Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Boys Rule Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Today I am sharing a super cool  Cocoa Vanilla Studio scrapbook page with their super awesome BOYS RULE line! 

This collection is seriously cool & just rocks when it comes to scrapping the boys!  

But enough chatter, here's my scrapbook layout,

"Future Pilot"

Whoa!!! How awesome is this?! 

RAD, indeed!

I have featured the stunning CV-BR007 STAR FALL paper as my layout background, distressed & folded the right edge of this paper and stapled a trim of CV-BR009 GOOD TIMES behind it. This created a really raw, and edgy look which enhanced the masculinity of the overall design. The use of metal hardware (staples) not only attached the two papers, but also emphasized the rawness. 

Simple, but so effective!

I backed my sweet boy's photograph with a few cool layers of the MISCELLANY frames and die cuts, as well as some fussy cut labels from CV-BR006 BOY STUFF paper. To these layers, I inserted in a few ACCESSORY STICKER stars and words/phrases, and then attached this photo cluster to my page. With my focal point in place, I then tucked my CHIPBOARD PIECES title 'RAD' into the top of the photo layers.

Over my treasured photograph, I foam mounted a couple more ACCESSORY STICKERS that featured stars, plus added I that awesome 'king of the world' FLAIR BUTTON. So cool!!!

To the right side of the photo cluster, I tucked in the 'reach for the stars' ACCESSORY STICKER - both the print and the sentiment coordinated perfectly with my page design.

More ACCESSORY STICKERS are used to adorn the bottom left of my photo cluster, as well as a few die cuts. To complete the photo cluster I foam mounted & overlapped that fabulous 'adventure' CHIPBOARD PIECE. Awesome!

For my title to be noticed on such a dark paper, I dove into my COCOA VANILLA STUDIO: COLOUR ME HAPPY stash and used the plain white ALPHABET STICKERS. I embellished around my title with more of the ACCESSORY STICKERS as well as two of the brush stroke CLEAR STICKERS. A few dots of white paint completed the page.

Simple, and yet so epic!!!

Scrapping the boys is made super easy (& totally awesome) with the fabulous 

BOYS RULE collection!

Thanks so much for visiting - I hope I have inspired you to get creating today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Boys Rule Altered Clipboard

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back to my Happy Arty Days blog!

Today I am sharing a super cool, off the page number -

an altered clipboard with the awesome Cocoa Vanilla Studio: BOYS RULE collection!

This project came about because my sweet boy wanted me to make him something for his bedroom that also featured his birthday photo. And when your children ask to have anything you make on their walls, well, how could I refuse?!!

I really hope he likes it!

"Awesome" Altered Clipboard

Isn't this fun?!! 

Such an awesome decor item for any cool kid's bedroom!

To start with, I just played around with a design for a 6" x 8" layout, and then once I was happy I rearranged it to fit onto the slightly smaller size clipboard. It was really fun working on a much smaller scale, and it challenged me to be really particular about my embellishment choices.

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

The BEST. Awesome, indeed!!!!

With that birthday photo being part of my son's design brief, I began by layering it with papers and embellishments to create a small photo cluster.

I apply a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame over my photo, & then position this onto the denim look cut apart from pattern paper, CV-BR006 BOY STUFF.  

I insert a few ACCESSORY STICKERS & apply a larger frame (from the MISCELLANY pk) beneath it all.

Next, I embellish the photo frame with that Cool Kid FLAIR BUTTON, and the 100% Boy ACCESSORY STICKER (which I foam mount for added dimension). I add to this embellishing with a few stars from the CLEAR STICKERS, CHIPBOARD PIECES, DIE CUT EPHEMERA & ACCESSORY STICKERS.  The last adornment to that sweet birthday photo is the over sized, fussy cut camera from pattern paper, CV-BR006 BOY STUFF. Perfect!

I attach the photo cluster to the clipboard, angling it slightly off the edge of the board to maximise the clipboard space. I also want to highlight that it is a clipboard, so I 'clip' the top left corner of my cluster too!

With my photo taken care of, I now begin to decorate the board.....

I dress the base of the clipboard with pattern paper strips from, CV-BR006 BOY STUFF, & CV-BR002 STRAIGHT & NARROW. To this trim, I apply the Awesome DIE CUT EPHEMERA title with foam dots, and add another star ACCESSORY STICKER - because when it comes to birthdays, we can never have too many stars, right?! So cool!

I love the gold hardware featured on this board, but because it's SO shiny, it's a little distracting. I decide to tone it down a bit, by embellishing over it.....

I adorn the clip with fabulous King of the World ACCESSORY STICKER, skull & cross bones FLAIR BUTTON, and another star sticker - also from the ACCESSORY STICKERS. This looks a little more edgy, less polished & much more 'boy' - love it!

Travelling down the left hand side of the clipboard, I add a larger CHIPBOARD PIECES star, and then that double layered skull & crossbones. The double layer is so effective! 

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

Awesome!

You'll see that I start with the CHIPBOARD PIECES skull first, and then foam mount the DIE CUT EPHEMERA onto it.Very cool!

Further left, & on the back of the clipboard, I glue the grey scallop DIE CUT EPHEMERA shape. This trim adds an extra layer and point of interest to the overall design.

Beneath the skull & cross bones, I add yet another CHIPBOARD PIECES embellishment. 

This cool sentiment banner directs your eye back into the 'awesome' title & brings everything together. For final touches, I add one or two more stars, and a small journal with the typewriter font words from the ACCESSORY STICKERS.

And there you have it!

Simple, quick, boy decor that looks really AWESOME thanks to the amazing

  BOYS RULE collection!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my project today & are inspired to get creating too!

Thanks so much for visiting,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Rad Boy!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing a closer look on my take for the second CSI - Color.Stories.Inspiration challenge layout for June!

Yes, they have 2 cases for us to solve! How fun!

If you didn't already know, Cocoa Vanilla Studio is sponsoring CSI this month, so be sure to play along with the challenges to go in the draw to win a VERY cool prize! Yay!

Speaking of challenges, here's what the second one looks like....

Such a fun and playful image to draw inspiration from!

I have been inspired by the colours, the bold pops of black, the sense of adventure and the circles! Here's what I came up with,

"Rad Boy"

OH YEAH!!! Such a cool little mister; Rad Boy indeed! 

And what a fun design too!

When it comes to my boy, it's all about challenging those rules lately - so in true boy spirit, I am breaking some of mine! I am, wait for it, mixing collections & not using a white cardstock base! Eeesh! Talk about outta my comfort zone & yes, I know, totally living on the edge! Ha!

You'll spot that I have actually mixed my two fave Cocoa Vanilla Studio boy collections - You Rock and Boys Rule! I begin with Boys Rule pattern paper CV-BR009 GOOD TIMES (textured concrete print) as my 12 x 12 base. I love how rough, raw, & edgy this paper is! Perfect for masculine pages! I then turn to the You Rock collection, and in particular, pattern paper CV-YR001 STARSHINE. I use this paper for that awesome circular cut file called Geo Globe 

(get it from The Cut Shoppe HERE)  and then fussy cut out all the 'negative' left over stars to embellish this cut file with.

I layer my sweet boy photo onto a mix of DIE CUT EPHEMERA frames, as well as a couple 3 x 4 cards which I cut from paper CV-YR006 RANDOM. Inside these layers, I slide in a couple tabs from the Boys Rule DIE CUT EPHEMERA, as well as one more fussy cut star from STARSHINE. I adorn my photo with CHIPBOARD STICKERS, and that super cool Epic RUBBER CHARM. As my photo is my focal point, I position it in the center of my layout design but maintaining the angle of the cut file design too. I add one of the new Boys Rule CLEAR STICKERS (sentiment One Cool Kid) beneath it all. I just love that pop of black!

While I have the CLEAR STICKERS handy, I use a bunch of the stars, as well as the word Epic to embellish around my cut file. These stickers are so easy to use, and look SO effective! One of my new favourite embellishments for sure!

Looking above my photograph, you'll get a closer look at the embellishments I used on the cut file. I carefully positioned those fussy cut STARSHINE stars in rows, covering the intersecting points of the file. More noticeably though, I added my CHIPBOARD STICKERS title; Rad Boy. The striking black chippies have quite an impact! SO cool! (& the font on them is so rad!)

To the left of my photograph is that very cool camera, which I fussy cut from pattern paper CV-YR006 RANDOM. To make it stand out more, and to be in alignment with my photo, I mounted it on thick foam tape. I also add another pop of black beneath it with another CHIPBOARD STICKER. Boom! Yes, this kid has boom factor, lol!

I embellish a few of the fussy cut stars with RUBBER CHARMS & DIE CUT EPHEMERA, and add just a couple more of those CLEAR STICKERS stars for finishing touches. Love it! Simple, striking and oh-so cool!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my take on the second challenge for CSI this month, and moreso, will play along with your fave Cocoa Vanilla Studio products too!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Boys Rule!

Hi Eveyone!

Boy-OH-boy am I excited about the newest  Cocoa Vanilla Studio collection, Boys Rule! 

This collection is just the coolest boy line EVER! Yep, I said it, EVER!!! Infact, it's cool with a capital C! So easy to create with that I made today's layout in only 15 minutes!

** Warning - the new Boys Rule collection is not for the faint hearted, this is 100% Pure Boy awesome! **

There are just SO many reasons why you're gonna love this collection too!

But enough chatter, let's have a look at my first layout......

"Mr. Fantastic"

 

Yep. Mr Fantastic indeed!

So many awesome elements in this line, but I just couldn't get past creating with that incredible specialty paper first!

This paper is all kinds of amazing! It's called CV-BR018 LARGE DIE CUT & BACKING KIT and as the name suggests this is a pre-made cut file kit! I know, that's madness! So crazy good! 

Not quite understanding me, well here's a visual to what I'm meaning....

And you thought I created something special, didn't you? 

Well, I kinda did but mostly I just let the paper do ALL the work!

Seriously, this paper is just THE BEST! It even has the mixed media added to it already as well!

Now you can see how I made my page in only 15 minutes - perfect for those of us who are time poor. Or, if you want the cut file look but don't have a cutting machine. I said it before, and I'll say it again, this is the coolest boy collection EVER!

Let's take a closer look....

With the background taken care of, this layout was simply a matter of mounting my photo, and embellishing! My photo mounts consist of that fun striped CHIPBOARD PIECES frame, ACCESSORY STICKERS and mixed pieces from the MISCELLANY pack. I'm especially loving the raw woodgrain frame  - so edgy, and perfect for balancing all the black & white in this page.

 A mix of arrows direct you into my sweet photograph, he's Mr Fantastic for sure! 

I adorn my cool kid photograph with CHIPBOARD PIECES, adding both sentiments as well as dimension to the design.

As always, the coordinating FLAIR BUTTONS are super awesome, so I used three for good measure! Love them layered onto the cut file stars - so good!

And while we're speaking of stars, I just had to add more of them to this cool kid page!  

You'll find DIE CUT EPHEMERA, ACCESSORY STICKERS, & CHIPBOARD PIECES stars throughout my layout. As layering is quite the feature on this page, I even doubled up that Yeah Boy flag in keeping with the design aesthetic. I've mounted it on foam dots, and even popped a star in it too! Stars for the win!

Here's another close up of those awesome FLAIR BUTTONS! 

Nothing says Beware, Adventure Boy! more than skull n cross bones! SO cool! 

You'll spot the star one below too.....

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of the typewriter font phrases in our ACCESSORY STICKERS. I couldn't resist adding just a little journaling with them in the bottom corner of my page. I just love how everything works together so perfectly - it really is so easy to create with!

The CHIPBOARD PIECES are another new fave of mine! 

I love that they're not stickers and can be easily rearranged around your page during the planning process. Here's a closer look at that speech bubble adorning the top of my photo....

Pretty RAD indeed!

 BOOM! 

Super cool boy pages in minutes, that's what we love!

I hope my layout has inspired you today!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

 Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: May: PI Partners Up!

Hi Everyone! 

Welcome to a new month of challenges and tons of inspiration with Paper Issues! 

The first challenge that I am playing along with this month is....

Yay!!!
And the site we're partnering with for May is....

Who doesn't love a good sketch, right?!! 

Here's what it looks like......

Such a fun sketch!
I decided to rotate it for my fun take.....

"AWESOME"

Awesome indeed! How cool is this kid!?!!
I have used the fabulous Elle's Studio Noteworthy collection,
and a lil Shimmerz Paints Vibez in Jeni B Bleu. Love it! 

You'll spot Paper 2 - Grid as my base, as well as both sides of Paper 1 - Aqua Dot, and
Paper 5 - Cards.
Here's a closer look for you....

How fabulous are the Wood Veneers in this collection?!!

Loving the Epoxy Stickers as well!!!

Totally awesome! 

And there you have it! Good 'ole sketchy fun! 

Your turn now! 

Join us in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group HERE to play along! 

Visit Let's Get Sketchy for more details on this challenge HERE

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE 

& REMEMBER: Code AMANDA will save you $$$ at checkout! 

Need Shimmerz Paints? Who doesn't?!! Shop HERE &

Type AMANDA in the comments section of your order & receive a FREE paint! Yesss!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: Spring Crop: Create A Cluster!

Hi Creative Friends!

Are you playing along with the awesome Paper Issues Spring Crop?!!
If not, join us in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group HERE

I am lucky enough to be hosting the Create A Cluster challenge - Yay!
So.Much.Fun!!!
(& all you need to do is add a cluster to your project to play along!)

Here's my layout to inspire you with....

"SuperDude, Superfly!"

Super cool dude, indeed!!!
What an awesome page for such a cool kiddo!
You'll spy that fabulous Elle's Studio woodgrain pattern paper, 3 x 4 cards and embellishments from the Paper Issues March Swag Bag and a ton of Pink Paislee's Wild Child collection. So awesome!

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

Omgoodness! How cute is that Puffy Sticker?!

& the beaded chop sticks from the Swag Bag are all kinds of fun!

My lil Superhero!

Aren't those clusters and layers just the best?!!

#1 and no denying it, kid! 

And there you have it! 

Simple and easy to play along! I can't wait to see your take on it!

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Code AMANDA will save you 20% off your total! Yay!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Pinkfresh Studio: A Case Of The Blahs Blog Hop

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome  to the Pinkfresh Studio: A Case of the Blahs Blog Hop!

How AWESOME is this new collection?!!
I couldn't wait to create with it - so honest, raw and real!
Our talented Design Team have created some incredible projects to inspire you with!
And there's a terrific prize pack up for grabs too!

If you've just arrived from the very talented Anna's blog, then you're in the right place!
If not, here's the blog hop order to help you find your way!

Blog Hop Order

Start HERE -------->1. Pinkfresh Studio

2. Veera Saarivuo

3. Stephanie Dagan

4. Kathleen Graumuller

5. Flora Monika Farkas

6. Evelyn Pratiwi Yusuf

7. Elsie Robinson

8. Beata Valint

9. Ashley Horton

10. Anna Kossakovskaya

You are HERE ---------->  11. Amanda-Jayne Baldwin

12. Adrienne Alvis

***Commenting for the prize will close at 11.59pm CST on Thursday February 8th 2018.

The winners will be randomly selected and it's a requirement that they have to leave a comment on each Blog in the Hop***

Now, on to my project with A Case of the Blahs!

"Home Time"

Oh isn't this fun?!! Told you this line is all about the 'real' and 'raw' stuff! 

Love being able to document ALL the stories; not just the remarkable ones! 

He really was over it and oh so ready to go home - Bless!

I've used pattern papers, Flawsome and Blah to create the 'trims' on both sides of my layout. I've also cut up pattern paper, Messy and used it as ephemera on my page! 

Speaking of ephemera, there's quite a few pieces from the Ephemera Pack on this page!

And how about those Chipboard, Cardstock & Puffy Stickers?!! SO cool!

Loving the BLAH!

I've also included Enamel Dots, and Fabric Die Cuts too.....

So.much.awesome!!!

I hope I have inspired you to get creating with this 'everyday life' documented collection!

A Case of the Blahs is anything but Blah! 

It's so striking! LOVE it!

Before I send you on, please be sure to leave a comment to be eligible for the prize & good luck!

Time to hop on over to the final stop on the trail! 

See what the gorgeous Adrienne Alvis has in store for you HERE

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November Notable Quotable

Hi Papercrafting Friends!

It's time for the new edition of 

This month's quote is from the insanely talented Amy Tangerine and looks like this.....

I was totally inspired by the colours, the quote and by the fact that it comes from Amy!

Here's what I created....

"Stay Wild"

Oh Heck Yeah!!! Lol

So much fun!

I used the Amy Tangerine: Hustle & Heart collection, and that gorgeous photo of my boy with a very muddy face! 

Such a happy day & memory here! 

Loving that Jungle of Love patterned paper, 

it's just perfect for my wild child playing in the garden!

You'll also spot a ton of cool embellishments from this collection, including the 

Wool Half Circle Pom Pom Stickers, Sticker Book, Ephemera Die Cuts & even those awesome white foam Thickers

Here's a close up for you.....

Fun, indeed! 

 Hustle & Heart is definitely for those who live on the brighter side of life! 

Burtsing with gorgeous colour and pattern!

Speaking of colour, that mixed media background is crazy cool!!!

I've dived into my Shimmerz Paints stash, and used 

Creameez:  Just Peachy,  Boogie Boardin' Blue & Trippin' in the Tropics

as well as a base coat of my fave Vibez: Jeni B Bleu

You'll notice I also hand coloured the foam Thickers with the Just Peachy Creameez too......

La la love this!

So many beautiful reasons to be happy!

Needing a lil Hustle & Heart in your creative world?

Get yours from the Paper Issues store here

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

Maybe you're needing to grow your Shimmerz Paints stash?

Visit their online store here 

& 

Place my name in the comments section of your order to receive a FREE gift!

Yessss!!!

I hope you like my fun take on this month's challenge, and will play along too!

See more Notable Quotable inspiration from our wonderful team here.

Thanks so much for visiting, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo