Category Archives: Family Scrapbook Layouts

Border Cutting Tools Layout with Creative Memories Custom Cutting System

Posted in Custom Cutting System, Family Scrapbook Layouts, Summer Scrapbook Layouts, Travel Scrapbook Layouts by

The Custom Cutting System is one of Creative Memories’ premier tools and truly unique in the marketplace. We’ve loved it for years for cutting perfect circles, ovals, hearts and other shapes quickly and easily. It’s a must-have tool for so many scrapbookers!

Earlier this year, CM introduced the exciting new Border Cutting Tools, designed to be used with the Custom Cutting System Mat and Blades. With these new tools, you can now create beautiful decorative borders featuring wave, swell, crest and arch edges — adding even more versatility and creativity to a tool we already love!


Be sure to watch my video for helpful tips and a demonstration on making precise cuts in specific measurements using the Border Cutting Tools with the 13″ x 13″ Cutting Mat!

For my featured layout above, I used the Curves Template along with the exclusive Delicious Memories Paper & Embellishments — such a fun combination!

The exclusive Delicious Memories Paper & Embellishments was my 1st Quarter 2026 Customer Rewards Gift, and I already have a super cute gift planned for the 2nd quarter!

When you shop with me, you’re automatically enrolled in my Customer Rewards Program. I send out quarterly gifts for qualifying purchases as my way of saying thank you for your support.


Please click here to watch my demo video.

I used the same technique for my second layout featuring the new Chasing the Sun Collection!

This bright and cheerful summer collection is full of fun, colorful designs and includes playful icons for the pool, beach and backyard barbequing. It’s the perfect collection for capturing all of your favorite summer memories!

Please click here to shop with me at Creative Memories.

* When shopping on the CM website, please make sure that you have selected an advisor before you click the final payment button. The website has been removing advisor affiliations, so you may need to select an advisor several times. You can search for me by using my name, Karyn McDermaid-Rolfe. You only need my first name and not my zip code.

P.S. Secret Box #2 launches on Monday, April 20th.



LAST CALL for My Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop — May 1st & 2nd!

Don’t miss your chance to join this fun and creative event!

Even if the live dates don’t work for you, all classes will be recorded so you can create at your own pace and on your own schedule.

You’ll receive instructional handouts and videos to complete 5 exclusive double-page layouts that I designed especially for this workshop.

For full details and to register, please click the button below!

Please click here to register now.

LAST CALL for the Creative Life Scrapbooking PJ Party Virtual Crop — April 24th!

Don’t miss this fun and creative event!

If the live date doesn’t work for you, no worries — all Zoom sessions will be recorded so you can create whenever it’s convenient for you.

You’ll receive instructional handouts and videos to complete 7 versatile double-page layouts designed to work with a variety of paper collections and tools.

For full details and to register, please click the button below!

Please click here for information and to register for the April PJ Party Virtual Crop.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Winter Scrapbook Layouts

Posted in Creative Life Scrapbooking, Creative Memories Border Maker Ideas, Family Scrapbook Layouts, Scrapbook Borders, Shape Punches, Technique Layout, Winter Scrapbook Layouts by

Brrr! It’s a blistery 8 degrees here in central Illinois today—absolutely perfect weather for scrapbooking! I’m hunkered down and busy designing layouts that I’ll be teaching at my upcoming weekend scrapbooking retreat on February 12–15. But I also have some other layouts to share with you right now, so you can start creating today!

For my February Technique Layout, I created a beautiful wintery design in shades of blue and tan using the new Winter Bliss Collection from Creative Memories. I also used the Custom Cutting System with the Jumbo Circle Pattern, along with the Gingerbread Border Punch, Dancing Snowflakes Border Punch (sold out), and Ice Skate Punch (retired)—all from Creative Memories. This layout is easily adaptable using any papers and any combination of punches you have on hand.

👉For a step-by-step demonstration, be sure to watch my YouTube video. At this time, there is no printable handout available for this layout.

Last week, Creative Memories introduced the NEW On the Bright Side Collection, featuring the Whimsical Scallop Border Punch. I was delighted to create the marketing layouts for Creative Memories using this cheerful new collection. I loved working with the joyful color palette and playful paper designs—they’re such a treat to create with!

👉You’ll find step-by-step instructions for recreating this layout on the Creative Memories blog.

The Winter Bliss Collection, Gingerbread Border Punch, On the Bright Side Collection, and Whimsical Border Punch are all available for purchase through my Creative Memories website.
👉 Click here to shop with me!

When you shop through my link, you’ll be automatically enrolled in my Customer Rewards Program—and I’m excited to share a brand-new first quarter Customer Rewards gift with you!

Please click here to shop through my Creative Memories website link.

Do you love your Border Maker System and love playing with your Border Maker Cartridges? You’re going to have a lot of fun creating this layout that I created for Creative Life Scrapbooking! I made this super cute layout to showcase photos of me with friends and family wearing our holiday sweaters and t-shirts. I have a fun collection of Life is Good t-shirts that I love wearing during the holiday season. The sweaters on this layout would also look adorable created in shades of blue for a cozy winter-themed layout.

👉You can find the instructional handout in the Shop section of the Creative Life Scrapbooking website.

Would you love some fresh scrapbooking layout ideas? Join me and my scrappy friends for our upcoming Creative Life Scrapbooking PJ Party Virtual Crop — a fun evening of creativity and connection!

We’ll be sharing 7 double-page layouts, each featuring a unique scrapbooking technique. These layouts are versatile and perfect for helping you scrap your stash!

The virtual crop begins on Friday, January 23rd with our Zoom session. We’ll create 4 layouts together on Zoom, and the instructions for 3 more additional layouts are shared in the private Facebook group for the event. The private group is open so you can begin printing the instructional handouts and creating the Pre-Party Layouts. The Zoom sessions will also be recorded, and you’ll have an entire month to complete your layouts for door prize entries. Plus you’ll enjoy an entire month of inspiration as participants share hundreds of layout examples following the live event!

💰 Special Offer: Register now with our COMBO for all 4 PJ Parties in 2026 and receive a discounted price!

👉 For details and to register, visit: www.creativelifescrapbooking.com.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Punched & Folded Scrapbook Border

Posted in Beach Scrapbook Layouts, Border Punches, Family Scrapbook Layouts, Summer Scrapbook Layouts, Technique Layout by

I focused on the border punches from Creative Memories for my August Technique Layout & Challenge. This technique will work with border punches that punch on the edge of paper or cardstock or knockout a design from the paper or cardstock. This technique will not work for a chain style border punch.

With this quick and easy technique, you only need to punch both ends of a strip of tonal paper and fold! Make sure to select a paper that has a different color tonal design on each side and use the 12-Inch Trimmer with the Scoring Blade to get a nice fold. The size of your strip will depend upon the border punch that you use. For my example above, I used the (retired) Bubble Scallop Border Punch with the Sun-Soaked Collection and my strip was 12″ x 4″.

For my layout above, I used the Noteworthy Days Collection, Floral Essential Embellishments and the (retired) Scalloped Crochet Border Punch. My strip for this border was larger at 12″ x 4-3/4″.

Please view my video to see a step-by-step demonstration of creating my first layout.

Please click here to view video.

For a printable instructional handout, please click below to download.

KarynCropsTechTues73HandoutDownload

Make sure to check back in a week or two when I’ll share another variation of this technique! You can check out all of the new items from Creative Memories and place an order using my website link. With your purchase, you’ll be enrolled in my own Customer Rewards Program.

Please click here for the Creative Memories website.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Life at the Lake Postage Stamp Layout

Posted in Family Scrapbook Layouts, Outdoor Scrapbook Layouts, Summer Scrapbook Layouts, Travel Scrapbook Layouts by

Today I’m sharing another postage stamp layout with you. I really love the look of the two layouts that I created and shared earlier in the month, so I created a third layout using the 12-Inch Trimmer and Postage Stamp Blade from Creative Memories. Make sure to check out my blog post from July 8th for a look at my Monthly Technique Layout & Challenge Layouts.

For my layout above, I used the Postage Stamp Blade to create some decorative stamps as a border. I filled the stamp shapes with embellishments and a cut down variety mat, and I adhered the stamps with Foam Squares for dimension. All of the decorative elements and paper are from the Life at the Lake Collection. Make sure to view my new demo video for a discussion about the Stamping Blade and for some tips for using it to get the correct pattern. You may purchase all of the tools and materials that I used at my website link with Creative Memories.

Please click here to view my video.

To Create My Layout:

1. Cut a 9″ x 11″ piece of Bright White Cardstock using the 12-Inch Trimmer with the Stamping Blade. Please view my video first for tips on using the blade and getting the correct pattern.
2. Cut (2) 3-1/4″ x 4-5/8 and (1) 5-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ photo mats from Island Waters Cardstock. Cut (2) 5-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ photo mats from log paper. Adhere the mats to the white piece as shown.
3. Use the 12-Inch Trimmer with Stamping Blade to cut postage stamp pieces to size from Bright White Cardstock. My pieces are: 2-1/4″ x 2-3/4″, 2-1/4″ x 3-1/8″, 2-1/4″ x 2-1/8″ and 2-1/4″ x 3″.
4. Cut rectangles from log paper that measure: 1-7/8″ x 2-3/8″, 1-7/8″ x 2-13/16″, 1-3/4″ and 2-5/8″. Center and adhere the pieces to the white stamp pieces.
5. Adhere embellishments to the stamps as shown. Cut a variety mat to 1-3/4″ x 2-11/16″ and adhere to the largest stamp piece.
6. Arrange the stamp pieces and the photo panel on a sheet of plaid paper for spacing and adhere. Adhere the stamps with Foam Squares.
7. Use the 12-Inch Trimmer with Stamping Blade to cut a 3-7/8″ x 1-1/4″ piece from Bright White Cardstock. Cut a 3-9/16″ x 1″ piece from log paper. Cut a 3-1/2″ x 7/8″ title from a variety mat. Layer and adhere the pieces. Adhere the finished piece with Foam Squares as shown.

Today – July, 21, 2025 – Creative Memories launched a new collection called Berry Harvest. This collection features vintage prints and sweet icons that are perfect for summer layouts. The Buy-It-All Bundle that includes all of the items in the collection and also the new Canning Jars Border Punch and the Mason Jar Build-A-Punch is available for 10% off with a FREE Project Playbook until noon CT on August 1st or while supplies last. Today’s product launch also includes Secret Box #3. This Secret Box is priced at 10% off and includes an exclusive Border Maker Cartridge!



To see and order the new items, please click here.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Graphic Triangle Layout

Posted in Children Scrapbook Layouts, Family Scrapbook Layouts, Technique Layout by

You’re going to love my new Technique Layout for February! It’s easy, has great visual appeal, and is a double-page layout! You’ll only need your 12-Inch Trimmer, a few sheets of cardstock and a double-sided designer sheet of paper to create this fun layout!

I used a sheet of double-sided paper and embellishments from the new Outdoor Play Bundle from Creative Memories. Outdoor Play is one of 7 paper/embellishments bundles that was released as part of the new Growing Up Collection. Growing Up features milestones from youth through the teenage years, and the coordinating bundles contain fun icon prints and embellishments for classic play themes. The additional bundles include Indoor Play, Hello, Lovely, Rollin’ Good Times, Epic Adventures, Magical Moments and Outdoor Play.

When selecting your paper for this layout, make sure that you like the prints on both sides of the paper and that they coordinate. For your background cardstock, select a color that provides a nice contrast from the designer paper. Select a coordinating cardstock color for your photo mats.

The layout is made with 6″ x 6″ squares that I cut into triangles. Please see my YouTube video for a demonstration on creating this layout and to also see a second version that I created with the Noteworthy Days Collection also from Creative Memories.

Please click here to view my video.

I’ve also created a free printable instructional handout for this technique layout. Please click below for the downloadable file.

KarynCropsTechTue67HandoutDownload



You may purchase the materials that I used for both of my layouts and the 12-Inch Trimmer at Creative Memories. I so appreciate your purchases made with my CM website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program!

Please click here to place an order.


Have fun creating this layout!

Karyn

Thanksgiving Turkey Scrapbook Layout

Posted in Autumn Scrapbook Layouts, Fall Scrapbook Layouts, Family Scrapbook Layouts by

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends and followers in the USA! I hope that you enjoy a memory-making day filled with your loved ones. Thank you so much for following my blog and for your support of my small business. I am grateful for you. To celebrate the holiday, I created a fun Thanksgiving layout with some funky turkeys and a free downloadable handout.

For my layout, I used the Autumn Cottage Paper, and Stickers, Variety Mats, Vellum Paper, and Layered Border Embellishments from Creative Memories. This collection is now sold out, but you may still find some pieces from your favorite CM advisor or substitute with other materials. To create the turkeys, I used the Custom Cutting System with Circle Patterns, Festive Light Bulb Punch and the Flames and Drops Punch all from Creative Memories. The Festive Light Bulb Punch is also sold out with the company, but please reach out to your CM advisor. The Flames and Drops Punch was an exclusive punch that had been available through a past promotion.

I so appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program. I’ll be mailing my 4th Quarter Customer Rewards Gifts at the end of December. You’ll receive a gift from me for your $150 in purchases for the 4th Quarter.

As a little Thanksgiving gift for you, I created a free printable handout with my layout instructions. I hope that you enjoy creating my funky turkeys!

ThanksgivingTurkeyLayoutHandoutDownload

Happy Thanksgiving!
Karyn

Creating Dimension & Texture on Scrapbook Layouts

Posted in Creative Life Scrapbooking, Family Scrapbook Layouts, Heart Scrapbook Layouts, Scrapbook Page Layouts by

I used the Denim Revival Collection from Creative Memories in some fun ways to add dimension and texture to my layouts. I’m a gal who loves her blue jeans! I can wear them every day and dress them up when I need. But mostly when I think of denim, I think of my favorite pair of Levis that are worn in just perfect and frayed on the bottoms. I used this inspiration to create fringe details that give my Denim Revival layouts a warm and fussy feeling.

The Denim Revival Collection from Creative Memories is full of great denim prints and great neutrals in a variety of shades and patterns. I love how the distressed shades of brown and tan complement the denim prints and make great contrast for creating fringe! Just like our blue jeans, you can dress these papers up or down to create many different kinds of feminine and masculine layouts. Plus, the denim papers can be paired with many of our other CM collections. The Denim Revival Embellishments, Stickers and Variety Mats contain great everyday titles and icons that can be used for most any kind of layouts.

For my first layout, I used the Custom Cutting System with the smallest heart from the Gemstones Cutting Patterns to cut a heart from a denim paper. I used the Micro-Tip Scissors to cut out the center of the heart and add snips to both the inside and outside edges to create fringe. To see a demo, please view my YouTube video. (After you finish watching my video, I would greatly appreciate if you would also subscribe to you channel.)

To create the hearts on the left and right, I used the Custom Cutting System with the smallest heart from the Gemstones Cutting Pattern to cut two hearts from cardstock. I cut fringed strips and adhered them at an angle to create the heart on the left. I filled the heart on the right with scraps and used my Brown Dual-Tip Pen to add faux stitching to create a patchwork heart.

For my second layout, I created more fringed pieces to add texture and interest. The border on the left is 4″ x 12″, and the border on the right is 2″ x 12″. The fringed strips are 3/4″ x 12″. I used the Square Punch from Creative Memories to punch 1-3/4″ x 1-3/4″ squares and used the Micro-Tip Scissors to cut my snips to make fringe.

For tips on cutting the fringe pieces, please click here to view my video.

I created my last layout for Creative Life Scrapbooking and shared it for Featured Project Friday on July 19th. You can find a printable handout with instructions on our Creative Life Scrapbooking website at www.creativelifescrapbooking.com. I also created a video demo for CLS on how to create my large fluffy fringed flowers. You can view that video on our Creative Life Scrapbooking YouTube channel.

Please click here to purchase the Denim Revival Collection and other Creative Memories items.

I so appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program. I have a great third quarter Custom Rewards Gift to share with you for your $150 purchases in July, August and September!

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Chevron Grid Layout with Creative Memories 12″ Trimmer

Posted in Family Scrapbook Layouts, Scrapbook Page Layouts, Summer Scrapbook Layouts, Technique Layout by

If you scroll through my blog posts or Pinterest Board, you’ll see that over the years I’ve shared several layouts with a chevron feature. But the technique that I’m sharing today is unique in that I also show how to cut top and bottom pieces for a chevron border or grid. It’s so easy to cut these pieces using the 45-degree angle on the Creative Memories 12″ Trimmer!

For my first layout, I used the Full of Wonder Collection with Bright White and Dark Sea Green Cardstock. I started with 3-3/4″ x 12″ pieces of designer paper that I folded in half on the long edge and cut on the 45-degree angle at 1-3/4″. My photo mats are 3-3/4″ x 5-3/4″. I used the same measurements to create the golf layout below during my video recording. Please see my YouTube channel for a demonstration of how to cut the top, middle and bottom chevron pieces.

Please click here to view my demonstration video.

My second layout features an additional column and an extra row of chevrons. For this layout, I cut strips of designer paper to 2-3/4″ x 12″, folded the strips in half on the long edge and cut at 1″ intervals on the 45-degree angle. My photos mats are 2-3/4″ x 5″, and the center strips are 3/4″ x 5-3/4″ and 1″ x 5-3/4″. Please view my video for a demonstration on cutting the chevron pieces.

Please take note when using designer papers with a directional pattern. Please experiment with scrap paper first so you know how to cut the directional paper. You’ll want to cut with the pattern upside-down. (You’ll notice in my layout above that one of my wave pieces was cut up-side down.)

For this layout, I used the Summer Break Collection with Bright While and Blue Cardstock. I cut variety mats for the straight center strips in the middle of the layout.

Please click here to view my demonstration video.

If you haven’t yet purchased Creative Memories 12″ Trimmer, you might be interested in the Complete Trimmer Bag Bundle that launched yesterday (August 5, 2024). With this bundle you’ll receive the 12″ Trimmer, NEW Photo Trimmer, NEW Rainbow Dots Trimmer Bag (not sold separately), All-Purchase Scissors and Micro-Tip Scissors at a discounted price. There are also two additional bundles to consider.

(The new Trimmer Bundles sold out quickly yesterday and are on back-order. Please place your orders NOW to reserve yours when they come back in stock at the end of August. As CM is taking pre-orders and the Trimmer Bag is a limited-edition item, these bundles will likely sell out before they come back in stock at the end of the month.)


The NEW Photo Trimmer replaces CM’s old Personal Trimmer and has many great updates including a larger surface to cut up to an 8″ x 10″ photo. It will be available for purchase separately on August 26th. For more info, please see the CM website.

Please click here to see and purchase Creative Memories items.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch Layouts

Posted in Family Scrapbook Layouts, Outdoor Scrapbook Layouts, Scrapbook Borders, Scrapbook Page Layouts, Summer Scrapbook Layouts by

Who loves FREE scrapbooking tools and materials? Right now, during Creative Memories current promotion, you have your choice of 2 FREEBIE bundles to select from with a purchase of $135US. You can opt for the Scenic Lighthouse Bundle or the Hello Sunshine Bundle, or with a $270US purchase you can get both bundles for free! The promo is scheduled to end at noon CT on May 31st or while supplies last.

The Scenic Lighthouse Bundle is very lovely with a pack of 3 watercolor sticker sheets and the single Lighthouse Punch. It will be great for layouts of your scenic shoreline photos. But the Hello Sunshine Bundle is my favorite of the two. I love the bright fun colors and super cute icons in the Hello Sunshine Embellishments, and I love the versatility of the Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch. You can use it to punch decorative circles, borders and corners.

For my first layout, I used designer papers from CM’s Summer Break Paper Pack, Canary and Tangerine Cardstocks, and Hello Sunshine Embellishments. I cut a hollow frame from Canary Cardstock and adhered a 11-1/2″ x 11-1/2″ piece of designer paper. I used the Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch to punch two borders from Canary and Tangerine Cardstocks. Please view my video for a demonstration of how I punched the borders. I used the Custom Cutting System with the largest Circle Pattern and Blue Blade on the inside edge to cut the circles for the borders. And I used Foam Squares to adhere the embellisments.

To create my second layout, I used papers, a variety mat, a sticker and an embellishment from the Summer Break Collection and also the Hello Sunshine Embellishments. I used the Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch to punch decorative circles from Canary Cardstock. I used the Custom Cutting System with the smallest Circle Pattern and the Green and Blue Blades on the outside edge to cut circles from designer paper and Pumpkin Cardstock. Please view my video for a demo on punching the decorative circles with the Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch.

Please click here to view my demonstration video.

The Summer Break Collection is available for purchase through my Creative Memories website link and with a $135US purchase, you can receive the Hello Sunshine Bundle for FREE! Don’t delay in ordering as the bundles could run out before the end of the promotion period.

Please click here to place an order.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn