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!