Quilted Santa Layout

Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As a little holiday gift to you, I’m sharing this cute Quilted Santa Layout idea. This layout will be perfect for photos of my granddaughters’ visit with Santa this year!

I used papers from the Seasonal Sightings Collection and the Totally Tonal Christmas Papers from Creative Memories.

To Create My Layout:


1. Cut a 1″ hollow frame from Cranberry Cardstock.
2. Cut 2 pieces of designer paper to 11-1/2″ x 6″. Adhere to the frame. Add a sticker strip to the seam of the pieces.
3. To create Santa, cut a variety of 1″ squares. Cut some in half on the diagonal. See photo.
4. Adhere squares to layout to create Santa. See photo. Add small faux stitching with Black Dual-Tip Pen to the squares.
5. Use the Custom Cutting System with smallest Circle Pattern and Blue Blade on the inside edge to cut two circles. Use one for Santa’s hat and the other for his nose. Add faux stitching to the hat circle. Adhere both with Foam Squares.
6. Draw Santa’s eyes and eyebrows with a Black Dual-Tip Pen.
7. Cut photo mats from Cranberry Cardstock: (1) 6″ x 4″ and (2) 3-1/2″ x 5-1/4″.
8. Cut journaling mats from White Cardstock: (3) 6″ x 1/2″ and (5) 3-1/2″ x 1/2″. Add faux stitching with Black Dual-Tip Pen.
9. Add title with White Script ABC/123 Letter Stickers.

For a printable instructional handout, please see the Files section of Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook.

Thank you so much for following me and all of my best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season!

Karyn

Easy Layered Layout with Creative Memories Border Punches

Today I’m sharing some new versions of a layout that I first created for the Creative Memories Blog last year. My original layout featured the Diagonal Plaid Border Punch and Blue & Gold Collection. I created a similar version for myself using these same supplies and also two new versions of the layout.


The Diagonal Plaid Border Punch and Blue & Gold Collection were exclusive items from CM’s Black Friday Promotion last year. CM recently released the Diagonal Plaid Border Punch for purchase during December Deals, and it quickly sold out.

Creative Memories is currently running a December Deals offering of discounted and exclusive items for sale. New items will be added to December Deals at noon CT on December 9th and 12th, so make sure to check out our website often for new exclusive items and new discounted items. Please note that some items sell out quickly.

I used our Polar Lights winter collection, new Baby Blue Cardstock, and the Rainbow Ripple Border Punch to create my second layout using the same technique. You’ll find the Rainbow Ripple Border Punch in December Deals. It’s an exclusive item that is now available.

For my third version of this layout, I used the Totally Tonal Christmas Paper and a combination of the Diagonal Plaid and Rainbow Ripple Border Punches. To create this layout, use a sheet of White Cardstock as your base. Cut (3) 12″ x 3″ strips from three different papers and adhere to the center of the layout. Use the Diagonal Plaid and Rainbow Ripple Border Punches to punch three borders from Cranberry Cardstock and adhere to the bottoms of the strips. Cut (2) 12″ x 1/4″ strips from Cranberry Cardstock and adhere to the top and bottom of the striped panel. Add photos, embellishments/stickers and a journaling box.

Please see my YouTube channel for a video demonstration and some scrapbooking tips. (Make sure to subscribe!)

Please use this technique to create a layout and share it in my Album in Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook for an entry into my December Door Prize Drawing!

Don’t forget to add some Creative Memories items to your Christmas Wish List this year! I would love to help your friends and family shop for you. I also offer Gift Certificates that can be used to shop through my CM website link. Please contact me for info.

If you love my layouts, you might be interested in some up-coming events of mine.

Crop Class: Trimmer Edition: (Click here for info and registration.)

PJ Party Virtual Crops: (Click here for info and registration.)

In-Person Weekend Retreat: (Click here for info and registration.)

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Christmas Scrapbook Layouts

Ho, ho, ho! Happy Holidays! I hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas! And I’m hoping that we all have a much better New Year!

As you might know, I’m a founding member of Creative Life Scrapbooking. We are a group of eight Creative Memories advisors who for the past five years have shared tons of scrapbooking ideas on Facebook. Weekly we share for #BorderMakerMonday and #FeaturedProjectFriday. We also host quarterly Blog Hops which you’ve seen here on Karyn Crops, and we also host PJ Party virtual crops.

Our next PJ Party virtual crop will be on Friday, January 29th, and we invite you to join us! As we enter our 6th year of hosting PJ Parties, we will be moving the format to Zoom where you’ll be able to interact with us and see step by step demonstrations on how to make six featured scrapbook layouts. We’ll also share two more bonus layouts, photos and printable handouts in a private Facebook group for the PJ Party. For more information and to register, please click here.


As a Christmas gift to our followers, Creative Life Scrapbooking is currently running a 12 Days of Christmas (#CLS12Days) feature on our Facebook page. Each day from December 25th through January 5th, we are sharing a new holiday layout. Joining the 8 CLS team members are 4 very special guest designers. Below is the layout that I created and shared on December 25th for the 1st Day of Christmas.

I used the Christmas Spirit Paper, Embellishments and Stickers from Creative Memories to create my layout. With images of Santa, elves and reindeer, this is a super fun Christmas collection! The Christmas Spirit Embellishments and Laser Cut Border Embellishments are especially cute!



To Make My Layout:

1. Cut hollow frames from two sheets of Crimson Cardstock leaving a 1″ edge.
2. Cut wood patterned paper to 11-3/4″ x 11-1/2″, and adhere to the Crimson Cardstock frames.
3. From designer paper, cut squares that measure: 3″x3″, 4″x4″, 5″x5″, 6″x6″ and 7″x7″.
4. From White Cardstock, cut squares that measure: 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″, 4-1/4″ x 4-1/4″, 5-1/4″ x 5-1/4″, 6-1/4″ x 6-1/4″ and 7-1/4″ x 7-1/4″.
5. From the top center of each square, cut diagonally to the bottom right and left corners to create triangles.
6. Use the Custom Cutting System with the largest Oval Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut a sloping edge on the bottoms of the triangle pieces. Adhere the patterned triangles to the cardstock triangles.
7. Cut a 3″x3″ square from Brown Cardstock, and trim into a triangle to make the tree trunk.
8. Assemble tree using Foam Squares to adhere the layers.
9. Use the Train Tracks Border Punch to punch a piece from Brown Cardstock, and trim with scissors to create a small step ladder. Or create a small ladder using small strips of cardstock.
10. From Crimson Cardstock, cut the following pieces: 4-1/4″ x 6-1/4″, 12″ x 6-1/4″, (2) 4-1/4″ x 1-1/4″, and (2) 12″ x 1-1/4″.
11. From music print paper, cut the following pieces: (2) 4″x1″, (2) 11-3/4″ x 1″. Adhere to the Crimson Cardstock strips.
12. Assemble and adhere pieces on layout as shown.
13. Using scissors, fussy cut the scroll piece journaling box from a variety mat. Cut in half and adhere as shown.
14. Add embellishments and stickers using Foam Squares as shown.


Below is another layout that I recently shared to Creative Life Scrapbooking for #BorderMakerMonday. I used the Original Border Maker System from Creative Memories to jazz up a simple Christmas tree made from strips of paper. I also used the Songbirds Border Punch to add a few partridges in my pear tree! This is a fun layout that assembles quickly. To top off my tree, I added a hand-tied paper bow. The designer paper and embellishments are from the Merry Blooms collection from our Black Friday Promotion.

To Make My Layout:

1. Cut a 3/8” x 10-1/2” strip from Rich Brown Cardstock to use as the tree trunk.
2. Cut strips from a variety of designer paper in varying widths and heights. My strips from top down are: 2-1/2” x ½”; 3-1/2” x ½”; 4-1/4” x 6/8”; 5” x ½”; 5-1/2” x 6/8”; and 6” x ½”.
3. Punch borders using border punches and the Original Border Maker System with a variety of border maker cartridges. My borders are: Songbirds Border Punch 3-1/2”; Christmas Stockings Chain 5-1/2; and Ruffle Trim 6”.
4. Add a star with a Foam Square.
5. Wrap a very thin 1/16” strip of cardstock, around two of your fingers to make loops. Using another thin strip of paper, carefully tie a knot in the center. Pull as tight as you can without tearing your paper. You will have better results with thinner paper. Adhere the bow with a Foam Square.
6. My photo mats are 4-1/4” x 4-1/4” and 4-1/4” x 6-1/4”.


My last layout for today is one that I shared with my own private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers. On Karyn’s Croppers, I share info about Creative Memories products, specials and my own events. Earlier in the month, I held a virtual class to assemble the Under the Tree Tag Kit from CM. I also taught how to use the tags to make the layout below. Please join Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook if you would like to participate in my events and see more scrapbooking ideas.


The adorable tags and twine are part of the Under the Tree Tag Kit that is still available to purchase through my Creative Memories website link. The sheet of background paper is from the Merry Blooms Paper that was a promotional item for our Black Friday special. My bow is constructed from Scarlet Cardstock.

To Create the Bow:


Most of the items that I used for these layouts can be purchased through my Creative Memories website link.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday season, and I hope to see you at our Creative Life Scrapbooking PJ Party virtual crop on January 29th!

Karyn

Winter Woods Scrapbook Layouts

I LOVE the first snowfall of the year! We typically don’t get much snow at our home, so we’re always excited when it falls. We live in a wooded area, and the trees in our yard are so beautiful with a dusting of snow. The snow usually doesn’t last long, so we need to be quick with the camera. The very beautiful Winter Woods Collection from Creative Memories is perfect for creating lovely winter layouts! I love the woodsy theme and the soft shades of green, brown and white. The Winter Woods Stickers, Laser Cut Borders and Foiled Embellishments are absolutely gorgeous with winter greenery, woodland creatures with touches of gold foil. You can see and purchase the Winter Woods Collection through my Creative Memories website link.

For my first layout, I created a mason jar snow globe to use as a decorative embellishment piece. I used a Winter Woods Variety Mat for the center of my snow globe and a Winter Woods Laser Cut Border for the title across the top of my layout. If you like my mason jar snow globe, you might also like the mason jar layout that I created for National Scrapbook Day this year. Please see my post from August 7th for that layout.

To Create My Layout:
1. Cut a hollow frame from a sheet of Brown Cardstock for the background.
2. Cut a sheet of Winter Woods Paper to 11-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ and adhere to the background.
3. Use the Custom Cutting System with the smaller of the Rectangle Cutting Patterns and Green Blade on the outside edge to cut a rectangle from White Shimmer Cardstock. Use the same pattern and the Red Blade on the outside edge to cut a Winter Woods Variety Mat. Outline the variety mat piece using a Brown Dual-Tip Pen.
4. Use the Custom Cutting System with the smaller of the Rectangle Cutting Patterns and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut two partial rectangles from White Shimmer Cardstock. Tear the tops of the cardstock pieces to create snowdrifts for the inside of your snow globe.
5. To create the lid, cut a 2-1/2″ x 1″ rectangle from Platinum Shimmer Cardstock. Use your scissors to slightly round the corners. Draw lines with a Brown Dual-Tip Pen.
6. Create a raffia bow by wrapping a very thin 1/16” strip of Brown Cardstock around two of your fingers to make loops. Using another thin strip of paper, carefully tie a knot in the center. Pull as tight as you can without tearing your paper. You will have better results with thinner paper. Adhere the bow with a Foam Square. Add Winter Woods Foil Embellishments to the snow globe.
7. Tie thin 1/16″ strips of Brown Cardstock through the holes in the Laser Cut Border title piece and adhere to the page.
8. From Brown Cardstock, cut 6-1/4″ x 4-1/4″ photo mats.
9. Cut a Winter Woods Variety Mat to use as a small journaling box.


My second layout is a new version of a simple tree layout that I shared earlier this week with Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook. My first version was a Christmas tree in bright colors. I loved the layout so much that I wanted to recreate it as a woodland tree. This is a quick and fun layout, and you can use a variety of different papers, Border Punches, and Border Maker Cartridges for different effects. You can also use stickers for some of your strips!


To Create My Layout:
1. Cut a hollow frame from a sheet of Brown Cardstock.
2. Cut a sheet of Winter Woods Paper to 11-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ and adhere to the frame.
3. Cut a 3/8” x 10-1/2” strip from Brown Cardstock to use as the tree trunk.
4. Cut strips from a variety of designer paper in varying widths and heights. My strips from top down are: 2-1/2” x ½”; 3-1/2” x ½”; 4-1/4” x 6/8”; 5” x ½”; 5-1/2” x 6/8”; and 6” x ½”.
5. Punch borders using Border Punches and the Original Border Maker System with a variety of Border Maker Cartridges. My borders are: Songbirds Border Punch 3-1/2”; old Winter Vine Border Punch 5-1/2; and old Winter Vine Border Punch 6”.
6. Punch and add a star with a Foam Square.
7. Wrap a very thin 1/16” strip of cardstock, around two of your fingers to make loops. Using another thin strip of paper, carefully tie a knot in the center. Pull as tight as you can without tearing your paper. You will have better results with thinner paper. Adhere the bow with a Foam Square.
8. My photo mats are 4-1/4” x 6-1/4” and 4-1/4” x 4-1/4”.


You may purchase the Winter Woods Collection, the Custom Cutting System and Patterns, and the Songbirds Border Punch through my Creative Memories website link.

I hope that you’re able to experience a beautiful snowfall this winter! Thanks much for visiting with me today!

Karyn

2020 Christmas Cards

Ho, ho! Tis the season! It’s only December 4th, and I’m already feeling behind in my Christmas preparations! Although this will be a “scaled back” celebration for us this year, I’m trying to maintain as many of my annual Christmas traditions as possible. Each year, I always enjoy making and sending Christmas cards to my family and closest friends. I used the Holly Jolly Card Kit from Creative Memories to make most of my cards this year, but I still need a few more. So I turned to my tools to make a few specialty cards for my grandchildren and also a few extras that I could mass produce easily.

I used our new Treeline Border Punch to create the card below on the right. This simple but beautiful card will be quick and easy to make in duplicates. For the base of my cards, I used blank cards from CM’s Blank Card Kit. The Blank Card Kit contains 12 solid white card bases and envelopes. It’s a smooth pure white card that is cut and scored from heavy cardstock. The quality is superior. I also the Pine Tree Punch from last year to create a similar card (on the left). Again it was easy and will be quick to mass produce.

To Make My Card on the Right:
1. Cut designer paper to 4-6/8″ x 3-1/2″, and punch with the Treeline Border Punch.
2. Reserve the two punched out pieces, and cut the remaining border piece in half at 2-3/8″.
3. Cut ribbon ends on the bottoms of the two punched pieces.
4. Adhere pieces to a Blank Card (5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″).
5. From Scarlet Cardstock, cut a 5-1/2″ x 1/4″ strip and adhere as shown.
6. Use the Merry Blooms Border Punch to punch a border from Scarlet Cardstock and fussy cut apart the flower pieces. Adhere flower with a Foam Square.

To Make My Card on the Left:
1. Cut designer paper into three strips that measure 1-1/2″ x 3-1/2″.
2. Center the strips into the Pine Tree Punch and punch.
3. Pull or cut off the bottom edges of the remaining strips.
4. Adhere pieces as shown to a Blank Card (5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″).
5. From Scarlet Cardstock, cut a 5-1/2″ x 1/4″ strip and adhere as shown.
6. Use the Merry Blooms Border Punch to punch a border from Scarlet Cardstock and fussy cut apart the flower pieces. Adhere flower, and add a rhinestone to the center.


The next two cards require a little bit more time but are super cute and will be perfect to send to my granddaughters. You might recognize my first gnome from a layout that I shared with you last year. I was inspired to create my second gnome by my scrapping friend, Angie. Angie didn’t have the Petal Frame Punch that I originally used, so she used the Baroque Border Punch as a substitute. I liked it so much that I made a similar version.

To Make My First Gnome:
1.  Use Petal Frame Punch to punch three 4″ x 4″ pieces of Gray and Charcoal Cardstock.  Use dark and light grey cardstock, and layer the pieces as shown. Use the Metallic Silver Dual-Tip Pen to add dimension to the layered beard.
2. Cut the hat by using the Green Blade on the inside edge of the diamond pattern from the Gemstones Cutting patterns.  Cut in half.  Embellish the hat with a narrow strip for the rim and a punched piece of greenery.
3.  Cut the nose using the smallest oval pattern from the Oval Cutting Patterns and the Green Blade on the inside edge, and ink the edge of nose with a Brown Dual-Tip Pen.
4. Add nose and hat to the beard piece to create the gnome.

To Make My Second Gnome:
1. Use the Baroque Border Punch to punch a 4″ x 4″ piece of Gray Cardstock.
2. Use the Custom Cutting System with the largest Circle Pattern and Green Blade on the inside edge to cut a circle from Charcoal Cardstock. Adhere the Baroque beard on top of the circle piece.
3. Cut the hat by using the Green Blade on the inside edge of the diamond pattern from the Gemstones Cutting patterns.  Cut in half.  Embellish the hat with a narrow strip for the rim, fold over the tip of the hat and add a small star or circle piece with a Foam Square.
4. Cut the nose using the smallest oval pattern from the Oval Cutting Patterns and the Green Blade on the inside edge, and ink the edge of nose with a Brown Dual-Tip Pen. Add nose and hat to the beard piece.


I hope that you too are able to enjoy the simple pleasure and joy of creating and mailing Christmas cards this season! I guarantee that your recipients will love to find a homemade card in their mailboxes!

You can purchase the Holly Jolly Card Kit, Blank Card Kit, Treeline Border Punch, Custom Cutting System, Oval and Gemstone Cutting Patterns, Petal Frame Punch and Baroque Border Punch through my Creative Memories website link.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Winter Scrapbook Borders

I love taking the time to sit down and play with our Creative Memories tools! I turn on my favorite tunes, grab a stack of cardstock, and just start punching and playing. It’s fun to mix and match our punches and Border Maker cartridges and start to see tiny vignettes begin to appear! The more that I played, the more ideas that popped into my mind.

(Make sure to read to the bottom of my post for info about our current Black Friday PROMO!)

To Create These Borders:

Christmas Stockings Borders:
1. Cut a 12″ x 1-1/8″ strip of White Cardstock.
2. Use Original Border Maker System with the Christmas Stockings Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from Scarlet Cardstock.
3. Use Original Border Maker System with the Ruffle Trim Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch two borders from Dark Green Cardstock.
4. Layer and adhere pieces as shown, and use Black Dual-Tip Pen to add faux pen stitching.

Winter Fence Scene Border:
1. Cut a 12″ x 2″ strip of Cloud Cardstock.
2. With the Treelines Border Punch, punch one long end of a 12″ x 3″ strip of White Cardstock and one long end of a 12″ x 1-1/4″ strip of Dark Green Cardstock.
3. Use Train Tracks Border Punch to punch a fence piece from Rich Brown Cardstock.
4. Use Original Border Maker System with the Icicles Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from White Cardstock.
5. Use the Reindeer Punch to punch a deer from Light Brown Cardstock and antlers from Gray Cardstock.
6. Use Songbirds Border Punch to punch a bird from Scarlet Cardstock.
7. Layer and adhere pieces as shown. Use Foam Squares to adhere the bird and icicle piece to the fence. Use black and gray pens to draw details on deer.

Santa’s Sleigh Border:
1. Use Original Border Maker System with the Clouds Border Maker Cartridge to punch a 12″ side of White Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 3″, and punch the other long side of the strip.
2. Use the Reindeer Punch to punch deer from Rich Brown and Brown Cardstock.
3. Use Original Border Maker System with the Ruffle Trim Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from Scarlet Cardstock. Use scissors to trim the border piece as shown.
5. Use the Santa’s Sleigh Punch to punch a sleigh from Scarlet Cardstock.
6. Cut 1/2″ x 1/2″ Dark Green Cardstock squares to make packages. Use scrap pieces to decorate the boxes.
7. Layer and adhere pieces as shown using Foam Squares to adhere the sleigh.
8. Use a Brown Tip-Dual Pen to add faux pen stitching.

Reindeer Games Border:
1. Cut a 12″ x 3-1/2″ piece of Cloud Cardstock.
2. Use the Treelines Border Punch to punch one end of a 12″ x 3″ strip of White Cardstock.
3. Use Original Border Maker System with the Clouds Border Maker Cartridge to punch a 12″ White Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 2″, and punch other long end with the Treelines Border Punch.
4. Use the Treelines Border Punch to punch long end of Dark Green Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 1-1/4″. Repeat.
5. Use the Reindeer Punch to punch deer from Rich Brown, Light Brown, Brown, Dark Green, Scarlet and Gray Cardstock. Use Scissors to cut off some of the antlers and to cut sweater pieces from the Scarlet and Dark Green deer. Cut legs off of one deer and re-assemble to create the jumping fawn. Use the Original Border Maker System with the Bubbles Border Cartridge to punch small dots from White Cardstock. Use Precision Point Glue Pen to glue small dots onto the fawn.
6. Decorate sweaters with scraps of paper. Use the old Snowman Border Maker Cartridge to punch top hats from Black Cardstock.
7. Layer and adhere pieces as shown. Adhere the fawn with Foam Squares.
8. Use a Brown Tip-Dual Pen to add faux pen stitching.

Christmas Stockings 2 Border:
1. Cut a 12″ x 1-3/4″ strip from Scarlet Cardstock.
2. Use Original Border Maker System with the Clouds Border Maker Cartridge to punch one end of a 12″ piece of White Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 1-1/4″.
3. Use Original Border Maker System with the Christmas Stockings Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from Scarlet Cardstock.
4. Layer and adhere pieces as shown.
5. Use a Dual-Tip Black Pen to add faux pen stitching and small dots.


Tree Farm Border:
1. Use the Treelines Border Punch to punch long end of Dark Green Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 2-3/4″.
2. Use the Treelines Border Punch to punch long end of White Cardstock. Cut off of your cardstock at 2-1/4″.
3. Use Original Border Maker System with the On the Road Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from White Cardstock. Use Scissors to cut off the car pieces.
4. Use Original Border Maker System with the On the Road Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from Crimson Cardstock. Use scissors to cut off truck pieces. Adhere trucks to the white border.
5. Use Original Border Maker System with the Evergreens Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from Dark Green Cardstock. Use Scissors to cut off trees and adhere behind the trucks.
6. Use a Dual-Tip Brown Pen to ink the sloping edge of the truck border.
7. Layer pieces as shown adhering the truck border piece with Foam Squares.



If you like these borders, you may wish to see a similar border that I shared with Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook.

Most of these tools are available to purchase through my Creative Memories website link. With our current Black Friday Promo, you receive $86.50 in FREE items with a $150 purchase! The freebies are exclusive items that won’t be available to purchase otherwise. Now is a great time to stock up on some basics like cardstock, tape refills, and album pages and also grab a new tool or two! The promo ends at noon CT on November 27th or while the freebies last.

I hope that you’re able to take the time to play with your tools and see what you can create! It’s a fun activity to do with the kids or grandkids and while watching your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies! Enjoy!

Karyn

Merry Little Christmas Scrapbook Layouts

Hello!  I’m back with some layouts that I created using the Merry Little Christmas collection from Creative Memories.  I had good intentions of getting this posted right around Christmas, but whew – life got busy!  Better late than never – but I hope that you had been able to purchase the Merry Little Christmas items a few weeks ago before they sold out.  This was a hugely popular collection for CM.  Both of the embellishment packs sold out in October and were later re-introduced only to again sell out with the rest of the collection.  The traditional red and green colors along with playful and trendy gnomes and traditional Christmas icons made this collection a sell-out!  (If you don’t have the Merry Little Christmas items, you can still create my layouts using other materials.)

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 075

 

For my first layout, I used my favorite sheet of Merry Little Christmas paper – the mistletoe print.  I also used our discontinued cranberry cardstock, but other shades of red would work.  My layout is adorned with photo ornaments highlighted by pieces created with the Petal Frame Punch.  Click here to view a video on how to use the Petal Frame Punch.  To make my layout:


1.  Cut a hollow frame from cranberry cardstock and adhere a piece of 11″ x 11″ mistletoe paper.  Add faux pen stitching around the cranberry frame.
2.   Punch two 4″ x 4″ and one 6″ x 6″ pieces of cranberry cardstock with the Petal Frame Punch.
3.  Use the Custom Cutting System with the Circle Patterns and Red, Green and Blue Blades to cut photos into varying sizes.  Mat photos with slightly larger white cardstock circle mats.
4.  Add faux pen stitching to some of the photo frames.
5.  Adhere some of the photos with Foam Squares.
6.  Add Merry Little Christmas Stickers and Embellishments with Foam Squares.

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmasDouble

For my second layout,  I was again inspired by CM’s Petal Frame Punch but this time to create packages with bows.  The present print paper is fun and playful and works well on this layout.  I also used the Present Border Punch that was a promo item from CM last year.  If you don’t have this punch, just substitute another punch such as the Dazzle Border Punch or the Lace Trim Border Punch that will create the look of bows across your layout.  To make my layout:

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 086

 
1.  From black cardstock, cut 2 partial 1″ hollow frames.  See photo below.
2.  Cut a sheet of white cardstock into 2 pieces that measure 11-3/4″ x 6″ each.
3.  Cut a sheet of present paper into 2 pieces that measure 11-3/4″ x 6″ each.
4.  Adhere the pieces onto each other and the black frames to create your backgrounds.
5.  From black cardstock, use the Present Border Punch (or other punch) to punch 2 borders.  Adhere these pieces onto the center of your layout as shown in the photo above.
6. Add faux pen stitching to the white cardstock as shown.
7.  From red cardstock, cut four 4″ x 4″ squares and two 6″ x 4″ rectangles.  From black cardstock, cut four 4-1/4″ x 4-1/4″ squares and two 6-1/4″ x 4-1/4″ rectangles.  Adhere red and black pieces together to make double-photo mats.  Crop photos to 3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ and 5-3/4″ x 3-3/4″.
8.  Cut variety mat to 4″ x 4″ and mat.
9.  Punch around 4″ x 4″ squares of black cardstock with the Petal Frame Punch.  Trim pieces with scissors to create bows for your packages.
10.  Cut small squares from red cardstock to stack and use as journaling boxes.
11.  Use the new 3-in-1 Scallop Tag Maker to make small 1″ tags to use as journaling boxes.
12.  Add Merry Little Christmas Stickers and Embellishments using Foam Squares on some.

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 078

 
CM’s new 3-in-1 Scallop Tag Punch has been a popular seller.  It creates tags in a variety of sizes that can be used as journaling boxes, photo mats, or embellishments.  (For a fun activity with your kids and grandkids, use it to punch old Christmas cards to make tags for your presents next Christmas.)  This layout can easily be adapted into a double-page layout.  To make my page:

 


1.  Cut the white print paper to 11-1/2″ x 3-1/4″ and 11-1/2″ x 1-1/2″.  Cut green print paper to 11-1/2″ x 6-1/4″, and adhere the three pieces onto a sheet of 12″ x 12″ black cardstock.  (I really liked using black cardstock with this collection.)
2.  Use the 3-in-1 Scallop Tag Punch to punch two 2-1/2″ tags, and tuck them under the top edge of the green paper.
3.  Add photos, embellishments, and stickers as shown adhering some with Foam Squares.

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 081

 
I really love the saying on the variety mat that I used on my layout above and knew that I had to use it with one of our annual family Christmas photos.  To get a better view of everyone, I always enlarge my  big group photos to 7″ x 5″.  It’s not often that we get a complete family photo, and this photo from a few years ago is no exception.  Quite a few family members are missing, but it still helps to commemorate our Christmas Day spent together.  To play with the saying on the variety mat, I created a Christmas Tree from paper squares.  To make my layout:

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 083

1.  From black cardstock, cut a 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ square, and then cut the square in half on the diagonal.
2.  Cut 1″ squares from the mistletoe and tree print papers and adhere to the black triangle.  Cut some pieces in half on the diagonal to fit on the ends of the rows.
3.  From black cardstock, use the Pine Cone Punch (also sold out) to punch 12 pine cones, layer pieces and adhere.
4  From red cardstock, use the Medallion Punch to punch 6 medallions and trim with your scissors.  See photo below.  Adhere top pieces with Foam Squares and add a black dot for the center.
5.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the Ornaments Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from red cardstock.  (This cartridge sold out quickly when it was first introduced and is expected back in stock in mid-February.)
6.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the (retired) Frame Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch a border from black cardstock and adhere the pieces behind the ornament border.  If you don’t have this cartridge, you may use CM’s old Small Circle Maker to punch 3/4″ circles to place behind the ornaments.
7.  Adhere the ornament border with Foam Squares.
8.  Cut the variety mat to 4″ x 5″ and adhere to a 4-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ black cardstock mat.
9.  Mat photo with a 7-1/4″ x 5-1/4″ black cardstock mat.
10.  Add Merry Little Christmas Embellishments with Foam Squares.

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 084

I had created my little gnome as a Make-N-Take item for my annual Holiday Open House in November and knew that I wanted to use him on the darling gnome print paper – my second favorite sheet in the paper pack.  Although I created this as a single page, you can easily adapt into a double-page layout by duplicating the pieces onto a second sheet.  To make this layout:

 

KarynCropsMerryLittleChristmas - Page 085

1.  Cut white cardstock to 10-1/4″ x 9-1/4″”.  (I cropped my photos to 5″ x 4″.  If you use 6″ x 4″ photos, you may wish to cut a larger piece of white cardstock.)
2.  Use the Dazzle Border Punch to punch the top edge of the white cardstock.
To create the gnome:
1.  Cut the hat by using the Green Blade on the inside edge of the Diamond Cutting Pattern.  Cut in half.  Embellish hat with narrow strip for the rim and a punched piece of greenery.
2.  Use Petal Frame Punch to punch three 4″ x 4″ pieces of grey cardstock.  Use dark and light grey cardstock, and use the Metallic Silver Dual-Tip Pen to add dimension.
3.  Cut the nose using the smallest oval pattern and the green blade on the inside edge, and chalk edge of nose with brown pen.
4.  Adhere gnome with Foam Squares and add Merry Little Christmas Embellishments.
I hope that I’ve given you a few ideas for your Christmas photos and for some of CM’s newest tools!  You may purchase most of the tools that I used through my personal CM link.  I’ll be back again next month with some winter layouts.  Take care until then!

Karyn

Winter Scrapbook Borders – Part 3 of 3

Hello, and welcome to my last post of my Winter Scrapbook Borders series!  These last borders are cheery and Christmas themed.  Again I relied upon some of the latest border punches and cartridges from Creative Memories.  They will also assemble a bit quicker than the last borders that I shared.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 008

Top Border:
1.  Use the new Dazzle Border Punch to punch one end of a 12″ strip of Red Cardstock.  Cut off of your paper at 2-1/4″.
2.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the new Crystal Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch two borders from White Cardstock.
3.  Using scissors, cut one of the crystal chain borders in half.
4.  Assemble as shown.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 009

Middle Border:
1. Cut a 12″ x 2″ strip of Red Cardstock.
2.  Cut a 12″ x 1-3/4″ strip of White Cardstock.
3.  Use the Original Border Maker System and Crystal Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch two borders from Bronze Shimmer Cardstock.
4.  Use the Medallion Punch to punch 5 medallions from Bronze Shimmer Cardstock.
5.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the Heart Duet Border Maker Cartridge to punch hearts from Red Cardstock.
6.  Assemble as shown.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 010

Bottom Border:
1.  Use the new Petal Frame Punch to punch both ends of a 12″ x 3″ strip of Red Cardstock.
2.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the new Ornaments Border Maker Cartridge to punch borders from White and Black Cardstock.
3.  Use the old Mini Circle Maker punch from Creative Memories to punch 3/4″ circles from Red, Goldenrod, and Leaf Green Cardstock.  Or you would use the Original Border Maker System with the old Frame Chain Border Cartridge to punch borders from Red, Goldenrod, and Leaf Green Cardstock.  This cartridge punches a border of small circle pieces that can be cut apart.  Adhere the colored circles behind the white border piece.
4.  Use scissors to cut black ornament border in half and adhere to the top and bottom of the ornament border to create an outline.
5.  Assemble border as shown.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 013

You may purchase the cardstock and tools that I used on my CM website.  Please note that the Ornaments Border Maker Cartridge is currently on backorder.

Thanks so much for visiting with me!  I hope to share some Christmas layouts made with the Merry Little Christmas collection soon.

Karyn

Winter Scrapbook Borders – Part 2 of 3

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 002

Hello!  Today I’m sharing a series of scrapbook borders that I created as a display at my recent Holiday Open House.  I always say that Creative Memories has the best paper crafting tools on the market, and I believe that these borders are excellent proof.  The one tool that I used in all of these borders was our new rotary 12″ Trimmer.  In my over 20 years of scrapbooking, this trimmer is the best that I’ve seen.  It is larger and more sturdy than most and has some handy and unique features.  If you haven’t seen it yet, click here to view a video demonstration.

The borders below offer combinations of some of my more recent favorite stand alone and border punches.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 001.jpg

Top Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 3-3/4″ strip from White Cardstock and punch both sides with the Lace Trim Border Punch.
2.  Cut a 12″ x 3″ strip from Dark Green Cardstock.
3.  Cut a 12″ x 3″ strip from White Cardstock and punch both ends with the Petal Frame Punch.  Cut a 12″ x 3″ strip from Bronze Shimmer Cardstock and punch both ends with the Petal Frame Punch.  Layer the pieces.
4.  Punch a row of birds from Crimson Cardstock using the Songbirds Border Punch.
5.  Cut a 12″ x 1/4″ strip from Brown Cardstock and layer over the birds.
6.  From White and Brown Cardstock, use the Pine Cone Punch to punch pine cones and layer.
7.  Use the Winter Vine Punch to punch a border from Dark Green Cardstock and cut apart with scissors.
8.  Adhere the pieces as shown.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 011

Middle Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 3″ strip from Red Cardstock.
2.  Cut 12″ x 3-1/4″ strip from White Cardstock.
3.  From Brown Cardstock, use the Branch Border Punch to punch a border.
4.  From Dark Green Cardstock, use the Winter Vine Border Punch to punch a border and cut apart with scissors.
5.  From Bronze Shimmer and Brown Cardstock, use the Pine Cone Punch to punch pine cones and layer.
6.  Use the Songbirds Border Punch to punch a bird from Red Cardstock.
7.  Use the Original Border Maker System with the Bubble Border Cartridge to punch dots from Red Cardstock.
8.  Assemble pieces as shown using a Foam Square to attach the bird.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 004

Bottom Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 2-1/2″ strip from Dark Green Cardstock.
2.  Cut a 12″ x 2-1/4″ strip from Bronze Shimmer Cardstock.
3.  From White and Brown Cardstock, use the Branch Border Punch to punch two branch pieces and layer.
4.  From Dark Green Cardstock, use the Winter Vine Border Punch to punch a border and cut apart with scissors.
5.  From Brown and Bronze Shimmer Cardstock, use the Pine Cone Punch to punch pine cones.  Layer and cut into bird nest shapes.
6.  Use the Songbirds Border Punch to punch birds from White, Gray, Red and Black Cardstock.  Cut apart the bird pieces and assemble as shown.
7.  Assemble border as shown.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 003

Tags:
1.  Use the new 3 in 1 Scallop Tag Punch to punch 2-1/2″ x 4″ tags.
2.  Arrange a variety of pieces punched with the Branch Border Punch, Pine Cone Punch, and Songbirds Border Punch onto the tags.
3.  The pine needles are the relief pieces punched with the Original Border Maker System and Simple Leaf Border Cartridge.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 012

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 001

You may purchase the cardstock, 12″ Trimmer and most of the punches used on my Creative Memories website.  For my customers in the Champaign/Urbana area, I have a limited number of Branch Border and Pine Cone Punches available for purchase.

Thanks much for visiting with me today, and check back as I’ll be sharing more border ideas soon.

Karyn

Winter Scrapbook Borders – Part 1 of 3

Hello!  Today I’m sharing a few borders to help get you in a snowy winter mood.  As always, I’m hoping for a white Christmas this year.  I just love a wintery scene of snow covered hills and trees.  And a fresh snowfall can even make a city seem magical at this time of year.  My borders below will be perfect for your winter photos.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 005

Top Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 2-1/2″ strip of Navy Cardstock.
2.  Use the Majestic Mountain Border Punch to punch mountains from White and Dark Green Cardstock.  Layer as shown and adhere punched out white pieces into the centers of the green border.
3.  Tear a 12″ x 2″ strip of White Cardstock.
4. Use the Pine Tree Punch to punch trees from Dark Green and White Cardstock and layer.
5.  Use the Songbirds Border Punch to punch birds from Red Cardstock.
6.  Assemble border as shown using Foam Squares on trees and birds.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 007

Middle Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 3″ strip of Navy Cardstock and use the Original Border Maker with the Midnight Star Border Cartridge to punch one end.
2.  Adhere a 12″ x 1″ strip of Bronze Shimmer Cardstock underneath the punched out stars.
3.  Use the Cityscape Border Punch to punch borders from White and Black Cardstock and layer.
4.  Tear a 12″ x 1-3/4″ and a 12″ x 1″ strip of White Cardstock and layer.
5.  Use the Pine Tree Punch to punch trees from Dark Green and White Cardstock and layer.
6.  Assemble border as shown using a Foam Square on the forward-most tree.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 006

Bottom Border:
1.  Cut a 12″ x 2-3/4″ strip of Navy Cardstock.
2.  Cut a 12″ x 2-1/2″ strip of White Cardstock.
3.  Use the new Dazzle Border Punch to punch a 12″ piece of Navy Cardstock.  Cut off of your cardstock at 2-1/4″.  Punch the other end by staggering the placement of your border into the punch.  Use a Post-It Note to hold in place if needed.
4. Use the Original Border Maker System with the new Crystal Chain Border Maker Cartridge to punch White Cardstock.
5.  Layer pieces and assemble as shown.

Tags:
1.  Use the new 3 in 1 Scallop Tag Punch to punch 2-1/2″ x 4″ pieces of White and Gray Cardstock.
2.  Decorate the white tag with pieces punched with the Original Border Maker and Crystal Chain Border Maker Cartridge.
3.  Decorate the gray tag with torn White Cardstock, a pine tree, and a bird punched with the Songbirds Border Punch.

KarynCropsWinterBorders - Page 005

You may purchase the cardstock and most of the tools that I used on my CM website.  Please note that the Pine Tree Punch is currently on backorder and is expected back in stock in Mid-February.

Thanks for visiting today!  Check back next week as I’ll be sharing Winter Scrapbook Borders – Part 2 of 3!

Karyn