Cut Files, Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration

Beautiful | Happiness Collection | Anita Bownds

Posted on by Anita Bownds
17
Jul

Hey there crafty peeps!

Anita here with you today sharing a layout using the Happiness collection. My idea behind this layout was to use that beautiful rainbow pattern paper underneath a big cut file. I decided on this heart cut file from Paige Evans as I’m a big fan of hearts. I used a photo of my daughter Eve as she love playing with filters on her phone.

I started with white cardstock and cut out the pie chart heart cut file. Then using Good Vibes and my paper trimmer I cut strips at 1 inch of each of the colours on the pattern paper. Using my fringe scissors I add a fringe to each strip.

Then I layered them – just overlapping them and adhering them together. Once I had enough to cover the cut file I then adhered the heart on top of the layered fringed pattern paper and added some machine stitching around the border of the cut file.

Next I layered white cardstock on to meadow pattern paper to add a border around the edge of my white cardstock.

Then using double sided foam tape I added it to the backed cut file and adhered it in the center of my layout to add more dimension.

I grabbed a chipboard frame from the Boys Rule chipboard pack and adhered my photo to it. Next, using Sprinkles patterned paper, I matted my photo with the chipboard frame onto the patterned paper then adhered it down. I then started adding some Happiness ephemera around the photo.

I used a chipboard title from the Midnight chipboard pieces and popped it up on double sided foam tape on the bottom of my photo. Then using another cut file moth I backed it with Expressive pattern paper and add it to the top left hand corner of my heart.

And lastly I added a mini bow on top of the the tassels from the Happiness ephemera pack, and a few enamel heart dots to finish it off.

I hope this has inspired you to add a fringe or two to your projects. don’t forget to check out my process video here

Happy crafting everyone…Anita. xx

 

Boys Rule, Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration

Beautiful | Happiness Collection | Mandy Melville

Posted on by Mandy Melville
16
Jul

Hey friends!

Mandy here with you today to share my take on the “do-over” theme! I decided to re-work a masculine layout that I created with the Boys Rule collection, and I created a feminine version using the gorgeous Happiness collection. I really enjoyed this theme, as I don’t often scraplift myself, and it was definitely a lot of fun! I documented a photo of my youngest daughter Eleanor, taken when we visited the Hunter Valley Gardens recently.

Here’s my original layout that I used as inspiration for this page…

As you can see, I kept the basic design of the page the same, but I flipped it horizontally so that my photo would be over on the right hand side of the page rather than the left. I did this so that my daughter would be facing into the centre of the page rather than away from it, as I think this helps to keep the viewer’s eye from drifting off the page. I used both sides of the Expressive patterned paper, as well as the reverse side of the Bright & Beautiful paper to create the layers behind my photo. I also used one of the papers from the 6×8 paper pad.

I matted my photo using the reverse side of the Botanical Bliss patterned paper, which I think helps it to really pop off the page, and then I adhered it using craft foam for added dimension. I also added my title across the bottom of the photo using one of the words from the cardstock titles pack. I love how easy it is to add a title to your layouts using these, and there are so many words to choose from in the pack!

I created a pretty floral cluster under the top right hand corner of the photo using a few of the floral die cuts from the collection. I also tucked the ‘fun’ die cut under the right hand side of the photo, and added a butterfly sticker to the cluster as well.

To give the layout a diagonal flow, and to balance out the cluster in the top right, I added another floral cluster on the bottom left hand corner of the photo. This one I fussy cut out of the Botanical Bliss patterned paper. I added a couple more butterflies to the page, cut from one of the 6×8 papers, and then finished the layout off with a sprinkling of clear stickers and enamel dots.

It was so much fun being able to re-create one of my older layouts, and it made this page come together really quickly as the design of the layout was already taken care of. And even though it is a scraplift, I like that the new layout actually ended up turning out quite different to the first layout, so it still looks original!

I hope that you enjoyed taking a look at my layout today! Thanks so much for joining me here!

Mandy x

Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration, Midnight

Beautiful | Happiness Collection | Anna Komenda

Posted on by Anna Komenda
15
Jul

Hello friends. Today I have a fun project to share with you. We are having “Do over” theme this week on CVS blog which means redoing some old project using new line. It’s a fun form of scraplifting and I think it’s an excellent idea for anyone struggling with no mojo. I decided to do over this page from last year…

The original page was created with amazing “Midnight” collection. This line has such a pretty color scheme and I love how soft and delicate this page turned out. Summer makes me want to play with more saturated color palette, that’s why I decided to make similar page using rainbow patterns.

I treated the original layout as a sketch and recreated the stripes of papers. This kind of design is perfect to use some smaller paper pads, like 6*8 one used for this one. I love bright, happy colors of the newest line called “Happiness” and had such a pleasure making this layout.

All strips are the same size, but I only used tiny amount of glue to glue them. I sew through every strip with white thread and ruffled the edges adding more dimension. Because of the colorful patterns, I decided to use white background. I also used “So Fresh” paper to back it and create a heart frame for my page.

With such a busy background I didn’t need a lot of embellishments. I picked few flowers and butterflies from ephemera pack and added a title using word from die cut titles. I finished my composition with clear stickers, placing them over the white background. I love how this page turned out.

I encourage you to play along, scraplifting your own older pages, especially the ones you really like. It is such a great fun. Thank you for stopping by and see you in two weeks. I will have for you another colorful layout to share.

XO Anna
Design Team, Flying High, Inspiration, Traveler's Notebook, You Rock

“Stars & Stripes” TN Pages | You Rock and Flying High Collections | Sue Plumb

Posted on by Sue Plumb
06
Jul

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here today to share my take on this week’s “Stars or Stripes” theme that the DT have been tasked with. For this challenge I decided to create some traveler’s notebook spreads, as I have recently been working to getting more stories documented for my children. Each of my kids have their own books, and the focus of these is to use of some of the “extra” photos that don’t make it onto layouts. (I have found searching through my Facebook timeline to be a valuable resource for this, as I have often shared funny stories of things they have done or said. The fact I am also able to access an accompanying photo and the date it happened makes the whole process so much easier.)

This first spread uses the fabulous ‘You Rock’ collection, which features lots of stars and stripes. It also featured colours that were perfect for my photos.

I tend to have a “go to” formula when creating these spreads. I choose a patterned paper first (in this case the Galactic paper), then cut a piece and stick it either side of the spine so that it carries across both pages. I don’t necessarily use both pages for the same story, but try to choose photos that will work with the colours. (Here, the red of his shirts that meant these two memories could share a spread.) I also pre-print out my journalling and cut it out.

Once the paper is in place and I have decided roughly where my photos and journalling will go, it is simply a matter of filling the space with a variety of embellishments. Due to the nature of these books, I usually stick with flat things, such as die cut ephemera, stickers and cut apart papers. (I have found this is a great way to use up some of those left-overs you have.)

For my second spread (which documented a range of funny reasons my toddler son cried); I again used the ‘You Rock’ collection, this time starting with the wood grain print of the Plus One paper as it featured vertical “stripes”.

I didn’t have a photo of my son actually crying during any of these moments, so just used a photo of him (and his twin brother) that was taken during the same month. To decorate my spread I used a variety of Die Cut Ephemera pieces and some Accessory Stickers. In keeping with the theme, I also added two strips of the star print Washi Tape Stickers down the sides.

That die cut “everything is better when you’re laughing” was perfect for this spread, because I certainly laughed at the time!

For my third spread, I decided to bust some stash – going all the way back to the ‘Flying High’ collection. As this page was documenting some of the reasons my other son had cried, I simply used the same photo I had on his brother’s spread; then chose a different story that worked with the colour scheme for the opposing page.

I started with a piece of the Little Star paper and a scrap of the Flight Path paper, which were both perfect for the “Stars & Stripes” theme. (I even stuck with an American red, white and blue palette for this spread.) To embellish my page I only used stickers from the ‘Flying High’ 12×12″ Accessory Sticker sheet and then finished off with some felt pens and a date stamp.

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share these with you. If you have been thinking about trying this style of memory keeping I would encourage you to do so – it’s a great way to document some of those “extra” photos and stories and a great way to use up scraps too.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Boys Rule, Cut Files, Design Team, Inspiration

You Are Awesome | Boys Rule | Anita Bownds

Posted on by Anita Bownds
Hi there crafty peeps!!
Anita here with you today, sharing a layout using the Boys Rule collection
For our stars or stripes themed week and yep you guessed it I’m using more of Paige Evans cut files.
So I kinda knew how I wanted the layout to look with the stars behind and the big awesome title in the center
So first off I started by cutting out the Awesome cut file in white cardstock for my title.
And then I added my photo in the star shape then used fun and games and messed up pattern papers to back the words. Next I cut out the confetti stars background cut file on messed up pattern paper and back that with expressionist pattern paper.

 

Machine stitched a border around the edge of my layout.
I popped up the awesome title using double sided foam tape to add dimension so it didn’t look so flat against the stars and then added some extra words to my title using the chipboard pieces 
Then to finish off the layout I added boys rule ephemera and a couple of little word stickers from the
Boys rule Clear sticker sheet 

 

 

 

Check out my process video of how my layout came together.

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful day
Happy crafting …xx
Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration

Happy Snaps | Happiness Collection |Sue Plumb

Posted on by Sue Plumb
21
Jun

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here today to share my latest design team project with you using the gorgeous ‘Happiness’ collection. Did you know that today is National Selfie Day? To celebrate, I was tasked with the theme of “Selfies” for my page. I have to admit that as a scrapbooker, I love a good selfie! For me, it is often a way of including myself in the memories, instead of always being the unseen one behind the camera.

For my layout, I couldn’t go past these fun SnapChat photos of my daughter (who definitely fancies a good selfie!) As an 11 year old girl, she loves any fun filter (especially one that makes it look like she is wearing makeup.)

I decided to use the ‘Happiness’ collection for my page (because I just can’t get enough of this range!) I started with a couple of sheets from the 6×8″ paper pad which were the smaller versions of the Expressive and Botanical Bliss (reverse side) papers. I layered these papers together on the background, then set about finding extra pieces I could layer with them.

I found some off-cuts and scraps in my box that I could use (because I can’t bear to waste a single bit of this range). I had a piece of the Expressive paper that I had previously cut some hearts from. I flipped it over to show the reverse side (pink with small white crosses) and layered it over the top. Along the left side of my design I added a small piece of the Meadow paper (reverse side) and on the right I tucked in a label from the Little Things cut apart paper.

With the main structure of my background in place I then added two black and white frames from the Die Cut Ephemera pack – one a circular wreath, and a smaller square doodled frame. I cut the smaller frame into two pieces, then layered these over the background, along with my photos and the “happy snaps” frame which was cut from the Frame of Mind paper for my title.

Then it was time for some fun details!

I added another label from the Little Things cut apart paper for my journalling; which I layered with a ticket and small heart from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. I also added a second ticket near the top of my page and a flower on the corner of the title frame (both from the ephemera pack).

I absolutely LOVE butterflies, so I couldn’t resist adding a few beauties to my page. I used two larger ones that were fussy cut from the Little Things paper – one near the top of my page, and one near the bottom. I also added the hello beautiful sentiment from the same piece along the bottom edge of my photo.

To balance out the two larger butterflies, I added a third smaller one from the ephemera pack to the left side of my page near my journal label (I usually work with the “rule of threes” principle on my layouts).

To finish off my page, I found a small leafy branch I had cut previously from the ‘Colour Me Happy’ cut files, which I tucked in alongside my photos (waste not, want not!) I then reached for the Clear Sticker set to add the final details – a small heart on the title card; a few “paint swatches”; and a set of small cross marks near the top of my page.

I then wrote my journalling, stamped the date and added some gold splatters and I was done! I was really happy with how this fun, eclectic page came out and that I was able to use up a few scraps as well.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Cut Files, Design Team, Happiness

Happiness | Happiness | Anita Bownds

Posted on by Anita Bownds
Hi there crafty peeps!!
Anita here with you today i’m sharing a fun layout using the happiness collection
of my 2 daughters being their quirky silly selfs that they seem to like doing anytime the camera is pointed is there direction…
I started with my white cardstock and my cameo cutting out one of Paige Evans cut files heart butterfly for my background. Then I backed it with botanical bliss pattern paper and then machine stitched around the heart shape
Adding extra texture to the background. Next I trimmed down my white cardstock and backed it with expressive pattern paper to add more colour around the border

 

I then layered pattern papers behind my photo using expressive and little things and adhered it to my layout in the heart shape. Then I tucked in one of the ephemera tags at the top of my photo.
Then using more of Paige’s cut files I cut 2 borders out in good vibes and sprinkles pattern papers
And adhered them by layering them together with a little bit of crepe paper frill at the bottom then I adhered it at the bottom of my photo.

 

 

Next using another cut file from Paige this time a layered flower with leaves.
I cut them out using frame of mind and a pattern paper from midnight shine bright and layered them together and added then in 2 corners of my photo with little bows and a mini Prima flowers

 

I added a few bits of happiness ephemera to my flowers and a butterfly
For my title I used the cardstock titles and then I add a few enamel dots.

 

check out how i created my layout.
I hope you have a enjoyed my inspiration today
Happy crafting..xx
Design Team, Inspiration, Totally Rad

Totally Awesome | Totally Rad Collection | Sue Plumb

Posted on by Sue Plumb
06
Jun

Hi everyone,

Sue Plumb here today to share a layout I created for our regular “Throwback Thursday” feature. For this page I decided to go back and re-visit the ‘Totally Rad’ collection from 2016 and paired it with some acrylic paint and a few recent photos of my boys.

I actually created this one while I was at the Cocoa Vanilla Studio ‘Creative Escape’ retreat in Coffs Harbour last month. It was such a fabulous weekend – awesome people, beautiful surrounds, and so relaxing. And a big thank you to all the ladies that attended my class there – you really made my job easy and so much fun!

My page began with the reverse side of the ‘Stellar’ paper (one of my favourite wood grain prints of all time) as the background; and I added a few swipes of black acrylic paint using a wide brush. This was to define the focal area, and help the papers I planned to use on top pop from the background.

I used a mix of the Line Up and Happy Snaps papers over the top of the paint as a mat for my photos. (You can see how without the addition of the black paint that the warm tones of the papers would have blended with the warm background and lacked that “pop” I wanted.)

On top of my patterned paper pieces, I added some pieces of messy black cotton for texture, before arranging my photos on top. (My photos were backed with some scrap cardboard for extra dimension.)

To embellish my page, I used few small pieces from the cut apart Mix Tape paper; along with pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack and stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet. I used foam tape under several of the pieces, including the title words, to help them pop.

I finished off with a couple of Wood Veneer shapes, a cute little camera Woodie and a few splatters of black ink.

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share this with you. I hope I have inspired you to bust some of your own Cocoa Vanilla stash, or even pull out something new and get creative. Until next time, happy scrapping!

Cut Files, Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration

Summer Fun | Happiness | Anita Bownds

Posted on by Anita Bownds
Hi there,cocoa vanilla peeps!
Anita here with you today im sharing a layout using Happiness collection for our summer/winter theme week
My girls when the got home from school each day would ride their bikes around up and down the driveway and have races to see who would win. I thought this cut file from Paige Evans was just perfect for my layout
I started off by cutting out the cut file design 293584 from the silhouette design store 
And backing it with good vibes , expressive and the 6×8 paper Pad 
 
Then I adhered it to a pattern paper back ground boys rule star fall with double sided foam tape
Next I matted my photo on papers from the 6×8 paper Pad and adhering it to the top of the bike cut file just tucking it underneath

 

Then I was time to add some happiness ephemera around the photo and the bike cut file
I added my title using some chipboard letters

 

And to add the little flowers I punched out little flower shapes and using a embossing tool
Adding a cupped shape and a mini pearl in the center
here is my process video of how my lay came together.

 

I hope you have enjoyed my inspiration today
Happy crafting…xx
Boys Rule, Cut Files, Design Team, Happiness, Inspiration, Midnight

Stay Colourful | Happiness – Midnight | Anita Bownds

Posted on by Anita Bownds
Happy crafty Saturday!
Anita here sharing a fun layout for our holiday themed week
featuring pattern papers from 3 collections Happiness, boys rule and midnight.
For my layout I choose a photo of my daughter eve when she was little she was a chatterbox especially when we would go on trips in the car….it’s funny how things change as now she has earphones in and you don’t hear a peep…
I started of by using a pattern paper little things to back my white cardstock on and added machine stitching around the border then using my silhouette cameo to cut out a cut file from the silhouette store using
Pattern papers – Botanical bliss, good vibes, expressive, shine bright, fun and games for the bird and branch

 

Then I added the branches to my background along the bird by popping it up off the cardstock with double sided foam tape. Then I started adding leaves cut from straight and narrow and flowers using shine bright and yellow cardstock for the centre stamens

 

Next using the 6×8 happiness paper pad I backed my photo and tucked it just underneath the leaves and bird beak
Then I finished adding the flowers and leaves to the top of my photo

 

Using the happiness ephemera I added my title and to the bottom of the photo and some of the happiness accessory stickers and a word stick from the midnight accessory sticker sheet

 

And to finish off the layout with a few sequins scattered around the flowers
Check out my process video of how my layout came together

 

I hope I’ve given you some ideas to create a fun layout
Crafty hugs ..xx