Chevron Grid Layout with Creative Memories 12″ Trimmer

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.

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.

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.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Perfectly Patriotic Punched Frame Scrapbook Layout

I hope that you’ve been having a wonderful summer so far! Mine has been busy with visiting family and a two-week stay by my granddaughter. I can’t wait to relive all of the fun when I scrapbook my photographs! The layout below will be perfect for some of my photos from our Independence Day celebration.

For my layout, I used the Perfectly Patriotic Paper and Stickers from Creative Memories and also the older Double Star Punch and the Fireworks Punch. This is a super versatile technique that you can use with any other shape punches and materials! Some of my croppers have made this layout using other punches such as the Firecracker, Sunshine, Rainbow, Striped Umbrella, Pineapple, Duck, Daisy and Bumblebee Punches.

For a video demonstration of how to create this layout, please see my video at Karyn Crops on YouTube. Make sure to scroll through my channel and subscribe as I have now shared 43 different technique videos!


Creative Memories launched a new promotion on Monday. With a $150 purchase, you can select one of four exclusive product bundle for free! The bundles feature unique items that won’t be available for purchase and have a retail value of $42.50-$43.50. With larger purchases, you can select more than one free bundle!

It’s great to stock up on basic items like Page and Tape Refills, Cardstock, Peekaboo Pockets and Foam Squares during promos like this! Photo Prints also count towards your purchase total!


Please join me and my scrappy friends at Creative Life Scrapbooking for our next PJ Party Virtual Crop on Friday, July 26th! We’ll create 4 double-page layouts together on Zoom and share pre-recorded videos for 3 more layouts. The layouts are designed to be versatile for easy paper and tools substitutions, hold several photos and include a unique feature or technique! The Zoom sessions will be recorded for later viewing. We will also host a private Facebook group for sharing where you’ll see hundreds of different versions of our layouts shared by participants.

Thanks so much for visiting with me today! Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Sunshine Mandala Circle Punch Layouts

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.

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.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Dotted Rainbow Scrapbook Layout Created with Dot-Tip Pens

Many of us view our scrapbooks as dairies of our daily lives. We chronical the good times, the bad times and everything in-between to help us preserve our memories and create a lasting legacy for our families. We add journaling along with our photographs to tell our stories.

For your journaling, you’ll want to use pens that are photo-safe, fade-resistant and bleed-proof. Creative Memories offers a variety of Dual-Tip, Dot-Tip and Micro-Tip Pens that offer these qualities and are also quick drying to prevent smearing. Right now, you can purchase the Rainbow Pens Bundle that includes a mix of Dual-Tip and Dot-Tip Pens in fun colors and a free Fabric Pen Holder!

One of my cropping buddies recently asked me to share ideas for using the Dot-Tip Pens. The Dot-Tip Pens have a fine-point for journaling and also a round dot tip for making perfect dots. With a quick tap of the dot tip, you can make small dots. And by pressing the dot tip longer and harder, you can make larger dots. The dots make fun accents to a cluster of stickers and/or embellishments and can be used instead of epoxy dots or gemstone embellishments. I used several Dot-Pen Pens to create a colorful rainbow that is the focal point of my layout below.

I used the Jumbo Circle Cutting Pattern as a guide to create my first row of dots and then added more dots in more colors. The Bright Delight Paper, Foam Stickers and some of the cardstock are from our most recent 2024 Secret Box #2.

For measurements and a step-by-step demonstration, please see my YouTube video.

The Secret Box #2 is available for a limited time while supplies last. So please don’t delay on purchasing.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Quick & Easy Scrapbook Layout using Shape Punches

I love making pretty pages, and often these pages will be intricate and layered with lots of fine details – like my recent exclusive National Scrapbook Day layouts! But pretty pages can also be quick and easy too, and that’s what I’m sharing today. This is a great technique to use with your Shape Punches.

To create my layout, I used the Custom Cutting System, Jumbo Circle Pattern, Cap & Diploma Punch and the You Graduated Paper and Embellishments all from Creative Memories. I started by cutting a circle using the Custom Cutting System with the Jumbo Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the inside edge from Black Cardstock. From the remaining cardstock, I punched graduation caps using the Cap & Diploma Punch. I adhered the punched-out caps with Foam Squares and added photo mats and embellishments.



To see a step-by-step demonstration, please view my technique video on my YouTube channel. Please also make sure to subscribe to my channel to see more of my videos.

I used the same technique to create my second layout. This time I used materials from the Creative Memories 2024 NSD Kit and the Fresh Flower Punch also from CM. I used Blue Cardstock for my photo mats and added pen details with a Dual-Tip Pen.

All of the tools and materials that I used for these layouts are currently available with Creative Memories and can be purchased through my website link. While you’re on the site, make sure to check out our new Summer Break Collection and Cardstock Buffet. CM is offering some fun bright cardstock colors through the Cardstock Buffet, but the colors will only be available for a short time.

Thanks so much for visiting with me today and happy scrapping!
Karyn

Easy Jumbo Heart Layout

I LOVE making pretty pages, and hearts are one of my favorite motifs. With a loving hubby and two sweet granddaughters, it’s easy to find photos for heart themed layouts. Search my blog for “love” and “hearts”, and you’ll see many heart layouts that I’ve created over the years. This year, I used a quick technique with squares to create a large heart background and used the Love Letters Punch from Creative Memories to add words around my hearts.

For my first layout, I used the new This Life Collection from Creative Memories. This is a great basic collection in primary colors that can be used throughout the year for all sorts of layouts. This Life Word Embellishments are my favorite part of the collection. It’s an entire pack of titles! CM also offers a This Life Calendar Kit Bundle and Simple Page Kits that coordinate with the This Life Collection. Look for these items to remain in the product line for all of 2024.

For my second layout, I used the super cute Sweet on You Collection from Creative Memories. This is a mini collection that features a paper pack with 6 sheets, a single sheet of stickers and a layered frame. The heart, strawberry, and donut icons are fun, and I love how they’ve included shades of brown to temper all of the pink and red. I used this collection to create a layout for the Creative Memories Blog. Please click here to see my layout on the CM Blog.


I embellished both of my layouts with letters punched with the Love Letters Punch. This punch recently sold out, but it was in our product line for over a year. I still have some in my personal inventory if you’re interested. Please watch my video for tips on using the Lifter Stick, Multi-Purpose Tool and Repositionable Tape Runner for easily and quickly placing and adhering the small, punched letters. 

Please see my YouTube channel for step-by-step instructions on how to create my layouts. When you subscribe to my channel, make sure to click on the bell icon to receive notifications when I add new videos. 

I appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program. 

Thanks so much for visiting with me today! Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

2023 National Scrapbook Day Layout

Happy National Scrapbook Day! It’s a day to celebrate our shared love of memory keeping and scrapbooking! Did you know that Creative Memories established the first National Scrapbook Day in 1994? It’s amazing to think about the number of photographs and family memories preserved in albums since that time!

To celebrate, Creative Memories releases a special National Scrapbook Day Kit each year. In addition to the NSD Kit, CM usually offers accompanying cardstock, embellishments, and tools. Some of our 2023 items are sold out, but the kit and a few other items are still available for purchase.

To create my layout above, I used materials from the 2023 NSD Kit with the Citrus Slice Border Maker Cartridge and Mandala Burst Border Punch. I appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories website link, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program.

To Create My First Page:

  1. Cut a 1/2″ x 12″ strip from Canary Cardstock and save for the second page. Cut (2) 4″ x 6″ photo mats and set aside.
  2. Use the Custom Cutting System with the #2 Circle Pattern and Blue Blade on the inside edge to cut (11) circles from the Canary Cardstock.
  3. Use the Mandala Burst Border Punch to punch (2) borders from the Dark Green Cardstock. Cut off of the cardstock at 1-1/2″. Punch a single mandala piece also from Dark Green Cardstock and cut off of the cardstock at 1-1/2″. Use All-Purpose Scissors to cut apart the single mandalas from the borders.
  4. Adhere the single mandala pieces onto the canary circles.
  5. Use the Custom Cutting System with the #3 Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the inside edge to cut (6) circles from the yellow sun paper. Cut the circles in half. Adhere the layered canary/mandala pieces onto the yellow sun semi-circles.
  6. Use the Custom Cutting System with the Jumbo Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the inside edge to cut a circle from the center of a sheet of the lemon/lime paper.
  7. Adhere (8) of the yellow sun semi-circles underneath the teal side of the cut-out circle. Adhere the teal circle to the other sheet of the lemon/lime paper.
  8. Adhere the two photo mats to the layout. Trim and adhere border stickers to the top and bottom of the mats.
  9. Add stickers with Foam Squares as shown. Use a Green Dual-Tip Pen to add faux stitching as shown.

To Create the Second Page:

  1. Cut striped paper to 12″ x 9″. Stripes should be running vertical, so cut in the horizontal position.
  2. Use the Border Maker System with the Citrus Slice Border Maker Cartridge to punch (2) borders from Dark Green Cardstock. Cut off of the cardstock at 1″ and adhere to the top and bottom of the striped piece.
  3. Adhere the striped sheet to the sheet of lemon/lime paper with the circle cut out of the center. Make sure to only put adhesive on the edges of the striped piece.
  4. Adhere the 12″ x 1/2″ strip of Canary Cardstock to the top of the bottom border.
  5. Cut (3) 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ photo mats from the yellow sun paper and adhere as shown.
  6. Adhere (3) of the semi-circle pieces to the tops of the photo mats. Adhere the reverse side of one semi-circle as shown for a journaling box.
  7. Add stickers with Foam Squares as shown. Use a Green Dual-Tip Pen to add faux stitching as shown.

If you would like a printable PDF Handout of these instructions, please join my private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers, and look in the FILES section. Click here to join Karyn’s Croppers.

If you like this layout, you’re going to LOVE the exclusive layouts that I created for my Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop! You can purchase access to the instructional handouts and videos for these layouts. In addition to the NSD Kit, I used the NSD Cardstock Sampler Pack, NSD Laser Bundle and NSD Mini Embellishments. You can substitute with other materials.

2023 National Scrapbook Day Layout Instructions

You will receive access to handouts and instructional videos to create 8 single page layouts. The layouts pair perfectly to create double-page layouts if desired. After you purchase, you will receive an email within 24 hours with instructions for accessing the materials. I ask that these layouts are not shared with others and are not shared on social media including Pinterest. No refunds.

$20.00

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Punched Swirl Circles with Creative Memories Border Maker System

Yay, it’s May – one of my favorite months of the year! I love the beautiful weather and the early summer blooms in my garden! For my monthly Technique Layout and Challenge, I’m featuring an adaptation of a layout that I created for the Creative Memories Blog in 2016! For that layout, I used punched pieces to decorate circles to create a swirling pattern across a double-page layout. For my new layouts, I punched circles with the Original Border Maker System with knock-out style cartridges to create a swirling pattern.

Did you know that Creative Memories offers three kinds of border maker cartridges?

Chain Style: Punches out a chain pattern that falls off of your paper when punched.
Edge Style: Punches the edge of your paper. You can use your punched paper or cut off the decorative edge to create a border.
Knock-Out Style: Punches a design from the paper that doesn’t extend to the edge.

To create my layout, I used the Custom Cutting System to cut three different sizes of circles, and then I cut those circles in half. I used the Original Border Maker System with the Zebra Stripe Border Maker Cartridge to punch around the edges of the smallest semi-circles.

For this layout, I used the super cute What a Zoo Too! Collection. The What a Zoo Too! Stickers are especially adorable, and I also love the coordinating What a Zoo Too! ABC Letter Stickers!

For my second layout, I used the lovely Painted Garden Collection with the retired Butterflies Border Maker Cartridge and the exclusive Ladybugs Punch that was part of a recent promotion by Creative Memories. I added a journaling box to this layout and also a border punched with the Original Border Maker System with exclusive Woven Scallop Border Maker Cartridge. (Please contact me if you would like to purchase the Woven Scallop BMC.)

To see a step-by-step demonstration of how to create this layout, please see my YouTube video. If you subscribe to my YouTube Channel, you’ll receive a notification when I post a new video.

You may purchase most of the tools and materials that I used through my Creative Memories website link. I so appreciate your purchases and offer a generous Customer Rewards Program.

For an entry into my Monthly Door Prize Drawing, please use this technique to create a layout and share a photo of your layout in my private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers. Please ADD your photo to the #TechniqueTue 47 Album where you’ll be able to see versions shared by other croppers. While you’re in the ALBUM section of Karyn’s Croppers, take a peek at the 46 other technique albums!

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Folded Hexagon Frames Scrapbook Layout

My monthly technique layout features folded squares that create elongated hexagon shapes that show off both sides of the designer paper. I arranged the hexagons around the perimeter of my layouts to create unique patterns.

For my first page, I used the On the Farm Paper along with some coordinating cardstock for the border. To create my layered border, I used the Original Border Maker System and the new Barn & Fence Border Maker Cartridge along with the retired Wheatfield Border Punch. The current Wildflowers Border Punch would make a great substitution.

The barn piece was cut from a On the Farm Variety Mat. The On the Farm Collection was widely popular when it was released, and the paper and variety mats sold out quickly. The On the Farm Stickers feature cute farm animals and are still available. The quick sell-out was unfortunate but sometimes happens with Creative Memories products. So if you love something, it’s always best to purchase it as soon as you’re able.


This page is one side of a double-page layout. For instructions, please see my YouTube video. While you’re viewing my video, please make sure to subscribe to my channel.


Along with the paper items, the On the Farm Collection featured a Tractor Punch which also sold out quickly. CM is ordering more of the Tractor Punch but will only order enough to fulfill PRE-ORDERS. CM is also currently taking pre-orders for the sold-out Trail Sign Punch and Square Tile Punch. Please click here to pre-order any of these punches.


I created a second layout using the same technique, but I started with smaller squares to get a slightly different shape and pattern. For my second layout, I used the Cue the Blue Paper and Embellishments and Navy Cardstock. These items are currently available with Creative Memories.

Please view my video for tips on selecting the size of squares and also for how to easily fold the squares to get uniform pieces.

I appreciate your purchases through my Creative Memories shop, and I offer a generous Customer Rewards Program.


I love the versatility of this technique! If you love versatile layouts that can be used for any types of photos with any materials, you might be interested in the up-coming PJ Party Virtual Crop hosted by Creative Life Scrapbooking. I’m one of seven Creative Memories advisor designers with Creative Life Scrapbooking, and we host quarterly virtual crops. There is a Zoom session on Friday night where 5 of the designers will demonstrate how to create their layout live and two more recorded page classes in the private Facebook group for the event. All of the Zoom sessions will also be recorded and shared in the group for later viewing. If you’re not on Facebook, we email the printable handouts and video links to you.

For more info about the PJ Party and to register, please see our website at www.creativelifescrapbooking.com.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Ladybugs Scrapbook Layout

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.

To a see a step-by-step video demonstration of how to create this layout, please see my YouTube video.



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.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

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.