Cocoa Vanilla Studio: 2018 Favorites!

Hi Creative Friends!

Time for my final Cocoa Vanilla Studio post for 2018 - wow! 

Can you believe it's been another year already? 

Time sure does fly when you're having fun! 

As always, we like to wrap up the year by reflecting on our favorite projects & with so many amazing new collections released this year, picking my fave 3 for 2018 has certainly been a challenge! 

It was kinda like being asked to pick your favorite child - just not possible! LOL!

So, instead I randomly selected my favorites for today's post - I hope you like my choices!

First up, is a very pretty page created with the Bohemian Dream collection....

"Happy Days" - Bohemian Dream collection 

See original post HERE

I just love the Bohemian Dream collection, and despite making this layout at the beginning of 2018, this layout is still a firm favorite of mine! I have never scrapbooked with so much purple - EVER! That really says something about the gorgeousness and beauty of this collection. And don't even get me started on all the butterflies, dream catchers, feathers and winged things - la, la, love it all!

Next up is another super pretty layout, this time with the delightful More Than Words collection.....

"Precious" - More Than Words Collection 

See original post HERE

Sigh! Isn't this swoon worthy?!! So very precious, indeed! I adore the softness and innocence of this design. And yes, more butterflies... I can't help myself! More Than Words is such a beautiful and elegant collection!

And last, but by no means least, a boy page to complete my 'random' fave projects.....

Outta This World - You Rock collection

See original post HERE

Isn't this the coolest?!! It's no secret that Cocoa Vanilla Studio create the BEST boy collections around, and You Rock is perhaps my all time favorite of all! Love the woodgrain pattern paper teamed with the cool blue and white - such a fabulous combination!

And there you have it! 3 (out of 11 or so...) of my favorite Cocoa Vanilla Studio creations from this year! I hope you'll click on the links to go back and see them in more detail.

As we look forward to 2019, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish each & every one of you a very safe and Happy New Year! 

Best Wishes!

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 

CSI Challenge: Case File No.255

Hi Everyone! 

There's a fabulous new case file happening over at 

& even better, Cocoa Vanilla Studio are sponsoring this month! 

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to play along! 

Here's what Case File No.255 looks like....

How much fun is this?!!

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

"Cherished Moments"

Isn't she beautiful?! 

The gorgeous Bohemian Dream collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio was the perfect partner to solve the case with! 

I was definitely inspired by the colors and the image of the ballerina - so pretty!

You can see more of this layout, close ups and all the details on how I created it on the 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio Blog on the 13th June 2018.

I hope you feel inspired by my layout, and join the team at CSI and play along to win some very cool prizes!

** Visit the CSI blog HERE to read more about their challenges, and to upload your entry too! **

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

The Cut Shoppe: NSD Challenge No.1 Back A Cutfile!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends! 

Happy {inter} National Scrapbook Day! 

There are so many wonderful things happening to celebrate this awesome weekend of paper crafting awesomeness! 

 The Cut Shoppe are celebrating with a ton of challenges, freebies & even a 50% off sale!  

Needless to say, I just had to join in! 

Challenge No. 1 is to simply back a cut file from The Cut Shoppe - 

here's my take on it....

"Live in the Moment"

Oooooh! So.much.fun!!! 

I have used the super fun Hello Hearts digital cut file, and backed it with my favorite Bohemian Dream collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Just gorgeous!  

To make the cut file 'pop', I have layered it onto that stunning Shimmerz Paints background, and then mounted the hearts onto thick foam for added dimension. 

You'll also spot a few stamps and puffy stickers from the Elle's Studio Noteworthy collection too! 

Love how bright and playful this is! 

Here's a closer look.......

Nawww! Love these two! 

Such a cute photo, and happy memory! 

That background is really something too! 

I have used Shimmerz Paints Dazzlerz in Pucker Up Pink, I Lilac You & Grape-tastic.

The droplets and splatters are created from Shimmerz Paints Sprtiz in Sapphire, & Walkin' A Tight Heliotrope. 

The colors coordinate beautifully with the pattern papers in the Bohemian Dream collection, and really emphasize the Hello Hearts file. 

Love how this turned out & the Hello Hearts cut file is such a dream! 

Get it for 50% off this weekend (thru til May 7th) with the code below....

Visit The Cut Shoppe store HERE 

Love those Shimmerz Paints colors?

Shop all the colors HERE 

& REMEMBER: Type AMANDA in the comments section of your order & you'll receive a FREE paint!  Yesss! 

Thanks so much for visiting today! 

I hope you have an extra creative weekend and get to join in on all the fun! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: April: Free File Free-for-all!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness!
 Today I am sharing my take on the Free Files Free-for-all challenge!

Paper Issues have SO many awesome free cut files for you to download!

One of my all-time favorites is the Cherish Florals set - it looks like this....

So gorgeous, huh?!

So many possibilities from just one file! 

I have used that sweet butterfly for my project today - 

Here's my layout....

"Beautiful" 

Oh isn't this beautiful, indeed!

I have combined our Cherish Florals butterfly with the super pretty Cocoa Vanilla Studio Bohemian Dream collection for this gorgeous mother-daughter page! Love it!

Such a happy day spent with my darling girl! 

To recreate this look, simply enlarge the butterfly and back the cut file with pattern papers. 

Super simple, but oh so effective!

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

That cut file is really something! And teamed with all those pretty blooms, it just shines! 

Those florals are SO pretty!

And who doesn't love a butterfly flair button?!  

Or a chipboard title....

To make my title more visible, I have used Shimmerz Paints: Vibez in Princess beneath it. 

Just gorgeous!

Paper Issues cut files really add that 'wow' factor!

I hope you feel inspired by my creation today! 

If you haven't added this cut file to your library yet, what are you waiting for?!!

You can download this amazing Free File here 

Or download hundreds more from the store in our Free Files section

***Be sure to upload & share your Free File layouts and projects in our 

Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook group HERE*** 

 You'll also go in the draw to win a store Gift Card for every new entry you upload!

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit 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

Shimmerz Paints: All About the Blues!

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for more Shimmerz Paints inspiration!
Instead of focusing on a particular Shimmerz Paint product,
today's post is all about my fave colour; blue!
Here's what I've created ......

"Life Is Good"

Awesomeness!
I took these sweet pics of my darling boy at the beach on Christmas Eve and couldn't wait to document them! So cute! And such happy memories too!
I've used the Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Bohemian Dream collection, and have drawn from all the blues in this line too!
With it being a coastal theme, ombre blues seemed a perfect choice for my background paper.



That Shimmerz Paints background is totally WOW!

Here's how I created it......

I used a scribbles circle stencil in a right alignment position. 

I wanted to create an ombre look with our awesome sprays.

Starting from the top, I misted a row of Spritz: Sapphire, followed by Vibez: Jeni Be Bleu, & lastly Vibez: Cold As Ice. I add a few flicks of paint from each spray nozzle too!

So cool!

While that was drying, I painted up my chippie title .....

I start with good wet coat of Creameez: Boogie Boardin' Blue, and before it dries, I blend in some Inklingz: Me & Blue. This adds more interest to the title, as well as more shimmer & shine! 

To make the title stand out a lil more, I outline the script with a fine line black permanent pen. 

Seriously good! 

I LOVE how effective this looks!

Here's a closer look at my completed page.....

That spritzed background is just so stunning! 

I hope you'll give creating your own Shimmerz Paints background a try!

I think you'll agree that the end result is so worth it!

Need some more Shimmerz Paints before you get started?

Visit the online store HERE

& REMEMBER: Type AMANDA in the comments section of your order (every time you order)

 and you'll receive a bonus shimmery gift! Yay for free paint! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Bohemian Dream HAPPY!

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

Happy New Year! I hope that 2018 brings you and your loved ones much happiness and joy!

And speaking of happy, have I got something delightful on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog to share with you today....

"Happy"

Oh isn't this super pretty!!!

Bohemian Dream is just SO dreamy and divine, that I  just can't get enough of it!

Today I have teamed this gorgeous collection up with the fabulous Colour Me Happy: Geo Heart Cut File. They partner beautifully & I absolutely adore how bright and fun this page is!

I have mounted my 11" x 11" white cardstock onto that colourful, patchwork style patterned paper, CV-BD004 BEAUTIFUL MESS and machine stitched it into position. It's really playful and lends itself to the 'happy' vibe of the layout.  That awesome Geo Heart has been backed with the CV-BD005 DREAMER pattern paper from the6 x 6 PAPER PAD, and then embellished with DIE CUT EPHEMERA blooms.

I have snipped one of the cute DIE CUT EPHEMERA frames into half, and layered it beneath my darling photograph. I attach them both to the Geo Heart and continue to embellish the photo cluster and cut file.  You'll spy ACCESSORY STICKERS, DIE CUT EPHEMERA and FLAIR with my photo, as well CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS on both of them.

I complete my layout with more ephemera pieces and that stunning butterfly chippie! Final finishing touches are the sequins and my hand coloured twine. Perfection!

Let's take a better look.....

How stunning is the ombre CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER title, 'HAPPY'?! It reminds me of a beautiful sunset and the yellow contrasts beautifully with the purple tones of the DREAMER paper. Here's another view of it...

It's really pretty!!! As are the surrounding blooms and butterflies!

To create gentle dimension on this 'clean' look, I use mounted tape on one of the blooms, fold and elevate the wings of the die cut ephemera, and use a CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER butterfly for interest. I also add my own hand coloured twine creating flow and texture too!

 I am just LOVING those CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS - those blooms are just the prettiest!

How divine!!! The sentiment (& ombre font) of the FLAIR BUTTON is the perfect adornment to my beautiful photograph! LOVE it!

A really simple design and yet oh so pretty!

Those ACCESSORY STICKERS are such a fabulous touch too!

Just beautiful!

I think you can see why I am still totally swooning over Bohemian Dream!

& I hope I have  inspired you to continue creating with it too!

Thanks so much for visiting today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Shimmerz Paints: Inklingz & New Year Intentions!

Hi Creative Friends!

Time for my first Shimmerz Paints Social Team share of the New Year!
Yay!!!
It's no secret how much I LOVE these awesome paints!
And speaking of New Year, today's creation is all about my intentions for 2018....

"Unique & Lovely"



Stay Unqiue
Be Lovely
& most of all
Take Time To Stop & Smell The Roses

Great intentions, and even better when combined with our favourite Shimmerz Paints INKLINGZ!

What are Inklingz? 

Inklings are solid, dry, gorgeously shimmering watercolors that are activated by water. They are non toxic and acid free. Their pigments are evenly distributed and intense.

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

Oh swoon! Doesn't this just scream SPRING?!!
Loving all those pretty blooms!
And just look at the shimmer and sheen on those hand coloured roses!!!
DIVINE!
I've used Cocoa Vanilla Studio's Bohemian Dream line, & a Paper Issues Free File for this layout too!

Here's how I created this gorgeous piece....

I may *cough cough* have a thing for all the florals....

I decided to create my own 'floral' background paper with the Paper Issues FREE cut file: Rosey Posey. I used my Silhouette Sketch Pen in Pink to outline the file. 

I then did a quick plan of my page (shown above) and colour matched my Inklingz to the die cut ephemera sentiment, "Be Yourself Colourfully AND Bravely" 

The Inklingz I selected are:

Coral Reef

Sun Kissed

Beets Me

Pink A Boo

Meet Me @Sunset

And you can purchase them individually or all together (with a few extra colours)  in the 

PEARL SET 

I really wanted to replicate that die cut, so I painted my roses not only in the matching colours but also in that diagonal design......

To add a lil more interest, I flick some of the Inklingz, as well as 

Vibez: Razzeldazzel Berry & Sweet Heart over the roses.

The final painty touch is the treatment of that chippie title, unique & lovely. 

I didn't want to distract away from the high shine Inklingz roses, so I half painted the title using Creameez: Sky's The Limit (Still shimmering but not as intense) 

The result is super pretty.....

Unique & Lovely, indeed! 

 

The rest of my layout is a few cleverly positioned die cut ephemera blooms and a sprinkling of sequins! Love it! 

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

Oh the high sheen on those roses is to die for!

Swoon!!!! Oh-so-pretty!

Inklingz are Aaaaah-mazing pots of shimmery goodness!

I hope I have inspired you to give them a try today!

REMEMBER: Type AMANDA in the comments section of your Shimmer Paints store order 

& you'll receive a lil painty gift! Yay for free paint!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Bohemian Dreams & Happy Days!

Hi Creative Friends!

Time for a lil more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!
While we eagerly await the all NEW More Than Words collection, I have another stunning design with Bohemian Dream to keep you inspired!
 'Cause let's be honest, I still can't get enough of this gorgeous line!!!

"Happy Days"

Oh.WOW!!! Isn't this just something?!!

It's no secret that I LOVE all the pretty things, but this collection, well let's just say it makes me swoon each and everytime I create with it! It's hard to go wrong with something this beautiful! 
LOVE it all!!!

For this design, I start with a 12 x 12 white cardstock base, and begin by adding paper strips in BD-005 DREAMER to both the left and right sides of my layout. 
This is one of my absolute favourite papers! So pretty AND versatile! 
As my photo 'looks' to the left, I decide to position it onto the right to encourage visual flow. 
So, with this in mind, the main feature of my layout is on the right hand side. I use some complimentary purple Shimmerz Paints (Vibez Princess & Razzledazzel Berry ) to create my mixed media base and then embellish, embellish, embellish!

Here's a closer look....

Oh this really is divine!!!

Inspired by that incredible dreamcatcher CHIPBOARD STICKER, I fussy cut a larger one from pattern paper CV-BD006 BOHO BITS. To make this fussy cut one look more impressive, I foam mount that you are amazing DIE CUT EPHEMERA onto it. 
Feathers and gems are now part of my developing theme, and so I continue to add more of them into my layout! 
You'll also notice that I create my own hanging mobile feathers too!
 I use a delicate lilac tulle ribbon, and glue it underneath that chippie dreamcatcher.
 At the base of the ribbon, I attach those DIE CUT EPHEMERA feathers - so pretty!!!

Such a simple idea, but oh so effective!

As we travel down the right side, we encounter more birds. That FLAIR BUTTON bird is the sweetest! And the birdy adorning my CHIPBOARD STICKER photo frame - well that has also been fussy cut from pattern paper CV-BD006 BOHO BITS. That pattern paper is so awesome!

And all winged things belong together, right? So I include a few butterflies (VELLLUM & DIE CUT EPHEMERA) for good measure.

What a Gem! 
I add a sprinkling of ENAMEL SHAPES and sequins to unite this magical, whimsical notion of dreamcatchers and gems. 
The Happy Days ACCESSORY STICKER tucks in under those feathers beautifully and forms my layout title.

That CHIPBOARD STICKER butterfly is SO gorgeous that I use its smaller DIE CUT EPHEMERA counterpart to complete the right side of my design.

Before we move on, 
let's just take a closer look at that distressed woodgrain framed photo .....

Eeeep! That's me 
(I know, I am really trying to make the effort to feature in more photos this year) 
with my beautiful daughter! 
We were having a 'girls day' and having so much fun! Love it! 
That CHIPBOARD STICKER frame is the perfect accent to my photo. I love the white distressed woodgrain - it adds texture without any fuss! 
Heart this moment, indeed! 
The typewriter font ACCESSORY STICKERS are always my go to for journaling. I really prefer them over my own messy handwriting & they're so easy to apply!

Moving to the left now, and you'll immediately spot that butterfly!
 Yes, it's the same as the chippie one on the right.....

I just loved it so much that, yes you guessed it,  I fussy cut it out from my new fave paper, CV-BD006 BOHO BITS. 
Are you needing this pattern paper yet?!!  I know I've ordered more ;) 
I mounted the butterfly onto that circular ACCESSORY STICKER and added a few more ENAMEL SHAPES & sequins. So pretty! 
I then add my remaining die cuts. 
Those printed tabs just perfect for embellishing that paper strip with! A heart, and last but by no means least, one more butterfly to keep with the whimsy!

And there you have it!

A super stunning layout that really takes advantage of our fabulous embellishments and pattern paper, BOHO BITS!

I hope I have inspired you!

Thanks for visiting!
til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo