Monday, July 20, 2026
Add More Creative Possibilities With Coordinating Dies
Sunday, July 19, 2026
EEK! Halloween 12 x 12 Scrapbooking Layout
I’m having so much fun creating with the Frightful Fun Designer Series Paper Pack! For this second project, I designed another playful 12 x 12 double page scrapbook layout full of layered textures, bold Halloween colors, and eye-catching patterns.
This collection makes it easy to mix and match for cohesive Halloween scrapbook pages that pop. I especially love how the coordinating prints add depth while highlighting photos from spooky celebrations.
If you’re searching for Halloween scrapbooking ideas, 12x12 layout inspiration, or ways to use designer series paper, this layout is a great reminder that one paper pack can spark endless creative possibilities! 🎃📸✨
I’m Challenging Myself to Create an ABC Album All About Me
Have you ever looked at your photos and realized that while you’ve documented vacations, birthdays, holidays, and family memories, you haven’t really documented you?
That’s exactly what inspired my newest scrapbooking challenge.
My New Scrapbooking Challenge: An ABC Album About My Life
I’ve decided to challenge myself to create an ABC scrapbook album all about my life and the things that make me me. From favorite foods and special places to meaningful memories, life milestones, and everyday little joys, this album will be a creative way to tell my story one letter at a time.
The idea is simple:
- Choose one word for each letter of the alphabet
- Use that word as the theme for a scrapbook page or layout
- Fill the album with photos, journaling, and memories that represent your life, personality, favorite things, and experiences
So instead of this being a traditional “all about me” album, it becomes a creative A–Z journey through your life.
Why I Love This Challenge
What I love most about this idea is that it doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to follow one specific format. It can be:
- silly and lighthearted
- sentimental and reflective
- travel-focused
- family-focused
- hobby-focused
- milestone-focused
- or a little bit of everything
It’s such a fun way to scrapbook the things that matter to you, even the random little details that might not make it onto a traditional layout.
For example:
- P = Panda because I have a fun memory from the Panda Express grand opening here and I was so excited to go on opening day for lunch.
- O = Okinawa because living here has been such a huge part of my life story.
- G = Graduation because earning my doctorate is absolutely a memory I want to celebrate and document.
See? It doesn’t have to be deep and serious for every letter. Some pages can be heartfelt, some can be funny, and some can simply celebrate the little things you love.
Want to Try This Challenge Too?
If you’ve been looking for a fresh scrapbooking project, I think an ABC album would be such a fun challenge to try. It’s a great way to:
- use photos that don’t always fit into traditional themed albums
- document your favorite things and everyday life
- tell your story in a creative way
- finally scrapbook you instead of always scrapbooking everyone else
And the best part? There are no rules. Your ABC album can be as simple or detailed as you want.
Tips for Getting Started
1. Start by brainstorming words for each letter
Think about:
- favorite foods
- favorite places
- travel memories
- hobbies
- milestones
- family moments
- funny personality traits
- favorite restaurants
- favorite traditions
- things you collect
- places you’ve lived
- things you love right now
Some example ideas:
- A = Adventure
- B = Beach
- D = Disney
- F = Family
- L = Lunch
- P = Panda
- R = Ramen
- W = Work
- X = Xmas
Try not to overthink it at first. Just make a big messy list and see what stands out.
2. Pick words that are easy to find photos for
This is probably my biggest tip. If you want to actually finish the album, choose words that you already know you have photos for.
If you don’t have a lot of childhood pictures, that’s okay! Your album doesn’t have to cover every year of your life. It can focus on:
- your adult life
- your current season
- your favorite memories from the last 10–15 years
- the people, places, and things that have shaped who you are
That’s exactly how I’m approaching mine.
3. Mix meaningful pages with fun pages
Not every page has to be a major life story. Some of my pages will definitely be more meaningful, like Graduation, University, or Quest, but I also want to include pages that are simply fun and personal, like favorite foods, favorite places, or little everyday joys.
A good mix might look like this:
- big life moments → Graduation, University, Family
- places and travel → Japan, Okinawa, Beach, Vacation
- favorites and fun memories → Panda, Lunch, Ramen, Yummy
- creative life → Ink, Scrapbooking, Crafty things
- everyday moments → Kitchen, Everyday, Work
4. Don’t feel like every letter has to be obvious
Some letters are easy. Some are not.
If you get stuck on tricky letters like Q, X, or Z, give yourself permission to get creative. For example:
- Q = Quest
- X = Xmas
- Z = Zoo
This is your album. If a word works for your photos and your story, it works.
5. Decide early which pages deserve more space
Some letters might only need a single page, while others may deserve a full double-page spread.
For me, I already know some topics will probably need more room, like:
- Disney
- Family
- Graduation
- Japan
- Okinawa
- University
- Quest
Planning that ahead of time will help keep the album balanced and make the process feel less overwhelming.
6. Keep a simple planning sheet
Before you start creating pages, make yourself a quick list with:
- the letter
- the word/title
- the story you want to tell
- the photos you plan to use
- whether it will be a single page or double-page spread
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but having a plan will make the whole project so much easier to finish.
A Few ABC Album Ideas to Spark Inspiration
If you want to try this challenge for yourself, here are a few title ideas to get your wheels turning:
- A – Adventure
- B – Beach
- C – Coffee or Castle
- D – Disney
- E – Everyday
- F – Family
- G – Graduation
- H – Home
- I – Ink
- J – Journey
- K – Kitchen
- L – Lunch
- M – Magic
- N – Nature
- O – Ocean or Okinawa
- P – Panda
- Q – Quest
- R – Ramen
- S – School
- T – Travel
- U – University
- V – Vacation
- W – Work
- X – Xmas
- Y – Yummy
- Z – Zoo
My Goal for This Album
My goal is to create an album that feels like a scrapbook version of me—my favorite memories, the places I’ve lived, the things I love, the milestones I’m proud of, and the everyday little details that make up my life.
I think sometimes we spend so much time documenting everyone else that we forget to document our own stories, our own favorites, and our own journey.
So this is me changing that.
I’d Love for You to Join Me
If this sounds like a fun challenge to you, I’d love for you to try it too. You don’t have to start with all 26 letters at once. Pick a few easy ones, pull some photos, and just start.
And if you do decide to make your own ABC album, I’d love to hear what word you’d choose for P or Q, those kinds of pages are always the most fun to see!
Happy scrapping, friends!
Marciava
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Super Nintendo World Inspired Birthday Scrapbooking Sketch & Scrapbooking Title Ideas
Friday, July 17, 2026
Noodle Time! 12 x 12 Scrapbooking Sketch & Scrapbooking Title Ideas
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Soft Florals, Butterflies & Sweet Memories | 12x12 Double Page Scrapbook Layout
This layout is perfect for documenting a variety of everyday moments, spring outings, family memories, brunch dates, garden walks, baby photos, or any collection of sweet snapshots you want to preserve. The mix of soft blues, blush pinks, florals, stripes, and polka dots creates a beautiful backdrop without overwhelming your photos.
One of my favorite things about this two-page 12x12 scrapbook layout is how photo-friendly it is! With multiple large photo mats spread across both pages, this design gives you plenty of room to tell a fuller story while still leaving space for decorative touches and layered embellishments.
The layout includes:
• Large horizontal photo mats for feature photos
• A vertical photo mat for added variety
• Smaller photo spaces that are perfect for detail shots or supporting pictures
• Decorative clusters that add interest without taking away from the photos
It’s a great option when you have several photos from one event and don’t want to choose just one or two favorites.
The butterfly embellishments really steal the show on this layout! I love how they add movement and softness throughout both pages while tying the entire design together. A few simple layered accents, like the tags, circles, labels, and enamel dots, help frame the photos and make the layout feel finished without becoming too bulky or busy.
The little sentiment pieces such as “Best. Day. Ever.”, “cherish this,” and “good times” are the perfect finishing touch. They make this layout incredibly versatile for documenting happy everyday memories, special family moments, or fun seasonal adventures.
The Everyday Essentials Mix & Match Designer Series Paper is such a fun collection to work with because it already does so much of the design work for you.
• soft florals
• classic stripes
• playful polka dots
• gentle pastel tones
• versatile patterns that can work for spring, family, travel, or everyday memory keeping
If you love creating scrapbook pages that feel polished but still come together easily, this paper is a wonderful choice.
This double-page scrapbook sketch would work beautifully for:
• spring family photos
• garden or park pictures
• mother-daughter moments
• tea party or brunch photos
• baby or toddler memories
• birthday celebrations
• friendship photos
• everyday moments you want to remember
Because the color palette is soft and timeless, it can easily be customized for so many different themes.
I love how this layout feels soft, cheerful, and memory-filled all at once. It’s a great reminder that not every scrapbook page needs a complicated design to make an impact, sometimes a beautiful paper collection, a few thoughtful embellishments, and your favorite photos are all you need.
If you’ve been looking for 12x12 scrapbook layout inspiration or ideas for using the Everyday Essentials Mix & Match Designer Series Paper, I hope this page inspires you to pull out your supplies and start creating!
What kind of photos would you put on a layout like this? Spring memories, family fun, baby pictures, or something else? I’d love to hear!
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Summer Strawberry Pretzel Bites 🍓🥨☀️
When I'm spending the day scrapbooking, I love having a snack nearby that's easy to grab, doesn't make a mess, and satisfies my sweet tooth. These Strawberry Pretzel Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and refreshing, and they're ready in minutes!
Ingredients
- Mini pretzel twists
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Cream cheese, softened
- Honey (optional)
- White chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)
Directions
- Spread a small amount of cream cheese onto each pretzel.
- Top with a slice of fresh strawberry.
- If you'd like a little extra sweetness, drizzle lightly with honey. We don't want sticky fingers, so very little.
- For a special touch, melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Why These Are Perfect for Scrapbooking
✨ One-bite snack
✨ Easy to make ahead
✨ Sweet and salty combination everyone loves
✨ Looks adorable on a snack table
Crop Night Tip
Arrange the pretzel bites on a tiered tray and garnish with extra strawberries and mint leaves for a pretty presentation. Your scrapbooking friends will think you spent hours preparing them!
Make It Your Own
💕 Use flavored cream cheese for a fun twist.
💕 Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
💕 Add a tiny piece of basil for a fresh summer flavor.
Whether you're preserving memories, sharing stories, or creating beautiful pages, every scrapbook session is a little sweeter with good friends and a tasty snack nearby.
Happy Scrapping and Happy Snacking! 📸🍓🥨
Monday, July 13, 2026
Birthday Wishes Scrapbooking Sketch & Title Ideas
Birthdays are some of life's sweetest milestones, and they deserve a special place in our scrapbooks! Whether you're documenting a child's birthday party, a milestone celebration, or a simple gathering with family and friends, this 12" x 12" birthday sketch makes it easy to tell the story.
The sketch includes space for multiple photos, journaling, and fun birthday-themed embellishments. Add your favorite patterned papers, balloons, candles, cake accents, and festive colors to create a layout that perfectly captures the celebration.
Don't forget to include the little details that make birthdays memorable, favorite gifts, funny moments, special guests, and heartfelt wishes.
Need a title for your page? Here are a few ideas:
🎂 Happy Birthday!
🎈 Make a Wish
🎉 Birthday Fun
🎁 Celebrate You
🥳 Party Time
🎂 Another Year Older & Wiser
🎈 Hooray for Today!
🎉 Best Day Ever
🧁 Cake, Candles & Celebration
🎁 So Much to Celebrate
💖 Feeling Loved
🌟 Birthday Memories
I hope this sketch inspires you to pull out those birthday photos and create a page filled with joy and celebration. I'd love to see how you make it your own!
Happy scrapping!
Beautiful Birthday 12 x 12 Scrapbooking Layout Featuring A New Paper Pack
I was able to create a dreamy birthday keepsake with this 12 x 12 scrapbook layout featuring the Violet Dreams Designer Series Paper Pack. The DSP pack has soft blue, purple, and pink hues with framed photo mats on both pages, balancing bold panels with delicate patterns. This new pack is an online exclusive now available.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Day 12 – Sending Love and Joy This Christmas | Christmas in July Showcase
This design features the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, whose festive patchwork-inspired pattern instantly evokes the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The coordinating strip of patterned paper adds another layer of interest while keeping the design balanced and cohesive.
Across the center of the card is a crisp white die-cut banner created with the Web of Fun Dies. It provides the perfect backdrop for the heartfelt sentiment from the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set:
"Sending love and joy this Christmas."
I love how this simple greeting says everything you want to share during the holiday season. Whether you're sending a card to family, friends, or neighbors, it's a thoughtful message that's sure to brighten someone's day.
To finish the design, I added a few sparkling Mosaic Adhesive-Backed Dots, giving the card just the right amount of shine without taking away from the beautiful patterned paper. The clean white card base and layered design allow the festive colors to stand out while maintaining an elegant, timeless look.
One of my favorite things about this card is how quick it is to assemble. With just a few layers, a beautiful sentiment, and a handful of embellishments, you can create a stack of handmade Christmas cards that look polished and professional. It's a wonderful design for busy crafters who still want to send something handmade from the heart.
As we conclude this Christmas in July Showcase, I want to thank you for following along over the past 12 days. I hope these projects have sparked new ideas, encouraged you to get a head start on your holiday crafting, and inspired you to preserve your Christmas memories through scrapbooking and handmade cards.
Whether you joined me for one project or all twelve, I truly appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I can't wait to continue sharing more scrapbooking inspiration, cardmaking ideas, and creative projects with you throughout the year.
Until next time...
Happy crafting, and may your Christmas season always be filled with love, joy, and creativity!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Share Kindness Through Creativity
One of my favorite things about paper crafting is the ability to create something meaningful with my own hands. Whether it's a handmade card tucked into the mailbox or a scrapbook page preserving a treasured memory, our creativity has the power to connect people and brighten someone's day.
The upcoming Kindred Greetings kit is a beautiful reminder of that connection. Featuring elegant leaf designs, soft colors, textured elements, and heartfelt sentiments, this collection is perfect for cardmakers and scrapbookers alike. The versatile designs can be used for cards, memory keeping, gift tags, and so much more.
If you enjoy having creative inspiration delivered right to your door, now is the perfect time to subscribe. Be sure to sign up by August 10th so you don't miss this gorgeous collection.
As crafters, we know that sometimes a simple card can say what words alone cannot. Let's continue sharing kindness, encouragement, and creativity, one project at a time.
Happy crafting,
Marciava
Day 11 – Rustic Christmas Elegance | Christmas in July Showcase
Friday, July 10, 2026
✨ Make Metallic Magic with the NEW Stampin' Up! Hot Foil System! ✨
Day 10 – Elegant Christmas Beauty | Christmas in July Showcase
This handmade Christmas note card features clean lines, layered die cuts, and a stunning white poinsettia that takes center stage. It's the perfect card for sharing heartfelt holiday wishes with family and friends.
The focal point is the gorgeous layered white poinsettia, created with the Pretty Poinsettia Dies. By layering the delicate petals and adding subtle texture, the flower becomes the star of the design while maintaining a soft, elegant look. A sparkling Mosaic Adhesive-Backed Dot in the center provides just the right amount of shimmer without overpowering the card.
Behind the poinsettia, I added an Old Olive die-cut banner using the Web of Fun Dies, creating a beautiful contrast against the crisp white flower. The vibrant Real Red background, cut with the Lovely Arrangements Dies, adds a cheerful pop of traditional Christmas color while the open geometric pattern gives the card a fresh, modern feel.
The clean white card base allows each layer to shine, creating a design that's both festive and sophisticated. I love how the combination of red, green, and white captures the timeless beauty of Christmas while the dimensional flower adds wonderful texture and depth.
One of my favorite things about this card is its versatility. It would be perfect for sending Christmas greetings, including with a holiday gift, or even displaying as part of your seasonal home décor. Its classic design is one that will never go out of style.
If you're looking to make multiple Christmas cards this year, this layout is easy to recreate while still looking polished and elegant. Simply die-cut your pieces, layer them together, and finish with a beautiful embellishment for a card that's sure to impress.
Thank you for joining me for Day 10 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope today's project inspires you to create handmade cards that reflect the beauty and joy of the Christmas season. Sometimes all it takes is a few thoughtfully layered die cuts to create something truly special.
Only two more projects remain in this year's showcase! Be sure to stop back tomorrow for Day 11, where I'll be sharing another festive creation to help inspire your holiday crafting.
Happy crafting!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Day 9 - Classic Christmas Elegance – A Timeless Double Page Scrapbook Layout
Welcome to Day 9 of my Christmas in July Showcase! Today I'm sharing a festive 12" x 12" double-page scrapbook layout that's perfect for preserving your favorite Christmas memories. Whether you're documenting Christmas morning, a holiday gathering, or a cozy family celebration, this layout offers a classic design that lets your photos take center stage.
The rich combination of A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, Secret Sea Cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Cardstock, Old Olive Cardstock, and Very Vanilla Cardstock creates a warm, traditional Christmas palette that never goes out of style. The quilt-inspired designer paper along the bottom adds a charming handmade feel while tying all of the colors together beautifully.
This layout includes space for:
• (3) 4" x 6" photos
• (1) journaling box for capturing your favorite holiday memories
One of my favorite details is the simple circular title embellishment featuring the "Holiday Greetings" sentiment from the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set. A few loops of Linen Thread tucked behind the title add soft texture, while the Old Olive Moody Palette Dots provide just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming the design.
I love how this layout balances clean lines with festive accents. The generous photo mats make it easy to showcase some of your favorite holiday moments, while the journaling box ensures the stories behind those memories are preserved for years to come.
Sometimes the most meaningful layouts are also the simplest. By combining classic Christmas colors, timeless patterns, and a few carefully chosen embellishments, you can create a beautiful keepsake that allows your photos and memories to shine.
Thank you for stopping by for Day 9 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope this layout inspires you to gather your holiday photos and start creating pages that your family will treasure for generations.
Happy scrapping! 🎄❤️
Marciava
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Day 8 – Holiday Greetings to Treasure | Christmas in July Showcase
This 12" x 12" double-page scrapbook layout features a warm, classic color palette that feels both festive and cozy. The beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper frames the pages with its colorful patchwork-inspired design, adding just the right amount of holiday charm without overwhelming your photos.
The layout is built on a Crumb Cake background that allows the festive accents to shine. Real Red, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla Cardstock work together to create a traditional Christmas color combination that never goes out of style.
One of my favorite design elements is the pair of oversized gift tags tucked behind the photo mat on the right page. The Linen Thread adds wonderful texture and creates the feeling of wrapped presents waiting to be opened on Christmas morning. It's a simple detail that brings extra warmth and personality to the layout.
The stamped "Holiday Greetings" sentiment from the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set serves as the perfect focal embellishment. A few Old Olive enamel dots scattered around the title add just the right finishing touch while helping to carry your eye across both pages.
This layout provides plenty of room for documenting an entire holiday celebration with space for:
• (1) 7" x 5" photo
• (1) 4" x 6" photo
• (5) additional 4" x 3" photos
Whether you're showcasing Christmas dinner, opening presents, decorating the tree, holiday baking, or family portraits, this design gives you plenty of flexibility to tell your Christmas story.
I especially love how this layout balances patterned paper with open space. The photo mats remain the stars of the page while the festive borders, layered tags, and simple embellishments provide just enough detail to make the design feel complete. It's an easy layout to recreate and one that can be adapted for Christmas memories from any year.
Thank you for joining me for Day 8 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope today's project inspires you to pull out your favorite Christmas papers and start documenting those priceless holiday moments. Every page you create helps preserve memories that will be cherished for generations.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for Day 9, where I'll be sharing another festive Christmas project filled with creative inspiration.
Happy crafting!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Friendly Reminder... Handmade Cards Are Always Worth the Stamp 💌
Day 7 – A Cool Christmas Hello | Christmas in July Showcase
This sweet design features one of my favorite winter friends, an adorable little penguin that's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!
The focal image comes from the June Product of the Month, Wild Bunch Stamp Set. This charming penguin is simply stamped, lightly colored, and layered onto coordinating circles to create a clean and eye-catching focal point. If you were able to pick up this exclusive stamp set while it was available, it's a wonderful choice for creating fun winter cards that can be used throughout the holiday season.
The background showcases the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, featuring a timeless snowflake pattern that instantly gives the card a cozy winter feel. I paired it with Pool Party Cardstock, which adds a soft, frosty touch reminiscent of crisp winter skies.
To add a little extra interest, I created a layered banner behind the penguin, giving the focal image more dimension while keeping the overall design clean and balanced. A few sparkling Drusy Adhesive-Backed Embellishments finish the card beautifully, catching the light like tiny pieces of glistening snow.
One of the things I love most about this design is its versatility. It would make a wonderful Christmas card, a winter birthday card, or even a cheerful note to brighten someone's day during the colder months. The clean layout also makes it easy to recreate when you need to make several cards at once.
Sometimes the simplest designs are the most memorable. By combining patterned paper, a sweet stamped image, and just a few embellishments, you can create a handmade card that's both elegant and heartwarming.
Thank you so much for joining me for Day 7 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope today's project inspires you to pull out your favorite winter papers and stamps to create a stack of cheerful Christmas cards ahead of the holiday rush.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for Day 8, where I'll be sharing another festive Christmas project to keep the inspiration going!
Happy crafting!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Monday, July 6, 2026
Day 6 – The Gift of Christmas Memories | Christmas in July Showcase
The foundation of this layout features the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, which adds cheerful geometric patterns in traditional Christmas colors. Paired with Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, and Black Cardstock, the layout has a classic holiday feel that will never go out of style.
One of my favorite design elements is the oversized "GIFTS" title. I created it by die-cutting two layers of cardstock using the Party Alphabet Dies, adding a shadow layer behind each letter for extra depth and dimension. This simple technique really makes the title stand out and creates a fun focal point across the left page. There are also gorgeous Mosaic Adhesive Backed Dots.
The layout offers plenty of room for preserving your favorite Christmas moments with space for:
• (4) 6" x 4" photos
• (3) 4" x 6" photos
Whether you're documenting Christmas morning, children opening presents, holiday surprises, or family gift exchanges, this layout has enough photo space to tell the entire story.
I also love how the bold red borders frame the pages while the patterned paper strips tie both pages together. The clean arrangement keeps the focus on your photographs while still adding enough festive detail to make the pages feel special. A few subtle embellishments complete the design without distracting from the memories you'll add.
One of the things I enjoy most about this layout is how versatile it is. While I designed it with Christmas gifts in mind, it would also work beautifully for holiday gatherings, Secret Santa exchanges, Christmas Eve traditions, or even photos from a holiday party.
Thank you for stopping by for Day 6 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope this layout inspires you to create pages that celebrate not only the gifts under the tree, but also the priceless gift of spending time with the people you love. Every scrapbook page preserves a memory that can be treasured for years to come.
Be sure to join me tomorrow for Day 7, where I'll be sharing another Christmas-inspired project filled with festive ideas and creative inspiration.
Happy crafting!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Sunday, July 5, 2026
Got 4th Photos?
Here are a few fun scrapbook page title ideas for your Fourth of July layouts:
- Stars & Stripes
- Red, White & Boom
- Let Freedom Ring
- Fireworks & Fun
- Sparkle & Shine
- Independence Day
- Patriotic Pride
- Celebrate America
- Family & Fireworks
- Sweet Land of Liberty
Day 5- A Soft Untraditional Christmas Colors Layout
This layout proves that you don't need lots of layers or bulky embellishments to create something beautiful. The soft color palette paired with whimsical woodland accents creates a fresh, modern take on Christmas scrapbooking.
The background begins with Smoky Slate Cardstock, creating a soft neutral foundation that allows the other colors to pop. Along each edge, I added the cheerful green polka dot pattern from the Peaceful Pine design in the 2026–2028 In Color Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper. To soften the design even more, I included narrow strips of the Bubble Bath pattern from the Subtles Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper.
The photo mats are layered with Bubble Bath and Black Cardstock, creating crisp contrast while tying all of the colors together. The layout provides room for five photos, perfect for documenting a Christmas party, decorating the tree, baking holiday treats, or a cozy family gathering.
One of my favorite features is the adorable woodland tree image from the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set. Filled with sweet forest animals and festive details, it adds a playful focal point without overwhelming the layout. The coordinating sentiment, "Christmas Cheer for All to Hear," also from the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set, perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the season.
To complete the design, I tucked in leafy accents from the stamped Simply Leaves Stamp Set, Time For Celebration Ephemera Pack, added a soft pink arrow from the Under the Sun Ephemera Pack, and finished everything with a few 2026–2028 In Color Dots for subtle dimension and sparkle.
I especially love how this layout balances modern simplicity with whimsical Christmas elements. The clean lines make it quick to recreate, while the charming embellishments add personality and visual interest. It's a wonderful design for scrapbookers who want to showcase several favorite holiday photos without the page feeling crowded.
Thank you for joining me for Day 5 of my Christmas in July Showcase! I hope this layout inspires you to embrace simple designs that highlight your treasured memories while still celebrating the magic of Christmas. Be sure to stop back tomorrow for Day 6, where I'll be sharing another festive project to keep the Christmas creativity flowing all month long!
Happy crafting!
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Day 4 – A Penguin with a Happy Face | Christmas in July Showcase
This sweet handmade note card combines playful winter charm with a clean and simple design that's perfect for sending a little holiday cheer.
The star of the card is this precious penguin from the June Product of the Month, Wild Bunch Stamp Set. I couldn't resist adding him to today's project! If you were able to grab this exclusive stamp set while it was available, I hope you're having as much fun creating with it as I am.
The background features the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper, showcasing a timeless snowflake pattern that instantly creates a cozy winter feel. I layered the design with Secret Sea Cardstock and added a soft strip of Pool Party Cardstock across the center to brighten the card and draw attention to the focal image.
To finish the design, I stamped the cheerful sentiment, "Put on a Happy Face!", from the Cookie Cutter Christmas Stamp Set. It's the perfect reminder that the holidays are all about spreading kindness, joy, and smiles.
One of my favorite things about this card is how quick it is to recreate. The simple layering allows the patterned paper and the adorable penguin to take center stage, making it an excellent design whether you're creating one special card or a whole stack of Christmas greetings.
I hope today's project inspires you to mix whimsical images with classic Christmas papers to create cards that are both festive and fun. Sometimes the cutest cards are also the simplest!
Thank you for stopping by for Day 4 of my Christmas in July Showcase. Be sure to visit again tomorrow as I'll be sharing another Christmas-inspired project to keep the holiday creativity going all month long!
Happy crafting,
Marciava
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Friday, July 3, 2026
Happy 4th of July!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Independence Day filled with celebration, laughter, and memory-making!
Whether you're enjoying a backyard barbecue, watching fireworks light up the night sky, attending a local parade, or simply spending time with loved ones, don't forget to capture those special moments. Take plenty of photos of the decorations, food, family traditions, and candid smiles that make the day unique.
As scrapbookers, we know that the little details often become our favorite memories years later. Save those event programs, tickets, and festive photos to create layouts that tell the story of your holiday celebrations.
Most importantly, take time to enjoy the day and appreciate the people around you. The memories you make today will become the stories you'll treasure tomorrow.
Happy Fourth of July and happy scrapbooking!
🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
Day 3 – Christmas Joy in Every Memory | Christmas in July Showcase
Thursday, July 2, 2026
🎄 Christmas in July Showcase – Day 2: A Simple Handmade Holiday Greeting
I hope you've been enjoying this festive journey so far! Today I'm switching from scrapbook layouts to a quick and elegant handmade Christmas card that is perfect for sending warm holiday wishes to family and friends.
This card features the beautiful A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper paired with the Woodland Wishes Stamp Set. The patterned paper does most of the work, making this design easy to recreate while still looking polished and festive.
The bold Christmas tree pattern creates a cheerful focal point, while the layered circle sentiment adds just the right amount of dimension. A simple strip of coordinating green cardstock helps ground the design, allowing the gorgeous designer paper to truly shine. Sometimes, less really is more!
Products Featured
🎄 A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper
🌲 Woodland Wishes Stamp Set
❤️ Coordinating Cardstock in Cherry Cobbler, and Garden Green
❄️ Basic White Note Cards
🎅 Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Ink Pad
One of my favorite things about this card is how versatile it is. You could easily create several of these in an afternoon by changing the designer paper pattern or sentiment. It's a wonderful design for holiday card swaps, gift enclosures, or building your Christmas card stash well before December arrives.
Christmas in July is the perfect time to start creating handmade cards. By getting a head start now, you'll have more time to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends later.
Thank you for stopping by for Day 2 of the showcase! I hope today's project inspires you to pull out your favorite Christmas papers and start creating.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 3, where I'll be sharing another festive Christmas project as we continue celebrating 12 Days of Christmas in July!
I'd love to hear from you in the comments: Do you make handmade Christmas cards every year, or is this something you'd like to start doing?
Happy Scrapping and Merry Christmas in July!
Marciava