For my post today, I’m double-dipping a bit! I’m sharing one page from my exclusive National Scrapbook Day layouts as my Monthly Technique Layout.
My National Scrapbook Day layouts are exclusive and will only be shared with those who register for my event. But I wanted to give you a little sneak peek so you can get a feel for what you can expect from my layouts!
I can’t wait to share the full projects with everyone who joins me for my Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop! I’ll host Zoom sessions on May 1st and 2nd, and all instructional videos and handouts will be available indefinitely in a private Facebook group for the event.
Just like this page, all of my NSD layouts are beautiful with lots of layers and fine details. I downplayed the chicken elements and focused more on the floral aspects of the materials to create more versatile layouts.
This page is one half of a double-page layout, and I’ve created five double-page layouts in total that I’ll be sharing during my Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop. I’m really excited about these designs and can’t wait to create them together with those who attend!
I used the NSD 2026 Project Bundle to create my layouts and extra sheets of Bright White Cardstock. I also used the new Sunflower Chain Border Punch and the new Spring Blooms Build-a-Punch all from Creative Memories.
Please note that the original NSD Project Bundle has sold out with CM. There is a smaller bundle now available that does not include the Project Recipe Kit that I also used. If you will be participating in my Virtual NSD and need a bundle, please reach out to me.
To watch me create this layout, please view my YouTube video and make sure to subscribe! Click below for a printable instructional handout.
PLEASE NOTE: If you will be joining me for my Virtual NSD Workshop, please DO NOT create this layout until the event. You will need to create it in sequential order with the other layouts, so you’ll have the correct amount of paper pieces to complete ALL of the layouts.
I received such great feedback about my technique layout last month that I decided to share another similar idea this month for adding texture to scrapbook layouts using Shape Punches. This time I created monochromatic texture by using one punch instead of multiple punches. Make sure to see my post and layout from April if you missed them.
For my first layout, I used the Spring Soiree and Mandevilla Punch from Creative Memories to create a pretty spring layout. I cut my strips on a diagonal and used Foam Squares to add punched pieces to each strip to create the monochromatic texture. I embellished my layout with flowers and a title from the current Floral Essentials Bundle. When you purchase the bundle, you’ll receive six packs of Floral Essential Embellishments in red, orange, yellow, teal, blue and purchase. You’ll also receive a FREE pack of This Life Word Embellishments that coordinate with the flower embellishments. The colors of the flowers and word titles also coordinate with many of CM’s other current collections.
I used the Sun-Soaked Collection and the Embossed Blossoms Punch to create my second layout. Again, I used Bright White Cardstock for my background and Floral Essential Embellishments and This Life Word Embellishments to complete my page. For this layout, I adhered my strips horizontally and used vertical photo mats. Please see my video for a demo on cutting the diagonal ends on the strips.
You may purchase all of the tools and materials that I used for both of my layouts at www.creativememories.com/user/karyn. I so appreciate your purchases and offer a generous Customer Rewards Program!
Have you printed your summer photos yet? Although we may be enjoying some beautiful fall colors and weather, I have some summer scrapbook layouts to share with you. I originally created these layouts for Creative Life Scrapbooking.
Each of the layout photos below was shared to our Creative Life Scrapbooking Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest accounts. Make sure to like and follow us to see the incredible layouts that our 7 designers share each week!
I used the Sweet Summer Collection and coordinating cardstocks to create my first two layouts. Look on the packaging of our Creative Memories paper packs to see a list of coordinating cardstock colors! I also used the Custom Cutting System and the 12-Inch Trimmer with the Scallop and Perforating Blades to create my ice cream cones.
For my second layout, I used the Custom Cutting System to create my POOL letters. I used the Custom Cutting System and the Rubber Duck Punch to create my fun floaty. I also used the Original Border Maker System with the Double Rickrack Chain Border Maker Cartridge on both layouts.
For my next layout, I used some older papers and stickers. And I used the Firecracker Punch (that is currently on sale in the Last Chance section of the Creative Memories website) and the retired Double Star Punch to create some fun quilt-inspirated squares for my Fourth of July layout. I love the fun pattern that these pieces created!
For my last layout, I created a large chunky border of fun flowers. I used shades of red and yellow to match my photos, but it would look great done in other colors too! I used the Custom Cutting System, Leafy Vine Border Punch, Black Sans Serif ABC/123 Letter Stickers, and papers from some of our tonal paper packs. Don’t forget the faux pen stitching on this one – it really adds a lot!
While you’re at our website, you might also consider joining the Creative Life Scrapbooking team for our November 3rd PJ Party Virtual Crop. We’ll be sharing 7 double-page layouts that are versatile so you can use your stash and use the layouts for many different types of photographs. These are exclusive layouts that we won’t share elsewhere, and each layout features a technique or unique feature. We’ll record the live Zoom sessions so they can be viewed at your leisure.
Although it was late coming this year, I’ve been enjoying our spring weather and the spring blooms in my garden. My peonies just finished blooming, but I can enjoy photos of them year-round in my scrapbook album!
And I also used the Painted Garden Collection to create the two layouts below for Creative Life Scrapbooking.
To embellish my first layout, I used a mix of the Painted Garden Embellishments, Stickers and Variety Mats. I also used the Rustic Fence Border Punch and the Floral Peaks Border Punch. I used the Original Border Maker System with the Citrus Slice Border Maker Cartridge to create the wheel for my garden wheelbarrow.
For my second layout, I created a beautiful border treatment by creating tiny envelopes and filling them with embellishments. The Painted Garden Embellishments are my favorite item in this collection. The pack is full of flowers, berries, butterflies, bees and humming birds! I used the Envelope & Bow Creator from Creative Memories to create my envelopes. This is a nifty tool for creating envelopes of all sizes and also bows!
My instructions include a video demonstration of how to use the Envelope & Bow Creator to make the envelopes and also written instructions for creating the envelopes with our 12-Inch Trimmer instead.
I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program and appreciation your purchases through my Creative Memories website link!
I had fun creating an adorable layout with the new exclusive Ladybugs Punch and Paper that are part of Creative Memories current promotion. With $135US in purchases, you can select either the Ladybugs Bundle or the Unbe-leaf-able Bundle for FREE! You can receive both bundles with a $270 purchase.
The promo ends on April 25th at noon CT, but it’s common for our items to run out before the end of the promo. So don’t delay in purchasing! Which freebie bundle will you select?
I used the super cute Ladybug Paper and Punch to create this super sweet layout! The left border is 4″ x 12″ with an 1/8″ trim of Black Cardstock and a border punched from White Cardstock with the Original Border Maker Cartridge and Woven Scallop Border Maker Cartridge from Creative Memories. The Woven Scallops BMC is an exclusive cartridge, and I’m glad to ship one to you! Please contact me for details.
I cut ovals and circles using the Custom Cutting System to create my flower. I layered ladybugs punched from Black and Cranberry Cardstocks, and adhered them with Foam Squares. The background paper is from the new Totally Tonal Red Paper Pack.
I appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program. Don’t forget that the Promo ends on August 25th at Noon CT or while supplies last.
P.S. Don’t forget to register for the Creative Life Scrapbooking PJ Party Virtual Crop on April 28th. The page classes will be recorded if you can’t join us on Zoom. Click here for more info and to register.
Hello! I hope your new year is off to a great start! I’m back with my monthly technique layout and challenge. Please use this technique to create a layout and share it with me in the appropriate album in Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook for an entry into my monthly door prize drawing!
I used the Damask Flourish Frame Punch from Creative Memories to create this beautiful multi-colored border. I punched borders from 4 different coordinating sheets of designer paper, cut the borders apart and reconstructed the pieces to create the bottom border on my layout. I love how the pretty pieces pop on the White Lined Paper that I used for the background. I also love the subtle chevron pattern that was created by the narrow spaces between the pieces.
For my layout, I used paper from the Vivid Melodies Collection from Creative Memories. Vivid Melodies is comprised of 4 paper packs that all coordinate with each other. The Capris Blue, Butterscotch, Jazzberry and Lime Tart Paper packs contain sheets of designer papers with the same patterns but in different colors. The colors are of the same tone, so they mix and match beautifully. There are also coordinating embellishments and stickers for the Vivid Melodies Collection.
After I photographed my layout, I looked at it upside down and decided that I might prefer the larger border at the top of the page. What do you think? Do you like the bigger border at the top or bottom? It’s certainly beautiful both ways!
You may purchase all of the materials and the Damask Flourish Frame Punch through my Creative Memories website link. I appreciate your purchases and offer a generous Customer Rewards Program that is starting new for 2023.
It’s also time to register for our up-coming Creative Life Scrapbooking PJ Party Virtual Crop on January 27th. The live Zoom sessions will be recorded, and we furnish printable handouts. So you can create our layouts at your leisure if you can’t crop along on the 27th. We’ll have a private Facebook group for the event where 100s of examples of our layouts will be shared for added inspiration. You’ll receive instructions for 7 double-page layouts that feature multiple photos and are versatile for easy substitution of tools and materials. There are no special supplies to purchase. Just use your stash! For more info and to register, please see our website at www.creativelifescrapbooking.com. (The discounted Combo will be available through the end of the month.)
What a fickle spring this has been! Beautiful weather one day and back to winter the next. Although my spring blooms are behind schedule this year, I can enjoy a few photos from last spring with this pretty page that I created for Creative Life Scrapbooking. I used the lovely Endless Meadows Collection from Creative Memories and the new Wildflowers and Field Fence Border Punches.
You might be interested in joining our PJ Party Virtual Crop on Friday, April 29th. We’ll meet on Zoom to create 5 double-page layouts together. Plus there will be 2 more additional layouts shared. If you can’t crop along on the 29th, you can still register for access to our recorded videos and printable handouts. We create double-page layouts that hold several photos. The layout designs are versatile so you can use materials that you already own. And we offer tool substitution suggestions. Please see our website for more information and to register.
Here’s a layout that I shared with the followers of my private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers. I shared the layout technique and challenged them to use the technique to create a layout and share a photo into the group for an entry into my Monthly Door PrizeDrawing! Again I used the Endless Meadows Collection for this layout.
I used the 12-Inch Trimmer with the Scallop and Scoring Blades and an easy cutting and folding technique to create the decorative panels in the center of the layout. For instructions, please see and subscribe to my Karyn Crops YouTube Channel.
I created one last layout with the Endless Meadows Collection. This was another layout that I shared with Creative Life Scrapbooking. To create my pretty border, I used the new Circle Chain Border Maker Cartridge with the Spring Leaf Punch and the old Blooming Medallion Punch. You can easily substitute any flower punch.
You’ll find the beautiful Endless Meadows Collection and most of the tools that I used on my Creative Memories site. I appreciate all of your orders and offer a generous Customer Rewards Program.
PS. Check out my newest On-Demand Page Class offering! You can now purchase access to my super cute National Scrapbook Day Layouts. Look at the top menu bar of this page or click here to see all of the classes that I offer.
Yesterday advisors and customers from all over the world opened our Secret Boxes that we bought last month from Creative Memories. The contents of the Secret Box were a surprise, and we purchased the boxes on the good faith that we would love the contents – and CM did not disappoint! This is the third Secret Box that CM has offered, and each one has contained a paper pack, stickers or embellishments, a tool and some other small surprises. I’ve been happy with each Secret Box, and I especially love this one! Our next Secret Box will be available to purchase in August with an open date in September.
Flowers make me happy! And sweet smelling roses are one of my favorites! So I was thrilled with the Shabby Chic Rose Paper and Embellishments. And I can make my own rose embellishments and borders with the Blooming Medallion Punch! After opening my box yesterday, I did just that. I pulled out all of my different shades of red cardstock and started to play. Currently CM offers three shades of red cardstock – Cranberry, Crimson and Firecracker Shimmer. Recently our product line also included Red and Scarlet Cardstock. Each shade looks great with the Shabby Chic Rose Paper, and I created multi-dimensional roses by adhering a 1″ circle behind each punched piece.
I rummaged through my collection of current and retired punches and border maker cartridges and created a set of borders that range from simple to more intricate. I paired my borders with Dark Green and Charcoal Cardstock and used Foam Squares to add additional dimension.
I created these simple borders by layering the Blooming Medallion Punch pieces with 1″ circles in a variety of the red cardstock shades that I mentioned above. I used from left to right, the Garden Vine Border Punch, the Climbing Vine Border Maker Cartridge with Spring Leaf Punch and the On the Vine Border Punch. The Climbing Vine Border Maker Cartridge and Spring Leaf Punch are current items that are available for purchase.
The Blooming Medallion Punch coordinates nicely with so many of our past and current punches and border maker cartridges! The combinations seem endless! I used from top to bottom, the Simple Leaf Border Maker Cartridge, Wheatfield Border Punch and Rose Chain Border Maker Cartridge and the Doily Border Punch with Spring Leaf Punch. The Spring Leaf Punch is a current item that is available for purchase.
My last set of borders are a bit more intricate and include a few more layers. For these, I used the new 5 Leaf Punch and the new Spring Leaf Punch with some recently retired border punches. I always like to create and show new ways to use our older tools as I know that so many of you have purchased these in the past.
Border on Left: 1. Use the Baroque Border Punch to punch a border from Charcoal Cardstock, and cut off of cardstock at 2-1/2″. 2. Cut a strip of Dark Green Cardstock to 1-3/8″ x 12″. Cut a strip of Light Gray Cardstock to 1-1/4″ x 12″. Layer and adhere pieces to the baroque border. 3. Use the Blooming Medallion Punch to punch roses from Cranberry Cardstock. Use the old Mini Circle Punch to punch 1″ circles from Scarlet Cardstock. Layer and adhere the pieces. Use Foam Squares to adhere to the border piece. 4. Use the Spring Leaf Punch to punch leaves from Dark Green Cardstock, and adhere as shown.
Middle Border: 1. Use the Argyle Border Punch to punch a border from Dark Green Cardstock. 2. Use the Blooming Medallion Punch to punch roses from Firecracker Shimmer Cardstock. Use the old Mini Circle Punch to punch 1″ circles from Crimson Cardstock. Layer and adhere the pieces. Use Foam Squares to adhere to the border piece. 3. Use the Spring Leaf Punch to punch leaves from Dark Green Cardstock, and adhere as shown. 4. Use the Songbirds Border Punch to punch a border from Charcoal Cardstock. Cut apart with scissors, and adhere to border as shown.
Border on Right: 1. Use the Lattice Border Punch to punch a border from Charcoal Cardstock. 2. Use the Blooming Medallion Punch to punch roses from Cranberry Cardstock. Use the old Mini Circle Punch to punch 1″ circles from Scarlet Cardstock. Layer and adhere the pieces. Use Foam Squares to adhere to the border piece. 3. Use the 5 Leaf Punch to punch leaves from Dark Green Cardstock, and adhere to border as shown.
I hope that I’ve inspired you to pull out some of your old punches and border maker cartridges and play! I would love to see what you create. Please feel free to share your creations on Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook.
Please note that Creative Memories is offering a $20 off Promo beginning at noon CT on Monday, June 14th. You may also wish to check out our current Cardstock Buffets that are offering some limited edition cardstock colors and paper paper packs along with some free gifts with purchase. Click here to use my Creative Memories website link to shop.
The Art NouveauCollection and the Dragonfly Punch were released earlier this spring, but I just recently had time to play with both. I thought that the dragonfly image pairs nicely with the art deco / arts & crafts vibe of the Art Nouveau Collection. This collection is absolutely beautiful and is great for formal, heritage and vintage photographs and layouts. I love the color palette of greens, teals and mustard yellows.
For my first layout, I used the Dragonfly Punch and the Original Border Maker System with the Climbing Vine Border Maker Cartridge to create a textured overlay for the beautiful sheet of designer paper. This layout will be lovely for some photos of the entire family.
To Create My Layout:
1. Cut a 1″ hollow frame from Dark Sea Green Cardstock. 2. Cut a sheet of designer paper to 11-1/2″ x 11-1/2″, and adhere to the hollow frame. 3. Use the Original Border Maker System with the Climbing Vine Border Maker Cartridge to punch borders from Dark Sea Green Cardstock and mustard yellow designer paper. Trim borders to 4″, overlap, and adhere to layout as shown using Repositionable Tape. 4. Use the Dragonfly Punch to punch eight dragonflies from mustard yellow designer paper, and adhere to the layout as shown using Repositionable Tape. 5. From mustard yellow designer paper, cut two 7″ x 2-1/2″ strips. 6. From Dark Sea Green Cardstock, cut two 6-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ photo mats. Adhere mats and strips as shown. 7. Add stickers using Foam Squares.
For my second page, I was inspired by a layout that I created for the Creative Memories Blog earlier this spring. I replaced the Cross Punch with the Dragonfly Punch for great results. I love how the dragonfly image works so nicely with the materials in this layout!
Since both of these pages were created with the same collection, they will look beautiful side-by-side in album. Or you can easily adapt both of these pages into double-page layouts. To see another version of this layout that I created with the Keep the Faith Collection and the Cross Punch for Creative Memories, please see the CM Blog.
To Create My Layout:
1. Cut a 1″ hollow frame from Dark Sea Green Cardstock. 2. Cut a piece of light colored designer paper to 11-1/2″ x 4-1/2″, and adhere to the top of the layout. 3. Cut a piece of dark colored designer paper to 11-1/2″ x 7″, and adhere to the bottom of the layout. 4. Cut a 12″ x 1″ strip of designer paper, adhere on the overlapping seam of the papers, and add a border sticker. 5. Cut two photo mats to 4-1/4″ x 6-1/4″, and adhere to the center of the layout. 6. Use the Dragonfly Punch to punch seven dragonflies from a variety of designer paper. 7. From the same paper as the dragonflies, cut 1/4″ strips. 8. Arrange the strips and dragonflies as indicated, trim strips as needed, and adhere. 9. Add embellishments and stickers with Foam Squares.
I created a third layout using the Art Nouveau Collection and the new Geometric Frame Punch and recently shared this layout with Creative Life Scrapbooking. I love how the Geometric Frame Punch can have a formal art deco look as well as a fun and funky look. Please see Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook for the instructions to this last layout.
I hope that I inspired you today! If you love any of these tools and/or materials, you may purchase them through my Creative Memories website link. Please note that CM has a new promotion beginning on Monday, May 24th at noon CT that includes FREE SHIPPING on orders of $80!
I just shared the layouts below with Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook for Featured Project Friday and wanted to share them here also with you. I started with small squares and used the Two-WayCorner Rounder from Creative Memories to create tear-drop shapes that I arranged into a mandala pattern. To mimic a sunflower, I used the lovely Boho Escape Collection for my first layout.
To create my layout:
Cut a 1″ hollow frame from olive green designer paper.
Cut oval patterned designer paper to 11- 1/2″ x 11-1/2″, and adhere to the frame.
Use Custom Cutting System with the smallest Circle Pattern and Green Blade on the outside edge to cut a circle from olive green designer paper.
Use Centering Ruler to center the circle on the page, and adhere.
Cut 14 squares that measure 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″.
Cut 28 squares that measure 1″ x 1″ from two different papers.
Use the Two-WayCorner Rounder to punch two opposite corners of each square.
Use Brown Dual-Tip Pen to outline the pieces.
Arrange your pattern to determine spacing before adhering. Work from the center out, and use Repositionable Tape to adhere in case you need to adjust.
I really loved this layout and started thinking about different adaptations. One of my ideas was to use the same mandala-inspired pattern to make a peacock-inspired layout using the peacock patterned paper in the Emerald Gemstones Paper pack. Since the peacock paper has a directional pattern, I had to cut my squares on a diagonal in order to preserve the peacock shape that’s imprinted on the paper. Please view of my video for a step-by-step demonstration.
You may purchase the tools and materials that I used through my Creative Memories website link. Please follow me and my teammates at Creative Life Scrapbooking to see weekly ideas for Border Maker Monday and Featured Project Friday. We also host virtual crops, and our next PJ Party Virtual Crop will be on April 30th. Click here for more information and to register.
Don’t forget to register for my up-coming National Scrapbook Day Workshop on Saturday, April 17th. Please click here for more info.
