Cocoa Vanilla Studio | You HEART Me

Hello Friends I'm back today with my final share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio during this wonderful month of LOVE . I stepped back in time and used the beautiful More than Words for this lovey dovey share along with a family photo from a few years back. Love the sweet pastel colours within this collection that give a soft feminine feel to the layout.

I chose a fun cut file from CUT to YOU (designed by DT Member Gwen) to use as the main focal point on the layout and backed it with multiple pattern papers from the 6x6 paper pad within this collection. I used a loose rule of 3's for this to ensure I had a good balance of colours and patterns = 3 of each pattern or colour tone spaced out amongst the letters, words and hearts. I backed the entire layout on a 12x12 piece of the COLLAGE paper (reverse side) plus a little pop of the same pattern used as a layer within the photo stack.

I used foam tape to adhere the entire file to the backing cardstock - this gave it a slight pop of dimension off the page.

I adore this photo of us, Leila was so little compared to how giant she feels now. I layered some scrap pieces from previous layouts under the photo stack - nothing goes to waste here! Theres a cluster of sorts formed to the right of the photo using pieces from the ephemera pack. Love the tiny floral bits in this collection.

Another little cluster using similar elements over on the left of the page, incorporating a couple of stickers - one of which was fussy cut from a larger sticker.

Another mini cluster at the top of the layout to finish off the visual triangle I was hoping to achieve with such a 'large and in charge' type of cut file in the background. I really love how it all turned out, and felt it was complete after a sprinkling of my trusty gold colour shine.

Well thats all from me today, short and sweet but straight to the point! I hope you've enjoyed taking a look at my step back in time. I cant wait to see what next month brings - we'll all be creating with the newly released collection - LEGENDARY. Be sure to keep an eye here on the blog and on our other socials - Instagram and Facebook for more creative goodness!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle x

Bucket full of YUM | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Hello, I'm back here today with a new layout share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio to finish off our current Scraplift theme. It's always fun to scrap lift a fellow DT members creation, and this time I chose one from Emma who sadly has finished her time here with us at Cocoa Vanilla Studio. Emma's creations have always inspired me, her tiny 6x8 size layouts always packed a punch! The layout I chose to lift can be found HERE.

I created my layout using the beautiful More than Words collection, focusing on multiple patterns that didn't overpower or clash  with the photo. I chose to document a sweet photo I took of Leila over the Easter weekend at an Egg hunt we attended. SO MUCH CHOCOLATE!

Heres a closer look at the layout created by Emma. I took my main inspiration from that amazing large title made from a mix of different type text cut from pattern papers using a cutting machine. I also drew inspiration from the entire design of the layout, and replicated it in a larger size layout compared to Emma's awesome 6x8 size. I wish I could make things look that good!

LOVE LOVE LOVE how pretty the colours are that Emma chose for her layout, especially the title.

I started the layout by cutting a piece of white cardstock to 8.5x11 inch size, folded and stapled the top left corner and then adhered it to a 12x12inch piece of the Sketchbook paper. Then rather than using a square photo size, I printed a rectangular shape and raised it off the layout with a piece of foam sheet. I tucked an ephemera tab under the right side and added a couple of enamel shapes.

Next I adhered the title using foam tape, I had chosen the papers and pre cut the designs using silhouette studio prior to starting the actual layout to ensure everything fit right down the middle. I used the Radiant, Treasure and Effervescent papers from the 6x6 paper pad for this as the smaller printed patterns worked best for the small cut letters.

In the top left where the paper is folded over, I've created a cluster of pretty bits. I tucked in a few different paper and vellum flowers from the ephemera packs, a chipboard heart and some enamel shapes

Lastly I replicated a similar cluster on the bottom right using the same type of items as the first, then splattered the layout with some gold ink until I felt it was complete. I haven't added any journalling to the layout as I felt the title was enough. But I may add a few lines to the back of the layout for future years to come.

Well thats all from me today, Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope this has been an inspiring read!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping.
Michelle x

You love SNAPCHAT | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Hello! I'm back today to share my newest layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. Our focus this week is on all things paper, and what better way to showcase all that wonderfulness than with the oh so sweet More than Words collection, and a few adorable photos of my  sweet girl.

We all know you can't start a layout without some form of paper product, and that there are a multitude of ways to create with it. But when it came to making something 'spectacular' for this feature, I honestly couldn't think of one particular technique that I've not tried before to create something different. So rather than sit and procrastinate for weeks on end like I've been known to do lately, I blame work HAHA, I combined a few different ideas that I've used on previous layouts.

It all started with a piece of Darling Buds paper (reverse side of that super pretty floral print I LOVE), some white card stock and a grid design of 2.5 inch squares made from 6x6 papers. Then I've added a couple photos,  a bunch of circular punched elements from both sizes of papers, some fussy cut flowers from the Sketchbook paper, a handful of ephemera pieces, stickers and enamel shapes.

I added some machine stitching around all the squares as a little added detail, and popped all three photos up off the layout with some foam tape. I tucked in a few flowers around this sweet photo to create a mini cluster of sorts. Just too cute!

Now this photo - totally staged after bribery. By this point in time Leila had given up and wanted to get back to her drawing and book creating, but Mumma was having too much fun with all the new filters HAHA Im glad I 'persuaded' her to continue on, as I would have missed this adorable photo opportunity.

Another group of circular elements = a new fave way to create clusters... multiple circles of sweet pattern papers grouped around a super cute photo with a fussy cut flower. love!

Lastly I added one final cluster to the bottom right corner using pattern papers from other groups within the layout. I find that creating repetitive elements on a layout helps to create a sense of balance and flow. Both of these are needed when there is so much going on pattern wise within one layout.

I also added some alphas from the Love Always collection to create my title and then splattered gold ink and called it done.

Well thats all from me today, I hope you've been inspired by what I've created.

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle x

Things that you love, love, love | D-lish Scraps

Hello Hello! It's Michelle here today with a closer look at the layout I created and shared for our recent Cyber crop. Cyber crops are held mid month, every month, within our Facebook group The Scrap Suite and are a great source of challenging inspiration. This month I've set a challenge to Scraplift me! Whether it be part or all of my layout, I can't wait to see what you all create

To find inspiration for this challenge, I looked back on some past layouts I've created and ended up scrap lifting myself! HA The layout chosen was actually from an idea that was shared in a previous Cyber crop. Lets take a closer look...

The main focus of this layout was to recreate and document a new list of things that Leila loves. From her obsession with all things Super Mario to eating all day every day, its listed here to look back on for years to come.

The background started with multiple square pieces of pattern paper, a couple of circular creative cuts from the D-lish Store and a tonne of staples lol I then backed the list and photo with complimenting papers and adhered them to the middle of the layout with some foam tape.

Both layouts have turned out very similar, with a few slight differences. Heres a look back at the layout that I've scrap lifted. You can find the original post HERE

This precious girl sure does love to chill out with her "friends", drinking hot chocolate and listening to music on the iPad.

Once I had the main focal points of the layout adhered to the page I worked on the clusters. I grouped together items from the D-lish store along with some fussy cut flowers for the first cluster, and added a sprinkling of gold color shine to finish it off.

Items shown in this cluster are a Printed tag, Creative cuts, paper flowers, Journal It's, Ombre wordfetti, D-lish Flair, Faceted & Glitter enamel dots

Over on the top right you can see I've tucked in a lace doily for a little extra detail, then embellished the edges with another flair button, paper flowers, creative cut, some more enamel dots and a fussy cut flower.

Lastly in this massive cluster I've added more Journal It's, a flair button, ombre wordfetti (seems to be a favourite of mine) more paper flowers, enamel dots, creative cuts, a fussy cut flower and a wordfetti piece that is stuck to the bottom of the photo.

Well I hope you've enjoyed seeing some close ups of this layout. It was quite fun to recreate an older style layout. I hope its inspired you to play along with my Scraplift me challenge too!

To see all the other challenges set by the other DT members, head over to The Scrap Suite HERE .

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

Precious Little Moments | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Hello! Todays layout share is for Cocoa Vanilla Studio and features the wonderful and simply stunning More than Words collection. I can't get enough of the soft and sweet colours within this collection LOVE LOVE LOVE

For this layout I started by creating a pattern paper using the clear stamps from the collection with some dark grey ink. I layered this over the Noteworthy pattern paper to create the base for my layout

Next I gathered a few pieces to create my photo stack. I've used bits from the ephemera pack including the white with black spot frame and some 3x4inch patterns from the Collage cut apart paper.

I chose to document a sweet photo of my 2 loves as it's not often they both sit still together long enough to get one. Love these little moments.

Under the photo I added the chipboard word "precious" and an  accessory sticker to create the title as these are definitely precious moments. Around the photo stack I've tucked in and layered up so many sweet little pieces from the die cut ephemera pack, the vellum accents pack, some extra chipboard pieces and a few enamel shapes. Those multi floral pieces are my absolute favourite!

In the bottom left corner I created a mini cluster made up of die cut pieces, accessory stickers, a flair button and more enamel shapes

Lastly another mini cluster made up of similar items to the bottom cluster to finish it all off.

Thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by. I hope this has inspired you in some way to get creative with those stamps!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping

Michelle x

You Make My Heart Sing | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Scrappy friends, I'm back here today with a new layout share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio featuring the brand new More than Words collection. It's a wonderful collection full of soft pastel colours and super sweet designs and I cannot wait to continue creating with it.

For this creation I chose to scrap lift a layout I made a couple years back that featured loads of punched circles. I was running low on inspiration since having some time away from creating while I recovered from surgery. I'm really happy with how this turned out as it definitely has its differences to the original layout.

I am loving all the patterns within this collection they all compliment each other in the perfect way, and the stamp set.... LOVE The floral design is perfect for adding a touch of colour with paints or watercolours.

I kept the photo stack pretty simple using pieces from both the 12x12 COLLAGE cut apart paper, B side of RADIANT from the 6x6 paper pad and a lace doily from my stash. Under and around all this I've layered different size circular elements using chipboard pieces, accessory stickers and punched pattern papers from the 6x6 paper pad. I also tucked in a few vellum florals, stamped some mini hearts and added some chipboard heart stickers to complete.

I 'scattered' more circular shapes in a diagonal line across the layout in both top left and bottom right corners, and replicated more design elements from the centre of the layout - stamped hearts, heart shapes and enamel dots.

I also added a flair and the watercolour stamped design from the stamp set to the bottom right 'cluster'

Lastly a few paper strips left over from my previous layout, some other pieces repeated from other areas of the layout and some hand written journalling and my work here was done.

Im really happy with how this all came together. I hope its inspired you in some way, especially to look back on your previous work and find a layout that you could give a new spin on.

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle x

Hello magical SEVEN | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Scrappy Friends! I'm back here today with a new layout share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio featuring the BRAND NEW and seriously STUNNING collection - More than Words. Oh my HECK this collection is so so beautiful that it needs ALL the heart eye emojis one could possibly use lol 

When I first saw this collection online I was IN LOVE. The patterns, the colours, all just pure magic! In person its even better, and I knew I needed to try and use them all within one layout. Challenge accepted once I took the 6x6 paper pad out of the box, pure heaven! Perfect colours for scrapbooking Leila, especially documenting this special moment - her 7th birthday.

I went a little crazy and chopped up tonnes of tiny little strips with the intention of weaving them all together in some way, similar to a layout that I created back in 2014. However I really wanted the patterns and colours to stand out rather than mix together so I ended up laying them all out randomly in a vertical line and weaved just a few to the right of where the photo is

I layered a couple of pattern papers from the 12x12 cut apart paper COLLAGE along with a frame from the ephemera pack and the photo, printed in 3x4inch size so that it didn't cover up too much of the pretty paper strips. I then created a couple of clusters around the photo by tucking in pieces of ephemera from the Die cut pack and the vellum pack, plus a couple of extras from the stickers sheet, the chipboard heart and an enamel heart. I then created a mini cluster of similar items at the top of the layout, including some machine stitching for added detail.

Next I created a mixed element title using the 'Hello' chipboard sticker, "magical" accessory sticker and alphas from the Endless Summer collection. To finish off this area I tucked in a date tab, floral ephemera piece, enamel dots and some machine stitching.

Then lastly this little area of weaved paper goodness, created to balance out the other side of the layout and bring it all together. I've used some of the left over paper strips, an accessory sticker, die cut ephemera pieces, vellum butterfly, a chipboard heart, a couple more of those precious little enamel dots and machine stitching. As a final touch to the layout I added a sprinkling of gold ink.

Well thats it from me today, I hope you've found this inspiring. It's definitely kickstarted my creative juices!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle xx