Elle's Studio: More November Kit Love!

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing some memory keeping love with the gorgeous November Kit and new release items! It's true, I'm a biased fan of all thing Elle's Studio, but let me tell you why....

Every month, regardless of the season or any holiday theme, there's always plenty of products to document your everyday stories. Elle's Studio products are so varied and non-specific that they appeal to me for all types of creating; scrapbooking, card making, pocket pages, mini albums, and off the page items, & most importantly, they are non-gender specific. I am able to tell everyone's stories with Elle's Studio monthly kit - YAY! 

Why is that important? 

Well, take today's project and the somewhat Christmassy vibe of the November Kit (and new releases) and you'll understand exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout....

Elle's Studio Supplies: November 2020 Kit, Currently Label Stickers, Holiday Foodie Stickers, Jane Tile Alphabet Cardstock Stickers-White, Acrylic Christmas Trees, Very Merry Chipboard Stickers, Jewel Polka Dot 6 x 8.5inch Paper Stack, Fa La La 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack & Dark Green Puffy Alphabet Stickers. 

Other Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock-Avalanche, & sequins.

This is awesome! 

Not a Christmas layout, no pink to be seen and yet I used the very same November Kit and new release items that I also created these 2 very pretty in pink Christmas pages with...

Wow, talk about versatility! See why I LOVE all things Elle's Studio?! It's all about balance, beautiful colors & patterns, high quality, varied products and a chance to document my stories, my way! 

Speaking of documenting stories, let's chat about today's layout! 

First up, I had quite a long title that I wanted to feature on my page. The solution? I wrapped my title around my photo cluster to create more space for all the words. I also mixed my alphas for 3 key reasons; 1. So I had enough of each letter/numeral required, 2. So the words would all fit (the smaller Jane Tile Alphabet Stickers were perfect for the Show's long name) & 3. To create interest and keep you reading!  

I love how effective that long, circular title looks! 

Secondly, at the time of creating this page, I only had the one small photograph to work with. With such a big title, my photo was bound to get lost. The solution? I created a large base of mixed 3 x 4inch notecards from the November Kit, and Fa La La papers to mount my photo onto. To make my photograph appear 'bigger', I cut the 3 x 4" cards into half, and fanned them out behind my photo. This not only created a point of interest, but also widened my image. 

For my layout color scheme, I chose colors that featured in my photograph. This created a more cohesive look and unified all the different elements throughout the page. 

Those Acrylic Christmas Trees were the perfect adornment to my photo cluster. You'll spy that trees are featured in my photo background, the Show name is all about forest life, the trees coordinated with my color scheme and they aided in the widening of the cluster's appearance. Awesome! 

Did I mention that I love the versatility of Elle's Studio embellishments?! I also used a Holiday Foodie Sticker, and the Very Merry Chipboard Stickers to emphasize my photo cluster despite having no relevance to food or Christmas! See what I mean about every month being so varied and suitable for all kinds of creating and story telling? Love it! 

The Currently Labels happened to feature 'watching, listening and singing' and yes, you guessed it, worked with my color scheme. Needless to say I just had to use them, but to make them stand out that tiny bit more, I foam mounted them all for good measure! 

The tiny yellow stars are from the Acrylic Christmas Trees, & I couldn't resist sprinkling them around my title. If you look closely, there's a pop of yellow in my photo background, and those tiny stars really enhanced this! Simple, well considered placement of embellishments makes all the difference! 

And there you have it! 

Another handful of reasons as to why I think Elle's Studio products are the very best, 

and another fabulous layout to add to my sweet son's album! 

Wasn't he cute as 'Ratty'?

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

I hope I have inspired you! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Stay Unique!

Hi Crafty Friends!

Welcome back for more Cocoa Vanilla Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing another butterfly theme layout with the gorgeous HAPPINESS collection. 

This time I've taken some inspiration from fellow teamie,

  Anna Komenda ('cos she's one awe-inspiring creative!) 

& I just love how it turned out - hope you like it too!

"Stay Unique"

Wow! Isn't this super pretty?!!

I love a good grid design, & when I saw Anna using butterflies for the 'boxes' I knew I'd have to lift her design! It's seriously SO cool! I've mixed mine up a bit though, & created a fun new look with our beautiful HAPPINESS pattern papers, LOVE!!!

I started with the fabulous polka dot pattern paper, CV-HA002 SPRINKLES as the 12inch base. I used my silhouette software to arrange the butterfly cut file ( Butterfly Wings courtesy of The Cut Shoppe) into a grid design. I cut out all 9 butterflies and saved the 'off-cut' negative to create my background with. I trimmed the white cardstock 'off-cut' to 11" x 11" and then proceeded to back all the butterflies. I selected pattern papers, CV-HA009 MEADOW & CV-HA004 FRAME OF MIND and alternated them throughout the white cardstock background. I love how pretty the pink and blue/green silhouettes look! Simply stunning!

Next, I used a sheet of 'fun foam' to back the entire 11" base, before gluing it onto the SPRINKLES base. This gave my layout a little lift and added some subtle dimension too! With the base of the layout completed, the rest of the layout was all about my sweet photo and embellishments!

On the pink butterflies, I layered one of the cut file butterflies, followed by a fussy cut pink butterfly from pattern paper, CV-HA008 BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL.  

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

Simple and yet, oh so effective! Beautiful!

I chose to leave the FRAME OF MIND butterflies free from embellishments, as the detailed design on the pattern is just too pretty to cover, don't you think? That said, I did end up covering two of them with my CARDSTOCK TITLES, Stay Unique, but I tried to keep that lovely pattern visible. 

Next, I applied a few painty splatters of color in the center of the page, spreading out towards the butterflies. This subtle hint of colour breaks up all the white and adds that extra point of interest. Once dried, I built my photo cluster over the center butterfly....

You'll spy that I used the brush stroke CLEAR STICKERS (complimenting the previously applied paint splatters) beneath the cluster, & then added in some DIE CUT EPHEMERA blooms. I foam mounted my sweet girl's photo, and then embellished it with a DIE CUT EPHEMERA sentiment label & 2 pretty butterflies. I tucked in the beautiful sentiment from the ACCESSORY STICKERS, and finished off with that awesome FLAIR BUTTON.  For final touches, I added a few more CLEAR STICKERS around the page.

And there you have it!

Super beautiful creating with the HAPPINESS collection!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my project today, & feel inspired to get creating today!

Thanks so much for your kind comments & support!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Throwback Thursday with More Than Words!

Hi Creative Friends!

Welcome back for another installment of the Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Throw Back Thursday feature!

Today I am taking you back to 2018 with 

the gorgeous More Than Words collection and a very sweet 'mom & son' page,

"Wonderful Moments"

Talk about sweet, this melts my heart! Such a happy moment documented! And maybe another twist on my love for the monochromatic designs ;)

Lots of lovely layers here, starting with the reverse side of CV-MT003 GOSSAMER as my layout base. I layer over this pretty black floral paper with a sheet of pale blue cardstock. I distress, peel back, and staple this cardstock into place to reveal the CV-MT003 GOSSAMER base. This is such an effective technique, as it creates both texture & interest, as well as a masculine touch to these pretty papers!

To these two background bases, I layer a cut file (Geometric Art courtesy of The Cut Shoppe) which I semi back with the 6 x 6 PAPER PAD version of the GOSSAMER paper. To the cut file, I add embellishments galore, and of course, my photo cluster! So many pretty layers! Let's take a closer look......

Absolutely LOVE this photo of me & my boy! 

I embellish the cut file with a mix of DIE CUT EPHEMERA, CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS, ENAMEL SHAPES, & even ACCESSORY STICKERS. I start my design from the top of the cut file, & travel down the page focusing on my photo cluster in the center. The 'wonderful' CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKER was the perfect title choice for my darling photo! But my title doesn't end there! As your eye moves down my layout, you'll find the remainder of my title beneath my photograph....

Unforgettable, & Wonderful are fussy cut labels from pattern paper CV-MT006 TREASURE, and Moments is from the CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS. Such a fun mixed title & I just adore all the tucked in pieces surrounding my photo! Layered perfection!

Here's a better look at my title and central photo....

That layering beneath my photo is just stunning! 

You'll spy more cuts from pattern paper, CV-MT006 TREASURE, as well as ACCESSORY STICKERS, more CHIPBOARD ACCENT STICKERS, DIE CUT EPHEMERA & that divine VELLUM ACCENTS feather!  I love that bold pop of blue, it really brings attention to my photo!

Here's another view for you....

Just gorgeous!

I tuck a few white cotton floss threads into the photo cluster too!  For more interest & a finishing touch, I also add a few watercolor splatters as well! LOVE it!

More Than Words might be a girly, feminine collection but it is still perfect for scrapping the boys too! 

I hope you enjoyed my edition of Throw Back Thursday, 

& feel inspired to get creating with your older Cocoa Vanilla Studio stash too!

Thanks so much for visiting today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Cocoa Vanilla Studio: Our Happy Story

Hi Creative Friends! 

Welcome back for more memory keeping inspiration! 

Today I'm sharing my take on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio multi photo theme week;

using our delightful new Midnight collection. 

I just love the blue hues and indigo in this collection - so beautiful! 

Needless to say, I just had to create a monochromatic page with it all! 

But enough chatter, here's my layout with more than one photograph......

"Our Happy Story"

*Sigh!* Oh-so-beautiful!

And what a happy story this is! 

All our Christmas wishes have come early this year with the arrival of our new miniature dachshund puppy! Yay!!! All the feels for this happy moment! 

And don't those CV-MN007 INKY DEPTHS blues make it even more lovely?! There are just SO many beautiful creative possibilities with the Midnight collection!

My layout begins with gluing one inch paper strips of pattern paper, CV-MN01 BLOOM & GROW (reverse side), on both sides of the white cardstock base. I then apply lots of inky blue splatters and droplets to the white cardstock base. Next, I remove the large die cut from CV-MN018 LARGE DIE CUT & BACKING KIT, and snip it in half. I back this half die with my favourite paper, CV-MN007 INKY DEPTHS & foam mount it to the top center of my layout design. Awesome!

To this fabulous die cut feature, I layer my super adorable puppy pictures....

You'll spot DIE CUT EPHEMERA frames beneath both my photographs, as well as an INKY DEPTHS layer from the 6x8 PAPER PAD. I foam mount the over hanging edges, and tuck the blue watercolor wash CLEAR STICKERS beneath my photos too! 

I embellish my multi photo cluster with DIE CUT EPHEMERA, & an ACCESSORY STICKER or two.....

I use the CARDSTOCK TITLES to form my title, Our Happy Story, which I layer over my photos as well. I love the midnight blues, and this title just enhances my monochromatic look! I add subtle journaling around the photos with those gorgeous sentiment stickers from the ACCESSORY STICKER sheet. Perfect! 

Here's another view for you......

So much gorgeousness! 

Who would've known that blue is my favourite colour?!! 

And seriously, how cute is our new addition? We've called him Maxwell, and he is just as divine in nature, as he is in appearance - puppy LOVE!!!

Moving down the page, you'll spy more inky splatters, CLEAR STICKERS, ACCESSORY STICKERS & even a CHIPBOARD PIECES mason jar filled with hearts....

Oh my heart!!! Could it get any sweeter than this?!!

I'm loving the CLEAR STICKERS in the Midnight collection - so versatile & the quality is amazing! Those navy crosses are so effective that they don't even look like stickers - incredible!!!

The sweetest thing, indeed!

The mason jars filled with hearts are the perfect ending to this happy story - all the love for little Maxwell the Miniature Dachshund! To bring even more attention to the CHIPBOARD PIECES one, I've foam mounted the DIE CUT EPHEMERA heart onto it. I've also tucked in a couple stickers beneath it, as well as that directional arrow from the CLEAR STICKERS.

Such a happy moment, beautifully documented with the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Midnight collection!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my take on the multi photo theme 

& that my layout has inspired you to get creating too!

Thanks so much for visiting today,

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo

Pinkfresh Studio: Indigo Hills 2 & all the pretty things!!!

Hi Friends! 

Time for a little Pinkfresh Studio inspiration, and oh.my.heart!

When the Indigo Hills 2 collection arrived, I had so much difficulty cutting into it! 

It's that incredibly beautiful!!! 

Such a gorgeous collection to document those special moments with! 

And in my case, simply the PERFECT collection for all those divine Ballet photographs of my sweet girl!

I could type for hours about the prettiness of Indigo Hills 2,

but instead let's allow my projects to speak for themselves.....

Here's my first layout, 

"Moments Are More Important Than Things" 

Sigh! Isn't this divine?!

So dreamy, & delicate!

I was immediately drawn to the softer, muted colors and tones in this line. This tranquil color scheme, partnered with the pretty blooms and ornate frames was just an angelic combination!

So pure, and innocent like my subject in the photograph! 

You'll spy the reverse side of pattern paper GORGE as my layout base. I just adore that pretty gray color! I have layered a 10" x 10" sheet of pattern paper, RIDGE (also the reverse side) onto it. To this layer I add a 9" x 9" smooth white cardstock layer,  but before sealing the two papers together, I tuck that DIE CUT EPHEMERA bloom in between these layers on the right hand side. Such a pretty detail!

Next, I frame my photo with that divine CHIPBOARD STICKERS oval frame, and then layer it onto that amazing CHIPBOARD STICKERS wreath. So whimsical! 

I tuck a few blooms (DIE CUT EPHEMERA & PUFFY STICKER) beneath the wreath. I foam mount my DIE CUT EPHEMERA title, 'Moments Are More Important Than Things' and layer it over the wreath, so it's resting on the edge of my framed photograph. Really pretty! 

I embellish around my photo cluster with more CHIPBOARD STICKERS, GOLD FOILED WOOD STICKERS, and even some ENAMEL DOTS. 

I add a subtitle, 'love' which I also mount on foam tape and surround with a few more of the ENAMEL DOTS.  

Last, but by no means least, I add my type writer font journaling to the base of my layout & embellish with a final PUFFY STICKER & ENAMEL DOT or, two. 

 

So beautiful!

All the pretty and delicate details on this sweet page! 

I hope she'll treasure it for years to come! 

My second layout embraces the more sassy, fun & playful side of my sweet dancer.....

"Ballet Besties, Mirror Selfies"

Isn't this beautiful?!!

And with such a different look photo, I was able to draw on the deeper, richer purple & indigo tones of this collection! Purple LOVE!!!

I have opted for the very pretty, HIGHLAND pattern paper as my layout background. The striped triangle detail in this paper is so striking and really caught my eye. With this in mind, I decide to position my photo here to ensure it remains the focus of my page! 

Beneath my photograph, I layer pattern paper VALLEY, as well as the reverse side of paper RIDGE, DIE CUT EPHEMERA, PHRASE STICKERS & one of those divine JOURNALING SPOTS with FOIL ACCENTS!

Such awesome layers!!!

I surround this pretty photo cluster with a mix of PUFFY STICKERS, ENAMEL DOTS, CHIPBOARD STICKERS, WOOD STICKERS with FOIL ACCENTS, PHRASE STICKERS & even some gold asterisks from the GOLD PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS. I try to respect the diagonal flow of the striped pattern within this embellishing too.

You'll also notice that I adorn my photo with a PUFFY STICKER sentiment - cute!  

My title is created with a mix of both GOLD PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS and purple MINI PUFFY ALPHA STICKERS, and follows the movement of the laurel leaves in the pattern paper. So simple & yet, so effective!

And there you have it! 

My first play with the all.the.pretty, Indigo Hills 2, things!!!!

I hope my layouts have inspired you to get creating with this simply stunning collection! 

If you liked my projects please be sure to check out my newly created

You Tube channel HERE,

where I will be uploading lots of Pinkfresh Studio inspiration! 

Thanks so much for visiting! 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: April: No Cardstock Allowed Challenge!

Hi Everyone! 

Welcome back for more Paper Issues awesomeness with another NEW challenge for April;

What a fun challenge to use up all those pretty pattern papers!

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

"Hello Beautiful"

Swoon! Absolutely beautiful, indeed!
I have used one of my all time favourite Cocoa Vanilla Studio collections - Wild At Heart - for this sweet patterned paper page!
You'll also note that I have used the gorgeous Free Paper Issues cut file called
 Autumn Blessings 



Such a beautiful file! You can download it for free HERE.

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

All.the.pretty.details for my gorgeous girl! 

Love her so much! She brings so much joy to our lives!

Love that distressed white woodgrain pattern paper - so good! 

And the blue chippie title really pops against that pattern paper base.....

And those gorgeous flicks of paint?

They're Shimmerz Paints, of course!

The colour is called Vibez: Razzeldazzel Berry - so pretty!

And there you have it!

My take on the No Cardstock Allowed challenge!

I can't wait to see what you'll come up with for this one! 

Need new supplies before you get started?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Code AMANDA will save you 20% off your total spend - Yayyy!

Shop for Shimmerz Paints HERE 

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

Thanks so much for visiting!

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