Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Midnight Collection Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio loveliness with our gorgeous new collection; 

Midnight!

This collection is totally swoon worthy & perfect for my beautiful ballerina! 

Here's my layout.....

"Beautiful"

Isn't this lovely?!!

The Midnight collection is oh-so pretty and makes my sigh every single time I look at it! From the soft and dreamy color palette to the pretty patterns and sweet florals - this collection is errrything! And yes, perfect for documenting the girls (or in my case all the ballet photos) with! Love it!

I have opted for a simple vertical design for my layout today.  I have also been inspired by all the trending vertical titles on layouts that I've been seeing in my social feeds. I love how the horizontal striped CV-MN009 SOPHISTICATED paper really directs your eye into the CHIPBOARD PIECES Beautiful title! And of course, I am crushing on all the blooms and florals on this layout too!

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

That title is really stunning! I position it so it's also aligned with the center of the page, and then support it with those indigo leaves from the DIE CUT EPHEMERA pack. Beautiful, indeed!

I use the CV-MN0009 SOPHISTICATED paper on the right hand side of my layout also. However, this time I overlay it with the reverse side of the super pretty CV-MN007 INKY DEPTHS.To soften the join between the two pattern papers, I add the pom pom trim. Such a small detail, but what a difference it makes! So lovely!

Here's another view of that fabulous CHIPBOARD PIECES title....

Truly stunning!

The remainder of my layout is built around my darling photograph, and involves lots of lovely embellishments! I especially adore those layered CHIPBOARD PIECES & ACCESSORY STICKERS  blooms, and DIE CUT EPHEMERA cascading leaves!

Instead of layering my photo onto pretty pattern papers, I decide to mount a CHIPBOARD PIECES frame onto it. I lightly stick it  onto the white cardstock base, and then tuck a few of the brush stroke CLEAR STICKERS beneath the frame. I also tuck in a couple of the bloom ACCESSORY STICKERS.

Next, I adorn the CHIPBOARD PIECES frame with the leaves DIE CUT EPHEMERA. I foam mount the main DIE CUT bloom over the top left corner of the frame, and apply both an EPHEMERA & CHIPBOARD PIECES sentiment to the base of the frame.

I embellish around the photo cluster with ACCESSORY STICKERS hearts & butterflies, falling leaves DIE CUTS, as well as a CHIPBOARD PIECES heart.  

For finishing touches, I add the ACCESSORY STICKERS journaling sentiments, and a sprinkling of our Hello Lovely collection sequins.  So beautiful!

I hope my layout has inspired you to get creating with the divine Midnight collection!

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

The Cut Shoppe: Go With The Flow!

Hi Friends!

I am so super excited to be sharing another gorgeous layout for The Cut Shoppe Design Team!

Today I am featuring the stunning Go With The Flow digital file with the very dreamy

 Cocoa Vanilla Studio Midnight collection!

"Love This"

Love this, indeed! Oh so beautiful!

Such a milestone moment as my (not-so-little anymore) girl earned her very first pair of pointe shoes! This momentous occasion had to be documented, and the Go With The Flow cut file was the perfect choice! The triangular segments dictate that your eye is drawn straight into the center of the layout, so naturally that's where I've positioned my special photo! 

And the best part? This is one of the many Freebie FriYAY files that you can download for free HERE

Here's a better look at the August Freebie FriYAY digital cut file: Go With The Flow 

It's super awesome, huh? I LOVE a good freebie, and I especially love how versatile this file is! It would definitely work for a variety of projects and themes - yay! 

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

Instead of backing this cut file, I simply glue it directly onto my pretty ombre pattern paper background - the white against the pink is so striking & I think it really makes this incredible file shine! I then embellish the Go With The Flow cut file with sequins, Bubblegum Pink Nuvo Drops & those Cocoa Vanilla Studio Accessory Stickers. The stickers are the perfect sentiment additions to my layout. I also adorn the cut file with a flair button, chipboard banner & that sweet Bella Blvd bow!

Here's another view for you....

SO.much.pretty!

And such an easy look to recreate! Simple cuts, no fancy paper piecing and a beautiful result! 

Yep, Love This,  sums it up perfectly! 

I hope you feel inspired by my layout too! 

See more amazing cut files in The Cut Shoppe Etsy Store HERE

Thanks so much for joining my today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Pinkfresh Studio: Indigo Hills 2 & all the pretty things!!!

Hi Friends! 

Time for a little Pinkfresh Studio inspiration, and oh.my.heart!

When the Indigo Hills 2 collection arrived, I had so much difficulty cutting into it! 

It's that incredibly beautiful!!! 

Such a gorgeous collection to document those special moments with! 

And in my case, simply the PERFECT collection for all those divine Ballet photographs of my sweet girl!

I could type for hours about the prettiness of Indigo Hills 2,

but instead let's allow my projects to speak for themselves.....

Here's my first layout, 

"Moments Are More Important Than Things" 

Sigh! Isn't this divine?!

So dreamy, & delicate!

I was immediately drawn to the softer, muted colors and tones in this line. This tranquil color scheme, partnered with the pretty blooms and ornate frames was just an angelic combination!

So pure, and innocent like my subject in the photograph! 

You'll spy the reverse side of pattern paper GORGE as my layout base. I just adore that pretty gray color! I have layered a 10" x 10" sheet of pattern paper, RIDGE (also the reverse side) onto it. To this layer I add a 9" x 9" smooth white cardstock layer,  but before sealing the two papers together, I tuck that DIE CUT EPHEMERA bloom in between these layers on the right hand side. Such a pretty detail!

Next, I frame my photo with that divine CHIPBOARD STICKERS oval frame, and then layer it onto that amazing CHIPBOARD STICKERS wreath. So whimsical! 

I tuck a few blooms (DIE CUT EPHEMERA & PUFFY STICKER) beneath the wreath. I foam mount my DIE CUT EPHEMERA title, 'Moments Are More Important Than Things' and layer it over the wreath, so it's resting on the edge of my framed photograph. Really pretty! 

I embellish around my photo cluster with more CHIPBOARD STICKERS, GOLD FOILED WOOD STICKERS, and even some ENAMEL DOTS. 

I add a subtitle, 'love' which I also mount on foam tape and surround with a few more of the ENAMEL DOTS.  

Last, but by no means least, I add my type writer font journaling to the base of my layout & embellish with a final PUFFY STICKER & ENAMEL DOT or, two. 

 

So beautiful!

All the pretty and delicate details on this sweet page! 

I hope she'll treasure it for years to come! 

My second layout embraces the more sassy, fun & playful side of my sweet dancer.....

"Ballet Besties, Mirror Selfies"

Isn't this beautiful?!!

And with such a different look photo, I was able to draw on the deeper, richer purple & indigo tones of this collection! Purple LOVE!!!

I have opted for the very pretty, HIGHLAND pattern paper as my layout background. The striped triangle detail in this paper is so striking and really caught my eye. With this in mind, I decide to position my photo here to ensure it remains the focus of my page! 

Beneath my photograph, I layer pattern paper VALLEY, as well as the reverse side of paper RIDGE, DIE CUT EPHEMERA, PHRASE STICKERS & one of those divine JOURNALING SPOTS with FOIL ACCENTS!

Such awesome layers!!!

I surround this pretty photo cluster with a mix of PUFFY STICKERS, ENAMEL DOTS, CHIPBOARD STICKERS, WOOD STICKERS with FOIL ACCENTS, PHRASE STICKERS & even some gold asterisks from the GOLD PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS. I try to respect the diagonal flow of the striped pattern within this embellishing too.

You'll also notice that I adorn my photo with a PUFFY STICKER sentiment - cute!  

My title is created with a mix of both GOLD PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS and purple MINI PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS, and follows the movement of the laurel leaves in the pattern paper. So simple & yet, so effective!

And there you have it! 

My first play with the all.the.pretty, Indigo Hills 2, things!!!!

I hope my layouts have inspired you to get creating with this simply stunning collection! 

If you liked my projects please be sure to check out my newly created

You Tube channel HERE,

where I will be uploading lots of Pinkfresh Studio inspiration! 

Thanks so much for visiting! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Cherished Moments

Hi Everyone! 

Today I am finally sharing my layout for the Cocoa Vanilla Studio team up with CSI  - Color.Stories.Inspiration challenge blog!

If you haven't already read, Cocoa Vanilla Studio is sponsoring CSI for the month of June!

 Yay!

 So be sure to play along with the challenge to go in the draw to win an awesome Cocoa Vanilla Studio prize!

Here's what the challenge looks like....

Isn't this sweet?!

 As soon as I saw that image, I immediately thought of our gorgeous Bohemian Dream collection! I was also inspired by the ballerina, white background and those sparkles too!

Let's see how I solved the case! 

Here's what I created...

"You Are Amazing"

Beautiful, cherished moments indeed! Oh so pretty!

One of her first ever ballet performances; she was so magical!

I have used a Paige Evans cut file from the Silhouette Store, and backed it with some of my all time favourite Cocoa Vanilla Studio papers. I've positioned my photo and supporting layers in the center, keeping it as the focal point of my design. 

I tend to do this a lot. I believe that my layouts should always enhance my memories & photograph/s, not steal away from them.

 Let's take a closer look at it all....

How precious!

You'll spy that I have l created lots of pretty layers beneath my darling photograph, using up scraps from the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD, and even a left over 3 x 4" card from pattern paper CV-BD004 BEAUTIFUL MESS. I've also tucked in an ACCESSORY STICKER or three, and embellished my photo with DIE CUT EPHEMERA.  So pretty! Sparkle & Shine! 

If you look closely, you'll also spy those tiny star sparkles - they're actually left over sequins from her gorgeous tutu! Adding even the tiniest memorabilia element to a layout makes it super special for the recipient. I know my daughter will love this small but meaningful detail!

Here's a closer look at the top of that photo cluster, and those pretty pattern papers.....

Gorgeousness! 

I love the mix of patterns and the varying tones of blues and purples that I've used to back the cut file with. That divine polka dot outer layer is the reverse side of pattern paper CV-B001 ABUNDANT, and it's safe to say that it is an absolute favourite of mine!

Travelling towards the center, the next layer or ring of pattern papers is CV-BD002 GYPSY HEART. This paler blue softens the overall base appearance and adds a gentle touch. You'll also spy a little journaling in the top left hand corner, using a cut out word from pattern paper CV-BD006 BOHO BITS, CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER, & even some of those sweet typewriter font ACCESSORY STICKERS. A few carefully chosen words that best describe this cherished moment! Love it!

The pattern paper in the center of the cut file is the B side of CV-BD005 DREAMER, & is all kinds of purple prettiness!

Below my photograph I include a sweet sentiment, Live A Colourful Life, from the ACCESSORY STICKERS. I also use ACCESSORY STICKERS, CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS  and even a fussy cut word from pattern paper, CV-BD006 BOHO BITS to continue journaling this special moment. To keep my design balanced, I apply these items to the bottom right hand side of my layout. Here's a last look for you.......

Oh so stunning!

I hope the 'clean' look not only compliments the challenge image, but enhances her youth and innocence too! Such a beautiful memory of my sweet girl!

And there you have it! 

That's how I solved the case (with a big help from the gorgeous Bohemian Dream) this month at Color.Stories.Inspiration! Be sure to play along and share your beautiful projects! You could just win an amazing prize ;) 

Thanks so much for visiting today,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: September Free File Friday #2

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for Round 2 of Paper Issues, 

I love all the Free cut files that Paper Issues has on offer! So awesome!
Today's challenge is to use any of these files to document sports and activities - fun!
I decided to document my darling daughter's love of Ballet.....

"Ballet Forever"

Isn't this delicate and divine?!!

I love the softness of the white cut file background layered onto white cardstock!

I have used the super pretty Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Love Always collection and combined it with the dreamy Cloudy Background cut file 

It's a favourite of mine for sure! So dreamy!!! Get yours here

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

Such a dreamy collection! 

Love the delicacy of the vellum butterflies, and those typewriter font Accessory Stickers are always a fave of mine in the Cocoa Vanilla Studio collections!

So very pretty! & perfect for my darling danseur!

I hope I have inspired you to play along!

See all the Paper Issues FREE cut files here

& if you're shopping in the Paper Issues store here

REMEMBER to use my code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend! Yay!

Need more Free File Friday inspiration? 

Check out some amazing projects from the team here

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

Happy Arty Days, 
Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: September Working Title!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends & Fans!

Welcome back for a new round of Paper Issues

Before we get started on the September edition of Working Title,
I just wanted to say how inspired y'all make me feel!
When I see your projects in the challenge albums I am in total awe!
So ThankYOU for participating and keeping our challenges fun, and fabulous!

Speaking of fun, you're going to love how we're working our titles this month;

we're heading somewhere over the RAINBOW!
So sing me a rainbow & play along!

 You can interpret how you wish, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
*use a rainbow of alphas to create your title
*use the word 'rainbow' in your title
*position your title in a rainbow shape
*place your title over a rainbow
*use the rainbow cut file (Magic Spring Unicorn) with your title

I really loved creating for this challenge - here's what I came up with.....

"Live Your Dreams"

Oh this makes me happy!!!

In case you hadn't already guessed it, 

my daughter dreams of being a professional ballerina, so this page is a special one for her 

'journey album' !

I've used a mix of Pink Paislee's Summer Lights and Paige Evans Oh My Heart collections, as well as the Magic Spring Unicorn cut file from the Paper Issues store. 

Let's get a closer look at my title....

Isn't this striking?!! 

I have used a rainbow of Thickers to form my title, and curved it around the rainbow cut file for maximum impact!

I love the result! 

I have also featured a sub title on my layout too.....

The reason for sharing my sub title with you is because it was a chipboard phrase sticker, love your laugh, that I cut with my trusty scissors to better fit my page. 

Yep! Cutting up phrases to create titles (or sub titles) is also a nifty idea to use up that stash!

Anyways, enough chatter! 

I hope you like my layout today & will play along!

I can't wait to see what you 'll create!

Need supplies before you get started?

Use my code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off every.single.time you shop! Yay!

Looking for more inspiration?

See more Working Title creations on the Paper Issues blog here

We HEART all things paper, & LOVE to make new friends, 

so please stop by and say hi! 

You'll find Paper Issues all over the Web:

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Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo