Happy Arty Days

Paper Issues: January Free File Friday #1

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back for a new year of fabulous FREE cut files with Paper Issues!

I LOVE all the incredible cut files that Paper Issues has on offer,

& there are so many new ones appearing in the store all.the.time!!!

The first cut file challenge for January is all about numerals.

Use a numeral cut file OR use any cut file and add numerals to it. Easy!

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

"Oh You 2"

Isn't this the sweetest?!!

I have used the gorgeous Amy Tangerine: Hustle & Heart collection for this happy page.

I just love the bright & fun colours and patterns in this line.

The title is made from Dear Lizzy Thickers, and you'll spy that I used the number '2' over the edge of my cut file butterfly. Super cute!

The floral cut file & butterfly are just stunning!

They're from the Cherish Florals file, which looks like this......

SO divine!

Download this cut file HERE for free! (No purchase required)

Here's a better look at them in action.....

That floral is too cute for words!

They really are such simple & beautiful cuts!

To create a little more dimension to this 'clean' look, I used foam tape beneath the floral cut for added interest.

- I LOVE YOU BEYOND MEASURE -

Perfect sentiment!

Adore this super happy page documenting my fave 2!

Looking for more fabulous free files?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

& if you do make a purchase, please use the discount code AMANDA

It saves you 20% off your total spend! Yay!!!

Want to see more with our cut files?

Find more inspiration from our talented team HERE

Thanks so much for visiting today,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Bohemian Dreams & Happy Days!

Hi Creative Friends!

Time for a lil more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!
While we eagerly await the all NEW More Than Words collection, I have another stunning design with Bohemian Dream to keep you inspired!
'Cause let's be honest, I still can't get enough of this gorgeous line!!!

"Happy Days"

Oh.WOW!!! Isn't this just something?!!

It's no secret that I LOVE all the pretty things, but this collection, well let's just say it makes me swoon each and everytime I create with it! It's hard to go wrong with something this beautiful!
LOVE it all!!!

For this design, I start with a 12 x 12 white cardstock base, and begin by adding paper strips in BD-005 DREAMER to both the left and right sides of my layout.
This is one of my absolute favourite papers! So pretty AND versatile!
As my photo 'looks' to the left, I decide to position it onto the right to encourage visual flow.
So, with this in mind, the main feature of my layout is on the right hand side. I use some complimentary purple Shimmerz Paints (Vibez Princess & Razzledazzel Berry ) to create my mixed media base and then embellish, embellish, embellish!

Here's a closer look....

Oh this really is divine!!!

Inspired by that incredible dreamcatcher CHIPBOARD STICKER, I fussy cut a larger one from pattern paper CV-BD006 BOHO BITS. To make this fussy cut one look more impressive, I foam mount that you are amazing DIE CUT EPHEMERA onto it.
Feathers and gems are now part of my developing theme, and so I continue to add more of them into my layout!
You'll also notice that I create my own hanging mobile feathers too!
I use a delicate lilac tulle ribbon, and glue it underneath that chippie dreamcatcher.
At the base of the ribbon, I attach those DIE CUT EPHEMERA feathers - so pretty!!!

Such a simple idea, but oh so effective!

As we travel down the right side, we encounter more birds. That FLAIR BUTTON bird is the sweetest! And the birdy adorning my CHIPBOARD STICKER photo frame - well that has also been fussy cut from pattern paper CV-BD006 BOHO BITS. That pattern paper is so awesome!

And all winged things belong together, right? So I include a few butterflies (VELLLUM & DIE CUT EPHEMERA) for good measure.

What a Gem!
I add a sprinkling of ENAMEL SHAPES and sequins to unite this magical, whimsical notion of dreamcatchers and gems.
The Happy Days ACCESSORY STICKER tucks in under those feathers beautifully and forms my layout title.

That CHIPBOARD STICKER butterfly is SO gorgeous that I use its smaller DIE CUT EPHEMERA counterpart to complete the right side of my design.

Before we move on,
let's just take a closer look at that distressed woodgrain framed photo .....

Eeeep! That's me
(I know, I am really trying to make the effort to feature in more photos this year)
with my beautiful daughter!
We were having a 'girls day' and having so much fun! Love it!
That CHIPBOARD STICKER frame is the perfect accent to my photo. I love the white distressed woodgrain - it adds texture without any fuss!
Heart this moment, indeed!
The typewriter font ACCESSORY STICKERS are always my go to for journaling. I really prefer them over my own messy handwriting & they're so easy to apply!

Moving to the left now, and you'll immediately spot that butterfly!
Yes, it's the same as the chippie one on the right.....

I just loved it so much that, yes you guessed it, I fussy cut it out from my new fave paper, CV-BD006 BOHO BITS.
Are you needing this pattern paper yet?!! I know I've ordered more ;)
I mounted the butterfly onto that circular ACCESSORY STICKER and added a few more ENAMEL SHAPES & sequins. So pretty!
I then add my remaining die cuts.
Those printed tabs just perfect for embellishing that paper strip with! A heart, and last but by no means least, one more butterfly to keep with the whimsy!

And there you have it!

A super stunning layout that really takes advantage of our fabulous embellishments and pattern paper, BOHO BITS!

I hope I have inspired you!

Thanks for visiting!
til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Paper Issues: January Working Title

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

Welcome back for the January edition of

Wow! Working Title is turning 1!

Yay for this super fun title challenge!

To celebrate this lil birthday & moreso, the New Year,

this month's challenge is all about banners!

Suggested ideas include:

Place your title onto a banner

Hang your title from twine in bunting fashion

Draw/Print n Cut your own banner & title

Use the Paper Issues Happy Hooray Free Cut File

**Bonus challenge: Include a celebratory or party themed title! **

Here's my sample layout for you....

"Celebrate"

So.much.FUN!!!!

Doesn't this just scream Party?!!

I have used the Pebbles Happy Hooray collection for my layout, and that awesome 'celebrate' banner title is from the Hooray Thickers in this line. So cool!

You'll also spy that fabulous 'confetti' background!

It's made from my fave Shimmerz Paints Paste-eez. LOVE!!!

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

That title is really something!

How cute are those Enamel Sprinkles?!!

All the party things!!! Yay!

I hope you feel inspired by my bright n happy take on this month's Working Title challenge!

Now it's your turn!

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

Need supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store here

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

Get your Shimmerz Paints HERE & type AMANDA in the comments section of your order to receive a bonus gift ;) Yay!

Want more celebration inspiration?

See what our incredible team have created here

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Happy New Year & Exciting News Too!

Hi Creative Friends!

Happy New Year!

I hope 2018 will be full of happiness, joy and good fortune for you and your loved ones!

My 2018 is starting off SUPER exciting!!!

SO delighted to share this happy news.....

Oh me, Oh my!!!!

Eeeeep!

To say that I am over the moon to be joining the Elle's Studio Design Team,

and in the company of these talented ladies, is an understatement!

Soooooooooooo delighted and can't wait to share some fabulous creating with you all!

See more about these wonderful Creatives' on the Elle's Studio Blog HERE

THANKYOU!

Your ongoing encouragement and comments mean so much!

Happy 2018!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Paper Issues: January New Issue Monday!

Hi Creative Friends!

Happy New Year!

I hope that 2018 brings you much happiness & joy!

Paper Issues are kicking off the New Year with a brand New Issue...

The January issue is....

We're Off To A Fresh Start

Suggested ideas:

Pages about your plans/intentions/resolutions for the new year;

Use "2018" on your project;

How did you ring in New Year's Eve;

Share any project you'd like — anything goes.

Here's what I created,

"Wonderful"

Isn't this stunning?! I love that photo of me and my darling daughter - such happy times!
My layout is inspired by our New Year's intentions to reach for the stars, as well as making this year our time to shine.

To start off the New Year 'fresh' I am also stash busting all my left over collections. For this layout I have used the super pretty Dear Lizzy Stargazer collection.
That incredible constellation pattern paper is called Magical (& isn't it just!)
That colour is just divine!

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

So many awesome embellishments in this collection! From cute flair, to Wood Icon Paper Clips, and even those 6 x 12 Cardstock Stickers - love it all!

Wonderful, indeed!!!

And there you have it!

My take on this month's New Issue!

Looking for Dear Lizzy and more?

Visit the Paper Issues store here

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

Want more New Issue inspiration?

See what our talented team has created here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

PInkfresh Studio Playing Favourites Blog Hop

Hi Pinkfresh Studio Friends & Fans!

Welcome to the Pinkfresh Studio: Playing Favourites Blog Hop!

For this fun 'n' fantastic hop the Scrapbook DT are creating one project from their favourite Pinkfresh Studio collection from 2017.
We have such a wonderful array of collections & projects to share with you!
And of course, an even more fabulous prize (or 4!!!) up for grabs.....

Such a terrific prize! Good luck!

If you've just arrived from the super talented Anna's blog then you're in the right place!
If not, here's the full blog hop list so you can visit them all!

*Remember: To be eligible for the prize, you MUST leave a comment on every blog listed below*

Playing Favourites Blog Hop Order:

1. Pinkfresh Studio
2. Veera Saarivuo
3. Kathleen Graumuller
4. Flora Monika Farkas
5. Evelyn Pratiwi Yusuf
6. Elsie Robinson
7. Beata Valint
8. Ashley Horton
9. Anna Kossakovskaya
10. Amanda-Jayne Baldwin <-------You are HERE
11. Adrienne Alvis

I found it really hard to choose a favourite collection from 2017!
I am truly such a die hard fan of all Pinkfresh Studio's modern and contemporary collections!
In the end, I chose the December Days line because it would have to be my favourite Christmas collection from all the scrapbook manufacturers. Yep, I LOVE it that much!
So without further ado, here's my December Days layout.....

"Merry Everything"

Oh how awesome is this?!!

I was totally inspired by all the beautiful gift wrapping that Rebecca Luminarias shares with us in the Pinkfresh Studio: Wrapped With Love class kit!

Just stunning!

I have used patterned paper CANDY CANES as my base, and then a wonderful array of embellishments, frames, and journal cards, all lovingly layered together.

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

Oh those luscious layers!!!

I start with the gift ribbon and a doily from my stash, & then commence to 'build up' that photo cluster with GOLD FOILED CHIPBOARD FRAMES, and DIE CUT tags. I then embellish my photograph with PUFFY STICKERS, GOLD FOIL WOOD VENEERS, and that Share The Merry ephemera - which has been fussy cut from the 3 x 4 JOURNAL CARDS.To make the ephemera appear more like a gift tag, I add a lil red handmade tassel beneath it. Super cute!

Here's a better look at it.....

Love it!

And speaking of love, how good is that sub-title PUFFY STICKER, Merry Everything?!!

For finishing touches, I add that sweet ornament DIE CUT to top of my 'gift', and embellish around the photo cluster with red PUFFY STICKER stars, gold sequins and CHIPBOARD ALPHA STICKERS. I use the letter "O" tucked under my photo layers - such a fun idea!

And there you have it!

My favourite December Days layout!

I hope it has inspired you to scrap some of those wonderful Christmas Day photographs!

Before I send you on your way,

please be sure to leave a comment below to ensure that you're eligible for the prize!

Thanks so much for visiting!

Time to hop on over to the amazing Adrienne Alvis' blog HERE - she has a fantastic project to share with you!

Happy Hopping & Good Luck with the prize draw!

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!