Border Cutting Tools Layout with Creative Memories Custom Cutting System

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.


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!

* 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!


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!


Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

2026 National Scrapbook Day Layout

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!

For more information about my event and to register, please click here.


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.


I appreciate your purchase of these items using my Creative Memories website link.

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.




Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Berry Harvest Layout

What is your favorite summer berry? I recently asked this question in my private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers, and the majority answer was strawberries! I really love all berries, but I have a particular fondness for blueberries as my blueberry bushes are one of my garden successes. My bushes have matured and in recent years, they have been producing bumper crops for me. I spend a few weeks each summer picking blueberries every few days, baking with them, freezing them and eating them by the handfuls. They taste so much better than store bought berries!

I was excited when Creative Memories released their Berry Harvest Collection last month! The paper prints, stickers and embellishment icons are adorable, and I couldn’t wait to create with them. I’ll use my layout above for some photos of my granddaughter making our traditional blueberry pancakes. But you don’t need berry photos in order to use the Berry Harvest Collection. You can use it to create sweet summer layouts.

To create my layout, I used the Berry Harvest Collection, the Custom Cutting System with the Jumbo Wavy Square Frame Pattern (retired) and the Leafy Vine Border Punch (one of my favorite punches). I also used the new White Jelly Roll Pen to add some white accents to my blueberries and leaves. You can substitute the Jumbo Circle Cutting Pattern for the Jumbo Wavy Square Frame Pattern.

For step-by-step instructions and a demonstration, please view my YouTube video.

You may purchase most of the items that I used with my Creative Memories website link at https://www.creativememories.com/user/karyn.


Please join me for my 2025 Virtual Croptoberfest Workshop!  For your registration, you’ll receive access to instructional videos and printable handouts for my own exclusive Croptoberfest layouts.  These layouts will be decorative and feature unique techniques.  We’ll have a private Facebook Group for sharing, and I’ll host sessions on Zoom on September 26th and 27th to view my pre-recorded instructional videos together.  The fee to register is $22.

I will use the Croptoberfest 2025 Customer Bundle, Croptoberfest Project Recipe Kit, Chrysanthemums Punch, Leafy Vine Border Punch and several sheets of Bright White Cardstock to create my own exclusive layouts.  Once I complete my layouts, I’ll share a complete supply list.

These layouts and the instructions are for Personal Use Only and are not to be shared with others or anywhere on the internet.

To register: https://forms.gle/nXxvGwcx1XUqLtbw7

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Punched & Folded Scrapbook Border

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.

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


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.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

Life at the Lake Postage Stamp Layout

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

Adding Texture to Scrapbook Layouts with Punches – Part 2

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!

For a video demonstration and tips on creating this layout, please view my YouTube video.

For a printable instructional handout, please click below.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

2025 National Scrapbook Day Layout

Happy National Scrapbook Day! Today we celebrate our shared love of scrapbooking and memory keeping. Did you know that Creative Memories initiated the very first National Scrapbook Day in 1994, and that we’ve been celebrating NSD on the first Saturday of May ever since?

I created the layout below to share with you today on this special occasion. I used the NSD 2025 Project Receipt Kit, Flower Pots Border Punch and Watering Cans Border Maker Cartridge all from Creative Memories. I also used the retired 12-Inch Decorative Trimmer (Please contact me directly to purchase as it is sold out with the company.).

For step-by-step instructions on creating my layout, please view my YouTube video.



I held my 2025 Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop last month, but you can still join the fun! I used the NSD 2025 Customer Bundle to create my own exclusive layouts. There are printable handouts, recorded videos and a private Facebook group for sharing.

Happy Scrapping!
Karyn

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