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A Sketch Warm-Up for the February Virtual Crop
This week on Scrapbook Live, we’re diving into a layout sketch from the Creative Memories blog that makes the perfect warm-up project for the February 2026 Virtual Crop kicking off Friday afternoon.
If you love starting a crop weekend with something simple, satisfying and low-pressure, this is it.
Why Start with a Sketch?
Sketches take the guesswork out of design. Instead of staring at a blank page wondering where to begin, you have a roadmap. You can focus on choosing photos, pulling paper and enjoying the creative process.
This particular sketch is ideal as a “get your brain in scrapbook mode” project before the crop challenges begin. It has clean structure, balanced photo placement and plenty of room for embellishing — or keeping it simple if that’s your style.
Scrap Your Scraps
One of my favorite things about this layout? It’s scrap-friendly. You don’t need full sheets of paper to make this work. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to:
- Pull coordinating scraps from past layouts
- Mix collections for a fresh look
- Use up those smaller patterned pieces you’ve been saving
- Layer tone-on-tone papers for subtle dimension
This kind of design lets you experiment without committing to cutting into brand-new paper packs. If you’ve been meaning to thin out your scrap bin, this is your moment.
Make It Your Own
Even though we’re starting with a Creative Memories blog sketch, I’ll be walking through:
- How to adjust measurements if your scraps are slightly different sizes
- Ways to swap orientation (portrait vs. landscape photos)
- How to keep it cohesive when mixing patterns
Remember: a sketch is a guide, not a rulebook. You can stretch it, rotate it or simplify it depending on your photos and supplies.
Join me for Scrapbook Live as we put this sketch together step by step. Grab a handful of scraps, a few photos and your favorite tools, and let’s warm up for a fun weekend of creating.
Sketch Warm-Up – Printable Handout
Need New or Retired Creative Memories Supplies?
Please consider shopping with me when you shop Creative Memories online! You can also shop my personal inventory of new and retired Creative Memories supplies (click the blue button below).
