Happy | StencilGirl

Hi friends!

I am popping in today to share my most recent project for the StencilGirl Creative Team. Today's mixed media layout was created for the theme of "Passages". This theme had my mind going in several different directions; but in the end I decided to interpret the theme quite literally, and create a page that documented a special passage in my life. 

Here's a look at my layout, simply entitled "Happy"...

This layout not only refers to an actual passage (a corridor at the hospital) but it also marks an important passage of time for myself and my boys. I am thankful that on the day this photo was taken that I took the time to write down my feelings. (I will share my journaling with you later in this post.)

With my subject decided and photo printed, it was time to get started on my page. I began with a sheet of heavyweight white cardstock and Distress Oxides in the shades of Picked Raspberry and Seedless Preserves. I applied the first ink to my non-stick craft mat, added a spritz of water, and then swirled the water through using my fingertip before laying the cardstock over the top to absorb it. I then repeated the process with the second ink and the end result was a vibrant, watercolour style background.

Once my initial layer of colour was down, it was time to pull out my stencils and start building some layers on my page. The first stencil I chose was the 4x4" stencil included in the StencilGirl Club Rex Ray-esque collection. This collection of stencils was designed by Valerie Sjodin, and the small stencil I selected from the set features a block style pattern that is almost brick-like in appearance. I used teal Archival Ink and a small sponge to apply the pattern in three places surrounding the focal area of my layout.

Now it was time to add some texture to the page. But which stencil to use was the question? Drawing on the theme of my layout, and how the passage of time had seen my boys come "full circle" to this moment, I chose a stencil with a lovely, loose circular pattern called Circles in the Sand, designed by Roxanne Evans Stout. I then used a palette knife to apply some lilac coloured texture paste through the stencil over the top of the inks. The free flowing pattern of this stencil contrasted nicely to the structure of the first one I had used. 

Although happy with how my background was looking at this point, I really felt that it needed some contrasting highlights to provide more depth. I used one of my very favourite stencils - Organized Chaos by Cat Kerr, which I combined with gorgeous gold glaze from Vicki Boutin.  

Now satisfied with my background, I turned my attention to the focal area of my page and to creating some papery layers. I started with a heart print paper bag to act as the anchor, and it was also where I was going to store the journaling that I had written onto a couple of pieces of patterned paper.

Next, I added some pieces of patterned paper from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Bohemian Dream' collection, which features pretty pink / purple / blue tones and gorgeous floral elements. I also added a couple of paper doilies and some frayed gauze, before adding my photo on top. 

I used a variety of pieces from the same collection to embellish my layout including die cuts, stickers, and a chipboard title. I also fussy cut a few pieces from a floral paper and tucked them in around the photo mat.

If you would like to hear the story behind this layout, here is what my journaling read:

A big day for us today! Back to where it all began for the boys 4 year old (and final!) development assessment as RBWH. Walking the hallway lined with photos, through that glass door and into those never forgotten sounds and smells of the NICU still made me tear up and catch my breath. I had to look away from all the tiny, fragile patients in their "boxes", and the tired, bleak faces of their anxious mothers, because it breaks my heart to know what they are going through.

It is good to know our participation in this program over the past 4 years has provided valuable data to researchers to help care for very premature and extremely low birth weight babies born in future.

Before we left I took a moment to pause in this spot with my boys. At the end of the hall behind us are rooms full of memories - the place I first saw my them, touched their skin, held them and fed them. Moments that felt like I waited forever for each one; and wasn't sure would even happen when I was first admitted. (And were it not for the expert care my boys received here, would certainly not have.)

On the day they were born I was wheeled in as the mum of premmie twins, including the smallest baby in the hospital.Today I walked out holding their hands and knowing how lucky I am.

Thanks for stopping by so I could share this with you (especially if you hung in there all the way to the end!) Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Live in the Moment | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!
I know things have been a bit quiet around here, I have been super busy the past couple of weeks with lots happening with my boys' birthday, school holidays, etc. So today I thought I would kick off my catch up with a mixed media layout I created for Cocoa Vanilla Studio as part of the recent scraplift theme that our team did. For this theme we were challenged to choose a layout from all the International Scrapbook Day challenge entries to inspire us to create our own version. There were so many amazing layouts I found it really hard to choose, but I kept coming back to this super cool page by Rachel Dutko...

There were so many elements I just loved about this page - the textures of the torn, layered papers; the eclectic mix of embellishments; the use of white space; and the touch of mixed media - it just drew me in. For my scraplift, I really wanted to capture some of Rachel's main design features, whilst still creating a layout that was my own style. I even decided to re-visit one of my all-time favourite collections, 'Bohemian Dream'.

Here is my layout...
(Click on photos for better view)

I decided to create my page with a similar theme to Rachel's, by documenting a selfie and focusing on the message of being yourself and unique. (This pic probably accurately represents me...haha) I then grabbed some white cardstock and added a splash of colour, just as Rachel had on hers. I used blue and purple Distress Oxides, which I mixed with a little water and then applied to my cardstock to achieve an abstract watercolour background.

Next, I chose three patterned papers, which I tore and layered across my page. The papers I used were Dreamer; Gypsy Heart; and Abstract. I also added a few torn pieces of a washi tape sticker from the 'You Rock' collection and an extra paper strip cut from the reverse of the Dreamer paper.

Just as Rachel did, I used two layers of paper to mat my photo (these were from the 'Bohemian Dream' 6x6" paper pad); along with a small yellow paper doily and some frayed gauze for texture. I then began working on the embellishments to cluster around my photo. 

I had a sheet of the gorgeous floral print Abundant paper that I had already cut into previously, so I fussy cut three floral pieces to tuck into the layers around my photo, adding a couple of extra little leafy branches from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. 

Then it was time for a little stash-busting treasure hunt as I looked through my stash of Cocoa Vanilla embellishments for some extra bits and pieces. I found a couple of gorgeous blue paper flowers I had left over from the 'Hello Sunshine' collection that matched with my blue ink perfectly, so I added those to my clusters, tucking the edges under my photo. I also found some cute little blue puffy stickers from the same collection, so onto the page they went too. 

The one of a kind Flair Button that I added to the corner of my photo was from the 'Bohemian Dream' pack, and was perfect for my page theme! The small mint acrylic heart was left-over from the 'Free Spirit' collection; and I also used some blue enamel dots from 'Life is Beautiful'. 

Rachel had some pretty little butterflies on her page, so I had to include some on mine too. (I know, since when do I need an excuse for butterflies, right?!) I added a blue one from the 'Bohemian Dream' chipboard near the top of the page; then a smaller pink one from the Die Cut Ephemera pack near to the bottom. 

To finish off, I added the live in the moment sticker for my page title (popped up on a little foam tape), and a few small phrases from the Accessory Sticker sheet. A little splatter of some navy mist and I was done. 

A big thanks to Rachel for inspiring me with her fabulous layout, I am really happy with how mine came out. (Even though I am clearly incapable of showing the same level of restraint that I so admired about Rachel's page...haha)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Life is a Beautiful Mess | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing a layout I created during the Cocoa Vanilla Studio International Scrapbook Day celebration event. It was such an amazing weekend - full of fun, friendship, and of course, inspiration! I am so proud of our team and all the work they put into the event, and to hear how much everyone who took part enjoyed it, really made it all worthwhile.

So the layout I am sharing here was designed for Gwen's "Grab 5" challenge where we had to include - a chipboard element; a die cut title; a flair button; enamel dots; and something fussy cut. I decided to document this fabulous photo of my daughter being hit with holi powder that was taken by a lovely friend of mine who is a photographer. And what better to pair a splash of colour with, than the beautiful 'Bohemian Dream' collection?

Given the "arty" theme of this photograph, I decided the best approach would be to have some arty fun whilst I created it. I started with a sheet of white cardstock that I cut down to measure 11x11" with the intention of mounting it on patterned paper later on. I pulled out my gelatos (if you don't have gelatos you can substitute any sort of water soluble pastel or art crayon). I chose some colours that would match with the palette of the collection, and used them to create a very simple "scribbled" background in a rough square shape. I then used my fingertip and a baby wipe to blend the colours out. 

With my background work complete, I then turned my attention to creating some layers for behind my photo. I gathered some scraps of the Gypsy Heart and Dreamer papers and added them behind my photo, tucking in a yellow paper doily from my stash as well. I also added a tag that I cut and the you brighten my world tag sticker from the Accessory Sticker sheet, both tied with twine.

For the fussy cut element of my page, I couldn't go past using the stunning floral print from the collection - Abundant. I cut three pieces from the paper, tucking each of them under the edges of my photo to form a triangle around it. I also added the live a colourful life sticker along the bottom edge of the photo.

By now I needed to tick off a few other items from my criteria list, as I only had one in place so far. I grabbed a flair button from the Flair Button pack, adding it on top of the floral cluster to the left of photo. The next element I wanted to add was the chipboard element, so I chose a few pieces from the coordinating Chipboard Accent Sticker sheet - a couple of small hearts and the beautiful pink moth. 

For my title, I knew exactly what I wanted it to say, so I grabbed the 'Happiness' Die Cut Titles pack and chose the words life is beautiful. To complete my title I fussy cut a mess from one of the cards on the cut apart Boho Bits paper, then mounted all the words down along the right side of my photo.

I finished off my page with a scattering of sweet enamel shapes (hearts) and a splattering of some navy mist. I was so happy with how this pretty page turned out!

If you haven't joined the INSD group yet, you can find it on Facebook HERE. Despite the fact the challenges have now closed there are still lots of things you can access to inspire you - a free online class from Zoe (including a printable digital kit); process, live scrap and instructional videos from different members of the team; and plenty of layouts to see too.

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

"Throwback Thursday" TN pages | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! Popping in today to share some new Traveler's Notebook spreads that I created with the beautiful 'Bohemian Dream' collection for Cocoa Vanilla Studio as part of the "Throwback Thursday" feature.

For these spreads, I documented a variety of family memories, ensuring that the details of the stories were also recorded. I started with a spread for my daughter, choosing photos that I thought would work well with the same colour scheme.

I started with a piece of the Dreamer paper, cutting it into two pieces and placing it either side of the spine. (This is usually my "go to" starting point to create cohesion across the two pages.) On the left page I also added a small scrap of the Abstract paper, and on the right page an extra piece of the Dreamer paper, showing the stripes on the other side.

After deciding where my photos and journalling would go, I used a variety of pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack and some Accessory Stickers to decorate the page, finishing off with a few hearts from the Enamel Shapes pack.

For my second spread, which I created for one of my sons, I began with a strip of the gorgeous Gypsy Heart paper on each page to anchor my design. 

I then matted one of the photos with the reverse side of the Gypsy Heart paper before sticking both photos down. Again, I had pre-printed my journalling (so I knew exactly how much space it would require); and then added it to the pages too.

Then it was simply a case of decorating the pages by filling in the gaps. I used stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet, including some of the small word / phrase stickers; and pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack. I also added a few enamel hearts. To finish the spread and fill in some of the white space, I added some extra doodled details using felt pen and coloured pencils, as well as stamped the date.

My final page was also for my daughter's book. I had found this photo in my stash that I had printed some time ago but never used; so I looked up the memory on my Facebook page to see what the details were. I was so happy to come across a funny quote she had said, so used it in my journalling.

I again used a piece of the Gypsy Heart paper (as it was already out on my table), then added the photo and journalling. To fill the gaps I added the smile sentiment from the Boho Bits paper; a couple of larger stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet, then the sweet little bird from the same sheet - quick and easy! I finished the page off with some doodled detail.

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share this with you. If you are love the 'Bohemian Dream' collection as much as I do, you can find it in the Cocoa Vanilla store HERE

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Easter Traveler's Notebook Spreads | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!

Just popping in to share some traveler's notebook spreads that I created for Cocoa Vanilla Studio for our recent TN theme. I decided to tackle this task by creating each spread with a common theme (Easter), but by using different collections and styles.

For my first one, I went all the way back to the 'Made of Awesome' collection that was released in 2015, and paired it with a cute photo of my boys from a couple of years ago.

I used a small piece of piece of one of the papers that I had left over; which I cut in two and placed either side of the spine. I then took the opportunity to use up some vellum stars and lots of left over accessory stickers, which I added in a cascading-style design down the left side of the page. (This is a great way to use up left over stickers!) I used a frame from the Die Cut Ephemera pack to frame my photo and added printed journalling to document the story.

For my second spread I switched to the gorgeous 'Bohemian Dream' collection as I thought it would work well with my photos taken at a fun morning of Easter hat craft at school with my boys.

Just as I did with my first spread, I used a piece of left over paper (this painted style one is called 'Abstract'), and I added some on each side of the spine. I then added my photos before using a combination of Accessory Stickers and Die Cut Ephemera to embellish the pages. To carry through the artistic style and the colour theme, I used coloured pencils to add some doodled highlights.

For my final spread I used the newest Cocoa Vanilla collection on the block - the gorgeous 'Happiness' collection to document a photo of my kids from this year.

I added a piece of the spotted Sprinkles paper to the left side of my spread and then used the reverse side of the Meadow paper to mat my photo and also cut some feature pieces for my page. I used a variety of Easter themed cut files (available free from Paper Issues) to cut the word bunny, some egg shapes and the little rabbit. I used some of the watercolour stickers from the Clear Stickers pack to add to my background on the right side of the page; then added the word sweet from the Die Cut Titles pack to complete my title.

That's all from me today, thanks for stopping by so I could share these with you.
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Remember | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!

Popping in today with my latest design team project for you. Today I am sharing one of the layouts I created for my classes at the Brisbane Scrapbook Expo earlier this year using the beautiful 'Bohemian Dream' collection and some snaps of my daughter and one of her friends. 

Although I did use a little mixed media on this page, for the most part I let the mixed media style papers from this collection do most of the work for me. I started with the super cool painty 'Abstract' paper as my page base; then cut a piece of white cardstock to measure 10x10" and stuck it down on top, leaving me with 1" border of the paper showing all the way around.

I wanted to create lots of colourful, contrasting layers to go under my photos; so I used the gorgeous 'Beautiful Mess' cut apart paper and stacked lots of the pieces up. I also used a small piece of the 'Abundant' paper that I had left over from another project. In amongst my papery layers, I also tucked some frame pieces from the die cut ephemera pack and a few accessory stickers. 

Once I had all the flat layers in place, I added more pieces from the die cut ephemera pack - this time floral pieces and words, using foam tape under some of them to pop them up for extra dimension. I also added some coordinating enamel shapes around my page. 

For my title, I used one of the chipboard title stickers along the bottom edge of my page; adding some subtle colour to the bottom half of it using a pink watercolour pencil, which I blended out with a water brush. I also used some other complimentary colours to add extra colour and shading along the edges of some of my paper pieces before blending them out with a water brush as well.

That beautiful big butterfly (that I simply adore!) was fussy cut from the 'Boho Bits' paper, and I adhered it with a small amount of glue in the centre before folding its wings up from the page. 

To finish, I added a small arrow from the chipboard accent stickers sheet in front of my title and I was done. 

That's all from me today. I hope I have inspired you to pull out any of the 'Bohemian Dream' collection you might be hoarding and make something pretty with it!

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Embrace the Mess | Scrap the Girls October Challenge

Hi everyone!

Have you seen the October mood board challenge at Scrap the Girls yet? It's an absolute cracker (and totally up my alley!) The board is called "Fighter" and it looks like this...

There were so many elements of this board that inspired me - the colours; the florals in the dress; the lips; the theme of self empowerment; and that glorious image of the skeletal hand flipping the bird...totally me, right?! I had the perfect SnapChat photos up my sleeve for this one, and the perfect collection in Cocoa Vanilla Studio's 'Bohemian Dream' to go with them!

Here's the layout I created...

I used the gorgeous ombre pattern on the reverse side of the 'Abstract' patterned paper as my layout base. To create my focal area across the middle of my page, I added a large piece of the main side of the 'Abstract' paper. I also added two strips of the striped 'Dreamer' paper above and below it, to add some definition.

Once I had the basic structure of my page down, I decided where my photos were going to be placed. As the background was already busy enough, and because my photos were printed with borders I chose not to add a layered mat for them as I would usually do and I stuck them straight down on the page.

At this point my page was dominated by straight lines (and if you know me, straight is not my usual jam); so I wanted to add some elements to break them up. I chose the miniature version of the wild looking 'Kaleidoscope' paper from the 6x6" paper pad, and I fussy cut around the main pattern. I then cut it in half and placed half under the top edge of the blue striped paper, and the other half under the bottom piece. Now my page was starting to take on some messy character!

Next, it was time to bring in the floral element. I fussy cut three floral pieces from the stunning 'Abundant' paper and tucked them in under the edges of my photos to form a visual triangle, adhering them with foam tape to mount them up from the page. I then fussy cut my title quote from the 'Boho Bits' paper and added it to my page also using foam tape.

I couldn't resist adding a couple of small embellishments directly onto my photos. I used the small be yourself banner from the accessory sticker sheet; and the wild child flair button from the flair button pack.

I felt that my page needed a little extra "something" at the top, so I used the one of a kind sticker and cut off the edge of it so it would align straight along the top of the page and adhered it with foam tape.

Now all my page needed to be complete was some mess! I used my Stabilo All pencil to add some scribbled shadows under the edges of my floral pieces and then used a water brush to smudge them slightly. I added a few more random scribbles and lines around my page as well. To finish off, I added some splatters of Colour Blast 'Soot' Colour Artist Ink using a small brush. 

That's all from me today. Thanks for stopping by so I could share this with you. I hope you will join in with this month's challenge at Scrap the Girls. We have THREE fabulous sponsors this month - Corbett Creations and Cut To You for our Aussie winners, and of course, Accent Scrapbooking for our international winner too. You have until the end of the month to get your entries in, so get busy!

Until next time, happy scrapping! X