Christmas Memories | Merry and Bright Collection | Danni Visser
Hi there crafters! Today I am excited to share a layout with you that I created using the incredible Cocoa Vanilla Studio ‘Merry and Bright’ collection. I really wanted to do something creative with the Large Die Cut & Backing Kit – I had already used the die cut on a previous layout, so I wanted to play with the backing section for this layout.
With the die cut removed, the backing paper still has the geometric pattern of the tree with the outline on the paper, providing a perfect guide for some hand stitching. This is one of my absolute favourite techniques – I just love the texture and dimension it brings! The pattern made is so simple to pierce the holes, I simply followed the outline of the tree with my piercing tool. I then went in with some lovely deep green embroidery thread and added a chain-link stitch all around the border of the tree. So striking!
Next I was inspired by the gorgeous watercolour effect on the background paper, so I pulled out my own watercolours and added some extra trees. These trees are so simple to paint and require very little painting skill; simply make a few messy strokes and you’re done! I used a few different shades of green to add depth and dimension.
I matted my photo on some pink paper from the A5 paper stack to soften the edges. My photo is of a beautiful lighted tree we found in a field nearby our house – just the perfect photo for this layout. I took one of the 3×4 pocket cards and fussy-cut the ‘Christmas Memories’ sentiment to use as my title, I love the script font.
Next I used a mixture of die cut ephemera and fussy cut florals to create small embellishment clusters either side of my photo. I also added the little die cut ephemera sleigh, plus a tag and some more florals, below my tree. I just love the whimsy of this little cluster, so sweet!
For finishing touches I used some tiny word phrases from the accessory stickers around my photo, and of course I just had to add on of the adorable puffy gold stars to the top of my tree! I added a few lines of journaling in grey pen below my photo, and with that my layout was finished.
I really hope you enjoyed this one, it was an absolute joy to make and I just love it. There is a process video linked below for you to watch as well. Happy scrapping!
Danni x