wood buttons

What the Fun | Sunkissed and Boys Rule collections | INSD challenge | Sue Plumb

Sue Plumb 06/05/2021

Hi everyone, it’s Sue Plumb here to share my latest design team project with you. I hope everyone had a chance to celebrate InterNational Scrapbook Day (INSD) last weekend with a bit of creative time? Maybe even one of our special INSD challenges? If you haven’t had a chance to play along yet you still have a couple of days to get your entries in.

In fact, it was one of the challenges that inspired my layout for today, as I played along with Michelle’s “Grab 5” challenge. Here are the challenge criteria:

For my page I decided to document a fun photo of my boys that I took recently at SeaWorld. I used a combination of the ‘Sunkissed’ and ‘Boys Rule’ collections, and went bright, bold and a bit messy!

I started with a sheet of the Summer Lights paper from the ‘Sunkissed’ collection, which features a stunning colour gradient that runs from yellow at the to, through orange and pink, and finally to red at the bottom. It was absolutely perfect to match with my photo. (In fact, when I took this photo I thought of this paper right away – that’s when you know you are a true scrapper! haha)

I began by dry brushing on some black acrylic paint using a wide brush. This not only provided some great contrast, but also defined the focal area of my page. Over the top of the paint I added the white die cut star background. This left-over piece was actually part of the ‘Boys Rule’ Large Die Cut and Backing Kit. I like the way it added interest to the background right away.

Next, I added more patterned papers with a variety of different sized pieces from both collections that I cut and tore then layered together. I also added a green paper doily and some frayed gauze from my stash and used staples to secure my stack down on the page. I then added my photo on top.

When it came to embellishments, I wanted to ensure that I ticked off the sticker criteria first. I used mix of Accessory and Clear Stickers that I had left-over from ‘Boys Rule’. I also used some Chipboard Pieces and Die Cut Ephemera from the same collection. The sweet little Wood Button was from ‘Sunkissed’. To the right of my photo I added a handmade star embellishment which I topped with a Flair Button.

To add some extra interest to my background I added some stamping using a small stars background stamp and a roller phrase stamp.

Now it was time to finish off my page and tick off the remaining criteria. For something gold I added a few pieces of gold twisted wire, which I stapled down onto the page. For stitching, I added small hand stitched crosses using white embroidery thread. And finally, I added some splatters of white acrylic ink and that was all five criteria covered.

I had a lot of fun putting this layout together and I hope I have inspired you to play along with one of our INSD challenges while you still have time. Entries to the challenges close at midnight (AEST) this Sunday, 9th May. You can find all the challenge rules, or upload your entries via the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Community group.

Until next time, happy scrapping!

Summer Holiday Memories | Sunkissed collection | Guest designer – Josefine van der Hoeven

Zoe Pearn 24/04/2021

Welcome to the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog today!
It’s Josefine here and show you my new scrapbook layout that I created as a guest designer for Cocoa Vanilla Studio with the amazing summer collection Sunkissed. This is definitely one of my favorite summer collections. The colors are amazingly matching and everything fits together so well, your projects will look summerlicious!

I was inspired by the summer cocktail die-cut and decided to make a summer cocktail on my layout filled with a summer vacation memory.

I started with a white sheet of cardstock and grabbed different colors of distress oxide to make a light mixed media background. The colors I used are, mustard seed, picked raspberry, broken china and kitsch flamingo.

For the background I use two stencils. I start with the yellow color “mustard seed” and a sunburst stencil. with my distress (tool) brush I take a little distress oxide and start making circles over the stencil. When I’m done I remove the stencil and go over it again lightly and use the same technique. I do this also with the blue color “broken china” and using a dot stencil. The coloring of the stencil is done in the same way. Then I make splashes with the different colors on my background. This creates a colorful summer look.

I cut two strips of a 12×12 design paper of 3 inches and fold them. I glue the two strokes together. In this way I create a half rosette. This will be the base of my cocktail.

I use double sided tape and 3d foam to hold everything together. I place the half rosette on my background. I cut some designer paper to size and place it behind the photo to create some more layers. I place the photo in the middle of the cocktail and start decorating my layout with the awesome die-cut flowers.
I use a straw from my own stash and decorate it with an orange slice. Just like a real cocktail!

I am also using the beautiful wooden buttons from this collection! I am going to look for the perfect tittle for this layout. The awesome golden titles in this collection give just that little extra summer feeling on your projects! I choose the golden “summer” as a title and finish it with a word strip.

I’m almost done. I mix some white gesso with water and make splatters with my brush on my layout. This way I create an extra festive look to my page!

I cut the edges of the white cardstock sheet to size and placed a woodgrain design paper behind it. I use a sewing machine to sew the edges. I love how this layout turned out.

I hope I was able to give you some great ideas and wish you lots of fun creating beautiful projects with this fabulous summer collection! I want to thank you for stopping by on the blog today!

Happy crafting!

XoXo,
Jo

Cheers to the Weekend | Sunkissed collection | Sue Plumb

Sue Plumb 06/04/2021

Hi everyone, it’s Sue Plumb here to share a fun mixed media layout I created using the new ‘Sunkissed’ collection. For this page, I decided to document a photo of myself and my sister that was taken when we snuck off for a last minute weekend away late last year. Just us, peace and quiet, cocktails, snacks and lots of scrapping with ocean views. It was sorely needed after the forced cancellation of our annual retreat due to COVID, and pure bliss!

I started my page with the Just Chillin’ patterned paper, which features the sweet cloud print. Before I did anything else, I wanted to tone down the pattern in the centre of the page, where the focal area of my layout was going to be. I used white and yellow acrylic paint, which I applied lightly with a brayer, which softened the pattern enough, but not so much that you could still see through it. Once that as done, I turned my attention to creating some papery layers.

I started with a couple of papers from the A5 Paper Stack first – a yellow chevron, and a blue animal print. (These two papers are exclusive to the A5 Paper Stack, so cannot be found in the 12×12″ Collection Kit.) I chose the yellow and blue because the combination of these colours just screams “beach” to me. I tore both the papers and layered them, adding a strip of the pretty yellow floral from the Fun in the Sun paper on top. I then added a piece of the striped Good Vibrations paper, a small yellow doily, and some frayed gauze, before finishing the stack with my photo on top.

The next item I reached for was the Pocket Card pack. Pocket cards may not be something you would usually reach for when creating a traditional 12×12″ layout, but I love how versatile they are! I used one cut in half to add an extra layer in behind my papers; a card for my typed journalling; and a third card that I fussy cut my title from. My title was also popped up on some foam tape to give it some dimension.

To embellish my page I used several pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack including the small feeling fine banner; the tab and flag on the corner of my photo; a couple of clouds and the cute sun. I also used the gorgeous rainbow arrow from the Accessory Sticker sheet; a small Wood Button; some Clear Stickers; and a few cute Puffy Stickers.

I finished my page with some black ink splatters (and yes, some got on my photo! haha); and some stamped phrases using a roller stamp.

If you would like to watch how this page came together, you can watch my process video here:

Until next time, happy scrapping!

EASTER MORNING | SUNKISSED |GWEN WRUCK

Gwen Wruck 03/04/2021

Hey Creative Friends,

Gwen back on the blog today with some more inspiration using the brand new ‘Sunkissed’ collection. This collection is Summer themed but today I’m using it to create an Easter-themed layout. This photo was taken of my daughter quite a few years back on Easter morning.

To begin the page, I’ve created a frame for my background using the ‘Growing Wild’ pattern paper. I’ve used a piece of white card stock from my stash and then sewn around the edge with a pastel blue thread. I’ve also taken the time here to fussy cut out all of the floral elements from the inner part of the paper and will keep those for use in future layouts.

Next up, I’ve backed my cut file; this one is from CUT to YOU. I’m using the ‘Summer Lights’ pattern paper for the basket and ‘Good Vibrations’ for the eggs. I’ve also added in paper from the Paper Pad for the egg details as well as the photo mat. Be sure to check out the paper pad as it has some exclusive patterns in it which are not available in the 12 x 12 pattern paper sheets.

I’ve positioned my photo on the left of the layout and then created two floral clusters. The first cluster is quite small and sits above my photo, the second will be the main cluster and sits to the right of my photo. These two clusters are made up of the fussy cut florals from the ‘Growing Wild’ pattern paper as well as die-cut pieces from the ‘Die Cut Ephemera’ pack. I’ve also added elements from the ‘Puffy Stickers’ sheet.

I’ve positioned my title down the bottom of my page under my photo. For this, I’ve used Thickers from my stash. I really wanted to use the title stickers in the collection but nothing fit quite right simply because this is a Summer-themed collection which I’m using to make an Easter-themed page. Be sure to check out the ‘Foam Title Stickers’ in this line, they are super sparkly and gorgeous and you will definitely want them for documenting Summer.

For more interest on my page, I’ve added in two of the ‘Wood Buttons’ as well as elements from the ‘Accessory Sticker Sheet’.

I’ve finished the layout off my adding in some of the small heart die cuts and a couple of die-cut tabs from the ‘Ephemera Die Cut’ pack.

I’ve also made a YouTube video of my process so you can see how this all came together which you can watch below.

Thanks for popping by today,

Until next time,

Gwen

Sweet Sunshine | Sunkissed Collection | Michelle Stokes

Michelle Stokes 10/03/2021

Hello Scrappy friends! It’s Michelle back today with a new layout to share as part of our current Sparkle and Shine theme. I recently got my DT Box full of Sunkissed goodness so I was super excited to use it for this layout, especially the NEW Gold Glitter Foam Titles. Oh my HECK they are stunning and perfect for a theme like this one!

I started the layout by getting a little messy, yep you read that right. Clean freak here got messy for a second layout in a row! I used pink and gold shimmer sprays to create a watercolour effect using the plastic packaging technique, then splattered over the top using the spray tube. Once it was dry (and very warped) I added paper strips across the middle ( Fun in the Sun & Feelin’ Fine ) and machine stitched for a little extra detail. Then I hand cut the wavy edge in the ‘ Sunny Days ‘ paper and tucked that under the layers

I used papers from the A5 Paper stack to layer under the photo ( Just Chillin’ and a pink version of Bright Side ) This whole stack was layered with foam both between layers and under the entire stack to give it dimension off the super warped, never going to be flat background. I tucked a label from the ‘ Fun in the Sun ‘ cut apart paper and a tab from the ephemera pack into the layers also.

To the right of the photo I added a large cluster of fussy cut flowers from the 12×12 version of the STUNNING ‘ Growing Wild ‘ paper. I’ve got a stack more cut out ready for the next few layouts too. I added the title under this using the sweet Gold Glitter Foam Titles – a new edition to the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Embellishment range. Absolutely beautiful product to use. Oh and the Wood Buttons are back too, those who have followed CVS from the early days will remember these from earlier collections. I took the adhesive foam dot off the back and used a flat glue dot to adhere to the areas that already had enough dimension.

I used more fussy cut florals under the photo to create the second point to the visual triangle of embellishments I was aiming to achieve.

And then up the top of the layout a much smaller cluster of florals mixed with bunting flags from the ephemera pack. This is when I started adding all the sequins (from the Daydream collection) and a few glitter hearts from the Gold Glitter Foam titles pack. Tiny sequins to add a little hint of extra sparkle and to give the clusters a more completed look.

Lastly I added a touch of handwriting to document this season of life, or I should say that season. A time when Leila would actually cooperate and sit still long enough for me to take photos like this. These days they are very few and far between now that she is 10. I cherish all the photos I was able to get when she was younger, I might need to use bribery for some updates!

Before we say goodbye for today, here’s one final look at the entire layout

I think its safe to say the messy stuff is here to stay.. it certainly adds an extra element of completion to a layout.

Well friends thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my first creation using the wonderful Sunkissed Collection. I can’t wait to create more stunning titles with those amazing Gold Glitter foam words. What are you excited to use from this collection? Let me know in the comments below

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle x

Together | Sunkissed collection | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 08/03/2021

Hi crafty friends!

It’s Tarrah back with you and today I am very excited to be sharing my first scrapbook layout featuring the AMAZING, brand new Sunkissed collection! Wow this collection has everything you could imagine when you think of Summer. It is stunning and is perfect for not only Summer projects but everyday projects too!

I decided to cut the gorgeous Good Vibrations paper using a Sunburst design cut file by CUT to YOU. I love how this turned out! I adhered the entire cut file lightly to a plain white cardstock background, I then pulled up the positive piece so that it left the large pieces of the sunburst design. I can use the skinny positive piece of the cut file on another project another time. I added some craft foam underneath the bursts also to give the layout some dimension. I also curled the edges of the paper using my fingertips to add some extra texture.

The photo I am documenting is one of myself and some scrappy friends dressed up for the Hawaiian themed dress up night at the 2018 Cocoa Vanilla retreat held in Coffs Harbour. It was so much fun and we looked the part with our grass skirts and headbands! It also helped that we picked the cute bridge to pose on! Under my photo I layered one of the 3′ x 4′ cards, an accessory sticker and a frame from the die-cut ephemera pack. I used lots of goodies from the die-cut ephemera pack on this layout! It was one of those cases where I did not know when to stop!

I am so excited to have puffy stickers and the wood epoxy beads back in this collection! I added 3 of the wood beads amongst some of the die-cuts and near to my photo to help draw the eye towards the photo. Below my photo I added one of the glitter foam titles, this was the perfect title for my page. I also added 2 small glitter foam hearts in strategic spots to create a triangle design on my page. This is an important design element when creating a layout and I like to try and accomplish this each time I create a layout. The phrase/word stickers from the Accessory sticker sheet are the perfect last minute addition. I added a few of these to help tell the story and enhance my design. Lastly I stamped the date stamp to document the date the photo was taken.

I hope you enjoyed my first layout created with the amazing Sunkissed collection! Make sure you check out your local store or your favourite online store for this collection! You absolutely NEED this in your life! Its stunning! Also keep an eye out for BEAUTIFUL projects coming up by my fellow design team members!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Happy creating!

Tarrah x

Sweet Recharge | Sunkissed collection | Sue Plumb

Sue Plumb 20/02/2021

Hi everyone! It’s Sue here today,and I can’t even begin to tell you just how excited I am to share my very first layout with the brand new ‘Sunkissed’ collection. I have to admit, I had another project already prepared to share here today, but after this landed on my doorstep on Friday afternoon, I just COULD NOT WAIT to use it! Let me tell you, the colours in this collection are nothing short of amazing! It’s everything my colour-loving heart could have possibly wanted.

Here is my layout “Sweet Recharge”, (aptly titled, as it features a photo of my kids that I took when we went out one day for milkshakes at a local cafe)…

I began my layout with the gorgeous warm ombre print on the B side of the Summer Lights paper as my background. As I was dealing with strong, bright colour to start with, I decided to dry brush some white acrylic paint to define the focal area of my page. This would help provide some separation between the background colour and the colours of the papers I was going to use.

I then took a sheet of the rainbow striped Good Vibrations paper and cut a piece from the area that had the warm tones on it. I layered this with a piece of the rainbow print of the Sunny Days paper; then topped it with the polka dot print from the A5 paper stack. (This print is exclusive to the paper stack, and does not appear in the 12×12″ papers.) I also tucked in a small piece of the animal print from the reverse of the Growing Wild paper, then added a paper doily, some frayed gauze for soft texture, and my photo placed on top.

When it came to embellishing my layout, I really was spoiled for choice. This collection has sooo many delicious embellishments to choose from, and I just wanted to use them all! I started with flowers. First, a couple of floral pieces that I fussy cut from the Growing Wild paper, which is the signature floral from the range. I tucked these pieces in around my photo (one to the right, the other below). I then started a third cluster using some flowers from the new Floral Ephemera pack, which I placed up in the top left corner of my photo. (This formed the “visual triangle” around my photo.)

Also included in this small cluster was the so happy tab, and a cute watermelon sticker (both from the Accessory Sticker sheet) on the corner of my photo; a sweet little flower from the Puffy Sticker sheet; and one of the Wood Buttons. I also placed a phrase sticker from the Accessory Sticker sheet nearby. Above my photo I tucked in a label that was fussy cut from the Fun in the Sun cut apart paper, which I wrote my journalling on.

I padded out my remaining two clusters with more flowers and leaves from the Floral Ephemera pack, bending up some of the petals and leaf tips for added dimension. Down at the bottom of my layout I added a cute little garland from the Die Cut Ephemera pack and another couple of phrases from the Accessory Sticker sheet. (One of which I actually used as part of the title.)

The main part of my title came from the new Glitter Foam Title stickers which are really pretty and sparkly. (And if you know anything about my love-hate relationship with glitter, you would know how happy I am to say they did not shed all over my desk!) I finished off my title with one of the cute Puffy Stickers.

Finally, I added a few little heart Clear Stickers; and splattered around some black and white ink. I absolutely love how this page came together and am crushing all the gorgeous colours in this collection! I hope you are feeling inspired and planning on adding this collection to your stash too!

If you would like to watch this one come together, you can watch my process video here:

Thanks so much for stopping by so I could share this with you. Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Zombie Apocalypse | Boy Collections | Tarrah McLean

Tarrah McLean 30/10/2019

Hi Cocoa Vanilla friends!

It’s Tarrah back with you and today I am sharing a Halloween layout created for the October mid month challenge over at CSI: Colour, Stories, Inspiration I used lots of the boy collections on this layout!

CSI: Colour, Stories, Inspiration Case File No. 298

I took inspiration from the skull and cross bones design in the image and also the colours. I cut out a skull and cross bone design from black cardstock using my Silhouette Cameo and used is one of the main focal points on my layout. I popped up the skull using craft foam and adhered the cross bones flat to the page. In the eyes of the skull, I backed one of them with one of the paper s from the You Rock collection and added one of the woodies from the Totally Rad collection to the other eye. The Totally Rad collection has lots of pieces with the skull and crossbones so I pulled out what I had left and used them as embellishments. The large white and black skull and cross bones was fussy cut from the ‘Stuff’ paper from the Boys Rule collection The photo is of my eldest son dressed up for Halloween as a zombie a couple of years ago. I just had to add the ‘Admit One Crazy Town ticket and the unbelievable sticker’as they went perfectly with the theme of my layout. I added some of the wood veneer stars from the Flying High collection – I couldn’t believe I still had these! To finish off, I added the chippie crown in the chipboard pieces pack from the Boys Rule collection and added a few last bits and pieces like the arrows, the star flair, the date stamp and some splatters of black mist.