Be Bold | Flutterby Designs

Hi everyone! Just popping in to share my latest design team project for Flutterby Designs with you all. Today I have a 12x12" mixed media layout that features a photo of my cheeky boys showing me their "tattoos" that they had drawn on each other with textas.

I was inspired to create a messy mixed media background for this layout to fit with the "art" theme of my photo. I also wanted to draw in the paint splotch design from the Everyday Etc card (from the No Excuses range) that I chosen to use as the feature behind my photo.

 To create my background, I used several different colours of Flutter Colour paint. I wanted the paint to splatter easily, so I watered it down slightly to make it thinner. Then I set about applying each colour by splattering and flicking it onto my page using a paint brush. In order to make sure I didn't make "mud", I dried each colour thoroughly before applying the next one. After it was dry I also added some stamping with black ink to give the background more depth and character.

 As I already mentioned, I used an Everyday Etc card from the No Excuses range behind my photo. I also used another card from the same range to fussy cut my Be Bold title from. As there was no purple on my background, I wanted to add some purple elements to help tie in with colours in the title. So I used one of the coordinating No Excuses Filler Cards and cut it up to add the purple I needed.

Next, I added a flair button (from set #229), which I nested on some messy black cotton thread; and one of the Blackboard Sticky Quotes below my photo. I also added a couple of Snippet Strips around my page.

I then added a few Confetti Circles wood veneer pieces, which I coloured black with my trusty Posca pen and some neon enamel dots.

A few splatters of purple mist and some quick journaling and I was finished.

Thanks for stopping by so I could share this page with you. I will be back soon with another project to share. Until then, happy scrapping! X

Sweet | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! I am here today to share my latest layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio using the beautiful Love Always collection. I have had this photo of Brielle and Kaden asleep together for a while, and when I printed it the other day in black and white I knew it would be perfect for this range.

"Sweet"

I decided to keep this layout to a largely neutral colour scheme with just a touch of blue. I started with the Lovely Things paper as my background, adding a circle of the Bouquet paper over the top. I wanted to add a subtle splash of colour to it, so I used one of my Faber-Castell gelatos to add a watercolour effect.

I then created a layered mat for my photo using pieces of the Twin Set and Note to Self papers, as well as a paper doily. I also added a horizontal strip of the Note to Self paper, to help draw the viewer's eye through the photo.

I highlighted my photo further by adding some chipboard sticker photo corners to two of the diagonally opposite corners. I then used these as points of reference as to where I would place my embellishments. In the small cluster above and to the left of my photo, I layered together - a small tag from the Bits n Pieces pack; pieces from the die cut ephemera pack; and some sparkles enamel dots.

Directly to the right of my photo, I added the beautiful quote from the die cut ephemera pack. This needed very few supporting embellishments as the piece was decorative enough on its own, so I just added another enamel dot and a small die cut butterfly nearby.

At the bottom right corner of my photo was my final embellishment cluster. For this one I layered together - a bingo card sticker from the accessory sticker sheet; die cut ephemera pieces; a chipboard sticker star and I also popped another sparkly enamel dot nearby.

To complete my layout I added my title directly to my photo. I used the sweet word from the wood veneer pack. I first coloured it white all over using my Posca pen; then I used the same gelato I had used on the background to add some color to the lower half of the word. I highlighted the title with a die cut arrow, which I placed to look as though my son was holding it in his hand.

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this layout with you. If you are looking to purchase your own stash of the Love Always collection, please check the Cocoa Vanilla stockists list to find your nearest retailer; or alternatively, it is also available in the Cocoa Vanilla online store. (It has now been fully re-stocked after some items had sold out.)

Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Fairy Bread Friday | Scrap the Boys October Challenge

Hi everyone!
First of the month (can you believe it's OCTOBER?) means it's time to share the first of my design team projects. This month I am starting with the Scrap the Boys challenge, and this month it's a fabulous sketch challenge to play along with.

Here's the sketch...

And here is my take on it...

"Fairy Bread Friday"

I created this layout using the brand new Make a Wish collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio which was perfect for scrapping these photos of my boys and our little Friday lunch ritual. (Who says you can't use pink on a boys layout?)

Did I mention I really love this range? It's so bright and happy! And although it is actually birthday themed, it's very versatile and can be used for all sorts of projects. There are a fabulous mix of patterned papers in this collection (and lucky for me it includes another woodgrain!)

Of course the embellishments in this collection are equally delicious - I used die cut ephemera, accessory stickers, chipboard stickers, puffy stickers and wood veneer pieces on this layout. (The enamel dots I used were actually some I had left over from the Hello Lovely collection.)

And I can't forget the gorgeous alpha stickers I used either - I do love a mixed pattern alpha! Underneath the title you can see a couple of the phrase stickers from the accessory sticker sheet.

That's all from me today. Remember that you have until the end of the month to link up your take on this month's sketch via the Scrap the Boys blog to be in the running for a prize!
Happy scrapping! X

Sweetheart | Flutterby Designs

Hi Flutterby peeps!
Sue Plumb here with you sharing my latest work for Flutterby Designs. Today I have a layout to share with you featuring a (fairly typical) photo of my partner and I. (Rarely can the man have a "normal" photo with me without some sort of silly face, but hey, that's him...and I love him anyway!)

"Sweetheart"

For this layout I started with a sheet of patterned paper from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio "Colour Me Happy" collection. I opted to use this dark grey, as I want it to help my colours "pop". On top of the patterned paper, I created a mat for my photo using a selection of Everyday Etc cards. (I love the variety of patterns and colours that can be found in the filler card packs, and I also love the fact that they are always exactly the right shades to coordinate with all my other Flutterby goodies!) I also added some Photo Cut out frames to my layers, for some extra visual interest and depth.

Once I had my base layers in place, I used the "I {heart} you" stencil from the Mini Stencil set and a white gel pen to add some doodled hearts to my background. I then proceeded to drizzle it all with some white Flutter Colour paint.

Whilst my paint was drying, I added some embellishments directly onto my photo - the wood veneer sweetheart word and heart, which were coloured using my Posca pen; and the flair button (from set #249), which I nested on some messy cotton thread. I then fixed my photo in place and proceeded to embellish the rest of my layout.

Above my photo I added a couple of Page Tabs; and to the left of my photo I added a Photo Cut Out tab (from the "Bright Directions Tabs 3" sheet.) I also added some Snippet Strips and bold Enamel Dots around my page.

To finish off, I added a quote from a "Happy Together" Everyday Etc card, which I cut into strips to apply; and then I added some Rainbow Heart stickers randomly across my page.

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

Love You | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!
I am here today to share my latest layout using the beautiful Love Always collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. This layout is very special to me, as I actually created it as a wedding gift recently for my brother in law and his beautiful bride. (I can't tell you how nervous I was creating an actual wedding present!)

To create this layout I started with a beautiful black and white photo of the bride and groom and a sheet of the Note to Self script paper; to which I added a small piece from the reverse side and also pieces of the Twin Set striped paper (both sides). I also added some machine stitching to add some subtle texture, and help draw the eye down into the photo.

To help define my photo and make it "pop" from the background, I created a layered photo mat using more of the Note to Self (reverse side) and Bouquet papers; as well as a paper doily. On top of that I added a chipboard accent sticker frame (which I cut in half and placed either side of my photo).

For my title I used one of the wood veneer pieces, which I painted using my Posca pen, and I also added a small wood veneer heart (also altered with the pen). The title was enhanced using a couple of floral vellum accent pieces.

To the bottom right of my photo, I created my large embellishment cluster using the large geo heart wood veneer piece as the focal point. This was also painted using my Posca pen; and was clustered together with more of the vellum accent pieces. On top of the heart I added a flair button, which I nested on some messy cotton thread and one of the gorgeous bitty blooms.

Along the bottom of my layout I added the quote from the Lovely Things cut apart paper; and created a mini cluster using a chipboard sticker, die cut ephemera heart and a Sparkles - glitter enamel dot.

To balance my layout I added a second cluster to the left of my photo; layering together more of the chipboard stickers and adding another small painted wood veneer heart and some glitter enamel dots. I also embellished directly onto my photo using a die cut ephemera phrase and one of the tiny word stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet. Tucked beneath the edge of the photo is one of the super cute puffy stickers.

I am so happy with how this layout came out, and very pleased to report that my gift was well received by the happy couple.
Here is a peek of how it looked in the frame...

That's all from me today. I will be back again soon with another project to share with you.
Until then, happy scrapping! X

D-lish Scraps September (and final) Projects!

Hi D-lish fans!
Just popping in today to share with you my September projects. These projects also mark my final ones of a member of the D-lish Scraps design team. It has been an absolute pleasure being part of this team for the past 18 months, but I felt it was time for me to step aside and allow Amanda to get some "fresh blood" onto the team.
During my time at D-lish I have had the privilege of working alongside an amazing team of ladies, not least of all the lovely Amanda herself. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the team and represent a store I truly believe in. And I have also gained an incredible group of creative friends, and I think that is the greatest reward.

Having said that, I couldn't go past scrapping this special photo of some of the D-lish girls and myself at retreat back in July as my final project...

"Smile"

I used Crate Paper patterned papers as the basis for this layout, and lots of my favourite D-lish Scraps embellishments.

I created a layered mat for my photo using a mix of papers; a lace paper doily; and a grey grid bitty bag. Tucked into my layers was also one of the new wood veneer square mini frames.

I used lots of wood veneer pieces on this layout, including a printed veneer butterfly;  a veneer scalloped frame (from the special release Just Add Paper kit last month); and an ampersand and tiny butterfly (from another previously released JAP kit).

I layered my scalloped veneer frame on top of a dove grey paper doily; and then popped a flair button (also from a previous JAP kit) on top. I completed my cluster with a couple of resin flowers.

On the other side of my photo I created a complimentary cluster that also featured the same resin flowers; a wood veneer heart; a dip dye printed tag that I tied with twine; and a layered die cut journal piece (from a previous JAP kit).

I couldn't finish with anything other than a Corbett Creations wood veneer word for my title, I just love these so much! Then some simple stamping; printed journaling and a few flicks of gold mist.


My second to last project was this mixed media one, featuring a photo of  "my moles" and I...

"Happy Hour"

As this was such a "happy" subject and photo, I decided to draw on the yellow (the colour of happiness) from the straws in the photo and go with it as my dominant colour for this layout. I kept the rest of the palette to neutral white and a touch of grey, to allow the yellow to "pop".
My background was created using Colour Blast Shimmer Spray, and then Dylusions acrylic paint through a Dusty Attic 'Distressed Grid' stencil over the top.

I created a mat under my photo using a white lace paper doily; yellow tissue paper (from a previous Just Add Paper kit); and yellow hand-dyed muslin. I also used one of my favourite multi scallop wood veneer frames, (which I coloured with a yellow Posca pen) to add some extra depth and interest under my photo; along with a Journal It's date tab.

To go with my cocktail theme, I added a paper straw from my stash, which I enhanced with the gorgeous yellow felt bow (from last month's Just Add Paper kit). Alongside my photo I tucked in a journal spot from the same kit, on top of which I layered a flair button and some messy cotton thread.

For my title, I again used a Corbett Creations wood veneer happy word, along with some Cocoa Vanilla Studio alpha stickers. Simple handwritten journaling; a few sequins (which I cut from a strand and adhered individually) and some stamped phrases in grey ink and my layout was complete.


My other September project was this layout I created which was based on this month's 'Berry Blast' Inspiration Board Challenge...

"Family"

I started my layout with a sheet of Cocoa Vanilla Studio patterned paper as a base to frame my layout, and then used some white cardstock to create a custom mixed media background. I first used some Bubblegum Colour Blast Colour Spray; then added some Envy Colour Blast Colour Paste through my Dusty Attic 'Crosshatch' stencil. After that I added some stamping using grey Staz On ink and stamps from Viva Las Vegastamps.

Most of my embellishments on this layout came from this month's coordinating 'Berry Blast' Just Add Paper kit. I started by mounting my photo on top of some layers - including the heart shaped paper doily and some tissue paper from the current kit; as well as some more patterned paper and a piece of a heart die cut (from a previous kit).

I then selected the embellishments from the kit I wanted to use and formed clusters surrounding my photo. I liked the interesting contrast the combination of paper flowers; resin flowers and the fabric Tutu bloom provided when grouped together, not only through material, but also size and colour. I also used the resin birds from the kit, and the glitter resin dots. (Because who doesn't love a bit of sparkle, right?)

To help tie the teal colour into my layout more, I used a Corbett Creations family wood veneer which I painted with the same Colour Blast Colour Paste I had used on my background. I love the shiny, textured appearance it gives. To finish my layout, I added a flair button from the kit, which I mounted on some messy cotton thread; and then scattered around a few D-lish Dots enamels.

That's all from me. Thank you to everyone for all your encouraging comments and feedback on my D-lish Scraps work over the past 18 months. I do hope I have managed to inspire you somewhere along the way!
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Post Expo Monday | Flutterby Designs

Hi everyone!
I hope this finds you well, I am sick with flu here today. (Horrible!)
Anyway, just wanted to pop in and share my latest Flutterby Designs project with you. For this layout I decided to scrap a selfie I took at home the day after the Brisbane Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo ended back in June. After spending 4 awesome (but exhausting) days surrounded by "my people", this photo pretty much summed up how I was feeling that Monday morning.

'Post Expo Monday'

I started my layout by creating a mixed media background on some white cardstock. First, I used 3 different colours of the Flutter Colour paints, which I swiped on using an old credit card. Next, I applied some Colour Blast 'Stormy Weather' Shimmer Spray, which I applied lightly using some plastic packaging to some of the white areas of the background. I then used the 'Confetti Cubes' stencil from the Mini Stencils set to add some Colour Blast 'Steel' Colour Paste to my page. Finally, for a little extra extra depth I added some stamping, using my Viva Las Vegastamps with both black and grey Staz On inks.

For my layout design, I started by using one of the Everyday Etc 'No Excuses' filler cards as a mat for my photo. I then tucked a 'One of Those Days' page tabs in behind my photo, along with some messy cotton thread. Above my photo I added a couple of the 'Blackboard' Sticky Quotes (one of which features my absolute favourite "sentence enhancer", hehe) and alongside my photo I used the coffee cup wood veneer, which I added a Snippet Strip to, that I had cut into smaller pieces.

The large quote on my layout came from a 'One of Those Days' Everyday Etc cards, that I cut into pieces. I also used the super cute 'Everyday Life' wood veneer Insta Frame, which I tucked under the edge of my photo, and then layered it with some more messy thread and a flair button (from the new set #420) on top.

The monday in my title was from the 'Weekdays' wood veneer pack and I coloured it black using my trusty Posca pen. I also coloured some of my favourite 'Circles' wood veneer pieces the same way and scattered them around my page, along with some coordinating bold enamel dots.

Thanks for stopping by today, if you haven't already joined the Flutterby Inspiration HQ group on Facebook then make sure you do! We love to see your layouts featuring your favourite "sentence enhancers" too, so don't be shy! ;)
Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Smile, Make a Wish & Celebrate You | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!
Just popping in today to share my latest layout using the absolutely gorgeous Make a Wish collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. There is just so much to love about this collection, but the stand out piece for me is the stunning 'Fresh Cut' watercolour floral paper. It's so beautiful!
Given that this is a birthday themed collection, I couldn't resist scrapping a birthday photo of my little miss, although the layout I created could have worked equally well for a non-birthday picture too.

I first wanted to create a contrasting space to place my photo and embellishments, so I cut a piece from the B-side of the 'Party Dots' paper and stitched it in place on top of my base paper, leaving a wide border so plenty of the floral print could still be seen. I also rubbed a little gesso on where I knew my embellishments were going to be.

I then created a layered mat for my photo using more of the 'Fresh Cut' paper, and also both sides of the 'Daydream' paper. The word smile came from the 'Party Mix' cut apart paper and I used it as part of my title. I indicated the start of my title using the sweet floral print arrow from the chipboard sticker sheet, and used the chipboard make a wish as the second part of my title. (I love combining different elements to create titles.)

With the use of that gorgeous paper, I decided to go "full floral" and use the coordinating die cut ephemera and vellum accent pieces from the range. I layered them together and created dimension by popping some up using foam tape. I also folded the leaves up away from the page, just as I did with the butterfly wings.

I love the dimension the chipboard stickers add to a page too. You can see how I used one of the frames under my photo to help accentuate it. I simply cut the frame in half and tucked it behind each side of my photo. I then highlighted my photo further by adding two chipboard photo corners. A few blue Sparkles enamel dots helped add some small pops of contrast to my page too.

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this with you.
Be sure to stay connected to the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog; Facebook page; Instagram account and the Community group to keep up with all the latest Cocoa Vanilla news, inspiration and events.
Til next time, happy scrapping! X