You Shine and Best Buddies | Scrapbook Class for the ScrappingClearly Cyber Crop

Hi everyone!

A bit of a catch up post from me today, as I didn't realise I hadn't shared this pair of layouts on my blog yet. In case you didn't see via my Facebook page last month, I was thrilled to be asked by the lovely Kylie Tout from ScrappingClearly to be part of her April Cyber Crop. It was such a sensational event, filled with inspiration from a multitude of mixed media and papercraft artists. Just take a look at this stellar line up and see how many faces you recognise...

And yes, that's little ole me in there included in the mix!

So for my contribution to the crop, I decided to design a free online scrapbook class that people could follow along at home and create their own version of my layout using whatever materials they had on hand. I created two versions of my layout for my class - both feminine and masculine, using the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Unforgettable' and 'Legendary' collections respectively. This was to demonstrate that the class instructions could be applied to either one. I also included some basic mixed media techniques to ensure that people of any skill level could achieve.

Here is the feminine style layout "You Shine" first, using 'Unforgettable'...

(Click on photos for a better view)

I won't go into all the details of how I created it here, as you can watch my process video to see how I did it below, or follow along with my printable instructions which are available to download HERE

Here's a few close-ups...

You can see below how I layered the flair button with a handmade star embellishment from Charms Creations. 

And just to show how versatile this class can be, I created a second layout "Best Buddies" in a masculine style using the 'Legendary' collection...

As I mentioned earlier, you can adapt this class to use whatever materials you have on hand, and if you aren't fussed on using mixed media you can simply leave it off.

Here's a few close-ups...

Again, I used a star from Charms Creations to layer under my flair button.

If you would like to see exactly how I put my "Shine Bright" page together, you can watch the process video here:

That's all from me today, thanks for stopping by. If you use my class to create a layout of your own please make sure you share it with me! You can post to, or message my Facebook page, or tag me on Instagram @sue.plumb

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Lovely | The Crafty Chain & Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! It's time for another catch-up layout from me. This one was shared on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog a little while ago, but it was actually layout that I designed for a class I taught at The Crafty Chain in Brisbane back in December. I encouraged everyone to put their own spin on it, and it was so fun seeing all the different versions of my design. I used the gorgeous 'Unforgettable' collection and a photo of some of the Cocoa Vanilla team. 

I used white cardstock as the base for this layout, then layered assorted size pieces of the Pretty Bits and Natural Beauty papers horizontally over the top. I love using these cut apart papers, as they are an easy and cost-effective way of adding a variety of patterns to the page. Some of the pieces were also distressed to add texture and dimension to the page.

Once all the background strips were in place I cut a large circle from the Lacewing paper, topping it with another piece from the Pretty Bits paper, before adding my photo on top. (This snapshot was actually taken at the Cocoa Vanilla retreat and features Zoe, myself and some of the other Aussie girls from the team – it’s so awesome to be able to be all together in person like this.) I used some scrap cardboard between the layers to add dimension, and also some messy cotton for texture.

To embellish my page I used a variety of pieces from the Die Cut Ephemera pack, sticking with the neutral and warm tones of my chosen palette. (This also meant there were plenty of bits left over in the pack for participants to use in another project – it’s always nice to be able to take home extras from a class kit, don’t you think?)

For my page title, I used the word lovely from the ‘Bohemian Dream’ Chipboard Titles. Again, using only one word from the pack meant everyone had extras to take home – yay! I decided to leave the title plain white so it matched with my background, but I did encourage everyone in class to alter them if they wanted to, so some people chose to ink / stamp / paint theirs to suit their page.

To finish off, I added my handwritten journalling and then splattered a few coloured inks around the page – because I always love a little bit of mess! (Sorry for your table and window after everyone had finished this step Alison and Shelley!)

If you love this layout as much as I do stay tuned - hopefully it will be released as a page kit via the Cocoa Vanilla store soon. Thanks so much for stopping by today. 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

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

"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

"Thank You" Card & Colour Blast Retreat Classes | Colour Blast

Hi everyone!

Just popping in to share a "thank you" and to give a quick wrap up on my classes from the recent Colour Blast retreat in Brisbane. I had such a fabulous day with all the ladies, and I was so happy to be able to share my love of Colour Blast products with everyone. 

I was also lucky enough to bring a couple of new Colour Embossing Powders home with me (perks!); and I couldn't resist using the stunning 'Golden Purple' right away to test it out, so I whipped up a quick "thank you" card. 

I started with very basic supplies for this one - white cardstock; a small Heidi Swapp stencil and stamp set; 'Lipstick' Colour Shimmer Spray and 'Golden Purple' Colour Embossing Powder. 

I started by securing my stencil onto the cardstock using washi tape (so it peels off easily) and then spraying the heart in with the Colour Shimmer Spray. I sprayed it lightly because I just wanted the heart to be part of the background, rather than too dominant in my design.

Once it had dried, I took the Heidi Swapp stamp and stamped the sentiment over the top using embossing ink. Then I applied the powder over the top.

Look at that amazing colour! You can see the golden sparkles through it already. I tipped the excess powder back into the jar and then set the powder using my heat gun before repeating the process with the word thankful (also a Heidi Swapp stamp).

Photos really don't do this embossing powder justice - it has the most gorgeous golden flecks speckled through the purple tone. I then added a few splatters of the 'Lipstick' Colour Shimmer Spray by flicking the nozzle from the bottle and then set it aside to dry.

Next, I mounted the cardstock onto a piece of patterned paper to form my card base. I then added some small pieces of torn washi tape and a few purple enamel dots to tie it all together and finish it off.

There you have it - a quick an easy project you can create with a small amount of supplies. (And gives me a card in my stash for when I next need one!)

Not only did I want to use that gorgeous Colour Embossing Powder right away, but I also really wanted to create something that expressed how thankful I was for the opportunity to teach the lovely ladies at the Colour Blast retreat. So. Much. Fun.

Here we are getting busy in class one - the layout class. We used Colour Shimmer Spray; Colour Paste; Colour Artist Ink and Colour Shimmer Cubes on the page, along with products from the new 'More Than Words' collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Sometimes I just can't help myself but get "hands on". (Thank you for trusting me Dianne!)

This is the layout the ladies were creating...

In the afternoon it was time for the "messy" class, where everywhere created their own canvas panel and I got to share my love for (my favourite) Colour Artist Inks. This class was very free-flowing, with everyone able to interpret it as they wished and I loved seeing the ladies "go their own way" with it!

Everyone was heads down and hard at work during this class...

This is the piece that I created for the class...

Besides Colour Artist Inks; we also used black and white Heavy Gesso; Colour Paste; a fabulous quote and stencil from Flutterby Designs and some gorgeous 'Bohemian Dream' vellum accents from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Here's a peek at some of the amazing interpretations that were produced...

Thank you so much to everyone who came along, I hope you all went away inspired to create more. (And remember what I say - "less think, more ink!")

There is another Colour Blast retreat being held at the same venue in Brisbane in October. If you are interested in attending, the details can be found in the Facebook event HERE

I will be back again soon with another project to share. Until then, happy scrapping! X