April 10, 2026
The April 2026 Virtual Crop is HERE!
It’s officially time for the April Virtual Crop! This is your invitation to a weekend full of inspiration, connection and fun! Let’s get started!
If this is your first time participating in a Virtual Crop and you would like a quick step-by-step guide of what to expect before you jump in, you can get ALL the details about Virtual Crops in this blog post, including how to participate (in our Virtual Crop Group), supplies you’ll need, examples of challenges, types of prizes and more.
Know what you’re looking for? Find it faster here:
In this post, you will find ALL four sketches for this crop (these sketches are for the entire weekend; no additional sketches will be posted), a downloadable PDF with the four sketches for your convenience, hashtags to use when posting your challenge layouts in the Virtual Crop Group, prize information and layout inspiration. This is about to be an amazing weekend and we can’t wait to see what you create!
To make sure we see all your submissions for a chance to win, you’ll want to post each layout you complete as its own new post with the hashtag for that challenge. You have until Tuesday, April 14, at 11:59pm CT (AU: Wednesday, 15 April, 2:59pm AET) to submit your layouts for the chance to win a prize (more details on what you can win further down this post!). Again, we’re so excited that you’re here. Happy scrapping!
Challenge #1 — #CMVirtualCrop1April2026
Challenge #2 — #CMVirtualCrop2April2026
Challenge #3 — #CMVirtualCrop3April2026
Challenge #4 — #CMVirtualCrop4April2026
Challenge #1
Collection Used: Your Own Way
Sandra’s Tip: “Fussy cutting is a simple way to turn everyday pieces into something more eye-catching. Instead of leaving mats as basic rectangles, try trimming them into unique shapes to create titles or focal points. This adds movement and keeps the design from feeling too rigid. The Custom Cutting System can also be used to create clean, curved accents that complement those shapes. When working with stickers, consider cutting them apart while leaving the backing on so you can move them around freely until the placement feels just right.”
Challenge #2
Collection Used: Diploma Days
Sandra’s Tip: “Remember that sketches are meant to guide, not limit. If a sketch calls for a certain photo size, feel free to adjust based on what works best for your photos. Cropping larger photos into smaller sections can help highlight specific details and tell a more focused story. Choosing a color palette that complements your photos — such as black and white for this layout — will help the images stand out and remain the focal point of the page.”
Challenge #3
Collection Used: Chasing The Sun
Sandra’s Tip: “It’s fun experimenting beyond the original design. Try swapping out expected elements, like using a larger feature piece in place of a border for added interest. Small changes can completely shift the feel of a layout and make it more personalized while still staying rooted in the original sketch.”
Challenge #4
Collection Used: Lakeside Memories
Sandra’s Tip: “When building embellishment clusters, start with the largest piece as your foundation and layer smaller elements around it until the arrangement feels balanced. This helps create a natural flow and keeps the design from feeling cluttered. A helpful trick is to take photos as you build your layout — this allows you to compare different arrangements and easily return to a version you liked best if you decide to move things around.”
NOTE: The Prize Pack will be awarded to one (1) participant in each challenge. Valid only for products currently in stock (excludes products that are out of stock or expected to return).
We will award the prizes randomly, but to win, it must be obvious you used the sketch we provided as inspiration to create a project. You’re highly encouraged to use Creative Memories products, but it’s not a requirement to win. You have until Tuesday, April 14, at 11:59pm CT (AU: Wednesday, 15 April, 2:59pm AET) to submit your layout(s). Prize winners will be announced on Thursday, April 16, at noon CT (AU: Friday, 17 April).
Virtual Crop Tracker
The 2026 Virtual Crop Tracker & Sticker Bundle is on sale now! You can also download the tracker yourself by clicking the image.
Color in or place a sticker on one shutter for each sketch challenge you complete during each monthly Virtual Crop in 2026. Once you’ve completed all 12 months’ sketch challenges (that’s 48 completed pages you’ll be adding to your albums), you can submit your tracker for a chance to be one of three grand prize winners! More information on how to submit will be shared in the Virtual Crop Group as we near the final sketch challenge.
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 52,000 fellow memory-keeping enthusiasts — you’ll feel right at home!
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
