Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Sealed With A Kiss!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio loveliness!

Today I'm sharing a Valentine's inspired layout with the gorgeous Midnight collection!

A super sweet, melt your heart kinda moment....

"Sealed With A Kiss" 

Oh how divine! Such a beautiful page!

This sweet little boy always makes everyday amazing, and this photo of us is just a bit precious! So very dear to my heart! When I was I reflecting on the photograph & memory, my title Sealed With A Kiss came to mind. This title fostered the idea of sealed envelopes, love letters, & writing paper, and so my layout design evolved. That's how simple my creative process is! Inspiration can be found in the smallest of details!

I used the lovely script pattern paper, CV- MN005 MOONLIGHT for my layout base, and softened it's edges with lilac watercolor tones. I also added a watercolor base for my envelope cut file to rest on. Speaking of cut files, this one is from Paige Evans and is called "Envelope Flowers" - SO pretty!

I back the envelope hearts, flowers and leaves with an assortment of papers from the 6 x 8 PAPER PAD, & CV-MN004 MIXED BLESSINGS. The actual envelope is backed with pattern paper, CV-MN003 INSPIRED - totally gorgeous! I embellish the flower centers with ENAMEL DOTS & ALPHABET STICKERS from our LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL collection. 

The colors compliment the MIDNIGHT collection beautifully.

The alphas featured are the O's which I fill with the enamels. Such a small, but oh so effective detail. Love the soft dimension and texture this creates! I use these same ALPHABET STICKERS for my layout title. Perfect!

I seal my envelope with a FLAIR BUTTON, and also embellish it with the take note DIE CUT EPHEMERA. My sweet love letter is really looking the part!

I adorn my treasured photo with a DIE CUT EPHEMERA frame, which I mount with thick foam tape. I embellish it with two sentiment stickers from the ACCESSORY STICKERS sheet. 

Here's a closer look....

Adore! Melts my heart every.single.time!!!

For finishing touches, I add a sprinkle of sequins, and a few more flower and heart DIE CUTS around the love letter.

So very beautiful!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my Valentine's theme layout & feel inspired to get creating with the delightful MIDNIGHT collection!

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 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Little Moments

Hi Friends!

My turn on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog today! 

I am sharing a More Than Words scrapbook layout that highlights our gorgeous FLAIR BUTTONS, as well as scraplifting our super talented Ulrike Dold! Yay!

So much inspiration! Let's get started!

Here's my layout,

"Little Moments"

 

Sigh! Isn't this pretty?!!

Pattern paper CV-MT001 PRECIOUS is SO divine!!!

I have a thing for florals and I *may* have been hoarding this paper! It's just so beautiful!

Speaking of beautiful, how fabulous is the filled wreath design from Ulrike? SO good! You can see more of Ulli's work here.

Now back to that gorgeous floral paper, PRECIOUS! The soft colours in the blooms are reflected in my mixed media background, and are just the prettiest! You'll also spy that wreath cut file (it's from Paper Issues) and the daisies in particular, are perfect for adorning with FLAIR BUTTONS.

With so much to look at here it's important that my photo remains the focus. So it doesn't get lost in all those blooms I use a black & white picture, as well as adding a CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER frame to make it more noticeable.

 Let's take a closer look.....

All those pretty layers!!! 

And that photo is just the sweetest! Love these two cherubs!

On closer view, you'll see that I actually mounted the paper backed wreath onto foam. Apart from adding dimension and interest to the design, it also creates a visual separation between the coordinating mixed media base and the PRECIOUS paper. Defined space gives the eye a sense of order and avoids the 'messy' look despite the painterly base. In between the paint and the foam mounted wreath, I also tuck in a few DIE CUT EPHEMERA blooms, as well as that very pretty ACCESSORY STICKER tag.

So dear to me, indeed!

I fold the cut file daisies and leaves upward, adding more dimension because I am conscious that I don't want the colours and blooms to all blend in together. My framed photograph is tucked in under that first daisy and then more DIE CUT EPHEMERA pieces are added to this cluster. Each daisy is adorned with a sweet FLAIR BUTTON as its centerpiece.

Simple, but oh-so-sweet and effective!

Cocoa Vanilla Studio create beautiful FLAIR & it's wonderful to be able to showcase how perfect they are! A 'must have' embellishment! I should add that the sequins that are scattered throughout my layout are from the Bits & Pieces in the Love Always collection.

To break up all the flowery goodness, I've added a few DIE CUT EPHEMERA butterflies to the wreath and adorned the outer wreath with CHIPBOARD and ENAMEL SHAPES hearts.

Here's another look at the beautiful FLAIR BUTTONS....

The You Are Loved FLAIR is such a soft grey that I mount it onto an ACCESSORY STICKER before applying to the daisy. In keeping with my design, you'll note that the sticker is in fact a PRECIOUS pattern wreath. Perfect! I love how everything always partners and coordinates beautifully in our collections! So good!

To add more emphasis and attention to my photo, I also add that pretty blue sentiment banner to the frame. The blue really contrasts against the apricot frame and is the perfect finishing touch!

Voila!

I hope my scraplift today has inspired you to use FLAIR BUTTONS in your projects!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Endless Summer: Best Ever!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends & Fans!

Today I am sharing a scrapbook layout for the Endless Summer theme week over at 
Cocoa Vanilla Studio!

This collection has such a soft pastel colour palette, and it truly creates the prettiest of Summer layouts!

I am always in awe of the fabulous pattern paper designs that Cocoa Vanilla Studio create, and the woodgrain papers are always a firm favourite of mine! They always add warmth to all the cool, pastel designs!

Here's what I've created with the Endless Summer collection today....

"Best Ever"

Oh isn't he the cutest?!
 He absolutely loves Summer days spent at the beach, and the Endless Summer collection is just perfect for documenting it all! 
And yes, you'll spy woodgrain paper, CV-ES001 SWEET TREATS (reverse side) here to compliment and accent that fabulous clouds paper, CV-ES002 BLUE SKIES  And don't they look fabulous together?!! I have mounted Blue Skies onto white cardstock, 
and lightly distressed the edges because, it is after all, a boy page! In the layer beneath my super cute photo, you'll also spy that cool green pattern paper, CV-ES006 SUNBLEACHED - just awesome!

The rest of my layout is simply layered embellishing with all the fabulous bits n pieces you'll find in the Endless Summer collection! 
Let's take a closer look at them.......

The WOOD VENEER are always incredible, and I couldn't resist using the script words, Best Ever, for my title!
 Again, I have used woodgrain (DIE CUT EPHEMERA)  & VENEER to add warmth and balance to my layout. They also provide a touch of masculinity to this somewhat pretty page! 
The clouds are really fun, and playful!

 ACCESSORY STICKERS surround my large central photo, and add to the layering and colours in my scrapbook layout design! 
I should add that the doily and cotton floss are from my stash, but everything else in this layout is from the Endless Summer collection.

And how about those FLAIR!!! Good Life for sure!!!

 
The FLAIR BUTTON featuring the clouds design is just the cutest! I love how it coordinates perfectly with the Blue Skies paper! Really making a prominent feature of clouds on this beachy page!

You'll spy more pretty DIE CUT EPHEMERA throughout my design, with many of the pieces layered togethered....

Oh Yeah! This kid has definitely got sunshine on a cloudy day!!! 
So happy and joyful!

Loving the high gloss, fun design WOODIES in this embellishment cluster, as well as the ENAMEL SHAPES!  

Endless Summer - It's just too much fun!!!

Hope my Summer theme layout has inspired you!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,
 Amanda xo 

Paper Issues : January Pawsitively Pets

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

Welcome back for another fabulous Paper Issues challenge - the January edition of 

This is always a fun challenge to play along with!

 & this month's challenge is super easy too!

 Simply create a layout about an animal in your life with 3 or more papers (patterned paper and/or cardstock), 3 or more embellishments, and 3 or more enamel dots, puffy circiles, etc. 

Here's my layout, 

"COOL"

Isn't this adorable?!! He loves his dog.... so cute!

I've used Crate Paper's Cool Kid collection and some of the limited edition Cocoa Vanilla Studio flair. Love it!

That doggy patterned paper with the coordinating flash card was just too perfect for this layout!

But it's that dog face rubber charm that I just adore!!!

Cuteness overload!!!

Here's a closer look at that Cocoa Vanilla Studio flair ....

My heart is full, indeed!

Total awesomeness!!!
Love this boy & Cool Kid is just perfect for capturing his fun spirit!

Need more inspirational ideas?
Check out what the rest of the team has created here

Want Crate Paper and more?
Visit the Paper Issues store here

*** use my code AMANDA to save 20% off your order every.single.time!!! Yay!***

Thanks for stopping by, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: January Roll The Dice

Hi Creatives!

Get ready as Paper Issues rolls the dice for January!
This challenge is soooooo much fun!

This month the dice roll determined that we would need to use 

4 Photos

& 

4 Words for the title

for our scrapbook layouts.

Here's what I came up with....

"Don't Grow Up Kid"

Isn't this the coolest boy page?!!
Love this cool lil guy, and truly, I could keep him 4 til forever!
I've used Crate Paper's Cool Kid collection, limited edition flair from Cocoa Vanilla Studio, & another of the FREE cutfiles in the Paper Issues store.
Let's take a closer look.... 

The four word title, and the four photos made this quite an easy challenge to play along with! 

I love that mosaic style triangles cut file - its supercool! You'll also spy some paper piecing & a watercolour mixed media background beneath it too!

Grab the free file here.

Lots of awesome embellishments too....

So RAD! Love this cool kid!
And loved playing along with this challenge too!

Wanna join in on the fun?

Visit the original post here for all the details and more inspiration from our amazing design team!

Shopping in the Paper Issues online store?

Use my code AMANDA to save 20% off every.single.time you order! YAY!

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Studio Fourteen40 Meets Kraft Plus!

Hi Everyone!

I am super excited to share with you that Studio Fourteen40 are sponsoring our friends over at Kraft Plus this month!

The challenge this month is all about Kraft plus tassels & looks like this....

There are some fabulous planner items in the store right now that feature tassels - you can check them out here.

I decided to use some of the tassel planner clips, as well as the limited edition Wild Spirit Kit for my take on the challenge.

Here's what I came up with.....

"Wild & Free"

I know, how fun is this?!! 

The Wild Spirit Kit is just perfect for scrapbooking my two lil adventurers with!

& those tassels!

Aren't they the sweetest?!!! I will be ordering more of these lovelies for my future projects, and my pretty planners ;)

Let's take a closer look....

The very cool tee pees are one of my favourite items from the Wild Spirit Kit - they are just too much fun! And the flair, well they speak for themselves! FABULOUS!!!

Let's take a closer look at that lower cluster.....

Love this! Apart from that tassel clip, everything you see in this cluster is from the Wild Spirit Kit. Awesome, huh? That sweet flair, the packaging twine, the tag, those words....LOVE them all!!!

But the challenge is all about tassels, right? 

So here's some more.....

I should probably tell you that as well as looking lovely, the tassels are all handmade from the softest bamboo thread and feel amazing to touch! Oh yeah, and that cool design on the flair - one of my absolute faves & exclusive to the Wild Spirit Kit!

One more close up for you.....

More cool flair and tee pee awesomeness!!!

And there you have it! My fun take on the August challenge over at Kraft Plus!

Get your tassels (& if your quick, one of the last remaining Wild Spirit Kits) from the store here & then visit our friends at Kraft Plus to join in on the challenge!

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

 

Studio Fourteen40: Hello Sunshine!

Hi Friends!

I know, its been a while since I blogged for Studio Fourteen40!

 After the all the hype for the big Wild Spirit Collection & Kit release, 

I have been enjoying some quiet crafting for myself & playing along with a few challenges!

I created this layout for a  Paper Issues scraplift challenge using the Pink Paislee Fancy Free collection.

But, it has a few too many awesome Studio Fourteen40 products not to share!

So without further ado, here's my layout....

"PLAY"

Told you it was awesome! And so much Studio Fourteen40 fabulousness here too!

You'll spy flair from the Hello Sunshine collection, wood veneer stars & even those glitter foam cut glasses!

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

Today was awesome indeed!

How terrific is that flair button?!!! LOVE it! So bright, bold and happy - perfect for my cheeky monkey ;)

The veneer stars are almost like scatter sequins, but cooler! They are beautifully cut and there's so many of them in the packet that you'll be able to use them on multiple projects!

And how about those Foam Cut: Spunky Specs in green?! These are such a playful embellishment and work so well with my layout.......

Apart from being super cool, my fave feature of these delicate cut glasses is that they're stickers - so no messy glue required to attach them! Making crafting even easier!

Here's another view......

How cool is the LAUGH flair button too! This page just screams fun & play!

I hope this layout inspires you to get creating!

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Studio Fourteen40 products featured:

• Hello Sunshine Flair Buttons
• Wood Veneer - Stars
• Foam Cuts: Spunky Specs - Green