One Scrapbook Sketch, Two Different Layouts • Birdsnest Designs

There’s something really special about sitting down with a sketch, pulling out some paper, and just seeing where things go. This week on my YouTube live, I did something a little different and created a 12×12 scrapbook layout on the fly using a simple sketch I designed — and it felt so good to be scrapbooking again.

I’m sharing two very different layouts using the same sketch, along with a free PDF sketch download you can grab later in this post so you can try it yourself.

A little sneak peek

These close-ups give you a peek at how different the same sketch can look just by changing the papers, colours, and embellishments. Same structure, completely different feel.

Watch the video replay

If you enjoy watching a project come together in real time, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. I walk through how I read and interpret a scrapbook sketch, share lots of little decision-making moments along the way, and demonstrate a seriously helpful Press’n Seal cluster trick that makes assembling layered embellishments so much easier.

It’s relaxed, unscripted, and very much about enjoying the process instead of aiming for perfection.

Summer scrapbook layout using Celebratory Sips

This is the scrapbook page I created live during the video using Stampin’ Up! Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper. I was craving bright colours and a summer vibe, especially with winter still hanging on here in Saskatchewan.

I mixed bold patterns, added a soft ribbon accent down the side, and built a few playful clusters with fussy cut drinks and stickers. Creating this page on the fly was such a good reminder that you don’t need everything planned out ahead of time — sometimes the most fun layouts come together one piece at a time.

I also finished it off with a bit of sparkle, because scrapbook pages deserve bling too.

Cute as a Bug scrapbook layout

This layout was created ahead of time using the same sketch, but with a completely different look and feel. I used Stampin’ Up! Cute as a Bug Designer Series Paper and pulled in a retired Tropical Leaf bundle from my stash to replace the circular elements in the sketch with leafy shapes.

This page has lots of layers, texture, and yes… some fussy cutting (which I genuinely love). It’s a great example of how a sketch can be a guide rather than a rule, and how easily it can be adapted to suit your style and supplies.

Free scrapbook sketch PDF download

I’ve created a free PDF download of this scrapbook sketch so you can use it again and again in your own crafting.

The PDF includes:

The scrapbook sketch
Measurements to get you started
Photos of both finished layouts for inspiration

👇 Click below to download the sketch and start creating 👇

Get Your Free Sketch Download Here

A little encouragement before you go

If you’ve been feeling the pull to scrapbook again, or maybe haven’t made a page in a while, consider this your gentle nudge. A simple sketch can take away the overwhelm and make it easier to just sit down and create.

And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use a sketch. Rotate it, stretch it, simplify it, turn it into a card, or mirror it for a double-page layout. It’s there to support your creativity, not limit it.