Hello, memory keeping friends! Anya here today and I would like to share one of my favorite ways to make layouts. A few years back I decided to go back to the smaller format when creating layouts. The main reason for that was the size of the albums that held my 12×12 pages. They were too heavy for my kids to handle. Even though I still create 12×12 pages sometimes, 8.5×11 is my go-to size!
With that came a little challenge of being able to fit everything into a smaller format. I love to use multiple photos on my pages, lots of decorations and a long story. Not every single page has a long story to go with it, but when it does, I found a perfect solution to which I come back again and again.
I create a regular 8.5×11 page and then make an additional 4.5×11” skinny page to go with it. This insert has two sides. I decorate the front side in similar colors and elements as the original layout and use the entire 4.5×11” space on the back for journaling. This way I get to play with lots of different patterns and embellishments and have enough space for photos; plus, I am not limited to what I can say in the journaling.
To create the smaller size page, I take a regular 8.5×11 page protector, place a sheet of cardstock trimmed to 4.5×11 sliding it to the left, and using the Fuse tool and ruler, create a new fused line to the right of the insert. I cut off the excess and my custom page protector is ready to be used. You can make any size page protector using the Fuse tool.
I love how besides having more freedom in designing a page, these inserts also add to the whole album, making it more interactive and fun to look through. I hope you’ll give this option a try one day!
~ be sure to follow Anya on Instagram at @anya.l.studio ~
what a neat idea, your layouts are sweet and doable.
This is a cute layout.
Great ideas for a smaller album. And what a cutie in the photos!
This is a fantastic idea. Even for a 12 x 12 album when you need just a bit more but not enough for a 2nd page. LOVE it!
This is a great idea to make more room for journaling!
love this tip; thanx for sharing!
Great idea! I’ve started using Close To My Heart flip flaps the same way in my 12X12 Creative Memories albums.
You’ve given me some great ideas! Thank you!
Clever idea! Fantastic layout too (as is that sweet little guy)!
Great idea, thanks for sharing.
Such a great idea. Such a cute layout too Anya!
Great idea, especially using the fuse to make the smaller pages. Love it
Fantastic idea Anya, I am going to try that, thank you! Super cute layout as well. Thanks for sharing.
Great layouts. Love the smaller format.
I have the Fuse Tool and have never used it……..This has given me some inspiration to take it out and start using it! Thank you for sharing! Love your layout….
SUPER CUTE photos and FABULOUS layouts!
I love making custom page protectors with my layouts! Your pages featured here today are so fun!
Love this layout and love this idea! I always scrap 12×12 format but lately I’ve been thinking of switching to this smaller format.
I’ve done something similar with 12×12 layouts, if I need a third page for a spread. I fuse the third page to the edge of the left or right hand page protector, so it flips out. I do have to trim down the third page protector’s width a bit, and fuse the open edge, so it will fit in the album without buckling, but it works out pretty well! Thanks for sharing your solution! :) ~ Andrea