Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link
A Simple Go-To Design for Any Memory

There are moments in scrapbooking when you have everything ready—your photos, your paper, your embellishments—but the design just won’t come together.
If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at your supplies, this layout is for you.
Today I’m sharing one of my favorite go-to scrapbook sketches—the one I reach for again and again when I need something simple, flexible, and beautiful.
Why This Layout Works Every Time
This design is built around a super simple concept I call:
3 – 3 – 1 – 1
It’s an easy structure that gives you balance while still leaving plenty of room for creativity. The best part? It works with almost any theme, any paper, and any number of photos.
Instead of overthinking design, this layout lets your photos and story shine.

The Story Behind This Page
For this project, I documented a church women’s retreat at Alaso Ranch in East Texas—a weekend filled with:
- Fellowship and faith
- Beautiful surroundings
- Camp-style fun (yes… even bunk beds!)
- Sweet moments like s’mores by the fire
It was one of those experiences where every photo tells part of the story, which made this layout perfect for capturing it all.

Choosing the Right Supplies
I used the Florals in Bloom Designer Paper and sticker collection, which was a perfect match for the floral, uplifting feel of the retreat.
To add dimension and interest, I also:
- Fussy cut florals from the paper
- Used circular elements as a base for clusters
- Incorporated soft, coordinating colors
The key here isn’t the exact products—it’s choosing supplies that support your story and mood.
Product ListA Layout That Adapts to Your Photos
One of the biggest advantages of this design is how flexible it is.
For this page, I had a LOT of photos from an entire weekend. Instead of leaving any out, I used:
- Smaller photo sizes
- Strategic placement
- Interactive elements like flip flaps
This allowed me to include more memories without overcrowding the page.

Don’t Skip the Title—Make It Personal
Sometimes scrapbook kits don’t include the exact title you need—and that’s okay.
For this layout, I created a custom title using my cutting machine:
“Grow in Faith”
It tied the entire page together and made the theme clear at a glance.
You can do this with:
- A Cricut or similar machine
- Alphabet dies
- Stickers or handwritten titles
The goal is simple: make your page feel personal and meaningful.

Simple Embellishing That Makes a Big Impact
Instead of overloading the page, I focused on clustered embellishments:
- Florals tucked around photos
- Layered pieces for depth
- A few accents to draw the eye
This keeps the layout feeling full—but not overwhelming.

A Note About Journaling
I always leave space for journaling—even if I don’t complete it right away.
For this page, I plan to:
- Add printed journaling strips
- Include reflections from the retreat
- Capture the meaning behind the photos
Because at the end of the day, scrapbooking isn’t just about pretty pages…
It’s about preserving the story.
When in Doubt—Keep It Simple
If there’s one takeaway from this layout, it’s this:
👉 You don’t need a complicated design to create something beautiful.
When you feel stuck:
- Go back to a simple sketch
- Let your photos lead
- Add just enough detail to enhance the story
That’s where the magic happens.
Want to See More?
👉 If you’d like to see how this layout comes together and hear the story behind the photos, be sure to watch the video below.
Final Thoughts
This layout is one I return to again and again—and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too.
Whether you’re documenting a special trip, a family gathering, or everyday moments…
You now have a go-to design that works every time.
💗 Join Our Creative Community
If you try this layout, I would LOVE to see it—be sure to share it in our creative community 💕

![Florals In Bloom 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English) [ 166643 ] Florals In Bloom 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English) [ 166643 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166643s.jpg)
![Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ] Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163580s.jpg)
![3" X 4" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166405 ] 3" X 4" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166405 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166405s.jpg)
![4" X 4" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166402 ] 4" X 4" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166402 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166402s.jpg)
![4" X 6" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166404 ] 4" X 6" Flip Flaps Memory Protectors [ 166404 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166404s.jpg)

Not sure what to write? Sign up for my email list and get 43 verse ideas to write inside your next handmade card.
Leave a Reply