Scrap the Boys July Challenge!

Brrrrrrr! It's cold outside (even here in Qld!) Great weather for scrapping though! Today I am here to share my take on this month's Scrap the Boys challenge, which is a fabulous mood board that looks like this...

I loved the rich, warm tones of this board, and I was also inspired by the abstract painting and arrows.
Here is what I came up with...

{Paper by Basic Grey; Project Life pocket cards}

I used my Dylusions ink sprays watered down to create the watercolour effect on my background, then topped it with some stamped acrylic paint and a few splatters for good measure. I then added some D-lish Scraps washi tapes, which I tore into strips. The cute arrow paperclip is by Freckled Fawn and also from D-lish Scraps (HERE)

I added a Cocoa Vanilla Studio flair and wood veneer pieces (all from the "Flying High"collection). The wood veneer pieces were coloured using a marker - don't they look awesome in red? 

A couple of "squiggles" of D-lish Scraps coloured wire and some Burdy's Embellies foam chevies (not shown below) were the final finishing touches.

I hope this mood board inspires you as much as it did me! Don't forget you have until the end of the month to get your entries linked up on the Scrap the Boys blog. 

Happy scrapping! X

Hello Lovely for Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi friends! Just popping in to share my layout that was up on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog a couple of days ago.

Now don't be too shocked, but check out this clean and simple layout from me...

I can't tell you how much harder I found this to my usual style (which would involve many more layers and embellishments). But by keeping it simple, it really allowed the gorgeous Hello Lovely papers to shine. I paired the bold horizontal stripes of the Life Story paper with the soft, pretty polka dots of the Confetti paper.

For my main embellishment cluster, I layered together pieces from the die cut ephemera pack, and added a tiny heart from the accessory stickers sheet...

Here, another sticker from the accessory sheet, and a sprinkling of enamel dots to compliment the polka dot paper...

I actually used the alphabet stickers from the Made of Awesome collection for my title. I just love the size of these - not too big and not too small...

Thanks for popping in today.
Don't forget the Hello Lovely and Made of Awesome collections are available now. Please check with your favourite retailer or visit the Cocoa Vanilla Studio shop.
Til next time, happy scrapping!

Off the Rails July Challenge!

Welcome to July and my first DT challenge reveal. (I don't know about you, but I get incredibly excited on the 1st of each month with all the new challenges announced.) This month I am starting off with the new challenge at Off the Rails Scrapbooking.

This month, there is TWO mood palettes to choose from, so you can pick the one to suit you best...

Here is what I created using the second one. (I loved the soft colours, but went slightly "off the rails" by adding a few tiny splashes of turquoise to it.)

{Papers by Glitz Designs; Kaisercraft; Heidi Swapp. Transparency by Hambly Screen Prints}

The inspiration for the title of this layout came from the fact that since the boys were born, it seems like every second person comes up to me and says "you've got your hands full" (along with several other stereotypical comments). The photo was taken by my dear friend Anthea when she was holidaying with her family here in Qld and I have waited a long time to use it. (Thanks Ant! X)

{Charms Creations heart; D-lish Scraps flowers; Rainbow Splendour vellum dots}

{D-lish Scraps flowers, sequin bow and hand-dyed muslin; American Crafts Dear Lizzy die cut}

Thanks for stopping by so I could share my work with you. I hope you will join us for this month's challenge at Off the Rails, there is a fabulous prize on offer from Imaginarium Designs! Entries close at the end of the month.

Happy scrapping! X

D-lish Scraps - June Projects

Hi all! Back again today for another catch up post featuring my D-lish Scraps projects that featured on the blog during the month of June. (Warning - lots of photos ahead!)

First up, my take on the June Inspiration Board challenge which looked like this...

And my interpretation...

{Papers by Amy Tan for American Crafts and Bo Bunny}

I LOVED the colour palette of this board and I am so disappointed I missed out on the "Just Add Paper" kit that went with it after it sold out so quickly.

Despite missing out on the kit, luckily I already had a healthy supply of D-lish pretties I could put to good use instead...

{Black Wild Rose; white Alder flower; yellow Forget Me Not; yellow sequin bow; and a wood veneer heart}

{Another white Alder flower; lemon carnation; slate paper doiley; wood veneer speech bubble; yellow chevron 5x7 paper bag; and some pieces from the Wordfetti - Everyday Moments sheet.}

{Journal-It from the rainbow heart round set; yellow Forget Me Not; yellow spot washi; and flair from the "Captured Moments"white set}

Next up, for something a bit different was this bright, happy "patchwork style" layout...

{Papers by Cocoa Vanilla Studio;
Published - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 18 No 10}

Here's a closer look at some of the details...

 {'happy' die cut from the Pinkfresh Studio "Up in the Clouds" foil die cut pack; gold paper doiley}

 {Little Birdie "Boutique Elements - Symphony Strawberry Fields" flower; yellow Cosmos Daisy; white Bitty Bloom}

 {Another die cut from the Pinkfresh Studio UITC pack, Little Birdie flower and Bitty Blooms; plus a journal spot from the Journal It's "Rainbow Heart Rounds" pack}

{Flair button from the "Woodgrain Hashtags" set}

My final project was a challenge to myself - to use my unopened "Atzec Dreams" Just Add Paper kit from a previous release. 

Here's what I created with it...

{Papers by Heidi Swapp} 

The JAP kits always include an amazing variety of coordinating embellishments - assorted paper flowers, resin flowers, flair buttons, washi tape, paper doilies, sequins, crochet items...just to name a few. This one also contained some exclusive watercolour pocket scrapping style cards that were just gorgeous!

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to embellish a layout I really do recommend the "Just Add Paper" kits. (The only downside is you have to be quick, because they are usually highly sought after and only available in limited quantities, so they tend to sell out fast.) Kits are released on the 1st of each month, so be sure to follow the D-lish Facebook page HERE for exclusive sneaks and notification of when kits are available.

That's all from me for now, thanks for stopping by! X

Made of Awesome for Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hello everyone! I know I have been very quiet the past couple of weeks, but its been madness around here - so busy! Today I am in catch-up mode, sharing my first layout using the brand new boy-themed collection - "Made of Awesome" from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. And let me tell you, this collection ROCKS!

Here's what I created...

There are so many cool, coordinating embellishments available for this collection I really can't pick a favourite!
Here are some close-ups...

Check out the die cut ephemera - there are SO many awesome bits & pieces in this pack! 

Vellum stars and enamel dots - divine!!!

Again, this collection features a fabulous set of flair buttons, along with some resin little stars that are great for adding that extra something to your layout...

For anyone who scraps boys, the "Made of Awesome" is perfect for you! Definitely one of the best boy collections I have come across (and that is said without bias too).

This collection is available NOW, so ask your favourite scrappy retailer if they have it, or alternatively, you can purchase it from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio store HERE. (Don't forget to check out the amazing special offer currently available on both the "Made of Awesome" and "Hello Lovely"  ENTIRE collections!)

Show Us Your Stuff June Challenge!

I promised I had another mixed media layout coming. It came after being inspired by everything I saw and the Fiona Paltridge class I attended during my recent visit to the Scrapbooking expo. This is the layout I created for the June challenge at Show Us Your Stuff.
It's a mood board designed by Paula Perry...

I drew my inspiration from the cold theme and also from the colour combination in the image of the candles.

{Paper by Cocoa Vanilla Studio;
Published - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 18 No 7}

As the lovely Anita from Flutterby Designs is sponsoring the challenge this month, I used lots of Flutterby goodies on my layout.

{Flutterby Designs flair and photo cut out tab; D-lish Scraps glitter washi tape & sequins}

{Flutterby Designs wood bits; Burdy's Embellies foam arrow}

{Flutterby Designs fussy cuts & wood bits} 

I created the background by first priming an area with gesso, and then using my Dylusions ink sprays diluted with water as watercolours. I applied them using a technique I learned from Fiona Paltridge in her class at the expo. I added machine stitching, strips of torn washi, splatters of black Heidi Swapp Color Shine spray and some black ink stamping. I even took inspiration from the script of the quote and dared to handwrite part of my title...

{Burdy's Embellies foam arrow; D-lish Scraps coloured wire & sequins}

I really enjoyed this month's challenge. I would love to see some of my scrappy friends playing along too. It's great to see people support our monthly challenge, as without participants or generous sponsors, blog challenges like ours just can't exist. We aren't attached to any store to generate income & prizes from, we just do it because (like you) we love scrapping and it's fun to take on a challenge!

You can follow the Show Us Your Stuff blog HERE or the Facebook page HERE

Beautiful layout - Fiona Paltridge class

Hi all!
I was lucky enough to attend a class with the FABulous Fiona Paltridge when I was at the Scrapbook Expo last weekend. This was the first EVER class I have attended and I loved it! You get such a buzz being in a class with like-minded people, and to have Fiona up the front was like the icing on the cake for me. I was so happy that my sister Mandy came along with me too, as this was her first foray into the world of mixed media scrapping and she loved it!

Here is the layout I completed...

We were given some 2Crafty chipboard that was cut exclusively for our class to work with, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting messy with watercolours, acrylic paint and modelling paste.
(I was so inspired with all I learnt and saw at the expo that I came home and scrapped another mixed media layout the next day - I will share it soon.)

Here are some close-ups...

If you ever have a chance to attend one of Fiona's classes I highly recommend it. She is so lovely, heaps of fun and a wealth of knowledge. (I did take the chance to pick her brain a little after the class.) If you aren't already a follower, make sure you follow her blog HERE

Here is a photo of the gorgeous Fiona & I taken after the class. I am SO happy I finally got to meet her in the flesh and can't wait to catch up with her at another scrappy event in future!
Fiona - YOU ROCK!!! X

Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Hello Lovely Layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio!

Hello lovelies! ;)
Just a quick post today to share with you my first layout using the brand new "Hello Lovely" collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.
I must confess - creating this layout was a bit daunting for me at first, as there was just way too much gorgeous in this collection to choose from! In end, it was this dramatic black & white floral paper that won out as the basis for my first Hello Lovely creation...

This layout was such a happy one for me to create. Featuring my two favourite girls - my sister, and my "sister from another mister" scrappy BFF, Vicki. I couldn't go past using the collection name as my title for it.

Here are some close-ups of some of the coordinating products I used - die cut ephemera pieces, stickers and flair...

The Hello Lovely collection is hitting stores now, so ask your favourite retailer if they have it in stock. It will also be available VERY soon in the Cocoa Vanilla store.

Before I go, this photo was taken on Saturday at the Brisbane Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo. I was so happy to finally meet Zoe (the Cocoa Vanilla boss lady) in person. She is simply amazing and just as lovely as this collection she has designed! So proud to be part of her team!

Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Scrap the Boys June Challenge!

Welcome to JUNE! I know many of you have been experiencing some chilly weather as I have been seeing lots of hot chocolate and fireplace pictures on my Instagram feed, however we are still waiting for winter to truly arrive here at my place.

To start the month, I am very pleased to announce that I have accepted an offer to stay on with the Scrap the Boys team for another term. I love being on this team, and I really enjoy the challenges, so it was a bit of a no-brainer for me! ;)

Anyway, onto the June challenge, which is a fantastic sketch designed by Rikki Graziani. It looks like this...

And here is my take on it...

Really happy with how this layout came out!
I used lots of Cocoa Vanilla Studio goodies on this - patterned papers are from the "Flying High" and "Sugar & Spice" collections (that denim paper is one of my faves!) Stickers, flair and cork stars from the "Flying High" collection. The cool arrow washi tape is from D-lish Scraps.

Here are some close-ups...

I can't believe how little and cute the boys were in these photos! They are still the best of mates and love playing together, however these days it's a lot rougher and results in more tears! ;)

Don't forget you don't have to have little boys to join in this challenge, you can scrap any of the boys in your life - husband, father, cousin, friend...heck, even the postman if you want! Entries close at the end of the month and there are some AMAZING prizes up for grabs this month, so put it on your list!
Happy scrapping! X