Rachel Lowe

Christmas Card and Gift Boxes | Unforgettable | Rachel Lowe

Hey all today I have some Christmas goodies to share. I love creating Christmas gift boxes and bags, because who doesn’t love pretty things!  I have used the gorgeous Unforgettable collection for my Christmas trio.

I created a simple Christmas card using the 6×8 Unforgettable paper pad. I used Sprightly as my background paper measuring at 5×7 inches. I then chose three papers to create the Christmas trees, Story Teller, Glorious and Garland. I used a cut file for my tree’s but these could easily be cut by hand. I added some machine stitching to the curves of each tree piece to add definition. I added white glitter to the Garland (turquoise) pieces. My tree’s were then attached with foam tape to create dimension. I added gold glitter stars and tree trunks because although not a huge fan of bling, Christmas is a time you can add as much as you like right!!!! To finish off I added some tiny flowers from the ephemera die cut pack and a Merry Christmas sticker from my stash.

This Coffee Cup gift box is a cut file by Lori Whitlock, easy to assemble but oh so cute! I filled this one with Lindt Chocolates and it will be a gift for one of my boys teacher. I cut the cup part using the Natural Beauty paper as this provides a great contrast to use brighter coloured paper and embellishments. I cut the coffee cup lid in white cardstock.

 

I used the turquoise strip side of the Sprightly paper to add the coffee cup heat sleeve and then added one of the large floral bunches from the ephemera die cut pack with foam tape.

I added a paper star created using Unscripted paper finished off with a little bling. The Spiral Star is by Lori Whitlock.

To finish off I added one of the bows from the collection to break up the white of the lid. These are so easy to create and perfect for little Christmas treats.

 

And finally to finish off my Christmas trio I created another box, this is a Noodle Box from the Silhouette Design store. The outer box I used Sprightly paper and inside the box I used Glorious. I used the papers from the 6×8 inch paper pad to create the layered flower finished off with an Enamel Dot from the collection. I have filled this treat box with bath bombs.

You don’t need a Christmas collection to create Christmas cards or boxes, I love pink and turquoise as Christmas colours. Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you find a little time in the busy month of December to create.

Rachel  X

Shine | Unforgettable | Rachel Lowe

Hi all Rachel here! As most of you know I LOVE cut files and use them on nearly all my layouts. Today I have a pretty layout that is fun to make and there is only one piece of 12×12 paper used. I have used the SPRIGHTLY paper to create these gorgeous flowers.

I chose a super pretty flower cut file from the Silhouette Design Store. I created three different sizes by re sizing to large, medium and small. I then used from 6 to 3 layers for each flower. This creates the effect of different flowers, different layers and sizes which adds dimension to your layout.

Before attaching my flowers I added some Unforgettable clear sticker paint strokes to provide a contrast. I also cut some leaf branches in white so I could tuck them under the flowers.I laid out my flowers and worked out where I was going to add some stamping. I have used the gorgeous Bohemian Dream stamp set. Once I had done all this I added my flowers to the left of my page.

I added my 4×4 inch photo tucking it slightly under the flowers to connect the elements. I added a bright pink paint brush stroke from the Unforgettable clear stickers under my photo to draw your eye to the photo.

I used the word Shine from the black foam title stickers and again added another bright pink paint stroke clear sticker before attaching to add contrast and draw the eye.

To finish off I added some butterflies from the Unforgettable die cut pack, adding a paint blotch clear sticker under the wings finished off with an enamel dot under the wing. I added several black hearts from the Unforgettable foam titles around my page.

 

When using a cut file such as a flower, and you want to use more than one, before you purchase another think of resizing and how many layers can be added or taken away, this way one cut file can look like several different ones.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope my layout using one piece of paper and one cut file inspires you to get creative this week!

Rachel X

Sweet Memories | Bohemian Dream | Rachel Lowe

Hi CVS friends! I adored Bohemian Dream collection with its purple and blues, crisp white contrasts, florals and beautiful die cuts. I have created a super pretty girly layout featuring Bohemian Dream.

 

I have used a beautful balloon cut file from the Silhouette Design Store. I have used Dreamer paper, both sides and the fun polka dot blue paper. The purple side of Dreamer I used an embossing paper to create the polka dot effect on keeping with the navy dot paper (also the texture added is gorgeous).

Once I had paper pieced the balloons I decided to hand stitch some of the balloons and balloon string. As I do with most designs I use the rule of threes or odd numbers for visual balance (note I used three different papers for the balloons) I hand stitched three of the balloons in white thread and silver thread for the stings. It created a wonderful texture and ensures the balloons do not look flat.

I next added my 3×3 inch photo using the thin frame from the die cut pack and attaching with foam tape to add more dimension. I chose tiny floral bunches to embellish around my frame as I didn’t want the balloons covered too much which I tucked under my photo and frame.  I also added several to the outer of three balloons.

I then chose word and phrase sentiments from the accessory sticker sheet in between the balloons, adding some purple sequins to draw your eye to them and break up the white.

To finish off I added my title, a sentiment banner from the die cut pack and two pretty butterflies (added with foam tape).The most time consuming part of this layout is the stitching but it really is worth the effort.

Thank you for stopping by and if you have any questions about my layout please leave in comments. Have a wonderful and creative week.

Rachel X

Girl Squad | Unforgettable Collection | Rachel Lowe

Hey friends Rachel here. Do you ever create a layout and then your are not sure if you love it!  Well I ended up creating two layouts this month because of this (it’s a Virgo thing lol!), anyway I will let you choose which version of my Girl Squad layout you like the most. So here is the first one I created. I wanted it to be soft and very girly and hence went for lots of white, pink and flowers.And here. is version two! I decided to go bold and bright, ensuring my lettering really stood out which I felt it got a little lost in the first version of the layout. The only drawback was I had to convert my photo to black and white, which I think lessens the beauty of the shot.On both layouts I have used Story Teller paper as my base so there was a slight contrast with the black dots instead of a flat white. My second version I have used a turquoise cardstock, cutting the Story Teller paper down to 11×11 inches. I also used the same cardstock to cut Girl Squad cut file. on my Silhouette Cameo, in my first layout I used white to cut the Girl Squad cut file.I used the beautiful Forget Me Not paper  to paper piece the Girl Squad cut file, wanting a smaller print so I could use some of the larger floral die cuts without them getting ‘lost’.From the 6×8 inch paper pad I used the Lacewing paper and fussy cut numerous butterflies. I wanted smaller butterflies hence why I used the sheet in the 6×8 inch pad and not the 12×12 paper. I added these with foam tape to create a 3d effect.I chose the largest floral bunch from the die cut ephemera pack and added in a way you could still see the lettering. Again I did this with foam tape to add dimension. I added some of the pink and turquoise enamel dots to flowers and under some of the butterfly wings.Before adding my photo I used some of the paint blotches from the Clear Sticker Sheet (I adore the clear stickers so much!) to ‘frame’ my photo and draw your eye to it. I used foam tape to attach my photo. I finished off adding some phrase stickers from the Accessory Sticker Sheet. 

So there you have it, only one difference in papers used but the over all effect if quite different! Thank you for stopping by today and have a wonderful creative week.

Rachel X

The Best | Unforgettable | Rachel Lowe

Hello CVS friends today I have a pretty layout celebrating the relationship between my daughter and I. I have used the new stunning collection UNFORGETTABLE.

Firstly I used a scallop border cut file, cutting it at 11x 7 inches using the lovely Natural Beauty paper. I then set about creating a grid design cutting 5 3×3 inch squares using various papers from the 6×8 inch paper pad.

Then it was a matter of embellishing each square. Here i cut another square slightly smaller and added over the 3×3 inch with foam tape to add height. I have used one of the Accessory Stickers, again added with foam tape tucking an Enamel Dot slightly behind it. I finished this square off with the gorgeous camera Flair.

I cut this floral square from the Pretty Bits 12×12 paper layering it on a dark pink square from the 6×8 inch paper pad. Again I added with foam tape. I added some of the tiny die cut flowers, black hearts from the Foam Titles finished off with a tiny butterfly I fussy cut from the 6×8 page with butterflies. I added enamel dots to some of the flowers.

I created my title under the floral square using the black foam word titles framing it with some fussy cut tiny butterflies.

I created my final paper embellished square using a smaller floral paper from the 6×8 inch pad and adding the die cut Living the Dream as my sub title. I added blue paint smears from the Clear Stickers to create a subtle contrast. I added the gorgeous floral bunch from the clear stickers to the right edge of my white cardstock and lastly a Clear Sticker butterfly.

 

You could of course add more photos to this design. I just love the black foam titles, they really add a wow factor! Well that’s it from me today, thank you for stopping by today and have a wonderful creative week!

Rachel X

Happy World Cardmaking Day from the CVS Team!

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

Unforgettable You | Unforgettable Collection | Rachel Lowe

Hi all today I have a layout featuring the new and stunning UNFORGETTABLE collection. It is just too stunning for words!

I started with a cut file from The Cut Shoppe, loving this heart cut file as it meant I could add several papers from the collection. I used the beautiful Glorious paper to paper piece the left side of the heart. I chose two paper to paper piece the right side of the heart, Garland and Unscripted.

I used the left over floral bunch on the reverse of the Garland paper, fussy cutting to use on my layout. I cut down my white cardstock to 10×10 inches and centred it onto the Sprightly paper. I added my photo slightly off centre matting on the Sprightly paper adding with foam tape. I added a tab to the top of my photo and the So Beautiful sentiment from the die cut ephemera pack and finishing off adding a enamel dot next to the sentiment sticker.

I then added the fussy cut floral bunch to the right of my photo and adding the water colour brush stroke from the clear sticker sheet. For a girl who find mixed media a bit to messy lol, these clear stickers are fab for creating a mixed media feel without the mess!

I added some of the gorgeous die cut ephemera butterflies to the left side of the heart in a way they appear to be flying up and away.

Lastly I created a small embellishment cluster at the bottom of my page, again adding another paint splotch clear stickers and adding the die cut camera over it, adding also an enamel dot to the lens of the camera and finished off with a sentiment phrase from the accessory stickers.

I added a splatter of black paint lightly over my page to break the contrast of the white. I so love the pretty and girly feel of this layout that really highlight the photo of my daughter.  I adore the colour hues of this collection, pink and turquoise swoon!

And before I go I just wanted to share a gift bag I created using Unforgettable and turquoise cardstock, finished off with a super cute tassel from the collection!

Thanks for stopping by today and I know you are going to love this collection as much as I do!

Rachel X

 

So Loved | More Than Words Collection | Rachel Lowe

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

 

 

 

Wonderful Sweet Days | Page Maps Sketch | Midnight Collection | Rachel Lowe

Hi everyone Rachel here and today I have a sketch inspired layout using the beautiful Midnight collection.

I love sketches, they really help get your mojo going! This sketch is from Page Maps.

I had not used the beautiful large die cut from the collection but this sketch totally inspired me to use it. Instead of leaving it as a circle, I altered it by cutting it into a flower shape, including the paper background.

I cut down the gorgeous pink and white striped paper, leaving my white cardstock as my border. I machine stitched to add definition around the pink and white striped paper.

I next added my two photos which are 5×4 inches with foam tape so I could embellishments later. I created two floral clusters next to each photo.

I clustered one floral bunch over and on my photo, but on the other photo I layered my flowers under my photo. This creates more visual interest and although you are repeating the same concept it will look different.

I then created my title using the accessory stickers and the die cut titles.

I added my titles with foam tape so they stood out.

Then it was adding little finishing touches! I added a banner embellishment at the top of my page, adding some machine stitching a butterfly which I added with foam tape.

I added some more sticker butterflies from the accessory sticker sheet and also added a tab behind the top photo. I added some extra leaves and sprigs in my floral bunches from the die cut ephemera pack

I love how this turned out and the sketch really pushed me, like using two larger photos for me was a challenge lol!  I also love how many layers there are to this layout.

Well that’s it from me today, make sure if you try this sketch post on the CVS FB page so we can all see your take! See you again soon.

Rachel X

 

Craft A Happy Life | Happiness Collection | Rachel Lowe

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!

Rachel X

 

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