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| I didn't add the little girl's name yet for privacy reasons, but plan to add that and the date (May 5, 2019) to the back of the layout. |
Saturday, May 23, 2026
EMS Sketch Challenge #129 and Grateful Layout for Lasting Memories #800
Saturday, May 2, 2026
EMS Sketch Challenge #128 + Enjoy the Little Things Layout
It's been a few months since I created a new sketch, but I wanted something that would work for three miscellaneous photos from April 2019, so I had the idea of using a triangle to separate the photos. I used the sketch pretty much as is except for adding a mat to the vertical picture.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Captured Happiness stamp set
Life Is Beautiful papers & Stickers (Echo Park)
Blush & Mist cardstock
Blush, Twilight & Black ink
Twilight marker
Life Is Beautiful chipboard (Echo Park)
Lace flowers (Daiso)
Say Cheese III enamel dots (Simple Stories)
Cricut Design Space: title, scalloped border, pocket
Challenges: Cut It Up #355 Use a die-cut with twist of Something with Wings - used a bee and a butterfly; NBUS #86 my never before used stuff was the Life Is Beautiful chipboard flowers; The Outlawz Anything But a Card.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
EMS Sketch Challenge #127 + B-Day Breakfast Layout
I hadn't created a new sketch yet this year, but Sharon over at Splitcoast Stampers asked for one for the virtual crop (VSBN) they are having this month over there, so here's what I came up with. After I finished it, I realized it features 4 vertical photos just like my last sketch, but hopefully the simplicity will appeal to those who didn't want to add all the banners next to the photos! Feel free to rotate it, flip it, use different sized photos, or just use it as is, but be sure to share your layout in the comments below. And we would love to have you play along with the crop at Splitcoast; it's easy and free to sign up for an account, and there are 7 love-inspired challenges to help you get some scrapping done.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Noted Backgrounds, Hodgepodge Alphabet, You & Me, Love Life & Whooo's Your Valentine stamp sets
Field Trip papers (American Crafts)
Pet Shoppe Cat paper (Simple Stories)
Candy Apple, Toffee & White Daisy cardstock
Candy Apple, Capri, Outdoor Denim & Honey ink
Prussian Blue fineliner pen (iBayam)
Monograms 2 Chippies (Mintay Papers)
My Happy Place Shape Sprinkles (Doodlebug Designs)
Cool Summer Night enamel dots (Altenew)
Red Dot Essentials washi tape (Echo Park)
Seagull decorative scissors (Fiskars)
Cricut Artiste cartridge: hearts
Challenges: Heart’s Quest Challenge Blog #82 Red and/or gold hearts; Crafter’s CafĂ© #326 Anything goes with optional twist: one for the boys; The Outlawz Anything But a Card Anything goes.
Friday, December 5, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #126 + Winter Blast 2018 Layout
December is here, bringing a new sketch for you all to enjoy! I featured four 4x6 photos, two cropped and two uncropped, but as you can see from my layout, it's pretty easy to substitute different sizes and even add a journaling block if desired. Feel free to add a link in the comments if you use the sketch.
Here's my layout. I mirrored the sketch to create a double page layout, and added a journaling spot on the right hand page since my photos could be cropped shorter.
Recipe (all CTMH unless noted):
Pen Pal & Bingo Alphabet stamp sets
Holiday Sampler stamp set (SU)
Jingle All the Way papers (Simple Stories)
Ponderosa Pine, Toffee, Cranberry & White Daisy cardstock
Ponderosa Pine, Toffee, Ruby & Black ink
Fineliner pens (iBayam)
Pear & Partridge PML card
Red Dot Essentials washi tape (Echo Park)
Geometric washi tape (Recollections)
Leaves stencil (Clear Scraps)
3-D foam tape
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge: banners
Challenges: Stencil Fun - I didn't have quite enough patterned paper so I used an ivy leaf stencil to create some more; Inkspirational Challenge #355 Mood board - I was inspired by the tiny icons, so I stamped and added several around my layout.
Color My Heart Color Dare #680
Monday, November 3, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #125 + Christmas Eve Layout
I haven't done a sketch challenge since August, so here's a new one that hopefully lots of scrappers will enjoy and use. It houses 8 photos plus still has room for some embellishing. I especially love the 2" x 2" squares, which are perfect for those little cut apart cards you often get in a paper pack. As always, feel free to adapt the sketch to fit your photos, use only one page, rotate it, etc., but be sure to leave a link in the comments so I can admire your finished layout!
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout, staying pretty true to the sketch except I split the title and cropped the top two photos into squares and added a little bit more patterned paper below each.
Recipe:
Stardust papers & stickers
Cashmere, Moonstruck & White Daisy cardstock
Moonstruck, Topiary, Cranberry & Chocolate ink
Moonstruck marker
The Holiday Life stickers and cut apart cards (Simple Stories)
Cranberry conchos
Simply White Nuvo Drops
Spray pen
Cricut Design Space: Eve, scalloped borders
Challenges: Inkspirational #353 Seeing Stars - 6 star stickers plus some more stars on the patterned paper; Little Red Wagon #831 Candle in the Wind - my light source was the stars; Crafter's Cafe #324 Anything Goes with optional Christmas theme
Monday, August 4, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #124 + The Good Stuff Layout
I didn't do a scrapbook sketch last month, so I decided it was time. We took a bunch of photos at the car show, and I managed to put some of them into a pocket page, but I needed to squeeze the remaining five onto a layout without it looking overcrowded. That was the intent behind the sketch, so let me know if I succeeded! As always, feel free to change up the sketch to suit your needs, and please leave a link to your completed layout in the comments below.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
You're a Classic Stamp set
Wood Grain & White Pines patterned papers
Cranberry & White Daisy cardstock
Cranberry, Ocean, Desert Sand & Black ink
Burnt Sienna fineliner pen (iBayam)
Charmalong key charm (Bead Landing)
Cranberry baker's twine
Puppy Love Shape Sprinkles - hearts (Doodlebug)
Magic Mesh (Creative Imaginations)
Chipboard (I know it's from CTMH but can't remember the name of the kit)
Cricut Art philosophy cartridge: photo corners
Challenges: Heart's Quest Challenge Blog #76 Anything Goes with a red heart; Little Red Wagon #818 Masculine (it's a car show, but hopefully the hearts didn't wreck the masculine vibe!); The Neglected Stuff Challenge - my neglected stuff is the nameless chipboard and the Magic Mesh, plus I used Ocean ink which has been discontinued and unused by me for many years.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #123 + Halloween 2018 Layout
Today I am taking a break from scrapping my King Tut exhibit photos because it's time for another design team reveal for the Lasting Memories challenge blog. Lisa challenged us to use 4 each of the following paper sizes on a layout: 10" x 2.5", 12" x .5", and 4" x 6". I'm not going to lie - this one was a tough one for me. Our other DT members made it look simple, but I struggled fitting the papers in with my photos. I came up with another sketch, but even then I moved things around until I was happy, and finally I adapted my sketch for what worked. Hope you liked the results and are inspired to join us this week for this or any other Size It Up challenges from June!
Here's my sketch. Per the rules, I cut one of the 10" x 2.5" pieces into a banner.
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Jeepers Creepers papers
Silver Glitter paper
Tangerine, Lagoon & Pansy cardstock
Black ink
Black marker
Jeepers Creepers glitter chipboard & puffy stickers
Purple Glitter Gems
Glitter tape (Recollections)
Challenges: Neglected Stuff June challenge - used a Halloween kit (papers, glitter chipboard & puffy stickers) from 2016 and the silver glitter paper (as I clean glitter out of everywhere, I realize why I never use it!); The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone
Sunday, June 1, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #122 + My Favorite Flakes Layout
It's Sunday, which means another Lasting Memories challenge has started, and it's a really fun one. Lisa gave us a list of paper sizes that we need to include on our layout. I decided to pull out photos from our Mammoth vacation in April 2018; I scrapped the rest of my photos from that vacation, but then was waiting for my Stampin' Up order with the adorable Snowy Scenes papers to arrive. Since my papers were brand new, I didn't just want to randomly cut into them, only to decide I wanted to use them differently, so I created a sketch with the four papers Lisa challenged us to use, and I even extended it into a double pager with a repeat of two of the papers. Feel free to play along with the Lasting Memories challenge, either using the sketch as inspiration, or just getting creative on your own. Be sure to leave a link in the comments if you use the sketch!
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Snowy Scenes papers (SU)
Candy Apple, Almond, Chocolate & White Daisy cardstock
Glacier & Almond ink
Burnt Sienna fineliner pen (iBayam)
White gel pen (Sakura)
CTMH chipboard
White Pines flair
Cricut Design Space: snowman, title using BFC Night Kiss font
Challenges: Cut It Up #331 - anything goes including a die-cut
Thursday, May 15, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #121 + {Shipwrecked] VBS Layout
I was working on layout #2 in my Vacation Bible School series using a free hand method, but I realized it would make a nice little sketch, so here is the one I whipped up! The photo sizes are not quite the same as what I actually scrapped, but as long as the photo group on the right is bigger than the one on the left, I think it will look fine. I also used a patterned paper background, so I omitted Piece A on the left. As usual, feel free to adapt the sketch for your needs, and leave a comment below with a link to your completed layout.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout, using photos from the opening session of VBS, which included check-in, singing, and a skit.
Instead of adding my journaling to the layout, I had one open space in the facing pocket page, so I grabbed a coordinating journaling card and got writing. I love this technique because it allows me to write a lot (50+ words this time) yet not take up the space on the layout. Here's my journaling card:
Recipe:
Sweet Safari papers
Almond, Chocolate & Paprika cardstock
Almond & Autumn Terracotta ink
Magic Mesh (Creative Imaginations)
Natural hemp
Puppy Love & Falling for You Shape Sprinkles (Doodlebug Designs)
Safari Borders sticker (MAMBI)
Monkeys stickers (Frances Meyer)
Jungle Safari Element stickers (Echo Park)
3-D foam tape
Cricut Artiste cartridge: title
Challenges: Heart's Quest Challenge Blog #73 Green and/or white hearts; The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone
Friday, March 14, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #120 + Kid Approved Layout
We're heading into the weekend, so I thought it would be fun to give everyone a new sketch to play around with over the next couple of days! It features three uncropped, vertical 4" x6" photos with an optional frame around the middle one. Part of the inspiration for the design was a pad of 6" x 8" papers; you can cut some of the sheets in half and have them peeking out from the top and bottom of the row of photos. You could also do this with any 6" x 6" papers you have sitting around. As always, feel free to adapt the sketch for your needs, and please leave a link in the comments below to your posted layout when you finish it. I really love seeing what people do with my sketches!
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
There is space on the sketch for journaling, but I was also doing a pocket page to hold additional photos, so here are a couple of journaling cards I created to go in that page:
Recipe:Field Trip Journaling Pad & 12x12 papers (American Crafts)
Black & White Daisy cardstock
Flaxen ink
Black marker
Dreamin' Big Complements cardstock stickers
Genius Puffy Stickers (American Crafts)
Let's Wander sticker (American Crafts)
Field Trip ephemera (American Crafts)
Diggin' for Dinos Scrapbook kit stickers (Creative Expressions)
Green Fields enamel dots (Altenew)
Grid washi tape (Recollections)
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: frame
Sunday, March 2, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #119 + Lasting Memories #740 + 1st Mission Layout
It's a new month and time for a new sketch. I had a dual purpose in creating this one. I am also hosting the March challenges over at Lasting Memories with a theme of Going in Circles, and my challenge this week is to add a circle with journaling on it to your layout. With this sketch, you can use a big circle in the background, plus add a smaller circle for the journaling. I actually cut a circle out of the floral paper and backed it with the black, so now I have a big circle in that darling floral paper that I can save to use on another layout - win win! Feel free to use the sketch (share in the comments below so I can see it) and/or play along with us at Lasting Memories.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Garden of Life paper (Echo Park)
Sage, Mocha & Black cardstock
Ballerina, Blush, Smoothie & Sage ink
Black marker
White gel pen (Sakura)
ShinHan Touch Twin markers
Embossing pen
Gold embossing powder
Green sparkles
White paper flowers (Recollections)
Circle Double Stitched Steel Die (Art Impressions)
Cricut Design Space: crosses, title using Agent Q font
Saturday, February 1, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #118 + Fabulous Little Moments Layout
Something that seems popular right now on scrappy sketch blogs is a throwback or rewind sketch challenge, where they pull up an old sketch and ask scrappers to create a layout based on it. I decided to do something similar with a sketch I created in 2012 when I was the sketch designer for Heart 2 Heart Challenges blog. Although I love to reuse my sketches, I realized I seldom used this one because it features 3" x 4" photos, a size I hardly ever print. so I updated the sketch with larger photos. While this sketch is not an everything-and-the-kitchen-sink type as regards embellishments, I think it still manages to leave enough room for you to get creative. What works better for you, a sketch with small or with larger photos? Please let me know, and don't forget to leave a link in the comments if you decide to use either this sketch or my original.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
I used the circle to hold an embellishment since I wanted to put my journaling on a 6" x 4" card that will go in the facing pocket page.
Recipe:
Second Avenue a la carte paper (MME)
Aged & Confused Vagabond paper (Basic Grey)
Kyla's Classic Colorblock paper (Paper Pizazz)
Blue cardstock (from my stash, source unknown)
Desert Sand cardstock
Desert Sand ink
Let's Wander Thickers (American Crafts)
Simple Vintage Essentials foam title stickers (Simple Stories)
Heart punch (EK Success)
Challenges: Double Trouble Challenges #183 Recipe - 3 Images of your Choice (I chose a banner, camera, and geotag) + 2 Patterned Papers (stripes and tan mesh) + 1 Sentiment that Makes you Smile (Paradise Found - because I love the photo of my little guy thinking he could catch his older brother if he jumped off the wall); The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone; Time Out Challenges #281 - I used layers and hearts.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
EMS Sketch Challenge #117 + Christmas Layout
There are many fun ways to start the new year, so I am hoping you will enjoy my special treat for you: a brand new double-page sketch! If you are anything like me, you take a ton of photos at special events like Christmas, and then you have to decide which ones to scrap. Well, this sketch can hold a whopping nine photos, and if you have more, you can do what I did and place the extras in a photo storage page. Of course, if you are not a multi-photo scrapper, I invite you to check out any of the other sketches here on my blog; they are made to be shared and used. Just click on the label in this post that says EMS Sketch challenges, and it will show you all my sketches.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout, staying pretty faithful to the sketch:
Recipe:
The Holiday Life papers (Simple Stories)
Almond & Fern cardstock
Ruby, Fern, New England Ivy & Black ink
Black marker
Ho Ho Ho puffy stickers (American Crafts)
Pear & Partridge PML card
The Holiday Life Journal Bits & Page Pieces (Simple Stories)
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: hearts
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
EMS Sketch Challenge #116 + Family Fun Night Layout
Merry Christmas, everyone! Hope you all are having a blessed time with family or friends. My Christmas gift to all my scrappy pals is a brand new sketch. As usual, it features multiple photos, but if you only have a couple of photos, you could replace one or two with fun pocket cards or embellishments. Enjoy, and be sure to post a link in the comments if you are able to use the sketch.
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
You & Me stamp set
Jingle papers
Juniper, Kraft, Tulip & White Daisy cardstock
Juniper, Tulip, Olive & Creme Brulee ink
Brown fineliner pen (iBayam)
Merry Little Christmas Ephemera - Words (Bella Blvd)
Red pearls
Challenges: Crafter's Cafe #314 Anything Goes; Scrap With Stacy Tic Tac Toe December 2024 (I used the top row with Tag + Ticket + Pre-made title)
Saturday, September 14, 2024
EMS Sketch Challenge #115 + Brace Free Layout
Anyone up for another sketch challenge? Here's a single pager featuring three uncropped 4" x 6" photos and with room for a title, journaling, and some fun embellishments. I used it pretty much as is, but feel free to change it up to suit your photos, and don't forget to share your finished layout in the comments below!
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Smitten, Mix-In May-June 2022 & Mix-In Jan-Mar 2023 papers
Kraft, Black, Pewter & White Daisy cardstock
Capri, Sapphire & Toffee ink
Prussian Blue fineliner pen (iBayam)
Silver cord (source unknown)
Blue buttons (source unknown)
Liquid Glass
Cricut You Are Here cartridge: forbidden circle
Cricut Artiste cartridge: title
Cricut Accent Essentials cartridge: arrow
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: scalloped circle, tags (with end cut off)
Challenges: Let's Craft and Create #211 AG + Use a Sketch; My Time to Craft #542 Add Texture (used silver cord and buttons); Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone
Thursday, August 8, 2024
EMS Sketch Challenge #114 + Inmost Ward Layout
Anyone in need of a new sketch? I wanted to scrap a few more pictures from the Tower of London and decided to create a new sketch featuring 6 uncropped 4' x 6' photos. It's actually a pretty versatile sketch, since either side can be easily used on its own. I used the sketch almost as is, but as always, feel free to adapt it for your needs, and be sure to leave a link to your finished layout in the comments. Enjoy!
The sketch:
My layout:
Recipe:
Picture Perfect & Harmonious Patterns Stamp sets
Pine, Scarlet, Wisteria, Peach & White Daisy cardstock
Pine, Scarlet, Wisteria, Peach & Greg Wool ink
Black marker
Grey Wool baker's twine
Petticoats & Pinstripes enamel Dots (Echo Park)
Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl embossing folder
CTMH Chevron embossing folder
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: banners, hearts, title, scalloped borders
Challenges: The Outlawz AG in a Card Free Zone with optional twist of use a photo; Color My Heart Color Dare #611 (used all the colors except Papaya, added black, white, and grey)
Saturday, June 8, 2024
EMS Sketch Challenge #113 + Epic Delivery Layout
It's been quite a while since I created a sketch (mostly been re-using my old ones), but I needed something for a bunch of vertical 4" x 6" photos, so here is a new sketch! As always, feel free to switch it up to fit your photos, and please post a link to your completed layout in the comments below so I can admire your creation!
The sketch:
My layout:
Recipe:
Newsprint Alphabet stamps (SU)
Field Trip & It's All Good papers (American Crafts)
Dutch Blue, Sundance & White Daisy cardstock
Candy Apple ink
Black marker
Oh Happy Day stickers (Simple Stories)
Good Day Sunshine stickers (Echo Park)
Puppy Love Shape Sprinkles hearts (Doodlebug Designs)
Pewter Bigger Brads
Cricut You Are Here cartridge: house
Cricut Wall Decor & More cartridge: truck
Challenges: Cut It Up #305 Anything Goes including a die-cut (mine are the house and the truck); Heart's Quest Challenge Blog #55 Part A = wheels (on the truck) + Part B = red heart shape
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Brianna's Baptism Layout for Lasting Memories #704
Good morning, and a happy new month to you. Over at Lasting Memories, Jill designed five new challenges for you to enjoy this month based on some of her favorite things. The first is a favorite sketch, and those of you who follow my blog know I love sketches! I will occasionally create a layout without first consulting a sketch, but it's rare. When I can't find one that works for me, I design one just so I can see how the overall layout will look. It's hard for me to pick a favorite (kind of like a mom picking her favorite child - LOL), but I do love this one and have used it several times in my scrapping. We would love to see you play along with this challenges using a favorite sketch, and feel free to click on the label EMS Sketch Challenges at the bottom of this post if you need some inspiration.
Here's my sketch:
And here's my layout:
Dream Maker papers
Toffee, Brown Bag, Lemonade & White Daisy cardstock
Brown Bag, Sapphire & Lilac Mist ink
Prussian Blue fineliner pen (iBayam)
Fun at the Beach stickers (Scissor Sisters)
Molly Treasures & Text sticker (Bella Blvd)
Copper eyelets (Making Memories)
Beige Adornaments fibers (Creating Keepsakes)
Cricut Design Space: title using Thick font
Cricut Artiste cartridge: sun
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
EMS Sketch #112 + Gifts Layout
Happy 2024, everyone! It's a new year, so I decided to create and share a new sketch. This one features four photos but still gives plenty of opportunities to show off any patterned paper you got for Christmas. I adapted mine because I wanted to cut off the long end of the 5" x 7" photo and include a longer photo next to it, so feel free to get creative with it and change it up to fit your needs. And don't forget to share your final project by linking it up in the comment section below!
Here's the sketch:
And here's my layout:
Recipe:
Chloe papers (Bella Blvd)
Capri, Canary & Black cardstock
Pixie & Canary ink
White gel pen (Sakura)
Chloe & Molly stickers (Bella Blvd)
Chloe chipboard sticker (Bella Blvd)
Pink grosgrain ribbon (Osprey)
Cupcake Hearts puffy shapes (Doodlebug)
Black enamel dots
Blue sparkles (Recollections)
Circle Double Stitched steel dies (Art Impressions)
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: flowers
Challenges: The Outlawz AG in a Card Free Zone Wrap It Up (I used photos of my daughter unwrapping her birthday gifts plus the photo of a cat in a box, because we all know boxes are the best gift a cat can unwrap!)
Thursday, November 16, 2023
EMS Sketch Challenge #111 - Everybody Wants to Be a Cat
I haven't posted a new sketch since May, but as I was working with one of my older sketches, it kept morphing until it didn't look that much like the original, so I decided to create a new sketch based on my layout! You won't need a ton of patterned paper for this one, but even with four photos there is room to get creative and have some fun. As always, feel free to change things up a bit and please post a link to your completed layouts in the comments so I can enjoy how you used the sketch.
Here's the sketch:
Scrapping photos from my daughter's cat themed birthday party has been a rather hodgepodge affair, so this layout actually goes before the one I posted on Sunday and after the one I posted in August. I think I am now in chronological order, though, so it's all good. The title for this layout was based on the song from the Aristocats, but I decided to keep the second "e" in "Ev'rybody" since it looked better on my layout. Anyway, here's my layout:
Recipe:
Stacy's Hand Alphabet stamp set
Chloe papers (Bella Blvd)
Toffee and Pear cardstock
Chocolate, Pear, Orange & Lagoon ink
Burnt Sienna fineliner pen (iBayam)
Chloe chipboard Icon stickers (Bella Blvd)
Chloe stickers (Bella Blvd)
Cat Lover stickers (Photoplay)
Orange embroidery floss
My Happy Place Shape Sprinkles (Doodlebug Designs)
Cats & Bats enamel dots
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: large heart
Challenges: Let's Craft and Create #201 Stitching; Scrap With Stacy November Tic-Tac-Toe (used the left column with stickers + ink + enamel shapes)































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