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 

Pebbles: New Year's Resolutions with Happy Hooray!

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

 I trust that you all had a very Merry Christmas and are now preparing for all the New Year festivities! 

One of my resolutions this year is to inspire my daughter with a new scrapbook album that offers inspiration, affirmations and general messages for strength and gratitude. For the first page of her album, I wanted to remind her of her own resolutions for the year; to be brave, live fully and be bold!

The Pebbles Happy Hooray collection is so bright, and playful, and just perfect for this happy message layout!

Isn't this fabulous?! Live (color)fully, I say!

I begin my layout with that fabulous diagonal stripe paper, Rainbowtastic! I trim this paper to the 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch size, and then cut my white cardstock to 7 1/2 inch by 10 inch. Before I attach the two sheets together, I use the Silhouette Cameo Sketch Pens to draw my title in pink ink. 

I then hand colour my sketch pen title with watercolor paints, which I try to color match with the patterned paper. I add a gentle flick of pink and blue paint for interest. 

Once dry, I use my sewing machine to stitch the cardstock to the pattern paper.

I embellish the top of my layout with the Thicker Stickers banners, as well as that super cute Die Cut speech bubble! And decorate the title with a couple Die Cut stars.

My photo is 2 1/2 inch by 3 inch size, and is mounted onto pattern papers, Beary Sweet and Eat Cake. I partially secure it down with a strip of the rainbow striped Happy Hooray Washi Tape, and use my favourite Sticky Thumb Marathon Runner tape to finish the job.

 Foam Dots are added to my sentiment Die Cut, and positioned onto my photograph as a subtitle. Celebrate life! 

And nothing says celebrate more than scattered confetti sprinkles!

 (aren't those Enamel Sprinkle Stickers the best?!!!) 

My final touch is to use my Typecast Typewriter to print my 'be bold' sentiment. Perfect!

Such a beautiful page for my darling daughter! I hope it has inspired you to start thinking of your resolutions for 2018, and how to document them.

Happy New Year!

Thanks for stopping by!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Supplies:

Happy Hooray Rainbowtastic 732391

Happy Hooray Beary Sweet 732426

Happy Hooray Eat Cake 732580

Happy Hooray Thickers Stickers Phrases & Banners 732617

Happy Hooray Ephemera Cardstock Die-Cuts 732619

Happy Hooray Washi Tape 732628

Happy Hooray Enamel Stickers Sprinkles 732625

We R Typecast Typewriter 663062

American Crafts Textured Cardstock White 71081

American Crafts Sticky Thumb Marathon Runner & Refill 342038

American Crafts Sticky Thumb Dimensional Adhesive Foam Dots 340272

Pinkfresh Studio Boys Fort Blog Hop

Hi Creatives! 

Welcome to the Pinkfresh Studio Boys Fort Blog Hop!

Seriously, let's hear it for the boys with this masculine and edgy collection!
And you're going to LOVE the prize up on offer for this hop!
You can win this entire collection!

***2 winners will be announced on Wednesday Sept. 14th 2017 on the Pinkfresh Studio blog and both winners will received the entire Boys Fort collection!
The winners will be randomly selected and it is a requirement that they leave a comment of each blog in the hop!
Commenting closes at 11.59pm CST Friday Sept. 8th 2017***

----------------------------

If you've just arrived here from the super talented Anna Kossakovskaya's blog, then you're in the right place!
If not, here's the complete blog hop list for you so you don't miss anyone - remember that you'll need to visit and comment on every blog listed to be eligible for the prize draw!

Blog Hop Order:

Start here--->  1. Pinkfresh Studio Blog
2. Anna Kossakovskaya
You are here---> 3. Amanda-jayne Baldwin
4. Ashley Horton 
5. Flóra Mónika Farkas
6. Adrienne Alvis
7. Kathleen Graumüller
8. Veera Saarivuo
9. Bea Valint
10. Elsie Robinson

11. Evelyn Pratiwi Yusuf

Here's my layout for you....

"Boys Rule"

Isn't this fun and fabulous?!!

I love this cool lil guy and it's so awesome to have a great masculine line to scrapbook his stories & photos with! 

I have used patterned paper TOUGH on one half of my layout, and given it some edge with double coloured zig zag stitching to make it appear even more msculine! A light layer of watercolours adorns the other half of my page, really allowing for TOUGH to be a strong design feature, and hero of the page. 

My sweet boy photo is backed with 6 x 6 PAPER PACK papers, and a thick layer of cardboard for extra dimension. 

The rest of this layout is all about playing with embellishments!

And boy oh boy, are these new embellies fun!

I la la LOVE the new FABRIC PENNANTS, & mounted mine on skewers to create the appearance of flags that help to frame my photo!

I'm also loving the wooden elements too! 

The WOOD BUTTON STICKERS are super cool, and are a much bolder alternative to sequins or enamel dots, but it's the SCREEN PRINTED WOOD STICKERS that are my new faves!!! 

Rad & Awesome indeed!!!

And how about those CHIPBOARD ALPHA STICKERS?!! 

The mismatched font size, and grey hue make these perfect for scrapping the boys with!

Boys Fort is definitely a collection for the strong, bold and rad men in our lives 

& compliments all those masculine moments! 

Hope my layout has inspired you today!

Please remember to leave a comment to be eligible for the prize.

Time to send you hopping on to the incredibly inspiring Ashley Horton's blog here!

Have fun & Goodluck with the prize draw too!

Thanks so much for hopping by!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

It's All About COLOR Exciting News!!!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

I am SO super dee duper excited to share this incredible news!!!

I am joining the Shimmerz Paints Team!

Yipppeee!!!

I am so lucky and honoured to be forming part of the NEW Social Media Team with these awesome creatives!

Aren't we super lucky?!!

To say I am over the moon wouldn't even begin to describe my joy!

And to pass on this happiness......

Use my name AMANDA in the notes section of your Shimmerz Paints order

 & you'll receive a FREE gift every time you purchase from their website here.

(And yes, they ship international ;) )

Woo hoo!

Happy Dancing!!!

You'll still find our Education & Design Teams on the Shimmerz blog, we're just growing and sharing our love of Shimmerz Paints! YAY!

Thanks so much for all your wonderful support and encouragement!

I can't wait to share my mixed media creations with Shimmerz Paints soon!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Wild At Heart: LOVE YOU!

Hello Friends!

 I have a gorgeous floral layout to share with you here, &

 on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog today!

I just adore florals, and the ones in the Wild At Heart collection just make me swoon!!! 

SO pretty!

But enough chatter, here's what I've created....

"Love You"

Told you those florals were pretty!!! No fancy layout design required when the papers are this gorgeous! 

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

Simple. Beautiful. And just oh-so stunning!

Wild At Heart really has my heart!

I have used my favourite floral pattern paper, CV-WH009 MEMENTO, for the base of my layout, and used it's coordinating CHIPBOARD FRAME to enhance my sweet photograph! 

You'll also spy floral paper,CV-WH007 GROW WILD as the pretty backing to that 'string art' dream catcher cut file. I selected this paper as it has a #samebutdifferent look to the MEMENTO paper, and it coordinates beautifully! 

The center heart is pieced with the B-side of pattern paper CV-WH001 LUSCIOUS -

 so pretty, and it really pops against the indigo blue! 

Here's a closer view.....

I just love that dream catcher cut file! 

I have made it appear as string art, by cutting the mosaic lines thinner, & connecting these 'strings' with ENAMEL DOTS (SPARKLES) beads. I have added a soft mixed media element beneath the dream catcher with watercolour splatter, and finished it all off with a sweet 'Wild at Heart' CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER. 

* Please note: This cut file is one I have edited from the Silhouette Store. *

I have positioned my photograph cluster just over the right side of the dream catcher, to enhance the connection and flow through my design....

To avoid 'blending' my frame into the dream catcher, I have layered the LUSCIOUS paper beneath my framed photo to add warmth and contrast. 

There's also two cuts from CV-WH006 FUSSY CUTS paper in this layering, as well as a delicate doily (from my stash). That gorgeous CHIPBOARD FRAME is also embellished with a DIE CUT EPHEMERA banner, so lovely!

Speaking of lovely, how about that LOVE YOU title?!!

The CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER title is just divine! 

I have also embellished it with a super cute FLAIR BUTTON that appears to have a similar pink 'wash' look to it, which also coordinates with the soft mixed media element of my page too!

When it comes to florals, and all the pretty things,

Wild At Heart is definitely my go to collection! 

So very beautiful and perfect for memory keeping my sweet girl!

Hope my layout has inspired you today!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: Product Spotlight: Pink Paislee

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome to another awesome Paper Issues Product Spotlight!

Today we're shining the light on all things Pink Paislee

There are SO many fabulous collections from Pink Paislee in the Paper Issues store right now!
 I chose to use my new favourite, Summer Lights - it's so bright, fun and playful!
It just screams Summer!

Here's my layout,

"Weekend Vacation Vibes"

Summer perfection! La la love this!!!

So many pretty colours, patterns and embellishments in the Summer Lights collection!

The chipboard and 6 x 12 stickers both feature holohgraphic accents and are super awesome!

You'll spy some cute emojis and a fun watercolour mixed media background too! 

Here's a closer look....

How gorgeous is that die cut frame?! 

And a holographic foil accent icecream!!!

So much Summer goodness here! 

Those sunset sunglasses are pretty cute too!

Summer is definitely magic with Pink Paislee's Summer Lights line!

I hope my layout has inspired you today!

Grab all the Pink Paislee pretties in the Paper Issues store here

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: July Working Title!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends & Fans!

Welcome back for the July edition of Working Title!

Let me start by saying that last month's tiny one word title projects were ALL stunning!

I feel so inspired by you all! 

Thanks so much for playing along!

This month the challenge is to feature an icon in (or on) your title! 

Icons may include hearts, stars, emojis, watermelons, toys etc - basically an image or shape within your title! 

I have chosen to use my icon as a letter replacement....

"Love This"

Love this, indeed! Doesn't it just scream Summer Fun?!!

With so many watermelons in the Echo Park Summer Dreams & Summer Fun collections, I just had to make a feature of them! 

I even added my own watercolor melon for added interest to my layout. 

But today we're all about the titles, so here's a closer look at mine.....

How fabulous is that watermelon chipboard sticker as a 'v' ?!! So cool!

Loving this super sweet Summer page!

SO much watermelon goodness! Love it all!

Hope my layout has inspired you to get creating!

Now it's your turn! 

Create a new project, layout, card, pocket page or even off the page item that features an icon in or on the title

 & 

upload it in the Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook group July challenges album here

& go in the draw to win a Paper Issues gift card! YAY!!!

I can't wait to see what you create!

Need supplies before you start? 

Visit the store here

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

Looking for more iconic inspiration? 

See what the rest of our talented team has created here

Thanks so much for visiting today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: Product Spotlight on Summer Collections

Hi Creatives!

Welcome back for another fabulous Product Spotlight with Paper Issues!
Today we're shining the light on any Summer themed collections,
 I chose Pink Paislee's Summer Lights for mine!

Here's what I created with it,

"Light It UP"

How bright n fun is this?!! Love the sunset, pastel & holographic colours in this line!

Fab-u-lous!!!

Nothing says sweet Summer vibes more than neon brights!

You'll spy patterned paper #4, as well as a few awesome embellishments - 

Ephemera Die Cuts, 6 x 12 Accent Stickers, &  Foil Accent Thickers. 

I've added a little zig zag stitching and watercolours for added texture & interest too!

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

Ok, so photographing the holographic accents is going to take a lil practice...lol! But I can assure you that they look incredible in real life!

Such a happy moment! 

Summer Lights is definitely a new fave collection for me!

Loving it too?!

Grab yours in the Paper Issues store here 

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll also save 20% off your entire purchase! 

Looking for more Summer inspiration?

See what the rest of our talented team has created on the Paper Issues blog here

I can't wait to see your Summer layouts soon!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: July New Issue Monday - Let's Taco 'Bout It!

Hi Creative Friends!

It's time for another New Issue with Paper Issues & this month's is tons of fun!

- Let's Taco 'Bout it! -

Suggested ideas:

 Use speech bubbles and/or phrase stickers, 
Make a page about funny things kids say, 
4th of July/patriotic,
 Tacos and food in general, 
Use the PI taco card

Told you it was a fun one!
Here's what I came up with,

"OH Yeah!"

Arrrrrgh! SO Cool!!!!
I had a blast with this New Issue!

All the awesome phrase stickers and sayings in the Amy Tangerine On A Whim collection were perfect for this challenge!
 I combined them with a few odds and ends from past Paper Issues Swag Bags
& a lil water color to complete the look!
Totally inspired by my hilarious mister and the all funny things he says!
Oh, & btw, he can't stop singing Justin Timberlake's, "Can't stop the feeling" around the house! Cutest ever!!!

Here's a closer look.....

You are straight up AWESOME, indeed! 

Loving the mix of chipboard and clear stickers in the On A Whim line!

So super cool!

Another funny thing this cool kid says, "Mashtag" instead of hashtag - cracks us all up!

How fabulous is that flair?!! 

It's a Paper Issues exclusive one - they pop up from time to time in the Swag Bags. 

Just another reason to make sure your grab your Swag Bag every month!

And there you have it!

My take on this month's New Issue!

Need some Amy Tangerine On A Whim for all your fun Summer layouts?!!

Grab it all here in the Paper Issues Store

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

Looking for a lil more inspiration before you play along?

Check out what our amazing DT have created here

Thanks so much for stopping by!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: Scraplift Sunday July #1

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

Welcome to another awesome Scraplift Sunday 

with Paper Issues! 

Today we're lifting this incredibly beautiful layout from the gorgeous Mary Ann Jenkins,

Ahhh! I am a huge fan of Mary Ann's classic and elegant style - so divine!!!

It seems silly to lift something so perfect, but here goes.....

Here's my take, 

"You're My Person"

So so pretty! Love my girl!

I have used the all NEW Pebbles: Girl Squad , 

with a dash of Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Wild At Heart collection for my take.

I altered the design a lil to suit my style better, but it's still pretty close to the original. 

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

 Just look at those pretty details!

Those Cocoa Vanilla Studio Rubber Charms are fabulous, 

and coordinate beautifully with the Girl Squad line!

Loving the sweet florals in Girl Squad - so delicate!!!

Just stunning!!!

And there you have it!

My take on the first Scraplift Sunday for July!

 Pebbles & Cocoa Vanilla Studio are in the Paper Issues store here

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

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

Need more ideas? 

See more inspirational takes on Mary Ann's original here

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: *NEW CHALLENGE* Try It Tuesday

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends! 

Welcome to another brand new, super fun Paper Issues challenge:

TRY IT OUT TUESDAY

( & it's hosted by yours truly!)
 Yep, I'm upping my efforts, and hosting 2 challenges now on the Paper Issues blog!
 Please support me & play along!
I promise they're super easy and tons of fun
PLUS every time you enter, you go in the draw to win a Paper Issues gift card - YAY!!!

This challenge is all about giving something new or different, a good old fashioned go!

This month we're going to try.....

Just Add Water

Simply use water soluble or washable markers, paints, gelatos or even stamp pads & inks and apply water to them. Watch how they react!!! Tilt ur page and watch the colours run!

Super fun and a cool result too!

Here's a quick 'how to' if you're not sure what I am meaning....



Draw, scribble, make marks with your NON waterproof pens. You'll see that I used my 4 year old son's Crayola Washables for mine - they work really well for this technique!



Apply water!
I wanted to maintain my shape, so I added lots of water and used brushstrokes for mine. I didn't tilt my page, but I did use the water puddles to wet my brush and splatter with.
If you're more adventurous, try a misting spray bottle, and hold your cardstock upright and watch for the colour runs!!! Awesome!
*If paper warping bothers you, be sure to use a heavier gsm cardstock, or apply a layer of gesso first.
For the record, I used the regular American Crafts 80gsm cardstock for this layout, the warping was minimal*

I hope you'll join us this month, and try this fun technique out!

Here's my completed layout,

"Lovely"

Isn't the result spectacular?! Who would've thought toddler markers could be so effective! 

I've teamed mine up with Maggie Holmes Chasing Dreams collection, and a sweet Bitty Bow from Cocoa Vanilla Studio! Divine! 

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

Blooms, butterflies and hearts! *sigh* All the pretty things!!!

I always intended to use this collection, so when I made my 'marks' I tried to mimic the flight path of the butterfly. Kinda adding a little whimsical feel to it all! 

So soft and pretty! 

Who needs watercolour paint when you have markers?! 

Wanna see some more inspiring layouts from our incredibly talented team? 

Visit the Paper Issues blog here  - our design team never fail to inspire! 

I can't wait to see what you'll TRY for this edition of Try It Tuesday!

Upload your creations HERE in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group - May Challenge album & go in the draw to win a Paper Issues gift card!!!

Need supplies? Visit the Paper Issues store here 

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

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo