Craftin' Around the World Design Team share

I’m so excited to share my second February Design Team layout for Febrauary. As always, our challenges are open themes, or you can choose between the sketches or the colour combination this month. I can't wait to see which one or combination of them that you pick. 

I decided to focus on the Colour Moodboard, and I can’t wait to show you how I used it to create a beautiful layout celebrating my daughter Bronte's Formal (Prom). But before I reveal my project, let’s talk about how colour can truly elevate your designs, and why using a colour moodboard can make scrapbooking so much easier and more fun!

Colour is a Powerful Tool in Scrapbooking

Colour is one of the most important elements in scrapbooking. It has the power to set the tone, evoke emotions, and bring your memories to life. The right colour combination can transform your scrapbook page into a captivating visual story that resonates with the viewer. But, as you can imagine, with so many colours to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to picking the perfect scheme for your project. In the past, I’ll admit that I picked colors for my scrapbook pages based on what simply appealed to me in the moment. There was no rhyme or reason to it—just colours that I thought looked pretty together. But after a while, I realised that a lot of my pages started to feel a little bland. They all looked the same, and nothing really stood out. Can you relate? I had a bunch of pages with no wow factor.

That’s when I decided to turn to colour moodboards for inspiration. A colour moodboard is a fantastic way to take the guesswork out of selecting your colour scheme. Instead of picking them randomly, a moodboard already provides you with a beautifully curated combination of colours that are proven to work well together and create a visually appealing result. The great thing about using a colour moodboard is that it simplifies the creative process. No more second-guessing whether your colours are matching or complementing each other. With a moodboard, the hard work is already done for you! It reduces the time spent in the colour selection process, which means you can focus on adding your own personal touch to the layout and let the colours take care of the rest.

My Layout Inspired by the Color Moodboard

For my February layout, I was drawn to the colour moodboard that was provided, and I decided to create a layout about Bronte’s Formal (Prom). I loved the colours in the moodboard, and they were perfect for capturing the elegant, celebratory feel of the occasion.

One of the first decisions I made was to convert my colour photos to black and white. Why? The moodboard had a very specific colour palette—bold bright green, teal, pink and purple—and I wanted my photos to complement the colours rather than compete with them. By making the photos black and white, I ensured that they blended seamlessly with the layout’s colour scheme and let the focus remain on the overall design.

Next, I found inspiration in the butterfly featured in the moodboard. I loved the delicate, graceful feel of the butterfly, so I decided to incorporate it into my layout as a prominent element. I used die cuts to create butterfly embellishments and placed it near Bronte’s photos to bring a touch of whimsy and elegance to the page. The butterflies not only added visual interest, but it also tied back to the colour moodboard, reinforcing the theme and colour choices.

How to Join the Challenge

Joining in on our Craft'n Around the World Facebook Challenge is simple! There are no strict rules about what you can or can’t do. The only requirement is that you join in the fun and incorporate the elements of the challenge into your project, which is open themed so.... anything goes!! So, whether you’re drawn to the sketch, the moodboard, or the Tic-Tac-Toe grid, there’s something for everyone to get involved in! I can’t wait to see how you all interpret the colour moodboard and what amazing projects you come up with this month. Please share your creations with us in the group, and feel free to ask any questions if you need guidance or inspiration!

Happy crafting and good luck to everyone.

Craftin' Around the World February Design Team Share

Hello Craft'n Around the World friends!

I’m so excited to reveal my February Design Team layout for this month’s challenge at Craftin' Aroung the World Facebook group. As always, we’ve got an open theme, with a card or scrapbooking sketch and a bonus of a Colour Moodboard to get you really thinking. I’ve chosen to focus on the monthly sketch for inspiration for this layout. If you haven’t checked out the sketches yet, I encourage you to do so at the Facebook Group. 

Monthly Challenge Details

Don’t forget, the Craft'n Around the World challenges are open to everyone, and you have a few ways to play along each month: Use the Sketch: Create either a card or layout based on the provided sketches, or now choose from the rotating monthly Mood Board or the Tic-Tac-Toe. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with this month!

This month, I created a layout celebrating my daughter Bronte, who just completed Year 12 and graduated from college! It’s a huge milestone, and I wanted to capture that special moment. I used the scrapbooking sketch to guide the placement of my photos, title, and embellishments-making the layout come together so fast. The final result is a beautiful tribute to her accomplishment, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Using Sketches for Inspiration: A Blueprint for Your Creativity

One of the things I love most about sketches is that they provide a clear framework for your project, but still leave room for personal creativity. Think of a sketch like a blueprint—it’s a guide that gives you a general idea of where to place your photos, title, and other elements on the page. It’s a fantastic way to get started, especially if you’re feeling a little stuck or need a spark of inspiration.

Here’s why I love using sketches for both scrapbooking and card making:

• Quick & Easy Design: When you use a sketch, you’re essentially working from a plan. This allows you to create a well-designed project quickly and easily. The sketch gives you a clear structure to follow, which makes the process smoother. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just follow the outline and let your creativity fill in the details!

• Flexibility to Personalise: While the sketch provides a starting point, it’s not a strict rulebook. There’s no law that says you can’t move the elements around or change them up a bit! Feel free to swap out embellishments, adjust photo sizes, or add more layers to suit your style. A sketch is simply a guide, not a set of rigid instructions, which means you have the freedom to make it your own.

• Build a Professional-Looking Layout: Sketches can help you create a layout that looks polished and well-balanced. If you’re a beginner, they provide a great way to ensure your photos and elements are arranged in a visually appealing way. If you’re a more experienced scrapper, a sketch is a way to streamline your design process while still achieving that “wow” factor.

 I hope this layout and the tips I’ve shared inspire you to give the challenge a try if you haven’t already. Remember, sketches are a fantastic tool for streamlining the design process while still allowing room for your own creativity. Whether you’re creating a layout for a special milestone like Bronte’s graduation or a card for a friend, a sketch can help make the process both fun and efficient.

I can’t wait to see what you all create for this month’s challenge! Don’t forget to share your projects with us in the group—we love seeing all your amazing work.

Happy crafting.

A Cut Above - February Design Team reveal

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to reveal my showpiece layout for the A Cut Above Design Team this month. February's challenge is already shaping up to be a fantastic one, and I can't wait to share my creation with all of you!

But before I dive into the details of my layout, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who participated in the January Challenge. We received so many beautiful submissions, and it was truly a joy to see everyone's creativity shine. I hope that you'll continue to share your stunning projects with us, and for those of you who haven’t joined yet, we’d love to see even more of your work this month. Remember, the challenge is open to everyone, so don’t hesitate to get involved!

Now, let’s talk about my February layout. This one is particularly special to me because it celebrates a fun and memorable moment from Halloween when my daughter, Paige, was totally Harry Potter-obsessed. For this occasion, she dressed up as Hermione Granger, and let me tell you, she looked both cute and menacing at the same time—talk about the perfect Hermione vibe!

To create this layout, I used metal dies to bring the Harry Potter magic to life. I love how metal dies can add extra dimension and interest to a project. They give such a clean, detailed cut, and the possibilities for embellishments are endless. Using them as the focal point really makes the layout stand out, and the die cuts truly bring the theme to life.

Tips for Using Metal Dies:

1. Colouring your Die Cuts: One of the best things about metal die cuts is how versatile they are when it comes to colouring. On my layout, I used coloured pencils on the owl die cut to give it a soft, detailed look. You can also use felt pens on other elements like the Sorting Hat and Dobby to add bold and vibrant colour. The beauty of this is that you can customise each die cut to your exact preferences, creating something that’s unique and personal.

2. Adding Metallic Touches: I also backed one of the die cuts with metallic paper to give them a classic, magical touch. The shimmering effect adds just the right amount of contrast against the background of my layout and highlights key elements, like the gold title. This technique is a simple way to elevate your layout and make it look polished.

Now that I’ve shared some of my creative process, I want to remind you of the A Cut Above Challenge rules so that you can participate and join the fun! Challenges are posted on the first Monday of every month at 12:00 AM (Eastern Time), and they end on the 28th of the month at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time). Winners are posted on the 30th of each month. The theme is always "Anything Goes", but there is a crucial rule: you must include at least one die cut in your project. This can be a die cut created with a manual or electronic die-cutting machine—just make sure it's not a pre-fabricated, purchased die cut.

I hope my layout for February gives you some fun ideas for your own projects. I had a blast creating this Harry Potter-themed page, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing submissions you all come up with. Don’t forget to share your beautiful work with us at A Cut Above Blog Challenge—we'd love to see how you incorporate dies into your creations!

Until next time.

  

 

 

A Cut Above March Design Team Reveal

 I’m excited to share my design team creation for A Cut Above Challenge Blog for March. If you’re a scrapbooker like me, you probably have a ton of die cuts stashed away from past projects. Let’s be honest—sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when you have so many to choose from. That’s where A Cut Above comes to the rescue. This challenge blog is the perfect place to get your creativity flowing and finally put all those die cuts you’ve accumulated to good use. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned scrapbooker, A Cut Above offers fresh, fun inspiration with each new challenge, encouraging you to think outside the box and incorporate your die cuts in exciting new ways. It’s like a scrapbooking playground for your creative soul.

Let's talk about the magic of metal die cuts and how they can truly take your scrapbook pages to the next level. These little beauties are more than just embellishments—they add an artistic flair and texture that can transform your layout from “meh” to “wow!” For this month, I decided to use a few heart theme-inspired metal dies, here is the collection I dug out of my stash.

Metal die cuts come in endless designs—florals, geometric shapes, icons, you name it. They cater to any theme you’re working with, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family vacation, or a sweet journaling page. They’re like little pieces of scrapbooking magic that instantly elevate your design.

What I love most about metal die cuts is their versatility. You can layer them to create depth, use them as focal points, a title, or even ink them up to match your colour scheme. They can be subtle or bold, and they’re so easy to incorporate into any page. Simply add a few to frame a photo, create a stunning background, or layer them for a more dynamic look. And trust me, once you start using them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

For my layout, I backed the die cuts with coordinating patterned papers, which created vibrant pops of colour that complemented the overall theme of the page. It gave the hearts a playful, dimensional look and helped them stand out without overwhelming the design. It’s an easy way to use up those patterned paper scraps you’ve been saving (you know you’ve got a stash of them).

So, whether you're new to scrapbooking or a pro looking for fresh ideas, A Cut Above is a fantastic place to get inspired, challenge yourself, and use those die cuts in fun, creative ways. I can't wait to see how you’ll bring your die cuts to life and share your designs with the community.

Counterfeit Kit for February

The February Kit Challenge is in full swing at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge (CKC) Blog, and this month's inspiration comes from Kitaholic Kits here in Australia - The May 2024 kit. Misty couldn't resist this kit as it evoked images of a cosy winter cabin in the woods with a twist, steering clear of the usual winter motifs. The neutral colour palette with hints of accent colours was just the right mix for her

Initially, I was taken aback by the thought of replicating a kit that seemed too "boy-like" for me as I predominately scrap my daughters. However, as I delved into my stash, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of items that resonated with the inspiration kit. I found a treasure trove of supplies that I can work with, and I'm thrilled with how my kit has come together. My thought process when looking at the kit was to look at jsut the "big picture" - colour, shapes and elements:

Colour Palette: The mix of black, white, and wood tones with that burst of colour really caught my eye. It set the tone for my creative exploration, with a small touch of other colours.

Geometrical Shapes: Although I unearthed a few geometrical shapes in my stash, my scrapbooking tends to revolve around my girls. To balance this out, I decided to introduce some feminine elements like black and white flower outlines and delicate butterflies. The geometrical animal papers instantly brought to mind an old favourite, the Heidi Swap "Wolf Pack" collection. I knew I had a mini paper pad tucked away, so the hunt began. This kit will finally give me the perfect excuse to put it to good use.

Gold Stars element: The gold stars in the kit sparked a creative flame within me. They led me to include gold glitter accents - stars, hearts, and lettering in my kit. 

Natural Fibres element: The presence of natural fibre in the CKC kit beckoned me to explore and showcase the textures lying dormant in my stash - yarn, wool, twine, you name it. It was time to bring these tactile elements into the limelight.

 Although my kit is mainly composed of neutral tones, I'm excited to infuse it with vibrant pops of colour sourced from my stash as I immerse myself further into my creative journey this month. It's truly amazing how a spark of inspiration and a thorough exploration of our supplies can unveil delightful surprises in our crafting pursuits. Participating in this challenge not only ignites my creativity but also motivates me to finally make use of the vast mountain of supplies I've accumulated over time.

Paper Issue - Sketch 9

I had big plans to keep up with every sketch that Paper Issues were providing daily, but life got in the way. Between getting back into the swing of work and prepping for a big cruise holiday, my scrapbooking time definitely took a hit. However, I’ve loved every minute of the inspiration the sketches provided, and I’m planning to revisit them once I’m back from my holiday. But hey, life happens, and I did manage to get nine of the sketches done.

For my sketch #9 layout, I decided to do a “Then and Now” theme – a scrapbook classic, but always a meaningful one. I used a photo of Bronte on her very first day of school, all nervous but excited in her school uniform, and paired it with a “Now” photo of her, looking absolutely stunning in her formal dress; her final school event. Talk about a glow-up! I’m honestly amazed at how much she’s grown and changed in such a short time – this layout was the perfect way to capture that.

You Did It!!

I loved how the sketch helped me balance the two photos on the page while leaving space for all the little details. I added some subtle embellishments that felt like they tied in with the theme – nothing too over the top, just enough to highlight how precious these moments are. The beauty of sketches is that they leave room for creativity, but they also help keep the design clean and organised.

All in all, I’m really happy with how this layout turned out, and I’m excited to finish up more sketches after my holiday. If you’ve ever felt a bit stuck or overwhelmed with a layout, I can’t recommend using sketches enough. They really help take the pressure off and make the whole process a lot more fun.

If you’re looking for great scrapbooking challenges, Paper Issues’ are always a hit with the most fun challenges around. I’ll definitely be revisiting the January monthly sketches soon (with thoughts on actually working my way through them all.... eventually).   

Hugs.

Australia Day Cyber Crop - Scrapbooking Cybercrop Fun with Scrappingclearly

Ah, there’s nothing quite like a scrapbooking cybercrop to get the creative juices flowing! Recently, I joined in on the Share & Inspire group on Facebook, hosted by the fabulous Scrappingclearly. This time, the cybercrop had an Aussie twist, with five fun and uniquely Aussie challenges to inspire us: 

1) Australia’s Wildflowers – Create a layout inspired by Australia’s beautiful wildflowers.
2) Aussie Countdown – 5 elements:
    5: Use some leaves
    4: Use a quote as a title
    3: Include flowers
    2: Add fibre, ribbon, or yarn
    1: Include a photo or image
3) Aussie Poem, Yarn, Dreamtime Story or Bush Tale – Be inspired by an iconic Aussie poem, yarn, Dreamtime story, or bush tale.
4) Childhood Recipe – Create a layout based on your favourite childhood recipe.
5) Favourite Aussie Sporting Moment – Share a layout celebrating your favourite Aussie sporting moment.

 While life’s daily chores and responsibilities did get in the way, I did manage to dive into two of the challenges, Challenge One and Challenge Five!! 

Inspired by Australia’s Beautiful Wildflowers

Australia’s wildflowers are some of the most stunning and diverse in the world. For this challenge, the brief was to create a layout inspired by these beautiful blooms, and I was all in. I spent a fair bit of time fussy cutting wildflowers from patterned paper, which became the perfect embellishments for my layout. To tie it all together, I used some textured paper that resembled the rough bark of the gum trees you’ll find lining our riversides.

The layout I created was all about us doing family time, where we spent time together down by a river here in Canberra. We were exploring the bushland, climbing on rocks, and just enjoying the outdoors together. I love that scrapbooking allows me to capture moments like these, and the wildflower theme really complemented the photos. Plus, it was a nice reminder of how beautiful and special the Aussie landscape truly is.

Hello Nature

The second challenge I tackled was all about celebrating your favourite Aussie sporting moment. Now, there are so many incredible sports moments to choose from, but I had to go with something that held a special place in my heart. This was the time when Paige got to play a soccer game at halftime during a Socceroo match. How cool is that?!

She had an absolute blast running around with her team, playing on the massive stadium field under the bright lights. It was such a proud moment, and I wanted to make sure the layout did justice to how awesome this experience was. To represent the game, I drew and cut out a giant soccer ball from black and white cardstock – it was a bit of a challenge, but it turned out great. I also included the tickets from the event on the layout, which is what scrapbooking is all about, right? Preserving the memories and memorabilia that take us right back to those special moments.

Half-time Highlights

Even though I didn’t manage to get through all five challenges, I had a great time with these two. Scrapbooking is always a wonderful way to relive memories and get creative, and I love that there’s always a community like Scrappingclearly to help inspire us all to create something meaningful. Life might get in the way sometimes, but when you’ve got a passion for preserving memories, it’s worth making the time.

If you’re ever looking for some great challenges to boost your creativity, make sure to check out Scrappingclearly’s Share & Inspire group on Facebook – it’s a brilliant place to get involved in some scrappy fun!

Until next time, happy scrapping

Craft'n Around the World January Design Team Share

 Hello, crafty friends!

I’m back with another fun and creative project to share, and this time, it’s all about taking a card sketch from the Craft’n Around the World Facebook Challenge group and turning it into a scrapbook layout! I just love how these challenges push me to think outside the box, and this month, I couldn’t resist using the sketch to create a page that captures the dreamy, magical feel of my wedding day.

I couldn’t let this blog post go by without mentioning the fun new elements added to the monthly challenges over at Craft’n Around the World. This month, in addition to the card sketch challenge, we also have a Tic Tac Toe challenge to really push our creativity. I love how these challenges allow us to explore new themes and ideas while still giving us a framework to work within.

I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t sure how I could change the card sketch into my layout, but I was up for a challenge so I took a closer look, I realised it’s all about the elements! The sketch had a circular focal point, which made me think of using a large white paper doily. It’s a soft, delicate element that fit perfectly with the whimsical and dreamy theme of my wedding. Plus, the doily added just the right touch of texture and elegance to the design, allowing the photo to really stand out while still feeling like it belongs in the layout.

One of my favorite parts of this layout is the butterflies! I used a die cut to create a bunch of delicate butterfly shapes and then hand-colored them to match the beautiful Monarch Butterfly that my husband Adrian and I are holding in the wedding photo. I went with a white, orange, and black color scheme, which really brings out the butterfly's stunning details and adds a pop of color to the layout. The butterflies are like little bursts of life on the page, fluttering around the doily and bringing some dynamic movement to the design. It feels like the butterflies could fly right off the page!

The overall feel of this layout is soft and whimsical, with just the right touch of romance to match the dreamy magical theme of our wedding. I wanted the layout to feel light, airy, and a bit magical, much like the feeling we had on that day. The soft pastel tones, the fluttering butterflies, and the delicate doily all came together to create something that’s just as enchanting as the wedding day itself. It’s a simple yet elegant design, perfect for the moment.

I encourage you to join in on the fun over at Craft’n Around the World and take part in the challenges this month! Whether you’re transforming a card sketch into a layout, doing either of the sketches, or tackling the Tic Tac Toe challenge, there’s so much room for creativity, and the inspiration from the group is always amazing.

Happy crafting, and I can’t wait to see what you create!

Paper Issues sketches #3 and #4

 We’ve all had those days where you sit down at your scrapbooking table, staring at your supplies, and think, "What in the world am I going to do with all of this?" It’s like staring into the abyss of your craft stash, just waiting for inspiration to strike. But here’s the thing—sometimes you need a little help to get those creative juices flowing. Enter Paper Issues sketches, the ultimate solution to your scrapbooker’s block.

Today, I’m showcasing my creations using Sketch #3 and Sketch #4 for Paper Issues, and let me tell you, these sketches were like a warm hug for my creativity. They gave me direction, but also enough freedom to add my own flair.

 

Good Vibes

Sketch #3 immediately grabbed my attention with its layered papers—hello, scrap paper heaven. Who doesn’t love using up those leftover strips of patterned paper? It's like the sketch was practically begging me to pull out my scraps and get to work. And, oh, the opportunity for mixed media, with those circular marks and splatters. Well, let’s just say I took that as a "go ahead, get messy!" sign.

For this layout, I decided to go with a fun water-themed page of the girls dressed in mermaid tails and having a blast mucking around in the pool. I interpreted the sketch to represent their watery fun with all shades of blue, messy splattering, and summer-themed patterned papers. A couple of rainbows and beachy die cuts were the perfect finishing touches to tie it all together.

Now, I’ll admit, the messy splattering of paint had me questioning my life choices for a momment, but once it dried, I couldn’t help but smile. The layout felt like pure summer joy. So, if you’ve got some leftover paper scraps and you’re in the mood to get a little paint on your hands, this sketch is your best friend.

Life is Good Today

Sketch #4 had me really thinking outside the box. I saw that huge conversation bubble and immediately thought: “Comic books? Action figures? I have no idea what to do with this.” I stared at that bubble for a while, feeling stumped. Then, as if the universe knew I needed a sign, I remembered that Bronte had just gotten her license. Of course, a conversation bubble was the perfect way to represent her “big moment” in true comic-book fashion.

Once I had the idea, the layout came together so quickly, I used a bit of paint on the background to break up the patterned paper and really make the conversation bubble pop. I added a printed title from one of my favourite movies (Licence to Drive, anyone?), a few stars, and bam, the page was complete. It’s now a fun, quirky tribute to Bronte's new driving freedom.

I’ll admit, I did have a few “What am I doing with this layout?” moments, but that’s the beauty of Paper Issues sketches. They push you to think differently, to try new things, and suddenly, your ideas just click into place.

If you’re stuck in a creative rut, Paper Issues sketches are like a road map to scrapbooking success. Whether you’re using up paper scraps, trying your hand at some messy mixed media, or thinking outside the box (hello, conversation bubbles), these sketches give you the structure to get started while still allowing you to add your own personal touch.

So, the next time you’re staring at your supplies with zero inspiration, give a sketch a try. I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly your ideas come together. And remember—getting messy with paint? Always a good time!!!

Paper Issues Sketches #7, #8

Today I’ve created two new layouts to share with you where I have used the Paper Issues daily sketches, numbers #7 and #8. Both came together so easily and I had a lot of fun playing with different techniques and embellishments to bring the pages to life. Here are the sketches if you want to play along.

Fins & Scales Adventure (Sketch #7)

This layout captures a fun adventure Bronte and Paige had with Adrian in the heart of the Sydney, where they discovered the Japanese Gardens. While feeding the big goldfish, a curious water dragon paid them a visit, and of coarse Paige had to try and pat it. The sketch balanced out two photos perfectly, one of each of the girls, so I could highlight their individual moments.

I used some fun patterned paper from Coco Vanilla, which had beautiful oranges that matched the vibrant colours of the gold fish. To complement the paper, I created a mixed-media background. I simply sprayed some ink onto a piece of plastic packaging, then blotted it onto the cardstock, staying near the edges to mirror the design of the sketch, then randomly splattered a darker, earthy orange/brown over it. I love how the ink added a soft, organic feel that draws attention to the photos.

To add some extra interest and draw the eye downward, I used some chevron-coloured chipboard shapes across the bottom. The sketch’s design left a perfect spot in the middle of the page for handwritten journaling, so I filled it with a few lines about the fun day.

Big Kiss, Baby Sis (Sketch #8)

The second layout is a sweet moment between Bronte and Paige, capturing Bronte being a loving big sister and giving Paige a kiss on the head. The sketch for this one focused on the centre of the page, which gave me a great opportunity to create a bold mixed-media background. I used a small heart stencil and some colour paste in a vibrant watermelon hue, which contrasted beautifully against the soft pastel colours in the patterned paper and die-cuts I used for the rest of the layout.

This sketch was perfect for a moment like this, as it focused attention on a singular, heartfelt photo. The mixed media background added a bit of texture and fun while still allowing the sweet image of the two sisters to take centre stage, and of course, I just had to add a few tags (my latest obsession) to the mix, with a bit of hidden journaling on them.

Both of these layouts came together so quickly and easily thanks to the Paper Issues sketches. If you're ever in need of inspiration or want to jumpstart your creative process, I highly recommend checking out their daily sketches— they make it so simple to focus on key design elements and play with fun techniques.

Tag! You’re It.....Fun Layouts with My January Counterfeit Kit

I’m excited to share what I've been up to with my January Counterfeit Kit so far this month. I've created two fun layouts that came together quickly, thanks to the daily sketches from Paper Issues (Sketches #5 and #6). I’m currently obsessed with using tags on layouts, so I was thrilled to see that one of the sketches already included tags. For the other, I decided to add a tag or two anyway. Tags are such a versatile embellishment—they can frame photos, hold titles, add journaling, or create layers for added depth. I just love how they elevate the design.

Its So Fluffy (Sketch #5)

First up is It’s So Fluffy – a layout documenting an adorable photo of Paige and a fluffy chicken she befriended at the Nowra Zoo, using the Paper Issues Sketch #6. I used a lot of the patterned papers from my kit, mixing them with die-cut flowers and bows in soft pastel colours. I didn't have the tags in the colours I wanted for this layout so I cut out two from some of the patterned paper scraps, and I love how they turned out. 

Full of Colour (Sketch #6)

Next, I worked on Full of Colour – a bright, bold layout capturing when Paige had rainbow hair threads braided into her hair, using Paper Issues Sketch #5. The colour scheme of the layout matched her vibrant braids perfectly. I used tags as part of the photo mat, which helped to anchor the picture while adding layers and interest. I also had some fun with black ink, doodling around the photos, tags, and even the background paper. The little ink splatters and hearts tied everything together in the most playful way.

Both layouts came together so quickly thanks to the kit and the sketches and with my latest obsession with tags (seriously, they add such a fun dimension to any layout!) If you’re ever feeling stuck or uninspired, creating a small kit like this and having a plan (like those daily sketches!) can make all the difference. 

What are you working on this month? Let me know in the comments!