A Naturally Layered Layout for Any Story

There’s something special about memories made outdoors — the kind filled with fresh air, laughter, and moments you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. The Natural Beginnings collection pairs beautifully with those stories, thanks to its grounded colors and timeless designs that feel right at home on any page. From layered patterns to cleverly folded accents, this layout shows how a few creative touches can help your memories grow into something beautiful.

To create this layout, you will need:

Layout by **Melissa Ullmann**, Creative Memories Design Team Contributor

Step 1: Use a sheet of the Avocado Solid Cardstock for the base of the layout.

Step 2: Cut a piece of the light blue tonal paper to measure 11-1/2″ x 11-1/2″. Adhere the piece to the center of the layout.

Step 3: Cut a piece of the ivory tonal paper to measure 4″ x 11″.

Step 4: Cut several 1/2″ x 12″ strips from a variety of tonal and designer papers. Fold all the pieces of paper randomly, then adhere them on top of the 4″ x 11″ piece of ivory tonal paper. Once covered to your desired amount, then trim any excess using scissors.

Step 5: Cut a piece of brown tweed designer paper to measure 4-1/4″ x 11-1/4″. Adhere previous piece to the top of this piece. Adhere this whole piece to the left edge of the light blue designer paper, leaving 1/8″ around the outer edges.

Step 6: Cut four photo mats from brown tweed designer paper to measure: (2) 4″ x 6″ and (2) 4″ x 4″. Crop photos to measure: (2) 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ and (1) 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. Place each photo within a mat and adhere each mat to the layout.

Step 7: Cluster and adhere embellishments to the layout, using Foam Squares on some for added dimension.

Step 8: Journal as desired.

Every layout starts somewhere — what memories are you excited to begin with?

P.S. Are YOU a member of the Virtual Crop Group? It’s your go-to place for MONTHLY Virtual Crops, MONTHLY Completed Album Challenges, QUARTERLY Secret Box Openings with project tutorials and so much more! We hope you’ll join our community of more than 50,000 fellow memory-keeping enthusiasts — you’ll feel right at home!