digital cut file

Road Trip | Great Escape collection | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 09/05/2024

Hi creative friends!

It’s Tarrah back with you and today I am sharing a new layout created using the awesome Great Escape collection! I can not get enough of this collection! I think this is my 6th layout using this awesome collection and I still have heaps of ideas flowing! Talk about value for money! I pulled out a super cute photo of my youngest son from when he was about 3 going for a ride in the car, I just love the thumbs up gesture- so cute!

I chose to work with a darker background paper choosing the ‘Journey’ patterned paper for this layout. I knew I was going to be adding the white cut file title and I really wanted that to pop off the page. The cut file I chose is from CUT to YOU, I cut out the title in white and cut out the road in black and backed it with some white cardstock to make it resemble a road as close as possible! For the large open letters in the cut file I took the A5 paper stack and choose various papers to add in the open holes. Once the cut file was all backed, I adhered the road down first using regular adhesive and then for the title, I added craft foam and then adhered it down in the centre of the page, I love adding craft foam so that it creates some dimension on my layout, this also allows me to tuck in bits and pieces where I want to if I feel some places need extra detail.

I added my photo on the right side, tucking it in behind the ‘D’ in Road I would normally layer a paper or a die-cut underneath my photo but this time I left it free of these. Once I was happy with the photo placement and the title it was time for my favourite part and that is embellishing! Below the photo I added a chipboard piece and I also added the flag chipboard piece overlapping the road and coming out of the ‘A’ in Road. The So Much Fun chipboard piece I added on top of the cut file and also added some of the phrase stickers from the Accessory sticker sheet to help tell my story.

I took a few die-cuts from the ephemera pack and also added these around my page too, I love finding the perfect piece that is the perfect shape or perfect colour to fit in spots! One of the many things I love to do when I create! I like to balance my pages and describe my style is very clean but colourful too!

Some of the smaller embellishments like the puffy shapes were some of the last things I added to my page, along with stamping the date stamp which is one of my go to things on every page! Do you have something you like to include on every project? Kind of like a signature? Lastly I trimmed down the ‘Journey’ patterned paper to roughly 11′ x 11′ and matted the entire layout on white cardstock. I then machine-stitched a border using black thread around the entire edge of the layout.

Thanks so much for stopping by the Cocoa Vanilla blog today! I hope you are inspired to use your Great Escape collection and create some adventure layouts!

Happy creating!

Tarrah x

Beautiful | Storyteller Collection | Melissa Vining

Melissa Vining 26/08/2022

Hi everyone, It’s Melissa here and I’m back sharing another layout that I created with the beautiful Storyteller collection! I just love that this collection is so versatile for documenting all the stories I want to tell. For this layout I was inspired by the beautiful cameras in the collection, and I decided to scrapbook a photo of my daughters from Mother’s Day last year. I used Cross It Off for my background, and I just love the gorgeous woodgrain pattern.

The camera cut file I used is from Just Nick Studio, and was perfect to recreate the camera with florals. I love the navy blue in this collection and used Ditsy Daisy, Brighter Days, and Little Love to back the cut file.

I used lots of flowers and leaves from the Floral Ephemera pack to embellish the camera. I bent up the petals and used lots of dimensional adhesive to keep them from laying flat. I also used one phrase from the Accessory Stickers.

I added my journaling on a piece from the Die Cut Ephemera pack and I tucked it into the floral cluster. I love that my journaling is contained!

I selected the phrase “So Beautiful” from the Foam Title Stickers. They sat so perfectly across the camera. My final touch was to splatter with gold shimmer which is so lovely on the woodgrain background.

I hope I’ve inspired you to take inspiration from the icons in the collection.

Have a lovely weekend

Melissa xx

Our Story | Storyteller collection | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 08/08/2022

Hi creative friends!

It’s Tarrah back with you and today I am sharing another new scrapbook layout featuring the stunning Storyteller collection!

I have had this lovely photo of my parents printed for ages, I was finally able to document it using the Storyteller collection because look how the colours in the photo match perfectly with the colours in the collection?!

I chose the gorgeous woodgrain side of the Cross It Off paper as my main background paper, trimming this down and adhering it to a plain sheet of white cardstock. I decided to cut out a gorgeous book cut file from CUT to YOU from white cardstock using my Silhouette Cameo machine. I chose a variety of the papers from the A5 paper stack and backed them behind the cut file. Once the cut file was backed, I added some craft foam to the underneath and adhered it down on the woodgrain background paper. The reason I do this is so it creates dimension, shadows and texture. Once it was adhered to the background, I bent the edges of the ‘pages’ to make it look a little more realistic and to add even more dimension.

I adhered the photo to the right side of the cut file and tucked in one the pocket cards on the left side of the photo. Under the bottom left corner I took one of the accessory stickers and placed it down. Further left of the pocket card, I took one of the banner chipboard pieces and adhered this down. Around my photo I added a few different embellishments including at the bottom of the photo, I added the ‘Love This’ ephemera piece using craft foam and tucked the half circle Our Story ephemera piece below it. To the right of the photo I added one of the super cute wood epoxy buttons and a small heart die-cut between the photo and the pocket card. Above the photo and below the chipboard banner I added some phrase stickers from the accessory sticker sheet to help tell the story.

The title for my layout is ‘Our Story’ made up from the gorgeous black foam title stickers. I placed this at the bottom of the cut file and love how it looks there. I also placed the swirl and a heart from the same pack here too. As I had the black at the bottom of the page, I wanted to create a visual triangle and did this by adding 2 more hearts in 2 different places on my layout to draw your eye around the page. Creating a visual triangle is important when designing and for the finished result as it becomes pleasing to the viewer. With my layout all of the colour going on in it, the visual triangle with the solid black elements helps to break up some of the colour. Under the title, I took more of the phrase stickers from the accessory sticker sheet and placed them down.

At the top of the book cut file, I knew I wanted to tuck in quite a few of the stunning florals from the floral ephemera pack. I played around with a few of them for a little while until I as happy with how it looked, I bent the edges of the petals and leaves also. In either corner of the book cut file, I took 2 of the floral chipboard pieces and tucked these in how I liked them. After the florals were added to the top, I felt like the very bottom of the page was a little bare so I took the floral book chipboard and placed it in the centre at the bottom of the page. I love how that added a little something to the page. I also placed a phrase sticker from the accessory sticker sheet on top of it. Lastly I stapled the ‘Love This’ tab on the right of the cut file and stamped the date stamp below the title.

Thank you so much for stopping by the Cocoa Vanilla blog today! I hope you enjoyed seeing and reading about how I created my layout as much as I enjoyed creating it?!

Haven’t got yourself the beautiful new Storyteller collection yet? Make sure you keep an eye out in the Cocoa Vanilla online store for its arrival soon!

Happy creating!

Tarrah x

Total Legend | No Limits | Rachel Lowe

Rachel Lowe 21/05/2022

Hello CVS friends, today I am sharing another boy layout using the fab No Limits collection! This boy here is my middle child and yes he is a typical middle child lol!

I have used Stardust Stardust paper as my base paper. I then cut down Big Bang paper to 10×10 inches. This when I added machine stitching along the blue/grey off shoots to add texture and definition. You don’t have to be good at machine stitching, just following the pattern on the paper. I then attached this piece to my base paper Stardust.

I found this geometric cut file from the Silhouette design store and being circular I knew it would be perfect against the Big Bang paper piece. I used the A5 paper stack to paper piece my cut file, the patterns being smaller in the paper pad are great for smaller paper piecing. I chose stars and strips, bolder colours to add a contrast.

You will see I created an embellishment cluster around my photo (which I added with foam tape to create a 3D effect). I used several different embellishments from the collection to add more texture, die cut ephemera, chipboard stickers and wood epoxy buttons.

To keep the flow of this layout I added my title using the die cut titles around my photo and embellishment cluster following the off shoots of the starburst pattern. I added these with foam tape. I finished my title off by adding some of the chipboard planets and puffy stickers.

This layout is simple yet eye catching and a little fun! Thank you so much for stopping by today and see you again soon!

Rachel X

You’re Awesome | No Limits collection | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 22/04/2022

Hi creative friends,

It’s Tarrah back with you on the Cocoa Vanilla blog today sharing a new layout featuring the awesome No Limits collection!

I started out by choosing a dark background, deciding on the Orbit paper as I knew I wanted to add the white star cut file from CUT to YOU. I love how the white cut file pops against the dark paper. I did add some different papers from the A5 paper stack behind each star in the cut file before adhering it to the background paper with craft foam. I trimmed down the Orbit paper slightly and adhered it to the Nebular paper for another layer on my page.

I adhered the photo of my 2 sons hanging out together on top of the cut file over towards the left slightly, I layered one of the 3′ x 4′ journal cards horizontally under the photo. On the right of the photo, I tucked in one of the Accessory Stickers with the stars on it, above the photo and journal card I tucked in one of the tab Accessory Stickers also. On the left I added the Accessory Sticker that says ‘You’re the Best’ and the bottom left corner overlapping the photo I adhered the ‘Unlimited’ die cut ephemera piece.

My title is made up of the awesome chipboard in the No Limits collection…I just love the dimension that the chipboard brings to my layout. I spelt out the words, ‘You’re Awesome’ and placed it in the bottom right overlapping the cut file. I was ok with the title covering up the cut file a little bit as by placing it where I placed it, below the photo and slightly to the right, it helps to balance out the heaviness of the photo, die-cuts and stickers in the top left. In the top left where the large star from the cut file is, I adhered the large star die-cut to frame the star and to help draw attention to the photo. On the right of the photo, I also added the flag die-cut piece that says ‘Let’s Go’. When I embellish my pages, I sometimes add elements that go with the theme of my page and other times I add elements because I need a certain colour in a certain area so that my page is visually pleasing to the eye.

Some of the last embellishments I chose were the cool wooden epoxy buttons, I added 2 to this page – the No Limits one and the Cool Kid one. I tucked in one of the large star chipboard pieces at the top of the photo, all of the other stars adhered around the page are from the ephemera pack. I also placed some of the super cute puffy stickers in grey and white colours to enhance the background paper even more and I also kept these neutral as there was already lots of colour on my page. I chose some more phrase stickers from the Accessory Stickers help to tell my story. Lastly I stamped the date stamp of the day the photo of my sons was taken and sprinkled some white mist around my page.

I hope you enjoyed my layout as much as I enjoyed creating it?! Thanks so much for stopping by the Cocoa Vanilla blog today!

Make sure to get your hands on the awesome No Limits collection! Look out for it coming to the Cocoa Vanilla online store soon!

Happy creating!

Tarrah x

Sweet Memories | These Days Collection | Rachel Lowe

Rachel Lowe 07/08/2021

Hi CVS friends! I am having so much fun creating with the new These Days collection. I love the black foam title stickers and puffy alphas and these are the focus of my layout today.

I have documented my families love of Lemon Meringue pie which my husband makes. I found this gorgeous cooking apron cut file in the Silhouette Design store. I used the Daybreak paper as my background paper, it’s a great choice when using a white background paper would be too stark. I used Pretty Posies and Wall of Fame papers to create my apron. I added it with foam tape to create a 3D effect.

Embellishing the apron was such fun! On the oven kit I add one of the gold glitter puffy hearts and created my title using ‘sweet’ word from the black foam title stickers and ‘memories’ word from the puffy stickers. I love how the black contrasts against the colours of the apron. I finished off adding a floral wood epoxy button. I also added machine stitching on the border of my apron and used some ribbon from my stash.

Once I added my photo slightly under my apron I used the puffy alphas to create a sub title, I used various colours for visual interest. I used a phrase sentiment from the accessory stickers which I placed on my actual photo which also added some contrast against the yellow of my photo.

I love the CVS clear stickers and I always run out of these first! On this layout I used two paint brush strokes, they really add a mixed media feel (without the mess of course). At the end of creating a layout I always leave it overnight and then the next day go back with fresh eyes and add finishing touches, here I added some puffy sticker butterflies, flowers from the floral ephemera pack.

I really love how this turned out and that I have documented another family moment to one day look back on. Thank you for popping in today and I hope you have a wonderful and crafty week ahead.

Rachel X

Xmas JOY | Unforgettable | Amanda Baldwin

Amanda-Jayne Baldwin 12/12/2019

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio Friends & Fans!

Amanda here, & I am super excited to share my Christmas theme page with the beautiful UNFORGETTABLE collection. I know – it isn’t a Christmas line, nor are there any Holidays elements to this collection BUT, I think UNFORGETTABLE is pretty versatile and suits all occasions! Here’s what I came up…

“Xmas JOY”

How beautiful! White & Peppermint is always synonymous with Yuletide vibes & is such an elegant color scheme to create with! Love it! Let’s take a closer look….

Christmas joy, indeed! These two were having such fun decorating the tree and dancing about to Christmas music. Such a happy capture – remember these days!!!

I started my layout with the reverse side of patterned paper, CV-UF007 SPRIGHTLY. I just adored those mint and white stripes, and knew they’d subtly suggest candy canes & peppermints. A perfect start to my Christmas page! To this paper, I centered & layered an 11″ x 11″ sheet of white cardstock. This created a really crisp and fresh background for my layout.

I cut a very simple digital cut file from Lilium Pixel SVG (in the Silhouette Store) called: Circle Floral Wreath and backed it with the B side of our divine CV-UFOO3 GARLAND paper. The simpleness of the wreath and snowflakes, combined with this stunning patterned paper was more than enough to create those Holiday feels! I foam mounted this wreath onto my base, before adding my photo cluster and embellishments.

How sweet!

My photo cluster is made from a combination of the 6 X 8 PAPER STACK papers ( the smaller versions of pattern papers: STORYTELLER and NATURAL BEAUTY) that I have layered beneath my photograph. Between these layers, I also tucked in a few coordinating DIE CUT EPHEMERA pieces, and some ACCESSORY STICKERS. I foam mounted the last layer, and before adhering it to my layout, I also attached a few leafy CLEAR STICKERS to enhance the Christmas wreath appeal.

Over my photo, I adorned that fabulous Love this FLAIR BUTTON, and added my title, ‘JOY’. I should note that the ALPHABET STICKERS used on this layout are from an older Cocoa Vanilla Studio collection called ENDLESS SUMMER. I specifically selected all the mint colored letters for my page.

To the right of my photo cluster, I added one more phrase sticker, Every photo has a story from the ACCESSORY STICKERS sheet. I used the white and mint green ENAMEL DOTS to decorate around the photo & wreath, as well as a few glass beads and sequins from my stash.

Simple, but so effective!

To the top left hand side of my page, and following the curve of the wreath, I attached the ‘xmas’ part of my title, and embellished around it with CLEAR STICKERS & ENAMEL DOTS.

For a finished look, I embellished around the wreath with more stickers, sequins and ENAMEL DOTS.

And there you have it!

A very beautiful, UNFORGETTABLE, Christmas layout!

Thanks so much for stopping by today – I really hope I inspired you to use this ‘everyday’ collection to document your Holidays with!

Merry Christmas & Have a Happy New Year!

Happy Arty Days, Amanda xo

Little Moments | Unforgettable | Amanda Baldwin

Amanda-Jayne Baldwin 26/10/2019

Hi Cocoa Vanilla Studio Friends!

Amanda here, & today I am sharing another super pretty layout with our gorgeous UNFORGETTABLE collection. For today’s layout, I wanted to create something really special for my sweet girl – I hope she likes it!

Here’s what I came up with…

“Little Moments”

Oh how preeeeeeeeeetty!!! Such a beautiful, floral page for my darling daughter!

Here’s a better look for you…

Absolutely stunning!

You’ll spy the B-side of pattern paper CV-UF 001 GLORIOUS taking center stage! I fussy cut this paper along its own pattern line, and took advantage of the directional quality it posesses. Not only does this clever cut paper encourage movement and flow, it essentially draws attention straight into my sweet photo – LOVE!!! Such a clever way to trim & use this paper! For added impact, I adorned this paper with that sensational floral cut file.

***Note: The cut file is called: Floral Bouquet Set and is courtesy of Cut To You***

It really is something, isn’t it?! I used papers from the 6 x 8 PAPER STACK, as well as some peach coloured cardstock to back this file. I filled the flower centers with ENAMEL DOTS pollen, and then embellished on and around the cut file with DIE CUT EPHEMERA blooms & leaves. To complete the look, I positioned a DIE CUT EPHEMERA butterfly in between the two large cut file flowers. Perfect! Like the GLORIOUS pattern paper, these cascading blooms lead you straight to my beautiful photo…..

Beautiful, indeed!

I tuck my photo into that gorgeous array of blooms, which are from the DIE CUT EPHEMERA pack. I also anchor my layout with a half inch trim of the reverse side of pattern paper, CV-UF007 SPRIGHTLY. This trim is errrrything!!! I just adore how it encompasses my overall design and forms the perfect base to this page!

I embellish this photo cluster with tiny fussy cut butterflies from the 6 x 8 PAPER STACK, more DIE CUT EPHEMERA flowers, and a couple of ACCESSORY STICKERS which I position beneath my photo!