Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Throwback Thursday | Hello Sweet Smile

Hello Crafty Friends I'm back here today with another instalment of Throwback Thursday for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. For this creation I was given the task of using one of our more recent older collections, if you could call them that HAHA. I chose to create something with the Midnight collection as that is one that I haven't touched for a little while. I focused on using the Large Die Cut without the backing sheet which you can find HERE in the store

I started the layout by removing the die cut from the backing sheet - its lightly adhered so that you can remove and create your own way. I used similar patterns and colours to what is already on the backing sheet along with some vellum and left the outer rim open. I then adhered it to the INSPIRED pattern paper using foam tape. I LOVE the mixed media effect this pattern paper gives a layout which is perfect for this 'clean' scrapper.

I layered a couple of frames from the ephemera pack with a piece of pattern paper to create a base for my photo, then added multiple ephemera pieces and stickers to create one large cluster under the title.

At the top left of the layout I added a some florals from the sticker and ephemera packs, a couple of enamel dots, heart and tab sticker.

I replicated similar items along the bottom right to create a diagonal effect on the layout.

Lastly a sprinkling of my favourite gold colour shine to finish it all off.

Thats all from me today. Short and sweet just like the process of creating this layout. I hope its inspired you in some way, and that you will share your creations with us in the Cocoa Vanilla Studio Community group on Facebook.

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

Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Sweet Moments

Hello Crafty friends, I'm back today with a new layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio.This layout is based on the super fun Page Maps sketch shared by my fellow team members this past week. I had so much fun using the sketch as a kick starter for this layout, and that Midnight collection worked perfectly with the floral design elements

Love that these photos document a sweet moment shared between both Leila and my nephew from a few years back. They both love to read

TO begin the layout I cut down a piece of white cardstock to roughly 11.5inch square and adhered to a 12x12 piece of the stunningly beautiful INKY DEPTHS paper. Love the tiny floral design of that pattern paper. Once the 2 papers were secure I roughly drew then sewed multiple circle shapes similar to the large version on the sketch.

I gathered a couple of photos, printed black and white so as not to clash with the colours of the sweet Midnight collection. There were layered to the right of the large sewn circles and adhered using foam tape for slight dimension. I've tucked some ephemera pieces and fussy cut florals from the BLOOM AND GROW paper above the top photo

Between the photos I've layered a strip of roughly torn pink paper from the ombre SHINE BRIGHT design and a piece of the  blue and white diagonal stripe frame found in the ephemera pack to replicate the scalloped piece on the sketch. I've also added a second piece of the torn pink paper to the top of the layout

TO the left of the photos I created the large title cluster using more elements from the ephemera pack and die cut titles that looked similar to those on the sketch. Especially those mason jars and florals. Perfect pieces! To give them all different dimensional heights I've used multiple adhesives - raised and flat glue dots, foam tape and good ol tacky glue.

Lastly I added some handwritten journalling and a few splatters of gold ink and called it done.

Well thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by! I really enjoyed playing around with this sketch as it helped get my creative juices flowing when I was stuck in a rut. I hope it inspires you all too!

Until Next time, Happy Scrapping (or sketch scrapping)

Michelle x

Hello Gorgeous | Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Midnight Collection

Hello Hello It's Michelle back today with a new layout share featuring the ever so wonderful Midnight collection. I'm hoping to squeeze out at least one or 2 more pretty layouts with this beautiful collection before a box full of HAPPINESS arrives. Pun absolutely intended but if you've got no idea what I'm talking about because you live under a rock, head over to this fun announcement post HERE

Now its been a while since I used an actual cut file that I've personally cut using my machine but this one designed by fellow DT member Gwen was just calling my name. I do love creating layouts with a large focal point made of cut file and pattern paper. Its the perfect start to a diagonally designed page and is easy to create in no time at all.

To start off with this layout I cut the file using white cardstock then backed the open pieces using pattern papers from the 6x8 paper pad. I really like that the smaller scale designs are perfect for backing cut files! I also added vellum to the open striped sections of the heart and adhered the whole piece to the INSPIRED paper using some foam tape for dimension.

I certainly love creating sweet girly layouts with this beautiful collection thats full of pretty florals. Its perfect for documenting this sweet girl who turned 8 towards the end of 2018! We had a small gathering with family to celebrate and she picked her favourite 'proper' ice cream cake which we decorated with some random chocolate treats and heaps of candles.

I backed the layout with more of the 6x8 pattern paper and some vellum to help make it stand out off the die cut piece then created the title to the right. I've used the words 'hello gorgeous' from the clear sticker set and stuck them to white cardstock to make them stand out better. I've layered these with a few different pieces from the ephemera pack and some other stickers to create a cluster of sorts. I then worked diagonally from this point to create the remainder of the layout using pieces from the collection that all complemented each other.

Bottom left of the photo I've created a 2nd cluster using clear stickers, florals and a heart from the ephemera pack, accessory stickers and a touch of hand written journalling to document the moment captured.

Repetition of elements across a layout is definitely something you will always find on my layouts. It ties everything together and looks so gosh darn pretty! Here you can see that I've used similar items from the other 2 clusters in the top right corner completing the diagonal design. This one includes clear stickers, ephemera pieces and accessory stickers.

Well thats all from me today, thanks so much for stopping by.
Until next time, happy scrapping!
Michelle x

Sweet Family | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello scrappy friends I'm back here today FINALLY with a new layout share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. I've something quick and magical using the stunning die cut & backing sheet from the Midnight collection as a feature for this layout. I hope you like it too!

This Die cut and backing kit is perfect to use when you're stuck for time or creative ideas. Add a few clusters using pieces from the ephemera pack, accessory and clear sticker sets, die cut words for a title and a sweet family photo and you can call it done in less than an hour!



I started the layout by adhering the die cut piece to the backing using some raised gel dots. This gave the die cut a little dimension rather than looking flat. I already had a diagonal design in my head so I knew where I needed to place the photo that I had backed with the B side of Mixed Blessing paper and a piece of the B side of Moonlight. I created 1 main cluster to the left of the photo using multiple pieces from the ephemera pack, raising some with gel dots and lifting the edged for a little extra oomph.



I do love creating clusters especially when they contain such pretty pieces like the ones within the Midnight ephemera packs.



To create the diagonal design I placed a second smaller cluster around the top left of the large die cut piece using florals from the ephemera pack, some clear stickers and an accessory sticker.



Then to tie the layout all together I recreated a similar cluster diagonally to the bottom right of the large die cut piece using similar elements to the top left cluster. I find that using similar items in each cluster helps to provide balance and ties everything all together without looking like a mismatched mess.

I also added the title to the lower cluster using die cut title word pieces before splattering the page with some gold ink.

Well thats all from me today, I hope you've enjoyed seeing my version of how to use this FUN die cut and backing kit. It surely does take the guess work out of creating a super sweet layout in next to no time!

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!

Michelle xx

Happy Days | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Hello and Happy belated New Year! I'm back today and ready to kickstart my creative shares for Cocoa Vanilla Studio in 2019.

For this new share I've used the most recent collection Midnight and created a super quick 8.5 x 11 inch size layout. The perfect size to document a quick story during this busy season of life.

I've found that these smaller size layouts are perfect when I'm stuck for time to create, and the subtle patterns within the midnight collection pair so well with a cute black and white photo.

Leila's been LOVING her time at home over the last few weeks, especially when she can create to her hearts content. She's been creating signs, pictures, forts and clubhouses.

The main feature of the layout consists of the photo layered with a small and large piece of the cut apart paper MIXED BLESSING, with the larger B side piece acting as a base for all the bits and the smaller pink pattern piece used as a photo mat. I've tucked a floral ephemera piece and a 'take note' tab both from the ephemera pack into these layers and then created a large title using words from both the chipboard accents and die cut titles packs.

Under the title I've added a few handwritten words for journalling and then to the right of all this is a large floral ephemera piece to complement the other florals on the layout.

Along the top and bottom of the layout I've used strips of paper from the 6x8 paper pad. Patterns used are the smaller versions of INSPIRED and SOPHISTICATED. At the top I added a frame and flag from the ephemera pack and a sticker from the accessory sheet.

Along the bottom I've added a couple more pieces from the ephemera pack to create a cluster which helps to tie the layout all together. I've also splattered a little gold ink cause I just can't help myself.

Well scrappy friends thats all from me today, I hope this has inspired you to create something magical.


Until Next time, Happy Scrapping!
Michelle xx

Live the life you Love | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Crafty friends! I have a new layout to share featuring the beautiful Midnight collection thats currently available in store now. You best snap it up real fast before it all disappears

I've gone with another super quick layout design today. And can I say I've been loving this style of scrapping, especially during this crazy season of life. The days fly by so quick that its hard to believe this sweet little human of mine has just turned 8! Looking forward to scrapping those photos with this amazing collection in the new year too.

To begin my creation I've used a full sheet of the SOPHISTICATED paper as the base then layered a few of my favourite patterns from the BLESSING, INSPIRED and 6x8 Paper pad with a doily and photo to create the main focal point on the page. Love this sweet face and she LOVES Luigi!

At the top right of the photo stack I've added a cluster of floral embellishments from the ephemera pack along with some stickers from both the clear set and accessory sheet. To give the pieces dimension I've added sticky dots to raise them up.

Next I added a few more floral pieces from the ephemera pack and sticker sheet. I layered these all together in a small cluster with a small strip of SOPHISTICATED paper and a phrase strip cut from the ALL THE THINGS paper.

Lastly I added another cut apart piece from the ALL THE THINGS paper to use as a title for the layout. It perfectly sums up the life this kid lives! I also added a few more floral pieces in a cluster to the right to balance out all the elements on the page. A little touch of hand written journalling, the date stamped to the right and a few splatters of gold ink and I felt it was done. Another memory recorded in the prettiest of ways.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, be sure to check back each day for more inspiration from all of us here on the Design Team.


Until next time, Happy Scrapping
Michelle x

Story of you | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Hello, It's new layout share time. Todays layout features multiple photos as part of our current theme and the brand new Midnight collection to help document the celebration of Leila's upcoming 8th birthday.

When I first heard we had this theme I knew instantly what direction I wanted to take. I've been meaning to scrap a layout using 1 photo from every birthday and what better collection to use than Midnight for all its girly hues and pretty florals. The perfect accompaniment to all those sweet black and white photos.

I started the layout by choosing the softest pink pattern paper to create a base for the 'grid' of photos. I went with the B side of ALL THE THINGS as I just love the soft 'mixed media' feel to the pattern with its paint splotch and mini cross design. I also added a strip of the woodgrain SHINE BRIGHT to create a base for the title and massive floral cluster below.

I've added a few pops of colour layered with select photos using pieces of the MIXED BLESSING and ALL THE THINGS cut apart papers. I added a couple of ephemera pieces and accessory stickers within the layers for those little added details.

Theres a couple of hidden doilies and glitter numbers from my stash to tie all the bits together. And how sweet are those hand drawn flowers far right. Oh my heck I love me some floral pieces!

That face, so so Sweet! Time has flown so fast, this girl is so fun!! Such a wonderful walk down memory lane by documenting this collection of photos.

I've used words from the CARDSTOCK TITLES pack to create the title, and tucked in and layered up so many bits from the ephemera packet create this one massive floral cluster that finishes of the layout.

Well thats all from me. I hope this has given you some inspiration to take a walk down memory lane a document a select few photos from over a period of time. I certainly enjoyed the 'stroll'

Until next time, Happy Scrapping
Michelle x

Wonderful Memories | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello! It's that time of the month when I get to share a new layout with you all, this one again is featuring the fantastic Midnight Collection for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. Love Love LOVING the colours in this collection! Are you? I sure do hope so ;)

I've created a smaller size layout for this week, an 8.5x11 inch size to be exact. I wanted to create something super quick and straight to the point using a fun photo of Leila (as usual) from a couple months ago. I started with a piece of white cardstock and added a strip of the SHINE BRIGHT wood grain paper down the left side. I backed my photo using some of the reverse pattern on the SHINE BRIGHT paper, this time from the 6x8 paper pad. These mini papers are a perfect size to mat a photo onto and even better for layering multiple patterns together. Behind the photo I added a doily from my stash, something I've not done for quite some time.

Cheeky little Miss was pretending to be 'Queen of the World' on top of a rock HAHA. I added an ephemera piece to the top of the photo using my tiny attacher then adhered the photo and doily to the layout using some foam for slight dimension. I then tucked a tag and circular ephemera piece in a cluster top right of the photo. I've shared a closer look below.

I created my title using a couple of pieces from the ALL THIS THINGS cut apart paper. Love using this technique to create titles. You can see in the close up below that I've added a couple of clear stickers below and to the right of the title cluster for a little extra detail.

Lastly I worked on the main cluster above the title using pieces of ephemera, chipboard and a couple more clear stickers to finish it off. I find using repetitive elements within clusters helps to bring the layout all together.

Well scrappy friends, thanks so much for stopping by again today. It was a short and sweet share that I hope has inspired you in some way.

Until next time, Happy Scrapping!

Take care, Michelle x

Family Photo Booth Fun | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello Crafty Friends! I'm back today with a new layout share for Cocoa Vanilla Studio featuring the brand new and OH SO Beautiful Midnight collection. Definitely a new favourite with all the hand drawn florals and mix of sweet soft pastels, Navy and bright pink

I had an idea in mind a few days ago that involved a grid style layout and multiple photos, then I remembered these HILARIOUs ones we took in a Photo Booth at Timezone last month. One glorious family shot mixed with many ridiculously hideous ones HAHA. To start the layout I chopped up pieces of the MIXED BLESSING and ALL THE THINGS and laid them out on some white card stock along with the photos that I had scanned, edited to black and white then printed in a 2x3inch size. I raised 2 of the photos up with some foam for slight dimension, and the other 2 were adhered straight to the paper.

Next up I created this mixed title using hand drawn letters on a piece of the B side of ALL THE THINGS paper. I also used a word from the CARDSTOCK TITLEs pack and some white alpha stickers from the Colour Me Happy collection. I sewed through the stickers to keep them adhered to the layout then raised the other 2 words top and bottom using some sticky dots on top of tiny bits of vellum

Heres a close up of the hand drawn and cut letters, and the tiny 'detail' I added to the edge of the card stock after adhering to a strip of the INKY DEPTHS paper.

only created a couple of clusters on this layout, both include pieces from the EPHEMERA pack, with some pieces raised using glue dots or adhered using my tiny attacher. You can also see here a close up of the detail I added to the pattern paper using machine stitching.

Lastly a couple of stickers added to the photos. Top right I added a clear sticker and then a chipboard piece

and then the bottom left I added a tab sticker with more machine stitching. Oh and a super pleasant photo of Moi HAHA

Well, thats all from me today. I hope you're falling in love with this collection just as much as we all are!

Until Next time, happy Scrapping!!

Michelle xx