Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Throwback Thursday with More Than Words!

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for another installment of the Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Throw Back Thursday feature!

Today I am taking you back to 2018 with 

the gorgeous More Than Words collection and a very sweet 'mom & son' page,

"Wonderful Moments"

Talk about sweet, this melts my heart! Such a happy moment documented! And maybe another twist on my love for the monochromatic designs ;)

Lots of lovely layers here, starting with the reverse side of CV-MT003 GOSSAMER as my layout base. I layer over this pretty black floral paper with a sheet of pale blue cardstock. I distress, peel back, and staple this cardstock into place to reveal the CV-MT003 GOSSAMER base. This is such an effective technique, as it creates both texture & interest, as well as a masculine touch to these pretty papers!

To these two background bases, I layer a cut file (Geometric Art courtesy of The Cut Shoppe) which I semi back with the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD version of the GOSSAMER paper. To the cut file, I add embellishments galore, and of course, my photo cluster! So many pretty layers! Let's take a closer look......

Absolutely LOVE this photo of me & my boy! 

I embellish the cut file with a mix of DIE CUT EPHEMERA, CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS, ENAMEL SHAPES, & even ACCESSORY STICKERS. I start my design from the top of the cut file, & travel down the page focusing on my photo cluster in the center. The 'wonderful' CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER was the perfect title choice for my darling photo! But my title doesn't end there! As your eye moves down my layout, you'll find the remainder of my title beneath my photograph....

Unforgettable, & Wonderful are fussy cut labels from pattern paper CV-MT006 TREASURE, and Moments is from the CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS. Such a fun mixed title & I just adore all the tucked in pieces surrounding my photo! Layered perfection!

Here's a better look at my title and central photo....

That layering beneath my photo is just stunning! 

You'll spy more cuts from pattern paper, CV-MT006 TREASURE, as well as ACCESSORY STICKERS, more CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS, DIE CUT EPHEMERA & that divine VELLUM ACCENTS feather!  I love that bold pop of blue, it really brings attention to my photo!

Here's another view for you....

Just gorgeous!

I tuck a few white cotton floss threads into the photo cluster too!  For more interest & a finishing touch, I also add a few watercolor splatters as well! LOVE it!

More Than Words might be a girly, feminine collection but it is still perfect for scrapping the boys too! 

I hope you enjoyed my edition of Throw Back Thursday, 

& feel inspired to get creating with your older Cocoa Vanilla Studio stash too!

Thanks so much for visiting today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Wanderlust

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio awesomeness!

 Today I am sharing a super fun, BIG title, BIG impact, boy layout with the fabulous new 

BOYS RULE collection.  

Here's my layout,

"Wanderlust"

Yay! I love a big title, and backed with the awesome BOYS RULE papers - well, it just doesn't get any better than this! Love it! And speaking of love, how cute is my little adventurer in the photo?! Such a cool lil guy! One Of A Kind, indeed!

My layout begins with the reverse side of pattern paper, CV-BR008 ENTITLED for the base. I trim white cardstock to 11"x11" and stitch it to the base. Next, I cut the Paige Evans Wanderlust cut file from the Silhouette Store, enlarging it to 11 1/2" high. I back the letters with what looks like lots of different papers; but it's actually ALL from pattern paper CV-BR004 FUN & GAMES. How cool is that?! I love the varying designs within the one paper - SO many creative possibilities!

Here's a closer look....

Loving all those cool patterns! The woodgrain hyphen is from the reverse side of this paper too! So much awesome from one sheet of paper! To add to it's impact, I embellish the large pattern paper title with CHIPBOARD PIECES and DIE CUT & MISCELLANY EPHEMERA.

I also machine stitch the black sentiment tags onto the layout. Lots of messy threads, texture and a little bit of 'raw' on this otherwise clean design.

How cool is that CHIPBOARD PIECES skull n crossbones icon?!! All kinds of awesome!

Let's take a closer look at my photo cluster.....

You'll spy that I have layered my photo onto a combination of MISCELLANY & DIE CUT EPHEMERA. Between these layers, I slide a few ACCESSORY STICKERS too! But it's the FLAIR BUTTON adorning my photo that I just can't get enough of! King Of The World - just perfect!

Below my photo I also include  the 'boy' CLEAR STICKER, and that awesome die cut too!

For finishing touches, I add more random cotton threads, and those dimensional black drops. Simple. Striking & Oh-so-fun!

I am absolutely loving creating with the new BOYS RULE line, & I am sure you will too!

Thanks so much for visiting today,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Outta This World!!!

Hi Creative Friends!

 I am super excited for the latest COCOA VANILLA STUDIO: Boys Rule collection to arrive!

Omgoodness - it's SO good! 

And I am feeling all inspired to create more masculine layouts!

So for today's post, 

I am sharing a really fun boy layout with our previous masculine collections; You ROCK & Totally RAD. 

Just to get us back in the groove...so to speak!

Enough chatter, here's my boy page....

"Outta This World!!!"

How awesome is this?!!

When it comes to creating masculine pages, I just love the inclusion of woodgrain papers and wooden veneers! And as you'll see, my layout design was totally inspired by that fabulous DIE CUT EPHEMERA piece You are my WORLD.  

My boy isn't just MY world though - he's completely Outta This World!

My layout begins with a simple 12 x 12 inch white cardstock base, to which I add that fabulous woodgrain pattern paper CV-YR008 PLUS ONE (reverse side). I use a half inch x 12 inch trim on the left hand side, and a 4 1/2 inch x 12 inch length to the right hand side of my page.

I use a globe cut file to enhance the 'world' theme (it's called It's A Beautiful World, from Paper Issues) & I back it with pattern paper CV-YR007 EXPERIMENTAL  .The ombre blues in this paper are perfect for recreating the ocean look! This globe becomes the centerpiece of the layout design, and draws you into that sweet photo!

 And the rest is just super fun embellishing! My Favorite Part!

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

How incredible is that WOOD VENEER SHAPES sub title, You ROCK?!! I couldn't resist using it - it's just so perfect! I also use a few of the stars from this pack to scatter on my page. Love them all!

Speaking of wooden titles, my layout title is created from those awesome TOTALLY RAD ALPHABET STICKERS - the woodgrain appearance coordinates beautifully with the veneers and pattern paper!

My photograph is layered onto a few fun DIE CUT EPHEMERA pieces, as well as that fun pattern paper, CV-YR006 RANDOM. I then embellish it with that fun RUBBER CHARM, and FLAIR BUTTON. 

And let's not forget that CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER sentiment.....

Super, indeed!!!

You'll also notice that I use the globe base as a track for my ACCESSORY STICKERS journaling - so cool! The typewriter font stickers are my favourites! Simple, uncomplicated and with the perfect phrases and sentiments! For added interest, I also add a few black dots from the ENAMEL SHAPES pack.

And there's that inspirational DIE CUT EPHEMERA piece! I've mounted it onto some foam tape for added dimension. Inspiration is everywhere in the You ROCK line!

Officially Amazing!!!

When it comes to scrapping the boys, Cocoa Vanilla Studio has ALWAYS got you covered! 

And when the previous lines are this awesome, well... I just can't wait to get the new Boys Rule line!!!

I hope I have inspired you today! & maybe reminded you to scrap your stash of

Totally RAD & You ROCK too!

If you're quick, you might snare the last few papers and embellishments from these cool lines in the shop HERE

Thanks so much for visiting 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 

Paper Issues: January Sketchy Saturday!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with January edition of

Yay! I love a good sketch to spark up my creativity 

& 

here's what the January sketch looks like.....

So.much.fun!

I decided to mirror reflect the sketch for my take on it.....

"FUN"

Totally awesome!

Love this cool kid and his free,wild spirit! 

I snapped this shot on Christmas Eve and couldn't wait to scrap it - he really is the happiest lil guy to hang out with! We have such a blast at the beach together!

I have used Pink Paislee's Wild Child collection for my layout, as well as some Shimmerz Paints for that watercolour wash background. 

I switched the doilies in the sketch for a large tag and super cute ephemera card.

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

Just chillin', indeed! 

Such a cool boy collection!

So many awesome embellishments in this line!

 Perfect for my fun, everyday moments captured, kinda page! Love it!

What will you create with the sketch?

I can't wait to see your take on it!

Need supplies before you start?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE 

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

Looking for more Sketchy Saturday inspiration?

See what the rest of our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for visiting today - 

I really appreciate all your encouragement & support!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November Sketchy Saturday!

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for the November edition of 

I love playing along with this challenge, and today's sketch is a super fun grid!

Check it out....

Awesome, huh?!

Here's what I've created for it, 

"Stay Awesome"

SO cool!!!

I have used the stunning Pinkfresh Studio: Escape The Ordinary collection for my fun take!

So many fabulous patterns and colours in this line!

And it's not just their papers I'm in love with - 

Pinkfresh Studio have a way with words!

 The sentiment phrases and journal cards always resonate with my life stories perfectly.

Love it!

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

LOVE this paper!!! 

It's called Chase and I have turned it 90 degrees,

 so I could feature those arrows at the top of my page. 

& how perfect are those coordinating arrow chipboard stickers?!!

So good!

"I am such a fan of you"

See what I mean about the sentiments? Perfect for my boy!

Lots of cool layers in each square in the grid design. 

You'll note that I still featured the tag on the first square of this sketch, 

but I also added my photo too!

The tag is from the Layered Tag set, there are so many fun tags in the pkt!

Here's a quick look at my large title....

Those alphas are the BEST!!!

Hope you liked my fun take on this sketch - now it's your turn to play along!

Needing some Pinkfresh Studio before you get started?!

Get yours in the Paper Issues store here

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

Looking for a lil more Sketchy inspiration? 

See what the rest of our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: October Sketchy Saturday

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with this month's edition of 

Here's this month's incredible sketch.....

Awesome, huh?!

I couldn't wait to play along!

Here's my take on it.....

"FIVE"

Omgoodness! 5?!!! 

When did Mr A for Awesome become a 5yr old boy?!! 

Finding it hard to let go of him not being a baby anymore...lol!

Moving on though... 

How fun is this take on the sketch?!!

I have used American Crafts' Shimelle: Glitter Girl collection. 

Who would've thought that such a girly line could be so masculine too?

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

LOVING those teal Sparkle PhraseThickers & the golden veneer-like Marquee Thickers too! 

Perfect for bold titles! 

You'll also spy that super cute Enamel Charm camera ......

Isn't it fun?!!

And what about those Shaker Stickers!!!!

This collection has ALL the new look embellies! & I am loving them!

See all the stunning pattern papers in this range here

Hope my take has inspired you today!

Get all your Shimelle in the Paper Issues store here

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

Looking for more Sketchy inspiration?
See what our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Hello Awesome!

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for my second DT project of the month with Cocoa Vanilla Studio!
 Today I have an awesome You ROCK layout for you!

 I am sharing a simple,
 'less is more' kind of a page,
with a real emphasis on my photograph! Hope you like it!

Here's my layout,

"Hello Awesome"

Hello Awesome, indeed! What a cutie!

For those of you who aren't familiar, my sweet boy is known as our Mister A for Awesome. So that WOOD VENEER SHAPES title is a perfect match & descriptor!

With such an adorable photo, it was important to keep it as the real focus of my scrapbook page. I've opted for a simple vertical design for my layout, centering my photograph to draw your eye in! The colours and textures are drawn from my photo too - so lots of warmth and wooden accents over my white cardstock base.

The woodgrain pattern paper, (reverse side) CV-YR008 PLUS ONE, has been rotated so that the grain follows the same direction as the tree trunk in my photo. It is then paired with the reverse sides of pattern papers, CV-YR001 STARSHINE  & CV-YR002 IN LINE 
The deep blue pulls from Mr A's jumper colour, and the warm yellows play on the Autumn/Fall leaves at the base of the photo. Simple, but so effective!

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

Starting from the top and working down the page, I have that divine woodgrain pattern as the base.  I have added a subtitle with that super cute DIE CUT EPHEMERA Limited Edition and mounted this on foam tape for extra dimension & interest.

 I have positioned an ACCESSORY STICKERS tag beneath my photo, and veneer hello to break up the wooden elements and add a spot of colour. A few scattered ENAMEL SHAPES complete the top section of my design.

Travelling down, we have the second and third layer of pattern paper trim, as well as my layered photograph....

Omgoodness! This photo is truly cuteness overload! I love that I managed to capture such a natural look with the light in his eyes, and the dirt on his cheek! So super cute!

But enough of that, let's get back to the layering beneath the photo!

You'll notice that I double up on the bunting flag ACCESSORY STICKERS  to create a sense of symmetry to photo placement, so yes, it is two sheets of ACCESSORY STICKERS to create this look (but honestly, I go through two to three sheets of stickers every collection, so no drama to have an extra sheet on hand to recreate this look, right? ) ;)

Where did I get that stunning yellow striped paper I hear you ask?
Good question. Firstly, it isn't paper.
 It's a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame.
And secondly, I snipped it into half and attached each piece to the underside of my photo to create the illusion of a new pattern paper.
Such a cool trick when you're working with a distinct colour palette and need another pattern paper option!

As we approach the base of my scrapbook layout, the yellow ephemera arrows direct your attention to the second half of my WOOD VENEER SHAPES title.....

Totally awesome!
And how about that FLAIR BUTTON?!!
That crown on the top is such a cool detail for my lil man!
 More scattered ENAMEL SHAPES embellish the page, and then I have a  1/2 inch paper strip of reverse side CV-YR002 IN LINE on the very bottom of the layout.
To keep with the vertical and balanced look, the paper strip is adorned with a WASHI TAPE STICKER and a finishing touch ACCESSORY STICKER - Officially Amazing in the center.

And there you have it!
A clean, simple look with lots of impact!

I do hope that my layout has inspired you today!

I LOVE the You ROCK collection - it really is perfection for scrapping the boys!

Be sure to get yours here before it's all gone!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 
Amanda xo