Easy 8 1/2" x 11" Scrapbook Layout: Afternoon In The Park Basics Collection | Paper Rose Studio

If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you know I’m most at home making cards. But every now and then, I get this itch to try something just a little different—just enough to shake up my creativity without diving into a completely new craft. That’s exactly where this scrapbook layout came from. And the best part? I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel or dig through a dozen bins of supplies. I just grabbed the Afternoon In The Park Basics Collection from Paper Rose Studio—and let the products do the heavy lifting.

This layout was a refreshing creative pause in my card making routine, and I’m so excited to share it with you because it might just inspire you to try something new too, especially if full-sized scrapbook pages feel a little intimidating.

Easy 8 1/2" x 11" Scrapbook Layout: Afternoon In The Park Basics Collection | Paper Rose Studio

Why I Chose an 8 1/2" x 11" Layout

Let’s be honest—those 12" x 12" layouts can feel huge when you’re used to working on A2 cards. That’s why I love an 8 1/2" x 11" page. It’s still large enough to hold a photo, journaling, and embellishments, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s also the perfect size if you’re transitioning from card making to memory keeping or just want a creative refresh without feeling buried in decisions.

For my base, I used Vanilla Malt Cardstock from Lawn Fawn. It has a soft warmth that worked beautifully with the delicate tones in the Afternoon In The Park Basics Pattern Paper Pack. After cutting one of the 12" x 12" papers down to 8" x 10 1/2", I layered it right in the center—and just like that, I had a clean canvas that didn’t feel like a blank page.

Creating Interest Without Complication

Now here’s where I leaned on my card making instincts. I wanted a layout that felt visually balanced, with movement and layering, but still clean and simple. I cut four different patterns into 2" squares and sliced them into triangles. From there, I arranged them along a narrow 3/4" patterned strip running down the left side of the page. It reminded me of building a background panel on a card—but stretched vertically and with more room to play.

Pro Tip for Card Makers: You already know how to balance color and pattern on a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card front. Scrapbooking isn’t all that different—it’s just a bit more spread out. Think of your layout as a supersized card with extra breathing room.

Letting the Products Guide You

Here’s my favorite thing about using a coordinated collection like Afternoon In The Park—everything just works. I didn’t need to spend hours matching colors or second-guessing design choices. I simply pulled in pieces that caught my eye.

I added Cardstock Stickers for quick layering and instant pops of color. The Rub-on Transfers added beautiful subtle texture—I placed them in small corners where I wanted a little interest without bulk. And then there were the Embossed Die Cuts, which I like to think of as the layout’s “sprinkles.” I tucked a few around my focal point and scattered others across the page.

When I added my photo (sized to 3" x 3" and matted on more Vanilla Malt Cardstock), I popped it up with foam adhesive—again, a move straight from the card maker’s toolbox. I love how that little bit of lift creates dimension and draws the eye to the most important part of the page.

Tags, Tabs, and Butterflies

I’m a sucker for small details that feel personal, so I topped the photo with a file tab sticker and added a tag with a hand-tied bow of burlap twine. The tag gave me the perfect spot to jot down a few lines of journaling. It reminded me of adding sentiments to card fronts—it doesn’t take much to tell a story when the design does most of the talking.

To bring it all together, I used scraps of the pattern paper and cardstock with the Butterfly Trio Solid Dies and the Fancy Butterflies Dies. I layered the two together, added a Clear Crystal Embellishment to the center of each, and then arranged them around the page. These little details felt like the finishing touch—just enough to make the layout feel polished without being overdone.

Pro Tip for Card Makers: When you’re working with dies, keep a bowl or tray nearby for any leftover pieces. You’ll be amazed at how often those “extras” make it onto a future project—card or layout!

Final Details and a Friendly Nudge

I finished off the page by adding a title from the Afternoon In The Park Chipboard Stickers and sprinkling in a few more Clear Crystals. This layout came together quicker than I expected and left me feeling creatively recharged—which was the whole point.

So if you’ve been in a bit of a creative rut, or just want to do something different without stepping too far outside your comfort zone, try a layout like this. Start with a size you’re used to. Use a coordinated collection. Trust your instincts as a card maker. You might be surprised how much fun you have—and how easily your skills transfer to a whole new format.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources for both international and USA sites in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins

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