March 2021

Cairns Getaway | Sunkissed Collection | Danni Visser

Danni Visser 31/03/2021

Hello Cocoa Vanilla fans! Today I want to talk about layouts with zero photos; these could be pages about a memory where you had no photos available, a page where you wanted to add extra journaling that wouldn’t fit on your photo layout, or like a I have here – a title page.

It can sometimes be difficult to fill up a page when you don’t have a photo taking up a large portion of the real estate. In this case I made it easier for myself by utilizing a smaller format page; this is A4 size, roughly in between 8.5×11” and 9×12”. If you find yourself struggling with a large 12×12” layout you could easily scrap a smaller size within a larger piece of cardstock. Another tip is to use large elements. I used two large cut files as a title and embellishment, which definitely helped fill up all that space.

This layout will be the introductory title page for a holiday album. We visited tropical North Queensland so I wanted it to be super bright and summery. The new Sunkissed collection fit the bill perfectly! I started with Good Vibrations 12×12 patterned paper as my background as I just could not resist those rainbow stripes!

I took the large floral cut file by COAPA Cutfiles and backed it with Summer Lights, Feelin’ Fine and Good Vibrations 12×12 patterned papers. The ‘CAIRNS’ cut file is one I made myself using a bold font in my design software. I wanted some different colours in this one, so I turned to the double sided 3×4 cards to back it with. These are so versatile!

Once I had those cut files backed and positioned, the rest of the layout came together easily. I added ‘Get Away’ from the glitter foam titles to finish out my title. I also took a few of the tiny word phrases from the accessory stickers and staggered them in the space below my title. I chose phrases that applied to our holiday so they double as brief journaling!

I wanted to enhance that large floral cut file so I took several of the die cuts from the floral ephemera and tucked them around the cut file. I also built a small floral cluster at the top of the page to help balance the layout, as well as adding some of the small florals popped up on dimensional foam. I love the extra shadow and dimension this gives.

For finishing touches I used a white gel pen to scribble a sketchy border around the edge of my layout, then added a splattering of white and metallic gold inks all around the page. I hope you enjoyed this bright summery title page! There is a process video on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio YouTube channel linked below as well.

Happy scrapping!

Danni x

Call Me Charlie | Sunkissed Collection | Laura Alberts

Laura Alberts 28/03/2021

Hey y’all! Laura back again with a large photo layout. This 5×7 inch photo of my darling child and her new nickname are an important story to share in her album and I think the Sunkissed collection was perfect to highlight it! I added a border to a piece of white cardstock and then weaved three strips of patterned paper vertically and horizontally to make a corner to place my photo.

I outlined each of the strips to give them a little extra pop and added a title along the right side of the photo with clear stickers to accent each of my clusters as well. A banner on the top left and top right of the layout gives it a fun feel. I even tucked a clear mixed media style sticker behind the journaling strips I cut from a journaling card.

This cluster of florals were fussy cut from the patterned paper and I layered it on top of a die cut rainbow with a word phrase sticker tucked alongside and two more on top! Little puffy hearts are spread all over the layout for my scattering bits! Nuvo drops and gold ink splatter finish off the white spaces!

I hope this layout inspires you to have some fun with the bold colors and patterns in the Sunkissed collection! To see how the “Call Me Charlie” layout came together, check out the process video below!

These sweet days | Sunkissed Layout | Anna Komenda

Anna Komenda 27/03/2021

Hello everyone. It’s Anna here with fresh from the oven layout made with “Sunkissed” collection. I already told you how in love I am with this line – all those juicy colors and fun, summer motiffs is a dream come true to me. Making pages with this collection is so easy and I feel temptated to keep adding things to my design, because there are so many different product to choose from.

I finally broke into the papers (well… sort of) and created full of circles summer page.

I mostly focused on paper stack, that this time has some extra patterns to offer comparing to reguar 12*12 papers, which is amazing and help you spread your options. I used a circle punch and punched 25 circles from various papers, adding few from “Sunny days”, “Fun in the sun”, “Feelin’ fine” and “Bright side” papers. I wanted this page to be as colorful as possible.

I started with white cardstock for my background. I splashed it with yellow mist to add more interest to it. Next step was to glue down the circles. Each has a layer of cardboard underneath for more dimension. I tried to create five even rows but was too lazy to measure everything. My eyeballing is all I could manage (blame my lazyness). Alignment is not perfect but you still can see some order.

I also printed four photos remembering about the circle shape I was going to add to them. I placed them over some of the circles and I was ready for the fun part of layout making – embellishing!

Title is something I always add to my pages and this time I didn’t have to think too much as “Sunkissed” collection comes with set of beautiful, golden glitter foam phrases! I just picked the one that describes my mood when I look at those photos. I divided it into two circles and I was done!

I pull out ephemera pack, puffy stickers, woodies and transparent stickers and I added little something to almost all the circles. I used 3D squares to mount those elements (you know I am a dimension freak). Photos I scrapbooked were taken on the beach during our last year summer vacation so every single element from epehemeras and stickers would be just a perfect match here.

I ended up with colorful, full of joy and possitive memories, page and I love how easy it is with “Sunkissed” line. Simple shapes, like circles, can be really powerful in making pages.

Thank you so much for stopping by and see you all in two weeks <3

XO Anna

Get Away | Sunkissed Collection | Melissa Vining

Melissa Vining 26/03/2021

Hello everyone!! Its Melissa here and I’m so excited to be back with another layout created with the stunning Sunkissed collection!! I really can’t get enough of this collection and I’m using it exclusively to scrap our January 2021 beach holiday at Riverton over summer (I’m creating a 12×12 album). For this layout I decided to document the cute little beach house that we stayed in.

I decided to fussy cut almost a whole sheet of the gorgeous florals from the ‘Growing Wild’ patterned paper. I honestly find fussy cutting relaxing and I love the look of layered florals.

For my background I used distress oxide inks in green and blue to complement the blue skies of ‘Just Chillin” and the green of the leaves. I created the water colour effect by stamping the ink pad onto plastic, spritzing with water and then smooshing the plastic on to my card stock (the packaging technique). I didn’t use any gesso, and I also allowed my paper to dry naturally so to reduce the warping.

In order to pull out more of the blues and greens I used a torn strip of ‘Good Vibrations’, and machine stitched both pieces of paper. I then built my floral clusters around my two photos, and I love how it mimics the house that is located within bush.

Some of the flowers I placed over the photos, but most we tucked underneath. I just kept adding flowers until I felt the layout was balanced. I kept my embellishment very simple because the flowers and leaves did so much of the work for me. I just had to add the ‘Die Cut Ephemera’ sun, which I popped up on dimensional adhesive. I added some other die cuts too.

I used the banner ‘Our Vacation’, and even though its not a term we use in New Zealand I love it! I also had to use the ‘Our Summer’ flag, with a ‘Puffy Sticker’ heart layered over it.

I used two of the gold glitter ‘Foam Title Stickers’ for my title, and as aways I had to add my handwritten journalling. My final touch was to add some black splatters.

I made a process video which you can watch below:

Thanks so much

Melissa xx

Good moments | Daydream Collection | Anna Blades

Anna Blades 25/03/2021

Hi CVS friends!

It’s Anna here with you, sharing my last layout as part of the Design Team. It has been an amazing year and I’ve enjoyed so much working with Cocoa Vanilla collections. I want to thank Zoe for giving me this opportunity. And I hope my projects have inspired you during this month. For today’s layout, I’ve used the beautiful Daydream collection and a cut file from Cut to You.

I started with a watercolor sheet, using dye inks and the plastic technique to create my background. Then, using the same inks, I stamped typed words, because books are the subject of the layout.

The cut file has two books. I backed the one that is open with a paper from the Unforgettable Collection because it reminds me of the pages of a book. I backed the other one with papers from the Daydream 6×8 paper stack.

I placed my picture on top of the open book. My daughter is reading a book to her little cousin, that’s why I decided to use this cut file. I think it’s so sweet. For my title, I used the words “good moments” from the die cut titles.

Finally, I put die cut flowers all around the cut file and the picture. The flowers give a spring and magic look to the page. I also added a cute rainbow, a butterfly, and a little heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I will miss sharing my projects here in the blog with you, but now I have to focus on my new job!

Thank you for your support during this year!

With love,

Anna xx

Cheers | Sunkissed Collection | Michelle Stokes

Michelle Stokes 24/03/2021

Hey Hey! Its Michelle back here today with a new layout share. I’ve used the stunning new Sunkissed Collection and went a little crazy again with the fussy cut florals from the Growing Wild paper.

You will also notice that I added a touch of mixed media to the background of this layout, just like I’ve done with the last couple. You might be able to say that this clean scrapper has been slightly converted to the messy side. I went with the packaging technique using watered down ink sprays and some bubble wrap, giving the background a watercolour look. Then added a strip of Sunny Days across the middle to hide all the ugly parts and sewed it in place for a subtle hint of texture

The entire layout came together pretty quickly once all the elements were fussy cut, but I did notice towards the end that I was creating a layout design that is very similar to the last layout I shared. Whoops!

The photos I’ve documented are some of many taken at the last Cocoa Vanilla Studio Creative Escape Retreat. It’s hard to believe that this retreat was almost 2 years ago, but man we had a ripper time! This outdoor seating area was perfect for an afternoon beverage, even if it was just a Lemon Lime & Bitters.

I backed the larger photo with a piece of wood grain from the A5 Paper stack and the super pretty pink hearts paper Feelin’ Fine. There’s a tab from the ephemera pack tucked into the top, date label from the Fun in the Sun cut apart paper layered behind and a banner from the ephemera pack over the top. I added the smaller photo, backed with the A5 version of Feelin’ Fine, to the bottom left of the larger photo layered with the ‘welcome to paradise’ tag. This whole piece was raised off the background using a piece of foam sheet.

Next to create was the fun title to the right of the photo using a banner from the Fun in the Sun cut apart sheet and the word CHEERS from the gorgeous GOLD Glitter Foam Titles. Under this I’ve added more pieces from both sizes of the Fun in the Sun cut apart sheet and sewn through them to keep in place. There’s a phrase sticker above this from the Accessory Sticker sheet.

Above the title is the first of 3 floral clusters, this one made of multiple fussy cut floral pieces from the Growing Wild paper, a cute palm tree from the ephemera pack and a sweet little pink drink puffy sticker

Under the photo is the second large floral cluster using more fussy cut florals, some fun heart sunglasses from the puffy sticker sheet and another phrase sticker

Up at the top of the layout I kept the cluster very small using the same type of embellishments as the other two to tie it all together.

Here’s one final look at the entire layout. I’m super happy with the end result and glad I’ve been able to document another memory from this wonderful week in paradise using this wonderful collection.

Well friends that all from me today. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my latest creation using the NEW Sunkissed Collection. I can’t wait to see all the creations you’re going to make with this collection too!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle x

Together | Sunkissed | Kylie Kingham

Kylie Kingham 23/03/2021

Hello friends! It’s Kylie back with you today and I am sharing another layout I have created using the new ‘SUNKISSED’ collection. I have some photos to scrap from a recent Summer holiday so this collection is perfect for documenting those! I wanted to include a cut file in this page design and have used a gorgeous Rainbow themed design by Cut To You.

For my background page I have used the SUNNY DAYS paper and added a 1 inch L-shaped border of GROWING WILD. I really loved this floral paper when I first saw it and the ‘tropical’ vibe it has. The A5 paper pack was used to back my cut file. I like to use the smaller sheets rather than cutting into my 12 x 12 papers for cut files.Once backed I adhered it to my background using foam adhesive squares. I also drew a free hand border around my page using a white marker pen.

I’m still heavily crushing over the gold sparkly phrase stickers and added a title along the arch of the rainbow cut file. The word ‘Together’ fitted perfectly and was ideal as a title for my photo.

Compared to a lot of other layouts I create I have kept the embellishing of this design very simple. With the intricate details of the cut file and bold colours I really felt less is more for this layout. My photo was printed to a 3″x 4″ size just using my Silhouette software and home printer. I have simply layered a few flowers and a small sub-title for balance.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. I hope my layout has inspired you a little to document your favourite Summer memories too.

Until next time,

Kylie.

Easter Gift Boxes and Card | Daydream | Rachel Lowe

Rachel Lowe 22/03/2021

Hello CVS friends, today I want to share some quick and easy gift boxes and a card I have created using Daydream Collection. With Easter not far away (and I love easter creating way more than Christmas) Daydream was perfect with its beautiful muted colours to create Easter paper crafts.

You can find the milk carton cut file in the Silhouette Design Store. I cut the base of the milk cartons using Stepping Stones paper. I used papers from the 6×8 inch paper stack to cut the tops, using Garden Variety, Up in the Clouds and Sweet Serenity designs.

Next I cut three bunnies again using the 6×8 inch paper stack papers, I embossed the bunnies cut from plain paper but left the floral bunny as it was patterned. I added a small pom pom for the tails. Next I added word sentiments from the Accessory sticker sheet.

I cut three rosettes to attach my bunnies to, this really adds a wow factor. I then added some die cut ephemera to embellish. These will be filled with sweet treats and given as gifts.

I made this super cute Easter card which is so easy to put together and time friendly. I cut a 5×5 inch paper strip using the Garden Variety paper again. I then added Happy Place paper to back the circle wreath die cut piece. Before adding this to the centre of my card I added some sparkley ribbon. I cut another bunny (different style) resized it to fit my card and added off centre in the wreath. I added a pom pom tail and a phrase sentiment from the Accessory Sticker sheet.

I had so much fun making these Easter projects and who needs an Easter collection when you have Daydream collection. Thank you for stopping by today and I will be back soon with a layout using the new Sunkissed collection!

Rachel X

HAPPY DAYS WITH YOU | DAYDREAM | GWEN WRUCK

Gwen Wruck 20/03/2021

Hi Creative friends,

Gwen back on the blog today with a new share and all this week on the blog the design team have been creating in our ‘Signature Style’. I love being able to do this, it’s always so fun to just make a layout focusing on the way you love to create. I’ve created this page to document a sweet photo of my daughter taken recently and I thought it might be fun to go through 5 things I love to do on all my scrapbook layouts, things I do all the time when creating – 5 things that make up my signature style.

So, first up, let’s talk about photos. My style would have to be a single photo on my pages. Most of my pages have a single photo which is usually 4×4 size and generally only has one or two people in it, being my daughter and/or husband. I share a lot of photos on Instagram, so that’s why I have a lot of photos in 4×4 format. For this page, I’ve backed my photo using the ‘Stepping Stones‘ print but in the ‘6×8 Paper Stack’ so that the print is smaller.

Secondly, I like to use a lot of Cut Files on my pages. I’ve used one from CUT to YOU for this page. There are some lovely cut files in the Cocoa Vanilla shop as well, which you can see here. I’ve used the B side of the ‘Sweet Serenity‘ pattern paper and the 6×8 Paper Stack to back the cut file for this page and then just placed flat onto my background.

Thirdly, is pattern paper. I just love the stuff. I love using pattern paper in my backgrounds too rather than cardstock. For this page, I’ve used the A side of the ‘Sweet Serenity‘ pattern paper. This is one of my favouites in this collection, you definately need several sheets of this one! xo

Next up is clusters. We simply need to talk about clusters. For me, adding clusters is the most fun part of creating a page, I love mixing and matching elements in a collection to create pretty clusters on my layout. I’ve used elements from the ‘Die Cut Ephemera‘ pack, Accessory Stickers, a ‘Flair button‘ and fussy cut elements from the ‘Garden Variety‘ and ‘All a Flutter‘ pattern papers on my page. I’ve also added some sequins from the ‘Sequins and Flowers pack‘ as a finishing touch to my clusters.

and the last of the 5 things that make up my signature style is stitching. I stich on every page that I make. I just love the added detail it gives to a page, it really makes it special. I tend to sew on most of my photos and around the edge of my layouts, just with my machine, so it’s a sweet detail that doesn’t take very long to add.

I’ve also made a YouTube video which shows you the process for this page and I also talk more about the 5 things that make up my style. You can watch it here:

Until next time,

Gwen

Little Sunshine | Daydream collection | Sophie Delorme

Sophie Delorme 19/03/2021

Hello Cocoa Vanilla friends !

It’s Sophie on the blog today sharing a layout created with the gorgeous Daydream Collection.

Today’s theme is “My Signature Style” meaning creating a layout in my “usual” style. Here it is:

I don’t know exactly what is my style to tell you the truth, but I know that I love creating big floral clusters and usually can’t stop layering pieces to create them ! I also nearly always hand write my journaling directly on my background paper. So these are my focus on my page today… Clustering was quite easy to do with the gorgeous floral die cuts from the collection !

I used a thick white cardstock as my base and cut a background cut file made of snowflakes that is a Hip Kit Club cut file. I backed my cardstock with the GORGEOUS (clearly my favorite of the kit !) patterned paper named “Sweet Serinity”.

I took a photo of my little Sabrina playing in the snow (yes, this is my last wintery layout as I just CAN’T WAIT for spring to arrive…!!), backed it with tissue paper, adhesive foam and a few layers of patterned paper and adhered it on the right side of my page.

I used Die Cut words from the same collection for my title and applied a bit of Nuvo Iridescent Glitter Texture Paste on the words for a little extra shine !

I placed die cut houses, hearts and stickers on the left side of my photo and of course, created that big floral cluster next to the photo. I also added glitter paste to the roof of the houses and on some of the flowers. I added a cute Flair Button and, as usual, the last thing I did was to hand write my journaling !