Elle's Studio: April Sketch Day!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back to the Happy Arty Days blog!

I am so excited to share today's fabulous sketch for Elle's Studio!

It's such a fun design, and I've even made a process video of this one too 

but before I get too carried away, here's what the sketch looks like...

Told you it was fun! Love this!

Sketches are a great way to remove the 'I don't know where to start' vibes, or even loosen up a design block! They discourage overthinking, and allow us to just simply enjoy the creative process! Here's what I created,

"Love This"

Love this, indeed!

Elle's Studio Supplies: April Kit, April Labels, Beautiful Day Die Cuts, Office Label Stickers, Life Right Now Stickers, Lovely Puffy Stickers, & Flourish 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack. 

Other Supplies: Bazzill cardstock - avalanche, watercolors, sewing machine, cotton thread, & doily.

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

Gosh, this is so pretty!!!

The colors and designs in the April Kit are really something!

When it comes to creating with a sketch, I always approach it with my photograph as the focus. For this particular layout, my photograph encouraged me to rotate the sketch by 90 degrees. You'll notice that my darling girl is positioned on the right hand side of my photo, & looking out to the left. By rotating the sketch I was able to compliment the movement in my photo, and flatter the directional flow. 

My photograph also dictated the color scheme for my layout too! 

When I looked through the April Kit note cards and the Flourish 6 x 8.5" Paper Stack papers I noticed that there were lots of coral & vermilion reds, peach, and mauve patterns which were not only really pretty, but also complimented my photo. The 'let the good times roll' sentiment card was the perfect descriptor of the memory associated with the photo plus it was also a clever camouflage to hide the join of the butted together pattern papers

 (A great trick for maximizing the 6 x 8.5" papers for 12 inch scrapbook pages).

At this point in my creating, I decided to 'mix things up' again and I rotated that sentiment card back to its original position. I diverted from the original sketch to make the design work better for me, and my storytelling. And that's the great thing about sketches - they get you 'started', but there's no rules and you can make it what you want! 

To add a bit more interest to my page, I machine stitched & foam mounted the mauve pattern paper layer. This soft and subtle texture really lifted the design. I also foam mounted my photo cluster for added dimension. Following on from the sketch, I embellished with lots of the Beautiful Day Die Cut florals, and Lovely Puffy Stickers. 

I mimicked the banner at the top of the original sketch with the floral banner note card, which I further embellished with more of the Lovely Puffy Stickers and some cotton twine. 

For finishing touches, I ventured away from the sketch once more. I featured a bit of journaling with the Life Right Now Stickers, and the Lovely Puffy Stickers and added lots of watercolor splatters to complete the look. 

For a more detailed approach including all the paper measurements, and to hear more of my thoughts on creating from a sketch, please watch my process video here: 

Or watch in Full HD HERE 

I hope you enjoyed watching my video and feel inspired to create along with today's sketch! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

The Cut Shoppe: Love Layout & Process Video!

Hi Creative Friends! 

Welcome to the Happy Arty Days blog! 

 I am so super dee duper excited to be sharing my first official project for 

 Yayyy!!! 

I LOVE The Cut Shoppe digital cut files, and have been wanting to be part of this awesome team for a long time. 

Hooray for dreams coming true! 

Such an amazing opportunity - I hope I'll inspire you!

Today's layout is all about putting the focus back on your photographs, 

and the Piece Of My Heart cut file certainly does that and more! 

Here's what I'm talkin' 'bout......

"Love" 

Sigh! Isn't this just the sweetest?!! 

All the pretty, girly things here! 

Here's a better look at the cut file......

Piece Of My Heart Cut File

Get this awesome file from The Cut Shoppe HERE

This file is an absolute dream to create with! 

With no intricate or tricky cuts, this file cuts out super fast! With its large, clean cut boxes you can see how it really puts the emphasis back onto your photos!

 And if you're a lil time poor (aren't we all, these days?!) it's also super quick to back! 

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

I have used the Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes: Flourish collection, as well as a few bits n pieces from the Willow Lane line, accessory stickers from Cocoa Vanilla Studio & my favourite Shimmerz Paints - for a gentle hint of color and shine! 

So lovely, indeed! 

You'll spy that I foam mounted the Piece Of My Heart cut file for added dimension & interest!

Such a fabulous cut file for my beautiful girl! 

Want to know more about how this layout came together? 

Please watch my process video  HERE 

Also includes my thoughts on layout design, page elements, and why I didn't choose to back this file with multiple pattern papers (& it isn't what you might expect!) 

I hope you'll enjoy watching! 

Thanks so  much for visiting today!

I hope you're feeling inspired to use the Piece Of My Heart cut file!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Spellbinders: August Guest Designer!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Die-cutting inspiration & fun! 

I am super duper excited to be guest designing again this month for the amazing team at Spellbinders! 

I love their fabulous product range and couldn't wait to create with more of their intricate metal dies. 

If you didn't see my first Guest Designer projects, 

you can check them all out HERE. 

For today's post, I received two gorgeous die sets to create with.....

Shapeabilities Sew Sweet Trims set 

from the Sew Sweet Collection by Tammy Tutterow

& 

Shapeabilities Posies and Pennies set

also from the Sew Sweet Collection by Tammy Tutterow

Aren't they both divine?!!

So many creative possibilities with both these dies! 

Here's what I have created.....

Sigh! Aren't they the prettiest?!!

So.much.gorgeousness!!!

I have combined the Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes: Flourish collection with these incredible dies for both of these dreamy cards!

The pink and mint color scheme is just divine! 

Let's take a closer look at them both....

"Hello Beautiful"

Hello beautiful, indeed!

For this card, I used the scalloped die to create the fancy 'trim' on my patterned paper card base. 

I then combined white cardstock & the faux stitched rectangle die to create my foam mounted card base. 

I die cut a mix of green pattern paper leaves, as well as a variety of the flowers. I layer the smaller flowers into the larger ones for added dimension & embellish the centers with buttons.

I use the small flag die as a banner, and anchor it with my card sentiment.  

For finishing touches, I add cotton floss, buttons and a tiny chipboard heart to complete this sweet greeting card!

Just gorgeous!

The second card is just as sweet.....

Oh.my.heart!!!

This is my kinda happy mail! So very beautiful!

 I combine both die sets for this pretty card!

I feature the scallop base for the fancy card front, & then embellish it with the Sew Sweet Trim. This particular trim is a fave of mine because, as you can see, it allows you to thread your ribbon through it! 

Talk about being both clever and pretty! 

Simple & sweet cards that will bring smiles to all who receive them! 

And speaking of smiles.... 

While I was originally typing this post, my sweet girl asked me to create a card for her to give.

In her own words, 'it needs to be fresh, young and fun - for a thirteen year old girl. And not too cutesy either' lol! She really makes me laugh! 

So I very quickly whipped up this 'young & fun' card using both die sets & the Pebbles Patio Party collection....

"Enjoy the Little Things" 

Fun, yes?! 

I hope she liked it! 

& there you have it! 

A few quick, & easy but oh so lovely cards with Spellbinders Dies!

Feeling inspired?

See more carfty ideas in the Spellbinders store HERE

Thanks so much for visiting today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Spellbinders Guest Designer!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends! 

I am so honoured (& a tad super excited) to be a Guest Designer this month for Spellbinders!

Spellbinders create the most beautiful and intricate metal dies - I LOVE them all!

For my post today, I am using the following dies.....

Shapeabilities Flowers Whisper 

Etched Dies Good Vibes Only Collection by Stephanie Low

& 

Shapeabilities Leaves So Very Gorgeous

Etched Dies Good Vibes Only Collection by Stephanie Low 

I know, how pretty!!!

And so many creative possibilities too!

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

Oh sigh! Aren't these cards just divine!?!!

I told you they are the most intricate and beautiful die cut designs! 

*Swoon!*

Let's take a closer look at each card.....

For my 'deer' love..... 

For this card I use the Crate Paper Maggie Holmes: Flourish collection, ribbon and Nuvo Drops in Bubblegum pink as well as both of the Etched Dies. 

You'll see that I have cut the Flowers Whisper die multiple times to create layers and dimension for that focal flower. I strongly recommend using a fine line glue for adhering those tinier, fiddly pieces together. I foam mount this feature flower onto the Leaves So Very Gorgeous die. The leaves are cut in white cardstock and I partially inlay them for added interest. 

Simple, pretty, layered dies! Love it! 

For my second card, "Grow with Love", I use the same papercraft supplies but also use the 

Spellbinders PLATINUM PK 3 poster board. 

Hard to believe, but this gold foil card cuts like buttah!!!

Amazing!

For this card I use the other leaf flourish from the Leaves So Very Gorgeous set. I repeat cut it, and layer the two gold leaves with a white cardstock one.

 Lovely layers for beautiful results!

Absolutely Stunning! 

And because these dies are just SO pretty, I had to make one more card.....

Nothing says delicate beauty more than Cocoa Vanilla Studio!
I have used their More Than Words collection for this soft and pretty thankyou card.
This time, I cut the Leaves So Very Gorgeous die in pattern paper, and attacked it with my scissors!
Yes - all those leaves are all from the one die cut! Cut your die cuts to create new looks! Such a cool idea & doesn't it look lovely?!!

So very thankful to Spellbinders for having me Guest Design for them!

I hope I have inspired you to visit the Spellbinders Store HERE and see more of their incredible products!

Thanks so much for visiting,
til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 
Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: June: Put It On An Angle

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with my take on the 

Put It On An Angle challenge!



As the name suggests, this challenge is all about featuring a visual angle on your layout!
So super fun and easy to play along with; even the slightest tilt counts!

I couldn't wait to get creating for this!

Here's what I came up with to inspire you....

"Lovely" 

She's truly lovely at any angle! 

Sigh! Such a pretty page for my sweet girl!

You'll spy the beautiful Maggie Holmes Flouirsh collection, as well as Nuvo Drops in Bubblegum Pink and Gold, and that divine  6x6 Stencil from Carta Bella. 

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

So many gorgeous details, layers and pretty embellishments! 

I even machine stitched and stamped on this layout too! 

I am especially loving the vellum ephemera pieces, including my title Lovely. 

Seriously, you can hardly even tell it's vellum! So beautifully designed!

And while we're looking so closely, take a peak at those Nuvo Drops! 

Enamel dots for years! Absolutely loving them! 

I now need a bottle in every color - SO good! 

You'll also spy lots of pretty Die Cut Epemera pieces tucked in and around my angled photo cluster. 

Beneath it all is that fabulous gold stamped stencil, which I also applied on an angle to keep my design cohesive and easy to look at. 

All those Flourish pretties!!! 

And there you have it! 

My very feminine and pretty take on the Put It On An Angle challenge! 

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

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE 

*** Code AMANDA will always save you $$$ at checkout ***

Thanks so much for visiting today! 

Be sure to play along with all our super fun challenges in the 

Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook group HERE 

Hope I've inspired you to get creative today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo