Danni Visser

About Danni Visser

Danni is a busy married mum to two beautiful children, who feature often in her scrappy projects. She works as a makeup artist and studies medical science full-time at university. Danni has been passionate about scrapbooking, papercraft, mixed media and everything art & crafty since her childhood, and getting scrappy is her favourite way to unwind. She calls it her happy place!

Posts by Danni Visser:

My Story | Storyteller Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla fans! Danni here with a layout featuring the incredible Storyteller Collection. This layout is all about me, something that many scrappers struggle with, myself included.  This very recent photo is of myself enjoying a glass of champagne while celebrating my acceptance to medical school! This was a huge achieement for me and something I felt was important to document right away. You’ll notice there’s no journalling included; I’m going to include that in a separate layout because it is a significant story to tell. This makes Storyteller the perfect collection to document this memory.

To begin this layout I took two A4 sheets of white cardstock (this is a standard Australian paper size, somewhere in between 8.5×11″ and 9×12″) and tore one in half vertically down the centre. I laid one torn half on top of the intact sheet, then took hybrid inks in two  different shades of pink and created a messy watercolour effect coming out from underneath the torn paper, using a combination of the packaging technique, paintbrush and splatters.

I added some dimensional foam under my photo, then added some layers of paper from the A5 paper stack. Adding foam between the photo and the matting paper gives a different look and creates multiple layers for tucking embellishments. I placed my photo on top of the overlapping section of cardstock, then sorted through the floral ephemera to find various sized flowers in yellows and pinks. I clustered these around the edge of my photo, tucking some in underneath the torn edge of the cardstock, some in between the layers of my photo matting.

I tucked in a butterfly and a camera piece from the chipboard stickers, adding a die cut ephemera button over the camera lens to add a touch of whimsy. I also tucked an epoxy wood button and a die cut ephemera heart among the flowers, popping the heart up on foam squares. I also sprinkled around some puffy sticker hearts and dots around the edges of the flowers for some tiny details.

I kept the title simple, using a large title piece from the chipboard stickers as the main focus. I added some alphas from my stash and included some tiny words from the accessory stickers as a subtitle.

As a final touch I included a dashed border using a black fineliner pen, keeping this on the uppermost torn piece of cardstock. This was to emphasise the difference between the soft mixed media side on the right and the clean white side on the left.

I really hope you enoyed joining me today for this layout. I have loved every minute spent creating with these wonderful products, and I hope you find as much joy in them as I have. Happy scrapping everyone.

Danni x

Sweet Days | Storyteller + Sunkissed Collections | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio friends! Danni here with a layout featuring our newest collection Storyteller plus a little of an older favourite – the Sunkissed collection. Although these collections are quite different, the pops of bright yellow in both make it really easy to combine the two. They pair beautifully with the yellow shirt my daughter is wearing in my photo!

To begin this layout, I started with a sheet of plain white cardstock and the Brighter Days 12×12 patterned paper. I cut two strips from the patterned paper, one thick and one narrow, then distressed the edges. I adhered both strips to either side of the white cardstock.

Next I matted my photo. To do this I used a combination of the A5 paper stacks from both collections, plus a bright yellow 3×4 double-sided card from Sunkissed. I distressed and tore some of the paper edges for some extra texture, then added the photo over the thicker strip of patterned paper.

For my title I decided the sparkly glitter foam titles from Sunkissed were perfect, so I added ‘sweet days’ right below my photo. I also added a small banner text piece from the die cut ephemera pack in this space. I also used a few of the glitter hearts from the foam titles around my layout to bring in more sparkle!

The floral ephemera from these collections pair really well, especially the blue and yellow tones. I created three floral clusters around my layout; two either side of my photo and one to the left side of the page. I added in a couple of pieces from the die cut ephemera from both collections as well.

For some finishing touches, I added in a couple of the brushstroke effect clear stickers from Sunkissed, plus a few puffy stickers and some tiny word strips from the accessory stickers. I stamped the date with grey ink on one of the ephemera pieces, then added a small sprinkling of ink splatters around my ephemera clusters.

I was surprised with how easy it was to integrate these two very different collections, and I’m in love with the result! Such a bright, happy layout. I hope you enjoyed joining me today. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

 

Muddy Puddles | Storyteller Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio friends! Danni here with a layout featuring the beautiful Storyteller collection. I used lots of patterned paper in this one; I think patterned paper has to be my favourite scrapbooking supply as it is just so versatile!

I have some photos of my littlest child splashing in some puddles in her bright yellow rain boots that I have been dying to document. This collection features the perfect shade of yellow to match her little boots. I started with the Oh My Heart 12×12 patterned paper for my background because the pattern reminds me of raindrops. I added some white acrylic paint to the area behind where my photos and embellishments would go to help them stand out on the patterned background.

Next I created a cutfile of some rain boots using a free image and my digital cutting machine. I backed it using the A5 paper stack. I used a yellow ink to fill in the white background of one of the patterns to add even more yellow to the boots.

I used a double sided 3×4 card to mat one of my photos, distressing the edges for texture. Next I created three embellishment clusters. Two of the clusters I positioned framing the photos using the die cut ephemera, for the third cluster I filled the top of the boots with floral die cut ephemera pieces.

 

I added some of the small wood epoxy buttons over the camera lens and flower centres of my die cut ephemera.  I stamped the date on an accessory sticker and added a sprinkling of puffy sticker hearts around my clusters.

Finally I added my title. I used a navy paper from the A5 paper stack to cut some letters on my digital die cutting machine, then added some messy machine stitching for extra texture and interest. This also enabled me to bend the edges of the letters up to create even more dimension.

I hope you enjoyed joining me for this layout. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

 

 

Sunshine | Sunkissed Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here with a combination Throwback Thursday and Sketch layout. I was challenged to use a sketch and an older Cocoa Vanilla collection, so I settled on the stunning Sunkissed Collection and this adorable sketch from Lottie Loves Paper.

I love how a sketch can help guide you in a direction that you may not have thought of spontaneously. The rainbow in the sketch reminded me of the Sunny Days 12×12 patterned paper so I used that to make a border around my page. I also added a layer of the pink Growing Wild 12×12 patterned paper behind a piece of white watercolour cardstock, ready for some paint!

Continuing with my inspiration from Sunny Days 12×12 patterned paper, I matched the colours from the rainbows in the pattern by mixing up some acrylic paint, then painted a rainbow on the watercolour paper following the placement in the sketch. Next, I added some pink and gold ink splatters around where my photos would go.

The sketch called for three square photos, so I chose these pics from a day trip and picnic with my family last summer. I decided to trim my smaller photos a little, so they were more rectangular than square, just because they fit a little better on the page that way. I matted my photos using the A5 paper stack and backed them with 3D foam before adhering them down.

I chose a beautiful glittery title from the Foam title stickers and placed it following the sketch, curving it along the top of my hand painted rainbow. It fit just perfectly between my two photo clusters.

Next, I chose a collection of clear stickers, puffy stickers, accessory stickers, floral ephemera, die cut ephemera and wood buttons to create small embellishment clusters around my photos. I placed them roughly in the areas shown in the sketch, but I was pretty flexible in the placement of these.

Finally, I printed my journalling using a typewriter font and cut it into strips, before adhering it down at the base of my rainbow. I had a bit more journalling than the sketch had, so I just brought it up a little higher on the page. There was plenty of extra room, so I was happy with the final placement. And that’s the layout finished! I hope you enjoyed joining me today and happy scrapping!

Danni x

You Make Me Smile | Storyteller Collection | Danni Visser

Hello lovely Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here, back with another layout featuring the pretty Storyteller collection. On the blog this week the team are focusing on storytelling with our layouts. Today I am documenting what is a very important day of the year for many people, including myself – Mother’s Day.

I am not necessarily the most creative when it comes to storytelling; I am certainly not a prodigious journaller and I tend to go blank when it comes time to put pen to layout. To help overcome this I look for ways to add small areas of journalling in creative ways. This time I chose an envelope cutfile, knowing I would be able to tuck little pieces of my story inside them.

I went ahead and backed my cutfile using the A5 paper stack, alternating the busier patterns with the more solid ones to create variety. I made sure not to glue down the openings of the two envelopes I wanted to tuck things inside. To brighten up my white cardstock background, I took soft pink and yellow hybrid inks and added some subtle mixed media using the packaging technique.

Next, I chose the cut-apart sheets from the A5 paper stack and cut out a journalling spot and a couple of the adorable tags. I added some journalling to the journalling spot and tucked it into the middle envelope of the cutfile. I hole-punched the tags and added some coloured thread to them before popping them into the other open envelope.

To add more detail to the little envelopes, I used the chipboard stickers to add a heart envelope seal, then added some tiny word accessory stickers and a stamped date to another envelope to make it look as if it had been addressed. I also popped a puffy sticker heart inside the stamp – so sweet!

I added my photos above and below my cutfile to frame it nicely, then added my title using the foam title stickers to fill in the remaining large, awkward spaces. I embellished by adding some die cut ephemera florals, some more accessory stickers and lots of puffy stickers sprinkled around the layout.

Finally, I added another small journaling spot above one of the photos to finish. I am really happy with how I told my story with this layout. I hope you enjoyed joining me too. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

Together | Storyteller Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here with another layout using the gorgeous new Storyteller collection. Are you enjoying this beautiful new stack of goodies as much as I am? This collection is so easy to work with and so versatile, I am having so much fun with it!

I was rummaging around in my craft room this week (trying to clean but actually making more mess, who can relate?) and found a cutfile in drawer that I had cut ages ago but never gotten around to using. It is meant to be a Christmas cutfile I think, but it immediately made me think of a recent hike my family took in the mountains. I found some photos and decided the tree theme would work perfectly for a layout.

I started with the woodgrain side of Cross It Off 12×12 patterned paper as a background. I love a woodgrain paper at the best of times, and this light toned wood texture is perfect for a hiking layout. I added the cutfile on top of the patterned paper, deciding not to back it with papers because I like the clean look of the white on the woodgrain. I used small dots of glue at the trunk of each tree to ensure the tops and edges lifted up from the page to add dimension.

Next I matted my two 3x4inch photos with the double sided 3×4 cards. I love the patterns on these so much, and they are the perfect size to mat photos with. I also cut the ‘Love this life’ heart shape from one of the journal cards before using it as a mat, saving waste.  I then added a strip of yellow to the photo mat using the A5 paper stack patterned papers. Once my photo mat was done I started to think about a title. I have been so excited to use the stunning foam title stickers so I chose ‘together’ and added it just below my photos. The script font of these is absolutely beautiful! I also took the heart shaped piece I cut from the double sided 3×4 cards earlier, and tucked it behind my photos at the top.

Next came the embellishments! I took two of the hearts from the chipboard stickers and added them around the larger heart, followed by a chipboard banner at the bottom of the photos. I like how this bridges the gap between my photos and main title. I stamped the date on a label from the accessory stickers and tucked it into the side of my photo mat. I also took an accessory sticker tiny word phrase and added it to the opposite side for balance.

I reached for the die cut ephemera next and was absolutely spoiled for choice! I chose two of the large flower clusters and added them to either side of my photo mat. I also chose two of the sweet little pink butterflies and added them to the flowers, bending the wings up for dimension. I wanted to bring in a couple more pops of the beautiful red colour, so I added a few puffy sticker hearts around the florals as well.

Finally, I added lots of splatters around my layout using a white acrylic ink and a gold shimmer mist. I love how white and gold look against woodgrain; very neutral colours but they added such a pretty detail. I hope you enjoyed joining me for this layout, I had so much fun making it. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

Graduation | Storyteller Collection | Danni Visser

Hello Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here with my very first layout using the incredible new Storyteller collection! We have been completely spoiled for choice with this amazing collection, so it was difficult for me to decide where to begin. Then I remembered that I have been biding my time to scrap my university graduation pics, waiting for just the right collection to come along…and here we are!

The yellows and blues in this collection match my dress and hood in this photo perfectly. I was so inspired by all the gorgeous colours, I decided to pull out my vast collection of embroidery threads and begin stitching. I selected several of the flowers and leaves from the floral ephemera and added a variety of different stitches and knots to add lots of texture.

I had trouble choosing a title for this page because this was such a huge and important moment in my life, so I ended up going with a card from the 3×4 pocket cards instead of a traditional title. The longer sentiment on it really sums up the importance and gravity of this special moment better than a short title. I also love how the yellow ties in with the colour of my dress. I gently distressed the edges and outlined the card with a hand drawn border.

Next I popped my photo up on dimensional foam and layered it with the 3×4 card. Before I added my stitched florals to the page, I wanted to jazz up the white background. I added a border using Spring Fling 12×12 patterned paper, then added some delicate watercolour splatters in the same colours as the florals. I included some pearlescent watercolour splatters to add some shine.

Once the background was done, it was simply a matter of adding my florals around my photo and title card, creating three main clusters. I tucked some underneath the photo and overlaid others, creating a sense of dimension and realism on the page. Using the A5 paper stack, I fussy cut three tiny butterflies from the butterfly patterned paper and added one of these to each cluster, bending the wings up to create a feeling of movement. I also added a tiny wood button to each cluster, followed by two small puffy sticker hearts in varying colours.

I love how this layout turned out and I hope you did too. I have so many wonderful ideas for this collection! There is a process video for this one on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio YouTube channel linked below, if you would like to see this come together in more detail. Thanks for watching and happy scrapping!

Danni x

Love This Girl | No Limits Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here, back to share with you another fabulous No Limits collection layout. I have been eyeing off the gorgeous teal mixed media-inspired pattern on Stardust 12×12 patterned paper ever since I received the collection, so I decided to start with that as a base.

The first thing I did was add a sprinkling of stars using some different texture media. I used a 12×12 star stencil from my stash for the pattern, using a spatula to add first a sparkly gold glitter gel medium, then a white modelling paste. This added beautiful three-dimensional stars with lots of textural interest. I then added a bunch of ink splatters in gold and white all over the page.

Next I added two photos of myself and a very dear friend at dinner several years ago. Sometimes it’s lovely to look back and document a memory that happened a while ago! I added a white border to both photos and used the A5 paper stack to create a layered photo mat.

I used the die cut titles and some glittery alphas from my stash to spell out my title, layering it at the bottom of my photos.

For embellishments I went for a combo of the die cut ephemera, the accessory stickers and the chipboard stickers, layering them either side of my photo mat. I made sure to vary the heights of the embellishments, using foam squares in between where needed to create dimension.

I also added two epoxy wood buttons to finish off the packet, yay! I always feels SO good to use up a packet of scrapbooking supplies. I added a small embellishment cluster to the bottom of the page to balance out the top-heaviness of the layout.

Finally I added some puffy sticker dots to each of my embellishment clusters and a bunch of puffy sticker stars cascading down my page below the title. I love how this turned out and I hope you do too. There is a process video on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio YouTube channel if you would like to watch, link below. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

Playground Pals | No Limits Collection | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio fans! Danni here with another fabulously bright layout featuring the amazing No Limits collection!

This layout was made to be a companion page to the last layout I made, and as that one was on a patterned paper background, I decided to use plain white cardstock as a base so the whole spread doesn’t become too busy looking.

I made a title myself in my digital cutfile machine software, using a script title and then adding an offset to add another layer of dimension. This is a great way to make those titles really pop! I used the woodgrain side of Big Bang 12×12 patterned paper to cut out the title offset base layer of the title, then the rainbow pattern of Latitude 12×12 patterned paper to cut out the top layer. I love contrasting a bright rainbow paper against a neutral woodgrain. I then added a layer of dimensional foam between the two layers of the title before adhering them together.

Next I started on my background to add some colour and a personal touch with some mixed media. I used a combination of blues, yellow and peach hybrid inks to draw from the colours in the rainbow paper. I added some water to the inks and added them straight to the page using the packaging technique. I then added some splatters and went in with some white acrylic ink splatters for good measure. I was a little impatient waiting for the background to dry so there are quite a lot of smeared spots, but that’s ok! This page is handmade and I’m fine with a few little imperfections.

Once the background was (mostly) dry, I added my title across the centre and tucked my two photos in above and below. I then layered in some of the die cut ephemera pieces around my photos – I finally found a place for that adorable globe die cut and I’m so pleased about it! I didn’t really try to make specific ephemera clusters this time, I just tucked them around the edges of my photos where they looked good to me.

Next I took a couple of arrow pieces from the chipboard stickers and added one to the embellishments around each of my photos. I love using embellishments with different finishes and thicknesses to add visual interest to a page. I also added some dimensional foam to a few of the die cut ephemera pieces to vary their heights on the page.

As a finishing touch I used the accessory stickers to add a tab to the top of a photo, then used three of the tiny word phrases to add a final detail to each of my photos and below my title.

I love how this turned out, so bright and happy! Perfect for a fun summer day at the playground. I hope you enjoyed joining me today too. There is a process video of this layout on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio YouTube channel linked below if you would like to watch this come together. Happy scrapping!

Danni x

 

To the Moon and Back | No Limits | Danni Visser

Hi Cocoa Vanilla fans! Danni here with a fun, bright layout featuring my two favourite little people and the incredible No Limits collection. This week the team were challenged to make a layout with multiple photos or shaped photos, so I decided to do both. I am really happy with how this one turned out, I hope you like it too!

One of the easiest ways to use shaped photos is to use a cutfile. I have had this star patterned one sitting in my stash for ages, so now was the perfect time to use it. It’s a combination cutfile/stitching template which gives an extra layer of detail and interest, but that’s completely optional.

I used the A5 paper stack, Eclipse 12×12 patterned paper and a couple of double-sided 3×4 cards to back all but two of the star shapes in the cutfile, which I saved for my photos. Just make sure to print the photos large enough so they will fit in the stars, then adhere the photos to the back of the cutfile and trim off the excess. My two littles were having a lovely time at the park this day, even though the weather was a bit gloomy!

Once my cutfile was backed I added some adhesive foam to the back of the stars to add dimension. For the stitching, I used the stitching template part of the cutfile to cut the stitching holes into The Big Bang 12×12 patterned paper, before stitching with embroidery thread using a chain-stitching technique. This can be quite time consuming, but I love all the extra texture this provides.

Once I had finished the stitching, I added some tiny delicate splatters of gold mist and white acrylic ink all around the outside of my stitched pattern. Then I adhered the cutfile down within the stitched pattern. Make sure to use a good amount of adhesive if you do something like this, as the backed cutfile is quite heavy.

For the title I decided to use the gorgeous ‘To the Moon and Back’ piece from the chipboard stickers and adhere it right in the centre of the largest star. I then did the same with two of the larger epoxy wood buttons and two of the other stars to add some more circular elements. To embellish, I added some more of the smaller chipboard pieces and layered them over the cutfile.

For finishing touches, I added lots of chipboard sticker and puffy sticker stars all around the outside of the layout, followed by three tiny word phrases from the accessory stickers. I love the contrast of the bright colours of this layout against the neutral woodgrain background. I hope you enjoyed joining me for this layout today. Take care and happy scrapping!

Danni x

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