Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Shine Bright

Hello there! I'm back today sharing a new layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio using both the new collection Unforgettable and the FREE Cut files designed by Gwen. LOVE LOVE LOVE the designs within the set, especially the circle of hearts design. This whole layout came together pretty quickly by cutting one main floral piece, 1 massive cut file and then tucking random bits here and there.

I started by cutting the design out in silhouette studio using the reverse of the GARLAND paper and then adhering it flat to the white cardstock using the centre edge only. I curled all the hearts up for a touch of dimension. Next I fussy cut the entire wreath design from the same paper and adhered this to the bottom half of the cut file using foam tape.

When it came to the photo I didn't want it to stand out or compete with the florals, I felt it needed to blend together so I printed it out in black and white. I chose a close up photo of Leila from a few years back as its one of my very favourites. I backed the photo using the woodgrain pattern of the NATURAL BEAUTY paper plus a couple of off cut strips from the 6x8 paper stack I used on previous layouts. I tucked the right side of the photo under the layers of florals and ephemera pieces. I also added a couple of the leaf strand cut files from the FREE SET.

To the left of the photo I added the title using the new foam title words and a stack more bits from the ephemera pack, a flair button, clear sticker and enamel dots to mirror the opposite side of the layout.

Once I felt the entire circular design was a good balance of florals and colours I splattered it all with gold colour shine, including the photo as I ALWAYS forget to cover it up. Super happy with how this turned out, pretty similar to the idea I had in mind when I started which is pretty good. It doesn't usually run so smoothly HAHA

Well thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to pop by our facebook group to chat all things CVS and don't forget to download the FREE cut files!!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping

Michelle xx

Captured | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello friends its Michelle here today with my very first layout share using the BRAND NEW Unforgettable collection. This collection is absolutely STUNNING and was so hard to chop in to, but oh so fun in the end.

I've chosen a sweet photo from Christmas in 2011 of my sweet Leila and Grandma reading together. Its hard to believe that this quick moment captured was from almost 8 years ago. To create the layout I chose a cut file from CUT to YOU and cut it out twice on white cardstock, then cut the florals individually off the frame they were attached to. I backed each piece using the SPRIGHTLY, LACEWING, GLORIOUS and GARLAND patterns from the 6x8 paper stack before layering them randomly and adhering with different forms of adhesive for multiple heights of dimension. I also added in a sprinkling of florals from the ephemera pack.

I used a couple of different patterns from the PRETTY BITS & STORY TELLER cut apart sheets to layer with the photo then adhered this stack to the page with a large foam square to raise it slightly higher than the floral cluster

I added the foam title piece to the top of the photo and altered it slightly using white paint so that it wasn't so dark. I also did the same to the other smaller black foam hearts I added to the clusters.

The top of the layout looked a little bare so I've created a mini cluster combining a matching ephemera piece and sticker to create a larger looking flag to combine with a smaller floral cut file piece and the moments banner from a cut apart sheet.

Along the bottom of the layout I've incorporated a strip of the SPRIGHTLY paper with some text from the PRETTY BITS paper, a few ephemera florals, cut file bits and some enamel dots that are also sprinkled here and there

Lastly a good splattering of gold ink and a tiny amount of handwritten journalling to complete the layout.

Well folks thats all from me today, Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you've enjoyed seeing my first layout using our super new UNFORGETTABLE collection. Cant wait to see what you all create with it once it lands on all your doorsteps!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping

Michelle xx

Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Happy Times

Hello scrappy Friends, its Michelle here with a new layout share featuring the wonderful Happiness collection and the coordinating FREE cut files designed by fellow DT member Gwen. This was a super speedy layout to create, one that would be easy to recreate if you like the white on white background with pops of colour.

To begin the layout I started by making the background using silhouette studio. I traced only the wreath design from the FREE Cut file set then duplicated, mirrored and resized before cutting on white cardstock.

Next I adhered the pieces to a second piece of white cardstock and machine sewed them all into place, plus the stitching gives the layout a little more subtle detail.

I've used a piece of ** paper under the photo and a smaller strip of ** to add a pop of pink. Both of these designs are the smaller print from the 6x8 paper pad

TO create the Title cluster I've gathered bits from both the ephemera pack and accessory sticker sheet, plus a strip of my most favourite paper MEADOW

I created 2 smaller clusters top left and bottom right of the large outer wreath. These are made up of stickers and ephemera pieces, mainly florals layered with glue dots for slight dimension.

Lastly a splattering of gold colour shine and a date stamp and it was complete. Super sweet and oh so simple and fun to create.

Thanks so much for stopping by, be sure to drop into the Facebook group to share all your craft CVS goodness! We love to see what you all create too.

Until Next time, happy Scrapping

Michelle xx

Everyday Happiness | CVS Happiness Collection

Hello Crafty friends, I have a new layout share for you today featuring the wonderful Happiness collection and a fun journalling prompt for you to recreate. Each year I try to document a layout of Leila in the exact same format, including a list of all her current 'favourites'. Heres this years compilation.

I started the layout by scrap lifting the exact design I've used for the last 2 years as I felt this would keep future documenting on track if I knew exactly when and how I was compiling this information. I started with a grid of pattern papers from both the paper pad (Good Vibes & Little Things) and 12x12 papers (Frame of mind, Expressive, & Meadow) sewed to the page for a little extra texture and detail, a handwritten list of favourites using note paper torn from a paper pad, a fun photo to match one of the many things this child of mine LOVES and a tonne of pretty embellishments from the ephemera pack to create clusters of pretty details within the top and bottom corners. I also snuck in a couple of pieces from the FREE cut files created by Gwen to compliment this collection

This years list was quite similar to last years as not much has changed in what she loves in life the most. A couple of additions included the new found love for the 3 stooges and telling jokes now that she can read quite fluently (definitely has her fathers sense of humour). Still an avid collector of ALL things Super Mario related. I don't think thats ever going to go away!

I've used some of the Bright & Beautiful paper under the list as it reminded me of a clip board, and clip boards usually have lists on them so I went with that. I added the words 'every day' from the clear sticker set to some white cardstock then fussy cut them to use as the title for the list including the collection logo from a paper barcode strip. Behind the photo I've used some of the beautiful teal coloured printed reverse side of the Good Vibes paper, some scraps of the pretty hearts on the reverse of the So Fresh paper and some stickers from the accessory sticker sheet tucked in to the top and bottom for extra 'layering' effect. I also added a heart cut file piece, ephemera flower and a flair button - something I've not used in quite some time!

In the top left and bottom right corners I created some pretty clusters using cut file pieces, ephemera and stickers with a few different types of adhesives for a range of dimension - staples and both raised and flat glue dots. Love love Love a pretty cluster with dimension!

Lastly I added a couple of stickers from the accessory sheet to the opposite corners of the clusters, splattered the page with a ridiculous amount of gold colour shine and called it done!

Well thats all from me today. I hope this has inspired you in someway to document a list of favourites, whether it be for yourself or a loved one. Its so much fun to create, and will be good to look back on in future years when favourites have well and truly changed.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Until next time, happy scrapping

Michelle xx

Hello Sweet Girl | CVS Happiness Collection

Hello sweet crafty friends. Have you heard the news about our EXCLUSIVE, fun and 100% FREE cut files to compliment the brand new Happiness collection? Our fellow DT member Gwen has designed these especially for all of you to create magic with. How awesome is that!

Here's what I've created using the wreath, large floral and open hearts designs. SO FUN!

When I first saw this stunning cut file set I was instantly drawn to the wreath design and felt it would work so well with the SO FRESH paper (bright floral wreath). Using my silhouette software I increased the size of the cut file design to fit the dimensions of the bright floral wreath and cut it out on some white cardstock. I adhered the cut piece to the pattern paper using some foam tape for slight dimension, because we all know I just can't create a flat layout to save myself! HAHA

I also used the larger floral piece and open hearts design from the cut file set to finish the remainder of the wreath. I backed the florals using pieces of MEADOW and EXPRESSIVE papers and some vellum for the leaves. I added more foam tape to the backs of these pieces and adhered them to the top left and bottom right of the wreath before adding a photo to the bottom of the layout.

This sweet girl has a love hate relationship with the camera but photos like this mean the world to us. Sweet innocent Leila, who on that very day had just turned 8. Time flies so so fast!

I added my title to the top left floral piece using a sticker, cardstock title piece and letter stickers from a past collection. Above this I added a butterfly and floral from the ephemera pack, an open heart cut file piece and a couple of clear stickers to add an extra 'splash to the mixed media feel that the wreath paper has. Those coloured splatters - all part of the wonderful printed design (the gold ones are splattered by me)

I've used pieces of the EXPRESSIVE, SO FRESH and FRAME OF MIND papers behind the photo, and a couple more ephemera pieces in a mini cluster to the right.

Well friends thats all I have to share with you today. I hope you've enjoyed seeing what I created with our fun new FREE cut files. Be sure to pop into the Cocoa Vanilla Studio facebook group to share what you create with them. You can find the FREE cut file download HERE on the website.

Thanks so much for stopping by, until next time Happy Scrapping
Michelle x

Wonderful little Moments | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Scrappy Friends! It's Michelle back again with a new layout share featuring the beautiful More than Words collection that I just cannot get enough of! I've used a wonderful photo of Leila, her dad and an oh so fun Snapchat filter HAHA

The beginning of this layout started with an intention of making another 8.5x11 inch layout. The smaller size layouts are so much fun to create with as they require less product to feel complete, meaning I'm able to stretch out my stash of CVS goodies to create more fun things. PLUS, they come together so super quick! In then end I stuck the whole smaller layout onto a piece of PRECIOUS paper, using the woodgrain pattern on the B side, and created a 12x12 layout.

To create the main section of the layout I centred a frame from the Ephemera pack and the photo backed with a piece of SKETCHBOOK paper from the 6x6 paper pad. Inside the frame I raised and centred the 'You are Loved' piece from the cut apart sheet TREASURE in the 6x6 pad. I then embellished to the top right of the frame using pieces of ephemera, enamel shapes and a cut file piece from the Colour Me Happy set.

To the right of the photo I added in a couple more floral ephemera pieces and some enamel dots to balance out the design elements on the page.

The title on my layout is perfect to describe this moment, and loads of little moments we have around this little house of ours. I've used the 'Wonderful' piece from the chipboard accent stickers along with a banner from the ephemera pack, then added some hand writing for my journalling.

At the top and bottom of the cardstock piece I added some strips of my most favourite pattern paper within this collection - Darling Buds in the 6x6 size. Love me a small floral print and this one takes the cake! Its super pretty {insert heart eyes emoji} I tucked a date tab into the top that can be found in the ephemera pack and stuck an accessory sticker over the top for good measure ;)

Lastly I added another cut file piece to the bottom strip of paper, popped an ephemera piece on top with an accessory sticker and enamel heart then called it done!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my newest creation and that it's given you some form of inspiration for today. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping.
Michelle x

Hello Sunshine | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi Everyone! I'm back here today with a new layout share using the beautiful Endless Summer collection for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. The soft sweet pastel colours in this collection remind me of summer which makes it perfect for the Summer theme were focusing on this week.

I've gone back in time and scrapped a cute photo of Leila from 2013, when we enjoyed the warmer months a lot more. It certainly warms my heart to look back on the memories we created in our old backyard, especially this time of year when its freezing cold.

I kept the layout design quite simple, using a strip of COASTAL CHILL paper across the background, then built the title and photo mat layers up across the same horizontal line to give the layout some dimension. I created clusters top right of the layout and bottom left of the photo to draw the eyes attention across the page and finished it all off with a sprinkling of gold ink.
Here's some close ups...

This was a fun cluster to begin with, as it uses a mix of all my favourite embellishments from the collection. To create it I've used pieces from the THIS & THAT cut apart paper, and raised up the pink doily piece with foam tape. The clouds are from the wood Veneers pack and are a super cute addition to the collection. The other items used are the enamel shapes, woodies & blooms

Under the photo mat I've used the reverse side of the COASTAL CHILL paper, along with more cut apart pieces from the THIS & THAT paper. I also included an off cut of the pink doily used in the cluster at the top of the page and some accessory stickers tucked under the bottom of the photo and into the top of the floral cluster.

I added a hint of glitter to the flowers from the Blooms pack, but its really hard to see in these photos. I've included more items into this cluster that are in the top cluster, to help balance the layout.

I've used one of the FREE cut files to create the title using the woodgrain side of the SWEET TREATS paper and raised it up off the page using foam tape to help it stand out a little more. I also included a piece from the ephemera pack and added my typed journalling in the blank space below.
The Free cut files are pretty cool, and can be found on the website HERE

Thats all from me today, I hope this has inspired you in some way to get those Summer photos documented.

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle x

Easter 2016 | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi Everyone! I'm back today with a new layout creation for Cocoa Vanilla Studio featuring my most favourite collection - Make a Wish. With Easter just around the corner, I thought what better time than now, to scrap some photos from last year. The bright cheerful colours and designs within this collection work perfectly for any Easter/Spring inspired creating.

I've chosen a couple of sweet photos of Leila hunting for her treasures last easter, the first we celebrated in our new house. She had so much fun running around the house collecting eggs in her basket. Can't wait to do it all again this coming weekend!

For the background of the layout I've used the B side of Party Mix paper plus a ripped piece of Daydream (B side) at the bottom, I wanted to keep it as soft and simple as I could (without being too plain) as I knew the photos would stand out quite a lot. Next I built up the photos with layers of patterns from Daydream and the B sides of Hip Hip Hooray & Party Dots. I felt the colours in these papers suited the photos best without clashing. Normally I would use B&W photos when there's too much colour, but I wanted to keep these as is.

I've also added some messy stitching around the large pattern paper, and within the messy torn edges of the photo stack for a little added detail.

Once I was happy with the background and photo placement I worked on the clusters, starting with the cut files from the Colour Me Happy set. The florals in this set are stunning, and perfect for layering together. I've used a mix of pattern papers to back the files, mostly the Fresh cut, Daydream and Hip Hip Hooray papers. I only adhered the leaves with glue, and kept the main flower piece loose for a little dimension using my tiny attacher.

To finish the clusters I've used a mix of die cuts from the Ephemera pack, some cut aparts from the Party mix paper, a flair button some chipboard and accessory stickers plus a sprinkling of enamel dots.

How sweet is that little bunny! Perfect for an easter layout. I've fussy cut him/her out from a card on the Party mix paper. SO cute!  I've also added a little typed journalling to finish the layout completely.

That's all from me today, I hope this has inspired you to create something special with those fun easter memories! Be sure to share your creations with us in the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Community Facebook group, or even tag us on Instagram!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle x

My Turn | Scrap The Girls

Hi Everyone! It's that time of the month when those of us on the Scrap The Girls DT get to share the brand new challenge board. This month it's a pretty sweet Colour challenge. Here's a look at the board..

Soft and subtle mix of blue & green, even though some say they should never been seen. However this mix of hues work so well together, especially mixed with white. Plenty of white..

I knew exactly which photo I was turning too once I saw the colours to use. This photo has been scrapped before, however I was unhappy with the end result. Much more happy with how this looks. I chose a mix of pattern papers from my rainbow stash, and backed multiple different sized Camera cut files from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. I placed them along the page in a diagonal design with the photo towards the middle. I also added a few cut butterflies that were left over from a recent layout made for The Cut Shoppe. I felt these were a good finishing touch that would tie all the elements together

I'd chosen the camera design to tie in with the accidental Selfie photo, and the butterflies to represent the nature element thats also shown in the photo. All of which made for a pretty layout of my girl. 

Here's some close ups..

I kept the embellishments to a bare minimum as I felt the page itself was already quite busy with cameras and butterflies. I've mainly used enamel dots and the off cuts of hearts from the cameras around the page, with the addition of the cute bow clip and paper flowers from D-lish Scraps.

The title is made from puffy alpha stickers that can also be found in the D-lish Scraps store.

Well thats all form me today, I hope this has inspired you in some way. Be sure to share your creations with us at Scrap The Girls, you never know when you might win something!

Until Next Time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle x