position that fantastic cherish CHIPBOARD TITLE over the hearts for maximum impact. 

Again, really simple but so effective!

To add a little dimension, I use adhesive foam dots to apply my DIE CUT EPHEMERA sentiment banner. I love the interest this creates!

And for finishing touches, I embellish around that focal title with more DIE CUT EPHEMERA butterflies and sequins. Really pretty!!!

Such a soft, simple & elegant layout! And one you could easily recreate too! 

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with our MORE THAN WORDS collection!

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Paper Issues: February Scraplift Sunday Wk4

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with 

my share on a lil Scraplift Sunday inspiration!

I am always blown away by how incredibly aaah-mazing our Design Team members are,
so getting to scraplift them is such a thrill!
Today I am lifting this gorgeous layout from the insanely talented Mary Ann Jenkins.....

Awesome, huh?!!

This makes me smile and feel so happy!

And with that in mind, I have used the bright & fun

Crate Paper Good Vibes collection for my take......

"Love You Tons" 

Squeee! Isn't this super FUN!?!!!

I just adore the bright and playful feel of the Good Vibes collection!

As the original layout design was SO good, I didn't change it up much at all. 

I do heart those super cute Pom Pom Frames!

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

Such beautiful captures of my two darlings - love this memory! 

The Good Vibes is definitely what it's all about! 

I've used the fabulous puffy script font Thickers for my subtitle, as well as lots of cute ephemera too! 

I love the combination of gold glitter, textures and cork in this line - really contemporary!  

You'll also spy a few pieces from the Chipboard Stickers sheet - these are always my fave Crate Paper items. 

So much fun! 

Sequins, and watercolor paint splatters complete my take on Mary Ann's inspiring original!

I do hope you've enjoyed seeing my take on this Scraplift Sunday feature!

Now it's your turn!

I can't wait to see your version of  Mary Ann Jenkin's original design! 

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

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

Be sure to upload your new entries in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group HERE to go in the draw to win a Paper Issues Gift Card.

Love instagram? We sure do! 

Tag us @paperissues and use the hashtag #paperissues so we can leave you some love 

(& maybe even feature your creations too!)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Pebbles Night Night: Dream Big!

Hi Creative Friends! 

The all new Pebbles Night Night baby collections are so dreamy, delicate and divine!

And lucky, lucky me, as only 2 months ago we welcomed a new nephew into our family!  

He is the most darling little cherub ever! 

Today I am sharing some of those first cuddles & night time snuggles moments with our 

Night, Night baby boy line. SO precious!

Here's my layout, "Dream Big"

Oh isn't this just swoon worthy?!! Told you it was close to my heart! 

I don't know what melted my heart more - our new baby nephew or the love that my five year old son had for him! You can see how perfect & delicate this collection is for all our babies! 

Oh how I love newborns!!! 

But enough goo-ing and gah-ing from me, 

here's how I created this beautiful newborn page.....

I started by looking through all the PRINTED CARDSTOCK SHAPES, and despite all the sweet sail boats & ocean friends, I  just couldn't go past the clouds! Clouds are so dreamy, & when I laid eyes on pattern paper, SWEET DREAMS, I knew I was going to create a sweet nighty, night and lullabies inspired layout.

As my photos are quite dark, I wanted to ensure a good balance between the delicate nature of the photos and the boldness of the pattern paper - the free Cloudy Circle Cut File from Paper Issues was the perfection solution! I backed the clouds with the reverse side of pattern paper, GONE FISHING, and then filled the 'circle' with SWEET DREAMS.

I love how this looks already! Those pattern papers are stunning!

With the designer's 'rule of 3' in mind, I decide to use each cut file cloud as an anchor for my sweet photos. I tuck my first of three photos into the cloud on the left side. 

I also attach the kite from the PRINTED CARDSTOCK SHAPES too, before adhering it all onto my white cardstock base.

I glue my remaining two photos onto the cut file clouds, and embellish them with those fabulous PRINTED CARDSTOCK SHAPES.  

I use adhesive foam dots beneath all the clouds to create dimension and add interest.

I apply the coordinating GRAYSON THICKERS for my title, which I curve around my starry night scene.

The silver Thickers are just stunning!

Play time now! I embellish around my circular design, selecting an array of moon, star and clouds stickers.

And voila!

 So much fun, and oh so dreamy too!

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

How fabulous is that 6 x 12 ACCENT STICKERS moon?!! Super cute!

Nawwwww!!!! SO precious!

I hope I have inspired you to create with this beautiful new collection!

Want it for 20% off? 

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE 

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA during checkout and you'll save 20%! Yayy!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

NIGHT NIGHT (BABY BOY) SUPPLIES:

732633 Sweet Dreams

732630 Gone Fishing

732681 Printed Cardstock Shapes

732739 6 x 12 Accent Stickers

732673 Grayson Thickers

732829 Repeat Stickers

OTHER SUPPLIES:

71081 Textured Cardstock - White

340272 Adhesive Foam Dots

340261 Sticky Thumb Adhesive Runner & Refill

Paper Issues: February Swag Bag Spotlight!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with a look at this month's

It's no secret that I LOVE me a Swag Bag, or 3!

And the February Swag Bag is just stunning!

Here's a peak at "Write It Down".....

Isn't it awesome?!! 

There's only a few left in stock though - so be sure to grab yours HERE.

For my spotlight project, I am featuring the January Swag Bag because, well, all.the.heart.things!!!

It looks like this.....

Yayyyyy!!! Love it all!

(& if you're super quick I think there's two left in the Paper Issues store HERE)

Here's what I've created with it, 

"Love You"

Oh wow!

How much fun is this?!!

I like his face LOTS!!! My fave lil guy!

Everything you see here is from the Swag Bag apart from the following few items: 12 x 12 papers, pink gingham paper, and the mixed media element. 

The cut file title isn't in the mini kit BUT you can download it from Paper Issues for FREE here!

Love me some free files!!!

So many fabulous journal cards, and embellishments in this kit! La la LOVE it!

And best part, it's only $9.99USD! 

(& you can always use code AMANDA at checkout and receive a bonus 20% off too!)

Tons of Crate Paper, Fancy Pants Designs & Pebbles deliciousness in this Swag Bag!

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

Such a happy day, indeed! 

Couldn't love him more if I tried! 

The mixed media background was created using the packaging technique, 

with Shimmerz Paints: Spritz in Ruby, & Vibez: Sweet Heart. 

My cut file title was lightly inked in Versa Ink: Sea Foam. 

How cute are the heart sequins?!!

Yep. It's true - I like you LOTS!!!!

Happy Valentine's to my happy Mister A!

I hope you liked my layout & feel inspired to play along with the Swag Bag Spotlight this month!

Get all your scrapbook & Swag Bag supplies at the Paper Issues Store HERE

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

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: February Polka Dot Party!

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues fun!

Today I am playing along with the super fun 

Yayyy!!! Who doesn't love a bit of polka fun?!!

Spotty dots for the win!

Here's what I've created.....

"I Heart You"

All the polka dots AND hearts!!!

Love this!

And aren't my two darlings just the cutest! Such a happy moment captured!

I couldn't resist using the dotty pattern papers in the Crate Paper: Main Squeeze line - they're too sweet! As well as polka dot papers, I also featured a few spotted hearts and even a dot stencil for my background! SO much fun!

You'll also spy Chipboard Stickers, Sweetest Puffy Thickers, 6 x 12 Stickers & even Ephemera adorning my sweet layout.

But it's those super CUTE Heart Tassels that are my faves from this collection - LOVE!!!!

And for my background? 

Well, that Shimmerz Paints, of course!

I used Spritz: Ruby & Vibez: Sweet Heart for misting and droplets, and then applied Paste-eez Salt of the Earth for the stenciled dots. So cool!

And there you have it!

My quick take on this month's Paper Issues Polka Dot Party!

I can't wait to see your take on this challenge!

Upload your creations in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group HERE

& go in the draw to win a Paper Issues Gift Card!

Need Crate Paper supplies & more?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off!

Shop in the Shimmerz Paints store HERE

& Type AMANDA in the comments section of your order & you'll receive a free gift!

Yessss! AMANDA = free paint!

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next tine, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: More Than Words for Valentine's Day!

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio Friends & Fans!

Amanda here, & I am so excited to be sharing some very pretty Valentine's Day inspiration with our new More Than Words collection. This collection is so swoon worthy! & with the big heart day tomorrow, there's still plenty of time for you to create this sweet Valentine gift and card set.....

Oh isn't this lovely?! 

 And it really is super easy to create!

I made my own heart wreath from cane strips, but you can find plenty of pre-made wreaths at florists, and gift stores. I gave mine a rough coat of white gesso, and twisted some soft pink wool around it to soften those edges. 

The fun part is all the embellishing!  

Select your fave recent photo of your Valentine, choose a sentiment (I cut out the Love You To Bits card from pattern paper CV-MT006 TREASURE ) and heat up your glue gun!

I arrange DIE CUT EPHEMERA pieces, CHIPBOARD STICKERS, & a FLAIR BUTTON around my heart and once happy with their position, I hot glue them into place. I string up the EPHEMERA feathers with twine, and dangle them from the base of the heart. I love the interest this creates! 

I also layer quite a few of EPHEMERA pieces......

 

SO pretty! Those butterflies are just divine!

And the FLAIR are always so perfectly coordinated! Such a sweet gift!

Now for the card....

You make my heart sing, indeed! Such a lovely card to give to your beloved!

I start with a 6" x 4" white card, and use pattern papers from the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD. These smaller size designs are perfect for cardmaking!

I embellish my card with a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame, and then adorn it with CHIPBOARD STICKERS, & ACCESSORY STICKERS. 

Simple, but oh so effective!

And there you have it!

 A very beautiful (but super quick & easy) Valentine!

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with More Than Words!

Thanks so much for visiting, & Happy Valentine's Day!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Pinkfresh Studio: Be You & The Mix No.2!

Hi Creatives!

I am so excited to be sharing my first layouts created with the new 

Pinkfresh Studio: Be You & The Mix No.2 collections!!!

Both these collections are super pretty!

Be You is soft and delicate with the most gorgeous rose gold accents, while The Mix No.2 is super bright and fun! 

Here's what I created with Be You, 

"Dream"

Seriously dreamy indeed!

Isn't this just divine?!! The colors make me sigh! 

Blush tones with mint, black, white, navy and rose gold! OH so pretty!!!!

With so many pretties in this line, I decided to challenge myself and use at least one item from every Be You product. 

I start with the stunning 12 x 12 pattern paper SINCERE, and layer it with white cardstock, creating a beautiful border on the top and right hand side of my layout. 

To show off those gorgeous papers, I decide to use an open hearts cut file & back the hearts with lots of patterns from the 6 x 6 PAPER PACK. The papers coordinate beautifully, and make this cut file paper piecing so easy! 

Before I attach my heart cut file, I create a quick mixed media base in soft lime, and pink tones to draw attention away from the hearts, and into my photo cluster. 

 

And isn't that photo so precious?!

I've mounted it onto an EPHEMERA piece, and then embellished the cluster with MINI LEATHERETTE TAGS, a TASSEL BOW (these bows are the cutest!!!), PUFFY STICKERS, & more EPHEMERA PACK pieces. 

Surrounding the cluster, and also embellishing the hearts are WOOD & EPOXY BUTTONS, CHIPBOARD STICKERS, and even some FABRIC DIE CUTS. You can see how it wasn't really a challenge to use one of everything - it is ALL sooooo good! That rose gold foil accent is especially gorgeous! It really adds warmth to this otherwise cool & refreshing palette. 

LOVE it!

How perfect is that sentiment PUFFY STICKER, Just Us and Our Stories?! Ideal for any style of memory keeping!

And I can't forget to mention those incredible rose gold PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS! Talk about wow factor!!! These are just divine!

All the hearts, (and ALL the heart eyes emojis) for the new Be You collection!

Just stunning! 

 

And now for something completely different with The Mix No. 2, 

"This Girl"

I told you this collection was bright & fun!!!

All the rainbow happy vibes here!

As this is an 'embellishment' collection, I decided to use a white cardstock base & another heart cut file ('cos after all - it is February, the month of love!) 

I spritzed my cut file in matching 'rainbow' colors, and then went to town with all those fabulous embellishments! 

With such a fabulous array of colored PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS I knew I wanted to create a 'feature' of them in my title / journaling. I combine them with the PUFFY HEART STICKERS and trail them around my cut file heart, matching the alpha colors to my shimmering colored heart. 

If you're wanting to recreate this layout, I used PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS: Pink, Peach, Yellow, Green, Light Blue & Navy. And to be honest, these alphas are so versatile - you'll be using them on everything! 

How awesome are the PUFFY HEART STICKERS inside the cut file? 

Again, I have color matched them to my spritzed paints, and the result is SO effective! 

Simple techniques for big outcomes! 

I have layered my sweet girl's photo onto an EPHEMERA PACK tag, and label, and then embellished this small cluster with CARDSTOCK STICKERS and a ribbon bow from my stash. The Good Vibes EPHEMERA serves as a subtitle to my layout, but more importantly, the striking black & white cuts through the rainbow and brings your attention to my photo. 

Perfect balance!  

Oh! The TASSEL BOWS !!!

They are seriously my new favourites! Could they be any sweeter?!!

All the color fun with The Mix No.2!

I hope I have inspired you with my layouts today!

Needing these new collections? 

You can purchase all your Pinkfresh Studio favorites in the Paper Issues store HERE 

& REMEMBER: Using code AMANDA at checkout saves you 20% off! Yay!

*You'll also find both of the cut files I used in their FREE files section! ;) 

Perhaps you're wanting to some of those awesome paints I used?

Well, they're Shimmerz Paints of course!

*Type AMANDA in the comments section of your Shimmerz Paints order HERE & they'll send you a freebie too! 

Yes, type AMANDA = free paint! Yessssss!

I have totally got you covered! ;)

 

Thanks so  much for visiting today! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo