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

Hello Awesome | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! Popping in today to share the second of my pages from my recent class at the Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo using the ‘Boys Rule’ collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. Having a set of rough and tumble twin boys (who just turned 6 last week), I get super excited every time a new Cocoa Vanilla boy collection is released and I just can’t get enough of this one!

For this page I decided to document these photos of my boys doing their best “super hero” poses. (Usually, if I was doing a multi photo page I would print my photos smaller, but as this page was designed for a class, I decided to use two 6×4″ photos so it would be easier for the participants to have the right sized photos.)

I started with the reverse side of the Happy Go Lucky paper. I so love the grungy look of this dark wood grain / chalkboard pattern and I contrasted it with pieces of the striped Straight & Narrow paper. (I chose to use the stripes running vertically, rather than horizontally, to match the fence palings in the photos.)

I used a large piece from the Expressionist paper as a mat for my photos, which I layered with a variety of frames and a tag from the Die Cut Ephemera and Miscellany packs; as well as some Clear Stickers to add depth to my focal area. I then mounted my photos using scrap cardboard before adding them on top.

On top of my photos I added the super hero piece from the Die Cut Ephemera pack using foam tape. Beneath my photo, I also added a couple of stars from the pack, also using foam tape for dimension.

In the top left corner of my photo, I added a sticker from the Accessory Sticker sheet; which I layered with a rubber charm from the ‘You Rock’ Rubber Charms pack. (I love that you can easily mix and match items from other collections!)

Along the bottom edge of my page, I used the words hello and awesome from the Die Cut Ephemera pack to form my title; adding a star and an arrow from the same pack as well.

To finish off my page I used a watercolour pencil to add some grungy shading in places around the edges of my photos; then added some tiny splatters of Colour Blast 'Soot' Colour Artist Ink.

Thanks for stopping by so I could share this page with you, I hope you are feeling inspired to dig into your stash and create something today. Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Cool Kid | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here today to share a layout I created with the brand new 'Boys Rule' collection.

As you may already be aware, I was fortunate enough to be one of the tutors for Cocoa Vanilla Studio at the recent Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo. It had long been a dream of mine to teach at the expo and I had such a fabulous time! I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to all the lovely ladies who attended and helped make my classes so enjoyable. 

The layout I am sharing today is one of the pages I taught in my "Boys Rule" class. I LOVE creating boy pages and this new collection makes it so easy!

I used the Messed Up patterned paper as my page background, which is one of the mixed media style papers from the range. (These are perfect for anyone who likes the look of mixed media but without the mess!) 

I then created a layered mat for my photos using pieces cut from the Fun & Games paper; a tab from the Accessory Sticker sheet; and a frame from the Miscellany pack.

My title was created using pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack, and I also added a phrase and an arrow from the new Clear Stickers pack.

Alongside my photos I added the do your own thing quote piece from the Miscellany pack.

Around my page I scattered a few stars from the Die Cut Ephemera pack; and on top of my photo I added the that's my boy piece from the 'You Rock' Rubber Charms pack. 

To balance out my page I created a small cluster in the top corner of my page using pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack and the Accessory Sticker sheet.

I finished off my layout with a little shading using a Faber-Castell watercolour pencil and some small splatters of Colour Blast 'Soot' Colour Artist Ink.

Thanks for stopping by today. I will be back again soon to share another project with you. Until then, happy scrapping! X

Browser Brain | Colour Blast

Hi everyone!

Sue Plumb here with my latest Colour Blast design team project for you. Today I have an 8.5x11" scrapbook page to share that was inspired by a recent quote I saw and shared on Facebook. As soon as I saw it I could totally relate to it, as it pretty much sums up my constantly over-active brain. And a busy brain filled with so many things could only be accurately depicted by a layout that reflects the same things, right?

Before I even bagan, I knew the only way to achieve the look I was going for was to use layers - lots of layers; so bear with me while I take you through my process. 

To start with, I grabbed white cardstock; book paper; music paper; and matte medium to create a collaged background. I also added some random stamping using assorted word and image stamps. (Stamps by Viva Las VegaStamps and Carabelle Studio.)

As I knew my page was going to be very busy, I made sure to leave enough white space around the edges for the viewers eye to rest.

The next step was to start adding some colour, so I grabbed for my favourite Colour Blast product - Colour Artist Inks, in the shades of Lime, Oasis, Calypso and Citrus.

I then sprayed my background with a mist of water from a spray bottle, before using the droppers to add drops of ink around the page. (Be sure to use complimentary colours, as they are going to blend.) My tip here is don't use too much ink or go too close to the edges of the page, as you want to preserve that white space! You can see how some of the inks began spreading immediately due to the page being wet.

Once I had added drops of each colour where I wanted them, it was time to start spreading the colour. I didn't want the colours being too vibrant or dominating on this layer, so I chose to spread them with more water. I did this by again using my spray bottle, and by holding the nozzle very close to each ink drop on the page I spritzed it once or twice with water. This not only diluted the ink, but also fanned the colours out to begin blending together. I also picked up my page and tilted it slightly in each direction to help the process along.

I then carefully placed it flat again and immediately dried it with a heat gun so I could preserve the integrity and placement of the inks. (You can see the hard water lines that form when you dry quickly using this method.)

Next, it was time to freshen up the page using some white heavy gesso. I didn't want the yellow tint of the book and music paper showing too much in the areas the ink hadn't touched, so I applied a little gesso with my fingertip to soften it. (In some areas I used a wiping motion with my finger, whilst in other smaller areas it was just a little dab.)

Now it was time to liven things up with some contrast and texture! I used the amazing Mandala Floral stencil from StencilGirl Products; and applied Royalty Colour Paste through it with a palette knife.

To ensure the stencil didn't move and ruin any of the intricate details, I used washi tape to secure it to my page before spreading the Colour Paste. This stencil measures 9x12", so I was able to use the entire design on my page, and it looked amazing when it was removed. 

At this point I thought my page needed another colour for some additional contrast; so I reached for Slipper Colour Artist Ink and applied some very fine splatters around the edge of my design using a small, stiff brush. I then used my heat gun to dry the entire page thoroughly before moving on.

The final steps in my process were to add the photo and embellishments to my page. I used a paper doily and some frayed gauze under my photo to help separate it from the background, as well as adding some cardboard behind it to pop it up. 

I added some twisted, coloured wire using staples; title alphas (using the natural flow of the stencil as a guide for placement); a Charms Creations chevron; my printed quote and a few enamel dots for some extra small pops of colour.

And with that, my page was complete!

You can see all the multiple layers at play here and also how I used the natural curves from the stencilled image to dictate the position of my title alphas. 

The bright yellow doily contrasts against the other colours and helps separate the photo from the background, whilst the chevron also helps draw attention to it.

Cutting the quote into pieces and placing them haphazardly rather than straight, also helped to reinforce the theme of the page. 

This piece was framed and featured as part of my tutor display at the Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo and I had a number of comments from people who enjoyed looking at it up close.
Here is how it looked in my display...

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this with you. I hope I have inspired you to try your hand at creating your own multi-layered project. I will be back soon with another project to share. Until then, happy scrapping! X

"Wild Side" Class | Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo

Hi everyone! 

Here's the details of the final class I will be teaching at this year's Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo! (If you missed the details of the other two, make sure you check out the details of my 'Boys Rule' class and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' class)

Today I I am sharing some sneak peeks and information about my "Wild Side" class with you.

Date: Thursday 7th June (one session only!)

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Participants in this class will be working with the beautiful 'Wild at Heart' collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio to create two layouts. Kits include assorted papers; die cut ephemera; stickers; chipboard stickers; flair buttons and enamel dots.

The class will also incorporate some simple but effective mixed media techniques to add that extra little "something" to each of the layouts. (Don't be afraid, you won't get messy!) 

Participants will need to bring their basic tool kit including paper trimmer and craft mat; double sided tape; 3D foam adhesive; and photos.

Photos required:

- 3 x 3x4" (portrait) - B&W or colour (note colours used if using colour)

- 1 x 4x6" (landscape) - B&W or colour (B&W preferred)

*Tip* print photos with borders or mat with white cardstock to really help them pop

This is the only session that this class will be held and places are strictly limited, so ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.

To book a place, head directly to the booking page here:  https://expertiseevents.eventsair.com/scrapbook-papercraft-expo-2018/classes/Site/Register

If you have any questions about the class or requirements, please don't hesitate to contact me. Click HERE to email me or you can message me via my Sue Plumb Designs Facebook page

(I will be sharing sneaks from the two other classes I will be teaching soon.)

Hope to see you there! X

"Bohemian Rhapsody" Class | Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo

Hi everyone! 

I just wanted to pop in today and share the details of the second class I will be teaching at this year's Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo!

Here are some sneak peeks and information about my "Bohemian Rhapsody" class...

Date: Thursday 7th June (one session only!)

Time: 9.30am - 11.30am

Participants in this class will be working with the gorgeous 'Bohemian Dream' collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio to create two feminine layouts. Kits include assorted papers; die cut ephemera; stickers; chipboard stickers; chipboard titles; and enamel dots.

The class will also incorporate some simple but effective mixed media techniques to add that extra little "something" to each of the layouts. (Don't be afraid, you won't get messy!) 

Participants will need to bring their basic tool kit including paper trimmer and craft mat; double sided tape; 3D foam adhesive; and photos.

Photos required:

- 2 x 3x4" (portrait) - B&W or colour (B&W preferred)

- 1 x 4x6" (landscape) - B&W or colour (B&W preferred)

*Tip* print photos with borders or mat with white cardstock to really help them pop

This is the only session that this class will be held and places are strictly limited, so ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.

To book a place, head directly to the booking page here:  https://expertiseevents.eventsair.com/scrapbook-papercraft-expo-2018/classes/Site/Register

If you have any questions about the class or requirements, please don't hesitate to contact me. Click HERE to email me or you can message me via my Sue Plumb Designs Facebook page

(I will be sharing sneaks from the third class I will be teaching soon.)

Hope to see you there! X

"Boys Rule" Class | Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo

Hi everyone! 

In case you missed the news via one of my other channels, I am super excited to announce that I will be teaching at this year's Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo!

So today I thought I would pop in and share some sneak peeks and information about my "Boys Rule" class with you.

Date: Thursday 7th June (one session only!)

Time: 12pm - 2pm

Participants in this class will be working with the BRAND NEW (and very cool!) 'Boys Rule' collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio to create two layouts. Kits include assorted papers; die cut ephemera; stickers (including the new line clear stickers!); die cut miscellany; and rubber charms.

The class will also incorporate some simple but effective mixed media techniques to add that extra little "something" to each of the layouts. (Don't be afraid, you won't get messy!) 

Participants will need to bring their basic tool kit including paper trimmer and craft mat; double sided tape; 3D foam adhesive; and photos.

Photos required:

- 2 x 3x4" (portrait) - B&W or colour (B&W preferred)

- 2 x 4x6" (landscape) - B&W or colour (B&W preferred)

*Tip* print photos with borders or mat with white cardstock to really help them pop

This is the only session that this class will be held and places are strictly limited, so ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.

To book a place, head directly to the booking page here:  https://expertiseevents.eventsair.com/scrapbook-papercraft-expo-2018/classes/Site/Register

If you have any questions about the class or requirements, please don't hesitate to contact me. Click HERE to email me or you can message me via my Sue Plumb Designs Facebook page

(I will be sharing sneaks from the two other classes I will be teaching soon.)

Hope to see you there! X