Hello, hello! It’s Anna here with another layout. This time I used a bit older “Storyteller” collection to make it. I still have plenty of elements and papers in my stash so it would be a pity to not to use some again. Once again I scrapbooked photo of my girls together, taken in March this year. They are getting older and less agreable when it comes to taking photos of them. Teenagers, right? So I need to take advantageof snapping them photos anytime I can.
I love saturated colors in this line and I contrasted them with white background. With my heart shaped dies, I die cut few hearts out of navy and pink patterns. I used both 12*12 papers and 6*8 Paper Stash.
Next step was to arrange them under my 6*4 photo, using 3D foam squares. I also added few flowers and leaves from Floral Ephemera Pack, reaching for the ones in blue, red and peach colors.
I love using Chipboard Stickers – they add so much texture to the page. I used few of them in between the hearts, like camera, banner and inscription. I also added few Wood Epoxy Buttons in my composition.
Creating a title is fast and easy with Foam Title Stickers. Their black color contrasts so well with colorful hearts and flowers. There are so many phrases to choose from. You can also build your own sentences!
I finished my project by adding tiny and cute Puffy Stickers hearts and some red splatters. It’s my signature move in most of my pages!
That’s it for today. Do you have “Storyteller” collection in your stash? If so, maybe it’s time to pull it out and put into good use again!
Thank you so much for spending your time with me and see in June!
Hello Crafty friends, it’s Michelle here today with a new layout share for you all. Shock horror as its not a layout dedicated to our furry kids this week, I chose a recent photo of Leila on her first day of High School. New level of life adventures has begun. Woo Hoo!
Using the A5paperstack from the Great Escape Collection I’ve whipped up a grid design for the base of my layout design. I cut the squares in the middle row in a 3 inch size and the top and bottom rows in a 2.5inch size, then sewed around the entire edges of each using my machine. Each piece was then secured to the cardstock base using foam for a little dimension.
The photo (shared with permission from this spicy child of mine cause we all know how teens are these days) was printed in a 4x3inch size and packed using another pattern from within the A5paperstack. I stapled both pieces together using tiny staples and adhered to the layout using a little more foam sheeting to pop it off the layout.
You can see above how the little bit of dimension brings the layout to life
I created a couple of larger clusters diagonally in the top and bottom corners using left over stars fussy cut from the StarGazingpaper that I used on my last layout, with a mix of enamelshapes, accessorywordstickers and puffystars from the foamtitlespack
Next up I added the mixed product title using a word from the ephemerapack, letters from the chipboardstickerspack and words from the FoamTitlestickers pack. If you’re wondering where the W came from – never fear, its just the M from the word TIMES in the pack that I’ve turned upside down.
I added a little journal spot from the AccessoryStickerssheet to the bottom of this square to note what the photo is all about, and theres also a date label tucked into the photo too that was added towards the end.
I added the usual sprinkle of gold ink from the bottle I have that seems to be a never ending supply, just like Mary Poppins bag, but I’m sure its going to dry up at any minute
Here’s a final look at the layout as a whole…
Well friends, thats all that I have for you today.
Thank you so very much for stopping by and seeing this beloved creation that I’ve made.
Hello everyone. It’s Anna here with another page made with brand new “The great escape” collection. it just landed on CVS shelves and you can purchase a whole bundle to get every element from this line! Once again I reached for the photos from our family travels. Since my girls are not little anymore, they do not pose to the photos as much as they used to so I need to stick to our summer memories. Rest of the year is almost non existant in my phone camera :) Beside the dog. He fills up the void.
This time I reached for photos from our visit in one of the Netherland’s beautiful towns called Giethoorn, where instead of roads for cars, are water canals for boats. It looks so picturesque and we had an amazing time on the rental boat. I printed five small photos and placed them in a row, so they look like from a photo booth.
 I started with white cardstock as a layout base adding few strips of several pattern papers under the photo. I used: “Happy camper“, “Horizon“, “Direction” and “Journey” patterns. Photos glued in a row on a strip of “Adventurer” paper were the next layer.
I spend some time fussy cutting banners from “Happy camper” paper to add them onto the page in few spots. After they were glued down, I used a string in natural color to make them look connected. Embellishing was quite easy and fast. I used few wood slices from Ephemera Pack and some stars from Chipboard Stickers.
My title was created with words from Puffy Title Stickers, that I places in the bottom of the page. I also added smaller word, with the name f the town, using Mini Puffy Alpha Stickers from older “Heart & Home” collection. Their color matches “The great escape” collection perfectly. I finished my project with super cute Puffy Stickers.
And that it all for today! Thank you so much for spending your precious time with me and see you in April!
Hello Hello, it’s Michelle here with you today to share another creation using our NEW collection – GreatEscape. I’ve tied this into our current MonthlyScrap–liftingChallenge to give you another example of where your imagination can take you when lifting others creations.
Wild, Fun & Happy – all words easily used to describe this crazy doggo of ours. He keeps us entertained day in and day out, loves on us like no tomorrow, and drives his fur sister Daisy absolutely crazy.
I took inspiration from the absolutely amazing layout below, created by Josephine. For my creation I’ve used used a mix of hand cut and ephemera stars to create a similar look to the hearts in the original.
I hand cut all the larger stars from the pattern papers within the A5Paperstack. I used the larger of the stars within the Ephemera pack to trace around, then drew secondary lines around that to create a larger star. I then grouped 2 complimenting patterns together and sewed them together with some rough machine stitching and adhered to the white background using foam tape for dimension.
I added in ephemera stars, fussy cut stars from the A5 version of the StarGazing paper and puffy stars from both the foamtitlepack and puffystickers pack.
I printed the photos in 2.5×3.5inch size and layered them together using foam behind to pop them up over the tops of the spiky star points. There is so much going on within this layout in terms of dimension, but I love it. It really brings the layout to life.
I also added pops of ephemera pieces and accessorystickers into the star clusters to add even more excitement to the layout.
Lastly the title came together using words from the FoamTitleStickers pack and my trusty old tinyalphas from the Hello Lovely Collection from many many moons ago.. Wonder if anyone can twist Zoe’s arm to get these released again? I’m sure I’m not the only one who loves a little old school alpha action on a layout?
A few splatters of gold ink and I have one complete scrap-lifted layout ready to add to the collection of Pet scrappy layouts.
Here’s a final look at the layout, inspired by Josephine’s
Well friends, thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my take on this MonthsScrapLiftChallenge. Be sure to check out the original post HERE for all the info about it.
Hooley Dooley its February already! Michelle here with you today, sharing something a little different for me using the new Great Escape Collection.
The minute I laid eyes on this awesome collection I immediately thought of all the travel inspired layouts and creations I could make, then I remembered that travel for us has well and truly been on the back burner for quite some time. So why not create a mini book ready for when we are ready to.
I created this mini album in 6×8 size using so many of the fun pattern papers from this collection, with plenty of space to add photos, write down memories and keep all the things we can collect along the way. Think maps, tickets and tags of all kinds. Theres pockets, fold outs and extra clear pages for all the extra photos I’m sure we will add. I’ll add a list of all materials used at the end of the post for those who may want to recreate for your own travel photos.
Once all the pages and pieces were complete, I bound it all together using my Cinch tool ready for our next family adventure.
Be warned, this is a very photo heavy post as it was just too hard to choose a few photos to share.
First up is a pocket with hidden tag for photos, bits n pieces or even a little journalling. Then when you flip the page you come across space for larger photos or even postcards collected along the journey
I added in pieces of notepaper scattered throughout the book to give space for journalling all about the adventures being had
I created a large pocket perfect to hold larger items like folded maps and brochures. This was super easy to create by joining 2 pieces of pattern paper together and sewing along the top and bottom. No need to sew along the edge that needed to be closed as the binding coils help to enclose that end.
I added another clear pocket over the page for another larger photo, which can be moved like all the pages in this album, by opening up the coil and rearranging.
Another funky pocket created by cutting into the paper in line with the design and sewed onto the backing paper using my sewing machine
One of my favourite ways to mix things up in these mini books is by creating different types of pages, this one is a double sided tag with ribbon, reminiscent of a luggage tag
Another fun piece is this flip out page that opens up to showcase multiple photos and journalling together, which would be perfect for extra special moments within the journey
Further into the book theres yet another pocket with some pull out pieces for hidden photos/journalling/ephemera, with the pocket sewn straight onto the pattern paper this time with an opening to the side.
Flipping through theres more places for photos, including a space for some film strip type photos and more journalling.
1 last pocket for the book with a top opening and plenty of space for extra photos/tickets or even receipts from along the journey
Lastly a space on the final page for last thoughts, future trip ideas, extra photos you name it
And a cute little something on the back of the book ready to fill out once its filled up with memories.
Well thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by and persevering through the enormous amount of photos I had to share of this fun mini book. If you happen to make your own version, please be sure to share it with us in the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Facebook Community Group as I’d love to see it. Hopefully yours might contain the memories its made for and not sitting patiently waiting for that trip to be booked lol
Until next time, Happy crafting! Michelle x
PS. Heres whats left of the products I used, with a few extra paper scraps not shown.
Materials & Tools Great Escape Collection – 12×12 papers – 1 of each pattern – A5 paper stack – 4 patterns, 1 of each – Die Cut Ephemera Pack – Accessory Sticker sheet – Foam Title Stickers – Puffy Stickers
Cinch Machine with Blue binding coil Sewing Machine with white thread 6×8 clear pocket pages cut in half White ribbon Tiny Attacher Glue Dots Double sided foam adhesive
It’s Sophie on the blog today with a mood board inspired layout!
Have you seen the November challenge? Niki Rowland designed a gorgeous mood board named “Grateful” this month. Here it is:
I used the These Days collection for my page, and was inspired by the warm orange and yellow tones of the board, the beautiful flowers on the left lower image, the sewing on the top right image and the heartfelt love on the top left image.
The photo of my two fur babies on a crisp sunny morning is so precious and was the perfect photo to illustrate the theme of the board.
I centered it on a 12×12 white cardstock, added two strips of patterned paper on the top and bottom parts of the layout and handstitched two horizontal lines with green thread.
I selected two pocket cards, added stitches to them and placed them on each side of the photo for my subtitle and journaling.
My title comes from the Foam Title Stickers from the collection.
I added embellishments from the Ephemera pack, the floral die cuts pack, a few phrase stickers and two fussy cut butterflies.
Here are more close-ups:
A mood board is such a great source of inspiration! Check out the blog on November 1st to see all the details of the challenge and how to enter for you to get a chance to win a $25 store voucher to the Cocoa Vanilla Studio online store.
Hey y’all! Laura Alberts back again with a fun grid layout using the Storyteller collection for my graduation photos! If there was ever a set of pictures that had a story to tell, it’s these ones! I love how perfectly the colors in this collection matched my robes and stadium.
For this grid, I used four 4 x 4 1/2 inch bases for my 3×4 inch photos. By pairing journaling cards with the two profile photos and frames or flags with the landscape style photos, I created continuity across the grid that allowed me to go wild with the embellishing! Chipboard butterflies gave these layered squares a 3D effect that really made them pop.
By choosing colors for my bases that either contrast or compliment the photos, I can make specific photos more of a focal point on the page. The yellow squares give two of the photos a little bit more prominence and catch your eye first thing. Using a mix of puffy stickers, chipboard, and ephemera to embellish these squares makes each of them unique and interesting.
But, my favorite detail on this page is the Nuvo drop border between the grids. It’s a small addition that gives this page so much character!
I hope this layout inspires you to freshen up your grid layouts with a variety of embellishments! To see how “Special to Me” came together, check out the process video below:
I cut two strips of the “Take Flight” polka dot paper and placed them on the top and bottom part of a 12×12 thick white cardstock. I added some stitching with yellow thread and white embroidery floss.
I used a precious photo of me and my son Gabriel. I mounted it on tissue paper and foam adhesive, and centered it on the page.
I fussy cut three frames out of the “Wall of Fame” paper that I placed around the photo, and decorated them with Die Cut Ephemeras, stickers and fussy cut flowers.
I created my title with a mix of alpha dies from my stash and some Foam Title Stickers from the collection.
I placed a few phrases from the Accessory Stickers sheet, and scattered a few butterflies as the finishing touch.
Here are more close-ups:
I am so happy with the result and hope you like it too!
Hello everyone! It’s Anna here with something a little bit different than usual! I know you love all the layouts (and I love them too), but sometimes you are not in the mood for memory scrapbooking. Sometimes you just want to have some fun, use up some embellishments and make something useful. This was exactly my motivation to make this notebook, that can be used as a diary. I am impatiently waiting for the brand new “Happy days” collection to arrive to my doorstep. In the meantime, I still have plenty of other gorgeous lines to play with so I chose “Storyteller” to make my notebook. You can still find plenty of elements from this line in CVS Shop!
As I mentioned, I made this notebook from scratch. If you would like to make something similar, you would need a binding machine like Cinch. I own this tool for years and it still serves me well. I use it to make not only notebooks but also mini albums.
If you would like to make something similar and you have a proper tool, you need to start with choosing your size. I was using A5 sized inserts so my cover needed to be a little big wider and taller. Depending if you wish to add some dividers or tabs, the cover can be a bit wider or shorter – it’s the big advantage of making your own notebook from scratch. I chose “Dits daisy” pattern papers for my front and back covers. I simply cut out pieces of cardboard to the needed size and wrapped them with paper.
I also cut smaller rectangles for the insides of both covers using pretty paper with florals. Now you are ready to punch holes in the covers. You can adjust how many you want, how long the wire should be – it’s all up to you.
From A5 Paper Stack Pack I chose few sheets to add them between the pages of the notebook. They can be used as a dividers or just some decorative pages, to add something extra to your notebook. I gathered them along the regular sheets and made holes too. With covers and inserts prepared I was ready to bind everything together with 1 inch wire.
After everything was connected, i could start embellishing pages and covers. I started with the dividers, adding some stickers from 6*12 Stickers Sheet and Ephemera Pieces. I challenged myself to use up the whole sheet of stickers and I managed to do so! Mission of making room for new collection completed! :)
I tried to keep the decorations as flat as possible so the notebook wouldn’t turn out too bulky. It will not close nicely if you add to many dimensional elements inside. However, I added Foam Title Sticker on the first divider and on the notebook cover.
I also added a big pocket on the back cover to hide some extra journaling cards to add to the pages later. You can also keep there some memorabilia! Pocket is decorated with Floral Ephemera. I also added a wreath of flowers on the front cover.
How do you like my idea of handmade notebook? You can use it by yourself or give away as a gift! And you can easily make one with collection leftovers so use up all the bits and pieces!
That is all for today. I will be back in two weeks with another inspiration. Maybe even made with brand new line! Fingers crossed for the fast shipping. “Happy days” is totally my jam and I can’t wait to dive into those yummy colors.
Hello Cocoa Vanilla fans. It’s Anna here with another (and probably my last ever) inspiration made with wonderful “These days” collection. Using whatever I have left from this line I created a mini album. This is my favorite way of “killing” the collection as it uses up the most of papers and random embellishements. I am left with wonderful album, ready to add the photos or be given as a handmade gift.
Album itself measures about 12*17 cm and can acommodate 10*15 cm vertical photos and some smaller ones. I made my album base from scratch adding five main pages inside. Cover is a combination of pattern papers and a piece of a false leather with wooden pattern to strengthen up this area, as paper may crack in time from opening and closing the album. I also added a row of paper flowers from Flower ephemera Pack as a decoration of the cover. This collection has a strong “family bonding” theme so I decided to dedicate it for all the moments spend together, hence the FAMILY TIME MEMORIES title. It’s a combination of black Foam Title Sticker and Accessory Sticker.
Inner part of front cover is decorated with two 3*4 cards from Pocket Cards set. I used up a lot of them while making this album. They are great for journaling but also for fussy cutting some extra elements for decorating pages. Doodly frames from Ephemera pack from the first page are mounted with a piece of foam tape and you can slip photo under each of them.
I like adding extra flaps, pockets and inserts to my album and each page has some interactive elements. They are hard to be shown on photos, but believe me – they are there. Thanks to that, album can hold many, many photos. Most of the decorative elements are placed in the cornes with glue added only near the corner so you can tuck the photos behind them too!
Each page is also a pocket with even more space for extra photos or hidden journaling. I also added a waterfall page, that will be perfect for adding multiply smaller, horizontal pictures. You can fit even 14 of them on a single page! I decorated the flaps using all sort of embellishments: Accessory stickers, Ephemera pieces, Flower ephemera, Clear stickers and Puffy stickers.
For decorating my pages I not only used 12*12 papers but also almost the whole 6*8 paper stack that I had left. I also turned some of the paper scraps into smaller tags and pocket fillers so nothing was going to be wasted!
As a page bases I used regular kraft cardstock that corresponds really well with “These days” collection. Whenever I can, I always prefer kraft cardstock over white one while making albums. It seems so decorative by itself and it makes embellishments pop more.
I turned my last page into a big pocket for extra keepsakes and photos so whoever will be using this album in the future will have even more possibilities to customize it.
After finishing this project I could throw away few empty sheets of stickers and other empty packs. I don’t know why but it’s such a pleasure for me to use up something to the very last bit. Do you feel similar finishing an embellishment pack or it’s only me?
There are still many elements from THESE DAYS collection waiting for you in CVS Store in a crazy low prices! Grab them quickly because when they are gone, they are gone forever!
Thank you so much for sticking out with me and see you in April!
Inner part of front cover is decorated with two 3*4 cards from 
