Grab a cup of coffee and learn along the way...

There is something about fall scrapbooking that makes me want to slow down and notice the details—the colors, the gatherings, the traditions, and those ordinary little moments that often become some of our favorite memories. That feeling was very much on my mind as I designed this year’s Croptoberfest Workshop. I wanted these pages to feel unmistakably autumn without making every layout look the same. I also wanted to create a workshop that was about more than assembling pret

The Free Spirit collection is filled with bold color, strong patterns and plenty of personality—and I love all of that! But when you are working with papers that have this much going on, it can be easy for the photos to get lost in the design. For this page, I wanted to embrace those beautiful patterns without allowing them to take over. The solution was simple: give them plenty of white space. By starting with a white background and using the patterned papers in controlled s

I have been waiting to share this special, and I am so excited about this one! If you have been thinking about adding die-cutting and embossing to your scrapbooking—or expanding what you can already do—this is a wonderful opportunity. For just five days, there are two different specials to choose from: one filled with dies and embossing folders to get your creativity going, and another featuring the Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine and plates. The special begins Monday, August

Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing the reasons behind some of the choices I make when I scrapbook. We started by talking about The Power of White Space and why I love giving the elements on my pages room to breathe. Last week, we talked about why Your Photos Should Be the Star—because ultimately, the beautiful papers and embellishments we love are there to support the memories captured in our photographs. But there is one more piece of my scrapbooking philosophy that

There is something so beautiful about winter photos—the soft light, snow-covered trees, cozy sweaters and those little moments that seem made for remembering. For this page, I wanted to capture that feeling while keeping the photos front and center. The cool blues and soft grays create a peaceful winter palette, but that bright red sweater gives the page just the pop of color it needs. I especially love how the snowy trees in the photos seem to continue right into the embelli

Some of the most meaningful memories aren't the big celebrations—they're the ordinary afternoons that quietly become unforgettable. A little flour on the counter, tiny hands eager to help, and laughter filling the kitchen may not seem extraordinary in the moment, but years from now, these are the memories that will tell the story of a childhood. For this layout, I wanted the photos to remain the focus while using soft patterns, subtle mixed-media details, and plenty of white

Whenever I sit down at my scrapbook table, I try to remind myself why I'm there in the first place. As scrapbookers, we're surrounded by beautiful products. Every month there are new paper collections, embellishments, punches, laser cuts, stickers, and techniques that inspire us to create. I love them as much as anyone else. In fact, one of my favorite parts of this hobby is discovering new ways to use those products. But somewhere along the way, I think it's easy to lose s

Christmas layouts don't have to be filled from edge to edge to capture the warmth and wonder of the season. In fact, sometimes the most striking designs are the ones that allow the photos room to breathe. For this page, I used a wreath-inspired design of holly, greenery, and ornaments to naturally frame the story without overwhelming it. The bold holiday elements draw your eye around the page while the generous white space keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on those swe

If you've looked through my scrapbook pages, you've probably noticed something right away. I almost always begin with Bright White cardstock. It has become one of the most recognizable parts of my personal style, and it is also one of the things people ask me about most often. "Don't you think it's too plain?" "Why don't you use more patterned paper for your background?" "Aren't you afraid the page will look unfinished?" They're fair questions, because white space can feel un

Some destinations are filled with postcard-worthy views, and Curaçao is certainly one of them. From the colorful waterfront to the historic Rif Fort and the charming streets lined with unique details, this layout was designed to let those beautiful travel photos take center stage. The soft blue color palette complements the tropical scenery without competing with the images, while the heart-patterned paper adds just enough personality to keep the pages feeling fun and vibrant

Senior year is about so much more than graduation. It's the culmination of years of learning, growing, and discovering who we are. This layout celebrates the friendships, determination, and accomplishments that define those final months before life's next adventure begins. I wanted this design to feel clean, organized, and timeless—just like the memories it preserves. The School Years collection provides the perfect academic feel without overwhelming the photos, allowing the

Have you ever noticed that scrapbookers each have a style that's uniquely their own? Some love bold colors and every inch of the page filled with beautiful details. Others are drawn to vintage papers, distressed edges, or mixed media. Some scrapbook with dozens of photos on a page, while others prefer to let just one or two images tell the story. None of those approaches are right or wrong. They're simply reflections of the people creating them. Over the years, I've found my

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to stock up on your favorite Creative Memories products, this is the week! Whether you're running low on albums, cardstock, adhesives, refill pages, or have had a few items sitting on your wish list, now is a wonderful opportunity to add them to your craft room. Creative Memories has several exciting promotions happening this week, including a fantastic You-Pick-It offer, an exclusive bundle, and a brand-new product that I think yo

Some of the most meaningful memories aren't found in grand celebrations or once-in-a-lifetime vacations. They're tucked into ordinary afternoons, quiet conversations, and moments spent simply being together. Those are often the memories we treasure most when we look back. For this layout, I wanted the soft beauty of the Hydrangea Haven collection to reflect that feeling. The gentle blues, delicate florals, and touches of greenery create a peaceful backdrop that allows these s

Some stories deserve a page that lets the photos do all the talking. This layout celebrates a beautiful engagement session with a clean, layered design that highlights each special moment while allowing plenty of white space to create a soft, elegant feel. Warm neutrals, subtle patterns, and thoughtful embellishments work together to complement the photos without competing for attention. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest designs tell the most meaningful stories. Des

There are some paper collections that immediately spark creativity, and Free Spirit is definitely one of them! Filled with bold patterns, rich colors and playful details, this collection invites you to create pages with personality while still letting your treasured memories shine. For this layout, my goal was to show that even papers with vibrant designs can be used in a clean, balanced way. By combining strategic placement, plenty of white space and a few mixed-media techni

For a limited time, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your cardstock stash and grab those shimmering papers you’ve been eyeing! ✨ Right now on my Creative Memories website, you’ll save: 🎉 20% OFF Cardstock & Shimmer Paper🛍️ NEW markdowns added to the Deals section🔥 Savings up to 50% OFF selected items But don’t wait — this special sale ends Sunday at 11:59 pm CT! Whether you’re planning summer scrapbook projects, workshop pages, cards, or simply restocking your favorite b

There is so much new at Creative Memories! I am here today to tell you about it. But first things first! I have a beach workshop for sale in my Specialty Store at My Papercrafting Life. If you have a vacation to scrapbook, head on over HERE to take a look at it. I only have four remaining, and when they are gone, I can't get anymore of this product! There's also something new on Saturday Mornings! I have started Saturday Morning Sketches on my Facebook page. Every Frid

Some memories are so small… yet they take up the biggest space in our hearts. Tiny fingers wrapped around yours. Little toes that somehow fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. These are the fleeting moments we never want to forget. This layout celebrates those early days when every smile, every stretch, and every tiny wiggle feels like a miracle. With playful embellishments, layered papers, and soft baby-themed details, this page captures the sweetness of those first precio

Sometimes the best memories aren’t just in the photos — they’re in the journey between them. These travel-inspired borders add motion, whimsy, and direction to your pages, reminding us that every adventure unfolds one mile, one cloud, and one unexpected detour at a time. Whether your photos are from a faraway destination or a simple Minnesota road trip, these borders help lead the eye (and the heart) straight into the story. Design Notes These layered borders were designed to

On the Bright Side: The Album Kit Everyone Is About to Fall in Love With There are album kits… and then there are moment-making, creativity-sparking, joy-filled experiences — and On the Bright Side is absolutely the latter. Launching tomorrow , this brand-new Album Kit was designed by the artistic and incomparable Amy Tangerine , and it is everything we love about simple, joyful memory keeping: bright, cheerful, modern, and effortless to create. This is the very first Albu

Every month, I love challenging myself to look at the Creative Memories Simple Page Kit with fresh eyes. This month’s December kit was especially fun to work with because it provided a beautiful foundation—perfect for taking things just a step further. Story Behind the Page These photos capture my niece's family's fun at a holiday event that is becoming a favorite holiday tradition for their family—those sweet, fleeting moments that seem to pass all too quickly. I wanted th

The What a Zoo, Too! paper pack ($5.00) and mat pack ($4.00) are part of the Next Chapter Event— WOW! What an incredible value! This collection is absolutely amazing, and with just these two items you can create such beautiful, vibrant pages. Whether you’re scrapping zoo adventures, wildlife encounters, or any outdoor photos, these papers truly shine. Story Behind the Page This past workshop was all about embracing the wild, whimsical energy of our visit to the Fort Wor

Welcome back to Craft Notes ! Today I’m sharing a layout that takes me right back to Italy and one of the most unforgettable sights we experienced: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This spread is a mix of architectural drama, soft textures, and handmade details that help the photos shine. If you love clean lines paired with layers of texture, this one’s for you. 🌟 Story Behind the Page In 2008, we stood on the lawn of the Piazza dei Miracoli and soaked in every angle of the Leani