Scrapbook Layout 12x12 - Play Time
I had so much fun creating this layout… I went into it with a bit of a horizontal design idea in mind, and I really wanted to pull out my black letter stickers (only because I'm on a mission to use all my letters stickers up). I used a sequence of photos of the same event.
Layout Design:
Colour Palette: I really let the colours in the photos guide the whole layout. The photos had those soft warm tones in them, so I pulled in gentle peaches and warm browns to match that cosy feel. I also added creamy whites to lighten everything up a little, and then brought in some subtle sage and soft blue tones because they picked up the background colours in the photos nicely. I love doing that because it helps everything feel connected without the page becoming too matchy-matchy or overwhelming.
Photos / Photo Matts: I used one 6x4 photo along with two 3x4 portrait photos and kept them fairly centred across the middle of the page. For this layout, I actually didn’t feel like heavily matting the photos, so let the papers do the job. I always like to add layers behind photos to add more depth.
Title – I kept the title simple using black alpha letters. The black really helps everything pop and draws your eye straight into the centre of the layout.
Embellishments – The floral clusters and butterflies honestly came together quite naturally as I went along. I didn’t really over-plan them. I found a small piece of blue mesh in my stash and started layering from there, tucking little bits and pieces in around the cluster until it felt balanced without looking too crowded. One of my favourite details ended up being the tiny beading because it adds those little pops of texture and interest that catch your eye when you look closely.
Journalling – Sometimes you really only need a sentence or two. I love keeping journalling natural and conversational — just enough to tell the little story behind the photos and capture the feeling of the moment. These everyday memories are honestly some of my favourites to scrapbook because they freeze those tiny expressions, reactions, and ordinary moments that would probably disappear from memory over time if we didn’t document them.
Techniques used:
Layering: is honestly one of my favourite parts of putting a layout together because it adds so much depth and interest without needing lots of complicated techniques. For this page, I used quite a few different paper layers tucked in behind the photos to help build that soft clustered look.
I mixed together a combination of patterned papers, softer neutral tones, and a few pieces with subtle texture and detail.
I also love using ledger-style papers and grid prints because they work almost like a quiet background texture. They add that subtle structure and visual interest without competing with the photos or embellishments.
Little tabs, paper strips, and small tucked-in pieces were added here and there as I went along. I think those tiny details make such a difference because they help your eye move around the page naturally. Plus they’re perfect for using up leftover scraps from your stash instead of letting all those little bits sit forgotten in a drawer somewhere 😄
What I really tried to do with the layering was keep it soft and balanced. I didn’t want huge bulky layers or anything overly heavy. Instead, I focused more on creating gentle depth and texture so the layout still felt light, pretty, and easy to look at while giving the photos a nice foundation to sit on.
Embellishments - Clusters: One thing I found myself naturally leaning into with this layout was mixing textures… and it’s something I don’t always plan, but it makes such a difference.
On this page, I’ve mixed a few different things to make the main cluster.
- leaves, and leaf trim, flowers.
- blue mesh piece.
- cabochon
- beading
- Butterfly die cut
Nothing too over the top… but together, it creates that layered, touchable feel.
Curious… do you tend to stick to paper, or do you like adding in things like fabric, thread, or even a bit of messy texture?
The sketch is waiting inside the community?
Every week, over on the Scrap of Your Life Facebook Page I share a scrapbook layout along with a little peek into the creative process behind it. Then inside the Creative Craft Community , I’ll post the sketch version so everyone can create their own take on the design too.
Here on the blog, I’ll also chat a little more about the techniques, layering ideas, paper choices, leftover stash pieces, and the little details that helped bring the layout together.
If you’d love the sketch version and want to join in with the creative conversations, come join us so you can save the sketch and create this layout too.
This is how it works:
✨ Tuesday - Blog post goes live with techniques, thoughts, tips, products used, design ideas etc
✨ Thursday - I share the sketch exclusively inside the Facebook Creative Craft Community
If you use the sketch - don't forget to tag #scrapofyourlife.
Let me know in the comments if you like this sketch!
No comments