Do you love Creative MemoriesCustom Cutting System? It’s one of CM’s most beloved tools! Today, I’m sharing a technique that you can use with the Custom Cutting System to cut hollow shapes that you arrange to create a mosaic style layout. If you would like 6 more unique ideas for the Custom Cutting System, please consider joining me and two of my designer friends for our Crop Class: Custom Cutting System Edition. Please see the end of this blog post for more info about the class.
For my layout above, I used the Custom Cutting System with the Rectangle Cutting Patterns to cut hollow shapes in a variety of sizes. You could also use any of the other Cutting Patterns to create a similar layout. I arranged the hollow frames into an inter-locking pattern to create an interesting design. I thought that this technique worked well with the new Hit the Road Collection from Creative Memories. The mosaic pattern reminds me of an interwoven highway system in a large city.
I used the leftover solid shapes to create a second layout that is oriented horizontally. You’ll notice that my first layout is oriented vertically. I used the retired Road Signs Mini Trio Punch Set to punch some embellishments for both pages and also added stickers and embellishments from the Hit the Road Collection.
Above is a peek at the 6 unique layouts that you’ll receive instructions to create by registering for Crop Class: Custom Cutting System Edition. We share layouts that feature the Circle, Oval, Rectangle, Gemstone and Jumbo Circle Patterns for CM’s Custom Cutting System.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Adhere the single mandala pieces onto the canary circles.
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.
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.
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.
Adhere the two photo mats to the layout. Trim and adhere border stickers to the top and bottom of the mats.
Add stickers with Foam Squares as shown. Use a Green Dual-Tip Pen to add faux stitching as shown.
To Create the Second Page:
Cut striped paper to 12″ x 9″. Stripes should be running vertical, so cut in the horizontal position.
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.
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.
Adhere the 12″ x 1/2″ strip of Canary Cardstock to the top of the bottom border.
Cut (3) 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ photo mats from the yellow sun paper and adhere as shown.
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.
Add stickers with Foam Squares as shown. Use a Green Dual-Tip Pen to add faux stitching as shown.
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.
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!
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.
Today I’m sharing two layouts that I created with the Maple Leaf Recipe Template from Creative Memories. The recipe templates are so versatile and can be used to create many different patterns and layouts. For my layouts, I selected not to use the diagonal sections around the outside of the template but rather just the center leaf.
For my first layout, I used the Croptoberfest 2022 Project Recipe Kit and 2022 Croptoberfest Mini Pack Embellishments. If you love these materials, please consider joining me for my Virtual Croptoberfest Workshop on October 15th. We’ll be live on Zoom, but the page classes will be recorded, and I’ll provide printable handouts for the 6 exclusive original layouts that I’ve designed for this event. Please click here to register now.
I used the Maple Leaf Recipe Template to trace my large leaves, and I used the Custom Cutting System with Oval Patterns to create my fun acorns. I used the Pure Brown Dual-Tip Pen to ink the edges of all of the paper pieces of this layout.
For detailed instructions and a step-by-step demonstration on how to create the acorns and this layout, please view my video on YouTube.
Please share your version of this layout to my Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers for an entry into my October Door Prize.
I created and shared my second layout with Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook. For this layout, I used the Maple Leaf Recipe Template and the new Golden Harvest Collection from Creative Memories. This is a gorgeous fall collection with beautiful, foiled embellishments and fun layered border embellishments. For instructions to create this layout, please see my original post to Creative Life Scrapbooking.
All of the tools and materials that I used are available to purchase through my Creative Memories website link. I appreciate all of your orders and offer a generous Customer Rewards Program.
I was recently asked by one of my followers to create a dinner plate layout using the new Dine Border Punch from Creative Memories. I’m so glad that she asked as I love the results! I started with a large circular piece cut from Platinum Shimmer Cardstock with the Custom Cutting System and Jumbo Circle Pattern. I then used the Dine Border Punch to punch around the perimeter of the circle. For a demonstration of how I created this layout, please view my video on my new YouTube channel. If you subscribe to my channel, it will be easy for you to find my new videos.
I used the very lovely Homestead Collection from Creative Memories to finish my layout. I love the modern farmhouse vibe and neutrality of this collection! I’ll be purchasing multiples of this collection as I love every piece! Please see my video for the measurements of my pieces.
Here are two more layouts that I created as a content contributor for Creative Memories also using the Homestead Collection. To see the instructions on how to create these layouts, please see the CM Blog.
You may purchase any of these tools and materials through my CM website link. Please also check out the new Online Page Classes section of my blog. You’ll find the link at the top of the page.
Hello! Today I’m sharing two layouts that I created using a technique that I shared with my private Facebook group, Karyn’s Croppers. On the first Tuesday of each month, I share a technique with my followers at Karyn’s Croppers and challenge them to use the technique to create and share a layout for an entry into my Monthly Door Prize Drawing. This is the 23rd technique that I’ve shared since last year. I create an Album for each technique and share an instructional video and layout photos.
I used a folded circle technique to create two layouts for this month’s Technique Tuesday post. For my first layout, I used the Spring Cottage Collection from Creative Memories.
To Create My Layout:
1. Use the Custom Cutting System with the largest Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut four circles from two different sheets of double-sided paper. (Please note that I used a different size of circles for my second layout.) 2. Use the 12″ Trimmer with the Scoring Blade to score two edges of each circle at the half-way mark between 3/4″ and 1″. Fold over and adhere the two edges. (Please note that I scored and folded the circles on my second layout at a different measurement.) 3. Crop photos to 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″, and adhere to photo mats that are 3-3/8″ x 3-3/8″. Adhere to layout as shown. 4. Add embellishments and stickers as shown using Foam Squares to adhere some.
I used the same technique to create a second layout using the Keep the Faith Collection from Creative Memories. I thought that the folded sections of the circles resembled a cross. This layout would be nice for a family photo from Easter. The circles on this layout are slightly smaller than the circles on my first layout.
To Create My Layout:
1. Use the Custom Cutting System with the medium Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut four circles from two different sheets of double-sided paper. (Please note that I used a different size of circles for my first layout.) 2. Use the 12″ Trimmer with the Scoring Blade to score two edges of each circle at 3/4″. Fold over and adhere the two edges. (Please note that I scored and folded the circles on my first layout at a different measurement.) 3. Adhere photo mats that measure 6-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ and 4″ x 4″. 4. Add stickers as shown using Foam Squares to adhere some.
You may purchase any of the tools and/or materials that I used through my CM website link. Please join me on Karyn’s Croppers on Facebook for more sharing! Please also subscribe to my new YouTube Channel.
Don’t miss out on my Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop on Saturday, April 17th! Register now!
Today I’m sharing a super sweet Easter layout that I created with the lovely Spring Cottage Collection from Creative Memories. This is a beautiful collection that features a mix of feminine and rustic outdoor patterns. I love the combination of the earthy outdoor pieces with the feminine wildflower touches! The Spring Cottage Embellishments are especially pretty with their watercolor designs on embossed paper. Please stay tuned as I will be sharing more Spring Cottage Layouts soon.
This pretty page is ready for Easter photos of my granddaughters. I created the pieced bunny based on a pattern shared in 2005 by Creative Memories. The pen details really add to the sweetness factor! This bunny would also be great on baby scrapbook layouts.
To watch me create the bunny and also an Easter basket, please view my YouTube video. Please also subscribe to my YouTube channel, so that my videos are always easy for you to find.
To create my layout:
1. Cut a 2″ hollow frame from the plaid patterned paper. 2. Cut the blue patterned paper to 10-1/2″ x 10-1/2″, and cut a 1″ hollow frame from it. Adhere the piece to the bottom right of the plaid paper. 3. Adhere a 10″ x 10″ piece of White Cardstock to the blue frame. 4. To create the bunny, use the Custom Cutting System with the small and medium Circle Patterns and the small and medium Oval Patterns and the Red and Blue Blades. Always cut on the inside edges of the cutting patterns. Body: Medium Circle, Red Blade Head: Medium Oval, Red Blade Ears: Medium Oval, Blue Blade (cut 2) Feet: Small Oval, Red Blade (cut 2) Arms: Medium Oval, Blue Blade (cut in half) Hands: Small Circle, Blue Blade (cut in half) Inside Ears: Small Oval, Blue Blade (cut 2) Nose: Small Oval, Blue Blade 5. Assemble bunny, and use Dual-Tip Brown Pen to add pen details. 6. Cut the Spring Cottage Embellishment piece in half and adhere with Foam Squares positioning the bunny in-between the pieces. Adhere the bunny with Foam Squares also. 7. Add additional embellishments with Foam Squares as shown. 8. My photo mats are 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″. 9. Add pen detail to the edge of the White Cardstock piece.
You’ll find these tools and materials on my Creative Memories website link. If you would like to see older Easter layouts of mine, please use the Search function on this page to search for “Easter”.
Please check out the new Online Page Classes section of my blog. You’ll find the link at the top of the page. Please also subscribe to my new YouTube Channel to see video demonstrations. Plus don’t forget about my up-coming Virtual National Scrapbook Day Workshop on Saturday, April 17th. Click here to register.
I hope that you and your family have a blessed Easter weekend!
Wow! This month has flown by, and I just realized that I hadn’t yet posted this month. I took a little break from scrapbooking and my business during the holidays and then spent some time organizing at the beginning of the year. Below is a layout that I created a week or two ago and shared on Facebook with Creative Life Scrapbooking. If you would like to see a second example of this layout, please join the Creative Life Scrapbooking Community. We share weekly ideas on Mondays and Fridays and host specialty events.
For my layout, I used the very lovely Winter Woods collection from Creative Memories. I absolutely love this collection and wish that I had more photos to use with it. I especially look forward to using the beautiful Winter Woods Laser Border Embellishments. I also use the new Dotted Leaf Circle Punch to create a giant snowflake photo frame for the center of my layout. I’m finding this punch to be very versatile, and it’s currently one of my favorite tools. You can use this technique with any of our circle punches. If you don’t have a circle punch, just use the Custom Cutting System with the Circle Patterns. Please see the instructions below for other substitution suggestions.
To Make My Layout:
1. Cut designer paper to 11” x 11-1/4” 2. Cut two 4” x 4” photo mats from Rich Brown Cardstock, and arrange on the lower left of the designer paper. 3. Center the largest Circle Pattern from the Custom Cutting System above the two photo mats leaving enough of an edge to cut around. Use the Blue Blade on the outside edge to cut-out a circle. 4. Use the 12” Trimmer to cut the designer paper vertically from the center of the cut-out circle. 5. Adhere the two pieces of designer paper to a sheet of Rich Brown Cardstock. Position the pieces 3/8” from the outside edges and ¼” from each other. 6. Use the Dotted Leaf Circle Punch to punch a circle from a 6” x 6” piece of White Cardstock. You may also use the Floral Circle Punch or the Ornate Arches Circle Punch. Substitution Idea 1: If you don’t have a circle punch, you may use the Custom Cutting System with the largest Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut a circle instead. Substitution Idea 2: You may also use the Custom Cutting System with the medium Circle Pattern and Blue Blade on the outside edge to cut a circle from White Cardstock. Use the Baroque Border Punch to punch around the white circle. 7. From the cut-out circle of designer paper, use the Custom Cutting System with the medium Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut a circle. 8. Use the Custom Cutting System with the smallest Circle Pattern and Green Blade on the outside edge to cut a circle from Rich Brown Cardstock. Use the Custom Cutting System with the smallest Circle Pattern and Red Blade on the outside edge to cut your photo. Adhere to the brown circle. 9. Assemble layout as shown.
Here’s a peek at a second layout created with this technique. Please see Creative Life Scrapbooking on Facebook for the full photo.
If you enjoy virtual crops, you may wish to join me and my scrappy friends at Creative Life Scrapbooking for our January PJ Party virtual crop on Friday, January 29th. This is the beginning of our 6th year of hosting virtual crops, and we’re excited to incorporate a Zoom component to this event! During the PJ Party, we’ll be sharing 8 exclusive double-page layouts with printable handouts and live instructions on Zoom. The sessions will be recorded, so you’ll be able to access the materials later if you’re not able to crop along on the 29th. Please see our registration form for more info.
On February 19-21, I’m hosting my own Virtual Weekend Scrapbooking Retreat. As “The World Awaits” for the pandemic to end and get back to “normal”, grab your passport for fun and join my Virtual Scrapbooking Weekend Retreat! We’ll have fun with a travel themed retreat as we daydream and plan the first trips that we’ll take after the pandemic ends. The virtual retreat will feature live page classes and Scrap & Chat sessions on Zoom, video demos, product sales of discontinued and discounted CM items, challenges, door prizes, and a few fun games. All page classes will be recorded and include instructional handouts.
I will be using the new Boho Escape Collection from Creative Memories for my sample layouts that I share during our page classes. I will use this collection to create some general/everyday layouts and also some vacation layouts. If you would like to also use this collection, please order the Boho Escape Decorative Bundle through my Creative Memorieswebsite link. You may use other materials if you like.
There is a $25 fee to participate. Please pay using my Pay Pal link, or please contact me to mail a check. To Register To Pay
Thanks so much for visiting with me, and I’ll be back soon with more new layouts!
