May 8, 2026
The May 2026 Virtual Crop is HERE!
It’s officially time for the May 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, May 12, at 11:59pm CT (AU: Wednesday, 13 May, 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 — #CMVirtualCrop1May2026
Challenge #2 — #CMVirtualCrop2May2026
Challenge #3 — #CMVirtualCrop3May2026
Challenge #4 — #CMVirtualCrop4May2026
Challenge #1
Collection Used: Your Own Way
Debbie’s Tip: “I’ve always loved layouts with clean lines, even borders and everything lined up just right. But every once in a while, it’s fun to shake things up a bit and add an angle or shift the grid entirely. These sketches were inspired by the versatility of Scrap Journal Templates and how easily they can be adapted onto 12×12” layouts. Even if you don’t have the templates yet, measurements are included so you can still recreate the designs with ease. Think of these sketches as a starting point — something you can customize, rotate and reuse again and again. On this layout, the entire grid is angled while still maintaining perfect alignment, creating movement without losing structure. Adding small pops of color throughout the design helps guide the eye across the page and keeps the layout feeling balanced.”
Challenge #2
Collection Used: Natural Beginnings with Natural Beginnings Travel Embellishments
Debbie’s Tip: “This sketch continues the idea of extending Scrap Journal Templates onto a 12×12” layout by framing the design and building around it. One of the best things about the template squares is how flexible they are. The 2” sections work beautifully for embellishments, journaling or decorative accents, but they can just as easily hold additional photos. In fact, layering a larger 4×4” photo over multiple squares is a fun way to break the grid and create more visual impact while still keeping the original structure intact.”
Challenge #3
Collection Used: Chasing The Sun
Debbie’s Tip: “On this layout, the Scrap Journal Template inspiration is most visible on the left page where the design stays clean, simple and organized. That simplicity leaves plenty of room for a bold border or additional photos depending on the story you want to tell. Large decorative borders can instantly set the tone for a layout and hint at the memories being shared. Balancing that stronger visual element with a smaller embellishment cluster on the opposite page helps tie the spread together without overwhelming the design.”
Challenge #4
Collection Used: By The Seashore
Debbie’s Tip: “Sometimes a template serves less as a guide and more as inspiration for the overall composition. In this case, the original 2” squares transformed into strips of patterned paper layered throughout the layout. It’s a great approach when working with a collection full of papers you want to showcase all at once. By grounding those patterned strips with coordinating cardstock that matches the photo mats, the layout stays cohesive and prevents the design from feeling overly busy while still highlighting a variety of patterns and colors.”
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, May 12, at 11:59pm CT (AU: Wednesday, 13 May, 2:59pm AET) to submit your layout(s). Prize winners will be announced on Thursday, May 14, at noon CT (AU: Friday, 15 May).
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
