Raquel Bowman

You Rock | Legendary Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hey everyone, it’s Raquel here with you today sharing my latest layout that I have created for Cocoa Vanilla. This layout features mainly the Legendary collection with a small touch of Boys Rule. The layout is featuring my boy who is now seven and looking more and more grown up each day.

Here is the layout that I created;

As I mentioned about. This layout features our little man and a gift that hubby and I recently brought him. He has expressed a love of music and singing for a while now and more recently shared that he would like to learn guitar. We were able to find one online and boy, his year has been made. The smiles and excitement was just infectious.

I used a Triangle cut file from the Cut to You store and backed it with patterned papers in the Legendary collection. I love that I can find a cut file to for every layout topic/purpose. When documenting layouts of my son I tend to choose shape style cut files like stars!

I adhered both the cut file and my two wallet size black and white photos to the layout with a thin foam adhesive tape. This gives a subtle pop of dimension.

To embellish the page I have used mainly stars from the ephemera pack. I also added a few accessory stickers and enamel dots. Such a perfect finishing touch.

The ‘you rock’ title is created from the clear sticker sheet. I simply adhered the stickers to white card stock and then fussy cut around them. This gave me my own ephemera piece that I could use on the layout. The sentiment was perfect for these photos.

The final step before I finished the layout was machine stitching around the edge. I love the finished look this gives to a layout.

I hope this layout has inspired you today. Thanks so much for stopping by the cvs blog.

Raquel

Hohoho | Joyful Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hey everyone, it’s Raquel here sharing my final Christmas layout for this holiday season. I managed to document our 2021 Santa photo.

Here is a Layout that I created;


As mentioned, the subjects of this layout are my babes having their 2021 Christmas photo with Santa at a local shopping centre. I used a green paper to back the photo as I wanted to tie into the green in the photo but also what I was going to use in the wreath. I embellished the photo with chipboard stickers and ephemera that linked to Santa and of course I had to add in some fussy cut flowers.

To create this layout are used a cut file as the main feature on the page. This cut file was purchased from the Cut to You store and is a wreath design. I used the paper pad and 12×12 scraps I had to back the leaves and bow off the cut file. I tried to use a mixture of green patterns and shades within the leaves.

To embellish around the page I have used the leaves and berries ephemera pieces and any stars I could find within the collection.
I think one of my favourite additions to the page and pieces within this collection are the gold stars within the title pack. They add a beautiful pop of gold to a page and are a great finishing touch to a layout.


I used a thin foam adhesive to adhere the whole cut file to the page. It just gives a subtle pop of dimension.

I love how although this collection contains the traditional red and green colours it also has pinks and creams within the colour palette. I framed the layout on one of the pink papers to soften the layout.

Thank you so much for stopping by the CVS Blog today – I hope my layout inspired you.

0 Sleep’s ’til Christmas | Joyful Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hi everyone, I am here on the blog sharing a new layout with you this Christmas season featuring the amazing Joyful collection. Every release of a new Christmas collection brings me a moment to reflect on our Christmas past. I decided to create a layout based on our 2020 Christmas morning.

Here is the layout that I created:

The layout today features a photo of my babes on Christmas morning last year – I framed the photo in a paper from the collection, as always I have added a white border to my photo to give a definite border. I printed the photo in black and white so that I could incorporate a variety of colours to my page,

One main feature of this layout is the cut file. A gift wrapping look from Cut to You which I backed with the gorgeous red paper in the A5 paper stack and green papers from the Deck the Halls paper and the Making Spirits Bright paper.

I used a variety of embellishments from the latest collection, including fussy cut florals from the ‘Tis the season‘ paper. The love of these florals; I never tire of them. 

My fave feature of this layout is the tags that I have hung off the bow of the cut file. The ‘0 sleeps tip Christmas’ is a sticker from the accessory sheet which I have made into a tag. This sticker inspired the title of the page. The ‘0’ is actually an ‘o’ from within a word in the titles pack. I love that it adds and continues the pops of gold within the page.

To the left of the photo I have also included more fussy cut florals but also cute Christmas icons like the presents, stars and holly. These were all from the ephemera pack or the titles pack. The ‘Christmas’ is from the chipboard sheet, it is hard to capture in a photograph how gorgeous these chipboard pieces are with the gold foiling.

Thanks so much for stopping by the CVS blog today, I hope this layout has inspired you to get creating.

Sending much love!

Raquel xxx

Christmas Cards | Joyful Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hey everyone, today I am sharing a set if three cards for Christmas using the Joyful collection. This is a new kind of share for me as I normally create layouts to share with you but I was inspired by the cute animals within the collection and wanted to create with them right away.

Here are the cards that I created –

To create these 3 cards I used mainly the A5 paper pad and embellishments from the ephemera, chipboard sheet, accessory stickers and puffy stickers.

The reindeer in the first card was so adorable that I wanted to feature it. I used a frame from a 3×4 card to make it really stand out .

How cute is this bear?! 

The final card I am sharing features this cute rabbit from the collection. I tried to create the cards as individuals but for them to have consistent elements within the set of three.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today. I hope these cards may have inspired you to pull out your CVS stash and get creating. 

Raquel xxx

Oh what fun! | Joyful Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hi everyone, it’s Raquel here sharing a layout with you that I created using the new Joyful collection. This was the first time I have played with this collection and boy, it did not disappoint. I decided to look back at some of my favourite memories from our 2020 Christmas and chose to document a series of three photos of my kiddies all dressed up and ready to get their Santa photo.

Here is the layout I created:

As I mentioned above, the subject of my layout was my kiddies. These photos were my chance to snap a nice photo of the kids together and dressed up. As you can see from the pics, with these two, it can be tricky to get a photo of them both together when they’re both looking at the camera. I printed these slightly smaller than 3×4″ and in black and white. This helps with coordinating my photos to the new collection.

I added a patterned border to the photos using the paper pad. I love that the paper pads patterns are slightly smaller and also that you get some similar prints to the 12×12 but in different colours. The photo is adhered to the page with foam tape that has been doubled over. I wanted the photo to stand out a bit more than the cut file.

The ‘jingle bells’ cut file is from Cut to You and is a main focal element to this layout. I used a combination of patterned papers to back the file including some gold glitter paper that I had in my stash. I love the finished effect of the bells on this layout. It brings such a Christmas element of fun to the layout. A challenge with using feature cut files is to ensure that the file doesn’t take away from the main focus of the page: the photos. To do this I try and make sure to embellish the page in a visual triangle so your eyes move around the page from the top left, to top right, down to the journaling in the bottom right and back up again.

I created clusters of embellishments on either side of the photo. These were fussy cut from the ‘Tis the Season’ paper and layered to create interest. I finished the clusters with small puffy stickers like stars and leaves and also stars from the ephemera and chipboard packs. I just adore the colourings of this Christmas collection.

The cluster to the left of the photo, again contains more fussy cut flowers, stars and leaves from the stickers, ephemera and chipboard. I finished that little cluster with a cute little Reindeer puffy sticker and an ‘oh what fun!’ banner. The Reindeer matched my photos perfectly as the kids were wearing Reindeer hats that Santa gave them.

I journaled using my fave technique of strip journaling and adhered this to the bottom corner to balance out the top heaviness of the layout.

I finish the page I framed the entire layout in the ‘Making spirits bright’ paper, this also tied into the colour of the bow on the bell.

Thanks so much for stopping by the CVS page today, I hope that this layout has inspired you.

Raquel x

Chill Out | Sunkissed Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hey everyone, it’s Raquel here and today I am sharing my latest layout with you. For this Throwback Thursday I was inspired by a previous layout I created and also the ‘Sunkissed’ collection. A throwback in two ways, how fun!

Here is the layout that I created:

The subject of this layout are my two kiddies taken in the last couple of months following a release of a lockdown here in regional Victoria. We took advantage of having a day where we could travel a short distance and went to a coastal town about an hour or so from home. Of course the kids were wanting to sample the local ice cream shop! Yum!

I was really inspired by the fringe layers that I created on a layout a couple of years ago and wanted to have a go featuring them on a layout again.

The fringe look can be created using simple fine tip scissors or you can use herb scissors like I have to create a nice even fringe.

To embellish the page I have used a combination of the mainly the ephemera pieces, floral ephemera pieces, puffy stickers and the accessory stickers.

I wish I had a gazillion packs of these florals. Aren’t they totally stunning! So bright and perfect for this summer themed layout. I love to adhere these in a variety of dimensions by using different foam adhesives.

I was excited to have the perfect use for the ice cream ephemera piece!

For the title of the page wanted something that would stand out enough against the fringe layers on the page which as quite dominating. The gold glitter sticker titles are so gorgeous and I decided these would work on this layout.

Of course I had to frame my layout on a patterned paper. I love how it provides a finished look to a page.

Thanks so much for stopping by the CVS Blog today. I hope this layout inspired you.

Raquel x

The best | Unforgettable collection | Raquel Bowman

Hey everyone, it’s Raquel here sharing a bit of a flashback to the Unforgettable collection with you today.

Here is the layout that I created:

The subject of my layout today is my ‘baby’ girl – who turned 9 earlier this month. I do not know how this is possible that I have a nine year old in my household. Boy time just flies doesn’t it?

I have not played with this collection in a while and had minimal supplies left. I was excited though to find a whole pack of ephemera so I was able to add and embellish as much as I wanted with no limitations to my floral choices. To frame my photo I used one of my fave script prints in this collection and added tags and circular frames from the ephemera collection. I add a crochet thread to the tags to tie a bow- this thread is subtle and thin and adds a cute touch to the page.

I used a variety of floral pieces to embellish to either side of the photo. Using differing foam adhesive tapes create a dimensional effect – I did this in the clusters to either side.

The title of the page is from foam stickers. What better sentiment than this. I’m sure my Charlotte will agree! I think we counted down to her birthday for an odd 30 days. The level of excitement was high.

To journal as always I have added my typewritten strips to document this moment and milestone.

To finish the page I have framed it on the gorgeous signature floral paper of the collection and machine stitched the edge. I also added those final finishing touches of a scattering of enamel dots.

I can hardly believe I am documenting this moment of my baby girls life!
Thank you so much for stopping by the CVS blog today. I hope you are well and safe in this crazy work we live in currently
Take care, xxx

Teach | These Days Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hi everyone, it’s Raquel here and today I am kicking off a school theme this week on the blog. And what better way to kick off school week than with a post celebrating World Teachers Day which is today, October 5th. So to celebrate this day I decided to create a layout all about the 2021 school year….and what an interesting year as a teacher and Mumma it has been here in Victoria.

Here is the layout that I created:

As I mentioned, my goal for this layout was to document the 2021 school year. And boy…what a year it has been. The continual shift and change from onsite to remote learning has been tough as a teacher of 5 year olds and a mum of two primary school age children. I had a few photos taken at random times throughout the year that I wanted to include on this page. This free ‘notes’ cut file from Paper Issues was perfect and allowed me to add multiple photos. I used the ‘Family Ties’ paper for the cut file and love this colour against the white background.

I took advantage of the theme of ‘teacher’ and included all of the woman and child ephemera pieces on this layout. They were the perfect addition to this page I thought.

Due to the framed design of this page my journaling is scattered from the to left square to the bottom of the page. As always I used my typewriter and cut it in a strip design.

To back the spaces in the cut file that were not filled with photos I used a combination of the 3×4″ pocket cards and the a5 paper pad. The designs were perfect and I was able to incorporate a variety of both busy and more subtle patterns to balance out the layout.

It is so lovely to be able to spend my days in my profession in the same school as my kiddies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a perfect situation as my little man may attest, but I love being able to see those special school moments like awards and assemblies that I had previously missed as a Mumma.

The whole cut file was adhered to the page using a foam adhesive. I also used a variety of dimensional adhesives to adhere any of the ephemera pieces to the page.

The clear sticker hearts and mini heart puffy stickers were that perfect small embellishment to finish off my clustered areas of embellishments.

I also ran a two strips of patterned paper along the left side of the layout. I used my binding edge punch for one of the layers to coincide with the ‘school’ theme.

I am absolutely in love with the mini alpha puffy stickers,…..wow, such perfection! I love the impact they make without overtaking a layouts design.

It was hard to know what to title this page with, so the simple ‘teach’  seemed to fit the purpose. The ‘for the record’ sentiment was on a  3×4″ card. Worked well for this layout to lay journaling.

What a year, I’m crossing fingers and toes that 2022 is a much calmer year for us all xxx

Above all the challenges of the role that has been 2020 and 2021 as a teacher I honestly would not change my job for anything. The absolute joy I get from my profession as a teacher is the ultimate reward…the relationships, the growth I see and the professional learning that I make daily…..just the best!

On this day I think we also need to take our ‘hats off’ to the families and carers who have helped to facilitate their child’s learning alongside their child’s classroom teacher. What a team we have all made and what a journey this last two years has been! Thank you!

Happy World Teacher’s Day!

Grateful for You | These Days Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hi everyone, it’s Raquel here, thanks so much for stopping by the CVS blog today. Today I am here to share another new layout using the ‘These Days’ collection. I have not gotten tired of creating with this gorgeous collection and every new layout I create is featuring a different element of it.

Today I wanted to feature one of the 12×12″ papers, the ‘Wall of Fame’ paper that is full of gorgeous frames. I have seen a few layouts shared with this gorgeous paper from both the CVS team and people within our CVS Facebook community. I was feeling so inspired and ready to play.

 

Here is the layout that I created:

I used my fine tip scissors to cut around the edges and inner pieces of the frames. Of course I had to feature a series of photos within the frames as well as highlight a few embellishments and create a few embellishment clusters.

The subject of this layout is my girl taken on one of our summer holidays. We look forward to a little coastal getaway every year and these pics were taken then. The delight of a child when they find a dandelion is just the best.

To embellish the page I have used a variety of the ephemera pieces, clear stickers, puffy stickers and accessory stickers. The frames form a big part of the initial design of this layout. Because the frames are printed on an essentially white background, I have used a variety of foam adhesives to adhere the fussy cut frames onto the layout.

I adore this envelope ephemera piece and was so glad I found a spot for it to feature on this layout, nestled within one of these frames. When using the clear stickers I will place the ‘painty look’ ones directly on a layout. However, any other elements I will apply to white card stock and then fussy cut out. This allows we to use the pieces like ephemera. The wood button was a great finishing touch to this page.

The ‘Wall of Fame” paper was calling my name as I mentioned previously, has it been calling yours? I’m thankful for fine tip scissors. To fit my photos within the frame they were printed ‘4 up’ but with borders. The outside and background space allowed for a perfect framed photo within the patterned paper frames.

I was not sure at the start of a title for this page. I just loved these photos and wanted to document them. This ‘foam title’ “you” simple but perfect. 

The right of the page had some white space which allowed me to add some journaling while still remaining balanced. I wrote my journaling based on the ‘wishes’ of a dandelion. The gold puffy heart , oh my, the perfect touch to the page!

Thanks so much for popping by the blog today. I know it is only 2 weeks since my last share but sometimes they feel like lifetimes apart with this challenging world that we all live in right now. Currently I am on day 1 of my school holidays as a teacher and Mumma. After what feels like years of lockdowns and switches between online and remote learning with 5 year olds….I am ready for all to settle soon. Fingers crossed!

Please take care and stay safe. xxx

I love you to pieces | These Days Collection | Raquel Bowman

Hi everyone, firstly…..Happy Father’s Day to all those special people in everyone’s lives!

Today on the blog I want to focus in on the amazing A5 paper pads that are now available with most CVS collections. However, I was feeling sentimental about the day that it is today so I have created a layout featuring my man and the dad to my two kiddies.

This man is truly amazing as a father and a husband who I really look up to ….  and in these times, that are so hard for us all it is so important to appreciate and acknowledge those who make such a positive impact in our lives. To say thank you…I love you… or to pay it forward with a kind gesture.

Here is the layout that I created today to share with you:

What I love about the A5 pads is that the designs we all love on the 12×12 designs are printed smaller on the pads. Which means, when you are backing small parts of a cut file, the printed designs fit within like they were meant to be.

 

The subject of my layout as mentioned previously is my husband . I used a new cut file from ‘CTY’ Cut to You to create days layout. I had already printed photos in my stash to fit within the file but I am guessing that these would be 2″x2″ pics.

Since we’re focusing on the A5 pads I wanted to show you how great the smaller prints revert to a smaller cut file. The process may take a while but it is so worth it. I know there are an abundance of YouTube videos of creators who do this same thing on their layouts.

Here is a look in more detail:

 

I used the ephemera pack and floral ephemera to embellish to the side of my photos. I used three of the wood buttons too!

 

The ‘you have my heart’ was a perfect addition to this layout. This was from the 12×12 cut apart paper.

 

I used a combination of regular adhesive and foam adhesive to adhere the main elements to the layout.

Thank you so much for stopping by the CVs blog today – I am sending you so much love and good health.

 

I appreciate what a trying time it is for all of us. So I hope this page has brought you some happiness. Here I n Vic we are into the 200+ days of  lockdown and remote learning….its starting to take its toll, as a teacher and a Mumma.

 

Raquel xxx

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