Cut to You

Extraordinary Stories | Unforgettable Collection | Guest Designer – Laura Alberts

Zoe Pearn 25/10/2019

Hello Scrappy Friends! This is Laura Alberts, Guest Designer and huge fan of Cocoa Vanilla Studio! I’m sharing a 12×12 Layout using the Unforgettable collection, a large heart cut file from Cathartic Scrapper, and a photo with two of my daughters snuggled up together for a story.

By using the inside pieces of this cut file, which I normally might have tossed, I’ve created a geometric heart background! I hand-stitched a border all the way around to give it an outline and add texture to the page.

For my three clusters, I started with the Cut to You cut file with leafy fronds cut from the Garland paper and then backed the leaf outlines with vellum. Layering the large floral swag from the ephemera pack on top made for a lovely large cluster! I added a tag from the 6×12 sticker sheet as well as two tickets, tucked behind the left side of the photo, and a few word phrases on the right side. A tab and small cluster on the right of the photo as well as a few clear stickers created a tiny cluster there and a cluster of florals and leftover fronds on the top left of the heart finished it off! I added clear tiny heart stickers and enamel dots for the detail embellishing, then splattered with gold mist.

This layout wouldn’t be complete without using one of the striking titles from the Unforgettable collection and “Stories” was perfect! I’m absolutely in love with the font on these titles as well as the small foam hearts, that I sprinkled into my clusters to help tie in the black from the title. I had so much fun with this layout and I hope it inspires you!

I have a process video available for this page. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/kmY7PW9BMu4

Laura Alberts

Hello | Unforgettable Collection | Michelle Stokes

Michelle Stokes 24/10/2019

Hello Crafty Friends! It’s Michelle back here today with a fresh new layout using the super sweet Unforgettable collection and some oh so adorable photos of Leila from a few years back. I went all out with loads of pink for our current Think Pink theme, in honour of Pink Ribbon day. There are so many variations of pink within this collection, and it was hard not to use it all.

I started the layout by cutting the loopy hearts cut file from CUT to YOU on the reverse of UNSCRIPTED paper. I also used the same pattern as the backing/border for the layout.

I chose 2 sweet photos of Leila and printed them in B&W and slightly different sizes, framed one using the photo frame from the Happiness Collection ephemera pack, and adhered them over the right side of the cut file piece using foam tape. I tucked all the floral elements and ephemera pieces (some are fussy cut from the 6×8 GLORIOUS paper) under the frame to the left of the layout using different forms of adhesive for loads of dimension. I also tucked in a heart from the heart wreath cut file I used on a previous layout that complimented the subtle hints of turquoise I’ve added in to break up all the pink. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE pink, but theres only so much one lover of pink can handle HAHA

Over on the right side of the photos I added an extra ephemera piece and some text pattern paper from the 6×8 paper stack, its the same design as the reverse of PRETTY BITS just in the smaller design. I altered a large floral ephemera piece to create a smaller cluster for the bottom of the photo.

Kept the title super simple using a foam title piece and accessory sticker, then a couple of enamel dots and a sweet butterfly to finish it off

Lastly up in the top left corner I’ve added a black foam heart, enamel dots and accessory sticker before splattering the layout with 2 different colours of pink inks.

Well thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to share all your beloved CVS creations within our Facebook community group HERE, and use the hashtag #cocoavanillastudio when sharing on Instagram or Pinterest

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle xx

Captured | Unforgettable Collection | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 08/10/2019

Hi Cocoa Vanilla friends!

It’s Tarrah back with you and today I am sharing another layout featuring the gorgeous brand new Unforgettable collection! I am also featuring one of the stunning FREE cut files by Cut To You. The Unforgettable collection and the cut file go together beautifully!I chose a pink, grey and white colour scheme for my layout today, I pulled some of the papers and lots of embellishments that were in that colour scheme and started out by cutting the cut file on white cardstock, I cut the file out with the intention of leaving some of the design inside the cardstock. I loved how I could pop out the hearts and create a dimensional look with them. I backed the cut file design with the pink paper and then machine stitched around the circle – you can see more detail in the photo below. I then matted the cut file and pink paper onto one of the grey patterned papers. The photo is of my sister and I at our brothers wedding a couple of years ago, not often we get photos together with both my sister and brother living in England now. I added lots of paper layers underneath my photo and used foam tape to pop up my photo from the page. In the photo below, you can see I added a cluster of embellishments including some die-cuts and accessory stickers, I used foam dots again to lift up the camera die-cut and I also added one of the enamel dots to the centre – hooray for enamel dots making a come back in this collection! I love them! Over one the right hand side is another cluster featuring some of the floral and butterfly die-cuts. I also added one of the cute bows to the right of my title. My title is one of the gorgeous foam word titles, these are brilliant to add to any project, they make a statement and they really pop off the page too! I added one of the larger butterfly die-cuts to the left of the title to balance out the with the smaller one on the right hand side. A couple more enamel dots and a couple pf the gorgeous clear stickers were also added for some extra interest and texture.

Make sure to check out the Cocoa Vanilla store to download your FREE Unforgettable cut files that co-ordinate with the Unforgettable collection perfectly!

I hope I have inspired you in some way today?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy creating!

Tarrah x

Happy World Cardmaking Day from the CVS Team!

Zoe Pearn 04/10/2019

Hi everyone and happy World Cardmaking Day!

The custom of giving greeting cards is a tradition that can be traced back to the early Egyptians, who conveyed their special messages on papyrus scrolls; and the ancient Chinese who exchanged messages of goodwill to celebrate the new year. Fast forward to today, and we find the custom of giving, and creating handmade cards, is enjoyed around the world by young and old alike.

To celebrate World Cardmaking Day today some of our team have created a selection of handmade cards to inspire you.

First up, are two beautiful cards from Anita Bownds. She created these cards using our ‘Bohemian Dream’ collection and cut files designed by Paige Evans.

Our next card is from Rachel Lowe, who used our new ‘Unforgettable’ collection to create this breathtaking card featuring a shaker pocket and an adorable 3D hot air balloon.

A pretty pair of cards from Anna Komenda, who said “I am not a cardmaker by heart but I love adding cards to all of my gifts. That’s why I like to keep them simple and flat. This duet was made with the brand new ‘Unforgettable’ collection with leftovers after making a layout. Quick and easy but still handmade and cheerful.”

“Hello” from Amanda, who also joined in to create a gorgeous card. She said “Florals, woodgrain, tassels & bows – what more can I say?! This 4″ x 8″ card was created with the beautiful ‘Unforgettable’ collection & a Cut To You – floral bouquet set – cut file.”

Finally, rounding our our card inspiration for today is another pair of cards, this time from Sue. She said “Although I am not usually a cardmaker, creating these cards with the ‘Unforgettable’ collection was easy and fun – I may even make more!”

We hope you have enjoyed all the handmade card inspiration from our team today and that you might feel inspired to create a card or two as well. Remember to share your creations in our Facebook Community Group or on Instagram using the hashtag #cocoavanillastudio

Zoe XX0

We are family | Unforgettable Collection | Anna Komenda

Anna Komenda 27/09/2019

Hello crafty Friends. It’s Anna here with another project made with brand new “Unforgettable” collection. I made another layout but it’s not surprise for you :) Once again I combined white background and a lot of layers of papers. I also used flowers as they are so pretty and tempting. Luckily I have two girls at home so I can use florals with almost all of my projects.

I also used brand new free cut files designed by super talented Gwen. They are available to download in the CVS store here: https://cocoavanilla.com.au/shop/unforgettable-freebie-cut-files/

Just look how pretty they are:

Pink paper called “Unscripted” was perfect to cut few roses and mix them with ephemera flowers. I set my machine to cut them and worked with my background in the meantime. I used blue Distress Oxide ink and applied it through stencil. Next step was to add some water to make it look more dreamy.

I used a strip of fun pictures of me and my daughter using filters. I love those mini photo sessions of us two. I backed my picture with a lot of paper layers. Using 6*8 paper stack helped me save my 12*12 papers :) I also fussy cut three big butterflies from paper called “Pretty bits”.

My title is a combination of amazing foam titles and some older black alpha stickers. I also added few transparent stickers here and there on the background. It’s a good way to add some special touch to white layout base.

I finished my page by splashing everything with pink and black inks. This kind of little mess is my signature style :) That is all for today. Thank you for stopping by <3 If you need more inspiration, check our FB group – Cocoa Vanilla Studio Community. You can spot a lot of amazing projects there to feed up your mojo.

XO Anna

Captured | Unforgettable Collection | Michelle Stokes

Michelle Stokes 10/09/2019

Hello friends its Michelle here today with my very first layout share using the BRAND NEW Unforgettable collection. This collection is absolutely STUNNING and was so hard to chop in to, but oh so fun in the end.

I’ve chosen a sweet photo from Christmas in 2011 of my sweet Leila and Grandma reading together. Its hard to believe that this quick moment captured was from almost 8 years ago. To create the layout I chose a cut file from CUT to YOU and cut it out twice on white cardstock, then cut the florals individually off the frame they were attached to. I backed each piece using the SPRIGHTLY, LACEWING, GLORIOUS and GARLAND patterns from the 6×8 paper stack before layering them randomly and adhering with different forms of adhesive for multiple heights of dimension. I also added in a sprinkling of florals from the ephemera pack.

I used a couple of different patterns from the PRETTY BITS & STORY TELLER cut apart sheets to layer with the photo then adhered this stack to the page with a large foam square to raise it slightly higher than the floral cluster

I added the foam title piece to the top of the photo and altered it slightly using white paint so that it wasn’t so dark. I also did the same to the other smaller black foam hearts I added to the clusters.

The two of the layout looked a little bare so I’ve created a mini cluster combining a matching ephemera piece and sticker to create a larger looking flag to combine with a smaller floral cut file piece and the moments banner from a cut apart sheet.

Along the bottom of the layout I’ve incorporated a strip of the SPRIGHTLY paper with some text from the PRETTY BITS paper, a few ephemera florals, cut file bits and some enamel dots that are also sprinkled here and there

Lastly a good splattering of gold ink and a tiny amount of handwritten journalling to complete the layout.

Well folks thats all from me today, Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my first layout using our super new UNFORGETTABLE collection. Cant wait to see what you all create with it once it lands on all your doorsteps!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping

Michelle xx

So Loved | More Than Words Collection | Rachel Lowe

Rachel Lowe 07/09/2019

Hi CVS friends today I am stash busting whilst I wait for the stunning new collection Unforgettable! I have used mainly More Than Words collection to create this layout of my oldest and youngest sharing a sweet moment.

This gorgeous cut file So Loved is from Cut to You. I sized it to fill most of my page choosing the ombre blue paper Wild & Free which is actually from the Bohemian Dream collection as my base paper which I also added some splatters of white paint before adding the cut file.

I used the Darling Buds paper, floral side to paper piece the letters. As you will see some letters I used foam tape to adhere some of the letters to add dimension and height variation on the layout.

I added my photo with foam tape which I framed with a die cut ephemera frame and finished off with a die cut banner and butterfly. I also added a another black frame to ensure it provided a contrast which would draw the eye to it.

I have used Boho Bits paper (again from Bohemian Dream collection) to paper piece the hearts of the cut file and again all added with foam tape. And for the bit I like best, choosing gorgeous die cuts to embellish my layout! I have tucked under the foam taped letters small floral die cuts, die cut word sentiments over the words to create a form of journalling and lastly adding some pretty die cut butterflies.

Thank you for taking the time to pop by today and I hope this layout has inspired you in some way. See you later in the month were I will have another layout using the new CVS collection Unforgettable yay! Have a great week.

Rachel X

Kaboom | You Rock Collection | Sue Plumb

Sue Plumb 04/09/2019

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here today to share a project I created for our regular “Throwback Thursday” theme. I had some super cute photos of one of my boys dressed in his Batman suit that I wanted to document, so I dug into my stash and pulled out the ‘You Rock’ collection, which I thought would be a perfect match.

I started with the star print of the Night Sky paper as my page base, adding a smaller piece of the wood grain print of the Plus One paper over the top.

Next, I used plain black cardstock to cut the Super Hero cut file set from Cut to You. I sorted through the pieces, choosing the ones I wanted for my page design. I chose the large kaboom piece and backed it with the yellow spotted print from the In Line paper. I then backed the smaller pow and boom pieces with the black and white cross print from the Random paper.

Before adding any of the cut file pieces to my page, I decided to create a little more depth on my background using some subtle stamping and some small torn pieces of the Washi Tape Stickers.

I then arranged the three cut file pieces that I had backed on my page; before placing my photos on top. Before sticking them down, I tucked some messy white cotton thread underneath, and added some scrap cardboard to the back to pop them up from the page.

With all the main pieces of my page in place, it was simply a matter of adding my embellishments to tie it all together and finish it off.

I used some of the black cardstock stars I had left from the Super Hero cut file set, and placed three of them around my page to create a “visual triangle” around my photos. On top of the largest star I added a wood veneer star from the Wood Veneer pack; which I then offset with three wood veneer lightning bolts – keeping two of them relatively close together to again form a visual triangle.

I decided to draw some extra attention to the kaboom piece as I was using it for my page title. I added anextra small wood veneer star over the top of the word, then the black you’re awesome banner from the Rubber Charms pack. From the same pack, I added the small yellow epic arrow alongside my photo.

To finish off my layout I used a few yellow crosses from the Enamel Shapes pack and I was done!

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share this with you.

Until next time, happy scrapping!

Happiness Is | Happiness Collection | Michelle Stokes

Michelle Stokes 29/08/2019

Hello Friends, Its Michelle back again with a bonus layout share for this month! I’m trying to crank out as many pretty layouts as I can using the beautiful Happiness Collection before the brand new Unforgettable collection arrives on my doorstep and all other collections are forgotten HAHA

The layout was inspired by a sweet photo of a few familiar faces from this years Creative Escape Retreat in Coffs Harbour. LOVE LOVE LOVE spending time with these lovely ladies and it was SO good to meet Anna in person

To begin the layout I cut out the Floral Banner cut file from CUT to YOU using white cardstock and backed it using block colours of bright patterns Good Vibes, Expressive & Frame of Mind. The main banner piece is backed using the multicolour spot paper Sprinkles and layered together with a strip of vellum and the woodgrain pattern of the Bright & Beautiful paper. I also cut the florals off the main banner rather than keeping them as one whole piece. This gave an extra layer of depth and dimension. We all know I love small hints of dimension on a layout!

The photo is adhered to the reverse pattern of Botanical Bliss with the addition of a couple of ephemera pieces to create part of the cluster top right.

I had a handful of florals and butterflies, fussy cut from previous layouts, that I added to the florals of the die cut. I tucked in a couple of leaves from the ephemera pack too

I fussy cut a few more florals from the Botanical Bliss paper to tuck into various places of the layout adding hints of orange. There’s also a couple of clear stickers added here n there

The title is made using a couple of accessory stickers and cardstock title piece, raised slightly using glue dots.

Lastly a few splatters of gold ink, a date stamp and handwritten journalling and it was finished.

Thats all from me for my final share this month, thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to share all your crafty goodness using all things Cocoa Vanilla Studio in the Facebook group HERE

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle xx

Craft A Happy Life | Happiness Collection | Rachel Lowe

Rachel Lowe 07/08/2019

Hey CVS friends today I have a fun ‘no people’ layout to share created using the stunning Happiness collection. My daughter bought me this super cute bowel for my craft room, perfect for bling I say!

I firstly cut a piece of white cardstock down to 8 x 9 inches before adding it to the Little Things paper. I added floral die cuts to each side, layering them over each other and adding extra leaves and sprigs.

I used a heart background cut file from the Silhouette Design store. I used a die cut frame from the Happiness ephemera pack and added my photo over the cut file. I typed my journalling and added under my photo. I have used the Meadow paper to cut the heart background.

My title Craft A Happy Life is a cut file from Cut to You (created by Gwen). You will see that some of the letters I have added with foam tape to add visual interest. I have used the Expressive paper to create my title. I tucked the date/year in amongst the floral bunch.

I finished my layout off adding a paint splotch clear sticker from the collection finished off with a die cut butterfly.

I love how this layout turned out, light, bright and pretty! Thank you for stopping by today and if you have any questions leave me a comment and I will respond. Have a great week and see you again soon!