Showing posts with label Tya Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tya Smith. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

HOMETOWN USA JULY 4TH FUN LAYOUT | with Tya

There’s something so special about documenting those classic summertime memories, and this Hometown USA collection was absolutely perfect for capturing these sweet Fourth of July moments! The bright reds, crisp blues, and cheerful patterns instantly bring all the patriotic fun to life, while the adorable icons and dimensional embellishments make this page feel like a celebration all on its own. I loved combining playful layers, festive textures, and happy photos to create a layout that feels every bit as joyful as the memories themselves.
The foundation of this page begins with a simple patchwork background created from two coordinating patterned papers from the Petite Prints.  The bold red polka dots paired with the soft blue plaid create a classic patriotic color palette while allowing the photos and embellishments to really shine. A pair of blue border strips helps divide the design and draws your eye right to the center of the page.
The main focal point is filled with layers of fun! I tucked in several accordion-fold rosettes to add lots of dimension before building my title cluster on top. The “July 4th FUN” title from the Chit Chat makes a bold statement, and I surrounded it with fireworks die cuts, stars, and the cutest little Uncle Sam icon, all of these from the Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces, and This and That stickers. Enamel stars from the Star Spangled Shape Sprinkles, heart accents, and a cute bird sticker add the perfect finishing touches while giving the entire cluster plenty of depth and sparkle.
The photo arrangement is one of my favorite parts of this layout. Instead of placing the pictures in a traditional grid, I overlapped three snapshots at slightly different heights to create movement while still keeping the design balanced. The little “Having a Blast” speech bubble from the This and That Sticker Sheet is the perfect sentiment for these silly patriotic photo booth pictures, and I couldn’t resist adding a tiny firecracker Odds and Ends die cuts along with more star Shaped Sprinkles beside the photos for one more festive detail.
To preserve the story behind these memories, I included a simple hand-written journaling card found in the Bits and Pieces,  tucked right beside the title. The lined notebook paper adds a fun, casual feel and keeps the focus on the sweet memory of Chloe and Wyatt enjoying the Fourth of July together. Sometimes the simplest journaling pieces become the most meaningful part of a scrapbook page years later. 
I love how this layout combines bright colors, playful patterns, dimensional rosettes, adorable Doodlebug characters, fireworks, and patriotic icons into one cheerful design that perfectly captures the excitement of celebrating America’s birthday. The Hometown USA collection truly makes it easy to build pages that are both whimsical and full of heartfelt memories. Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this layout has inspired you to pull out your own favorite Fourth of July photos and create a page that celebrates the people and moments that make summer so memorable. Happy crafting, and I’ll see you again soon! 💙❤️🤍


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

8546 Hometown USA Petite Prints Assortment Pack
8525 Hometown USA Odds and Ends
8526 Hometown USA Chit Chat
8527 Hometown USA Bits and Pieces
8501 Star Spangled Shape Sprinkles
8502 Old Glory Shape Sprinkles
8529 Hometown USA 6x6 Paper Pad
8531 Hometown USA This and That Stickers

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

HOMETOWN USA PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN LAYOUT | with Tya

There’s something so special about documenting the little moments that make up childhood, and these sweet photos of my bestie’s grandson were simply too adorable not to scrapbook! From his patriotic outfit to that bright, contagious smile, everything about these pictures makes me think of summertime, fireworks, and celebrating the Fourth of July. The Hometown USA collection was the perfect match, with its bold reds, crisp whites, vibrant blues, and playful patriotic icons that made this page come to life.

One of my favorite design elements on this layout is the border of punched stars that surrounds the entire focal area. I cut stars from several of the patterned papers from the Petite Prints Assortment Pack and layered them around the photos to create movement and frame the page with lots of patriotic fun. The mix of patterns and shades of red, white, blue, and soft gray adds so much interest while keeping the eye focused on those precious smiling photos. I also added a few die-cut stars from the Odds and Ends, as well as some Patriotic Mini Jewels here and there.

The title, Proud to Be an American,  found in the Chit Chat, became the perfect centerpiece for the layout. I love how the bold lettering stretches across the page and ties the two photos together while leaving room for a bit of heartfelt journaling underneath. It creates a fun visual anchor while celebrating both the holiday and this sweet little guy.

The two photos are definitely the stars of the page! I matted them with white cardstock and tilted them slightly for a playful look that complements Ben’s energetic personality. One photo captures his sweet little grin, while the other showcases his joyful laugh, and together they perfectly tell the story of a happy Fourth of July afternoon.

The adorable fireworks stand embellishment from the Odds and Ends quickly became one of my favorite clusters on the page. From the fireworks burst, tiny American flags, metallic silver stars, and the darling little boy created the perfect festive scene. It reminds me of all the excitement of stopping by a neighborhood fireworks stand before the big celebration, and it adds such a fun storytelling element to the layout.

On the right side of the layout, I balanced everything with another festive embellishment cluster featuring a sparkler, patriotic heart, layered stars, and more of those punched star accents. I love repeating design elements throughout a page because it helps create flow while adding lots of depth and dimension.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this layout has inspired you to pull out some of your favorite Fourth of July memories and preserve them with the bright, cheerful Hometown USA collection. Those summertime celebrations, family traditions, and happy smiles deserve to be remembered, and I hope you’ll have just as much fun creating your own patriotic scrapbook pages as I did making this one. Happy crafting! ❤️🤍💙


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

8546 Hometown USA Petite Prints Assortment Pack
8548 Hometown USA Textured Cardstock Assortment Pack
8543 All Stars paper
8541 Polka Dot Pride
8504 Patriotic Assortment Mini Jewels
8525 Hometown USA Odds and Ends
8526 Hometown USA Chit Chat
8531 Hometown USA This and That Stickers

OTHER

Star Punch
Silver Spray Mist


Tuesday, June 23, 2026

COLOR ME CRAFTY BESTIES LAYOUT | with Tya

There are some photos that instantly make me smile, and this one of me and sweet Cynthea is definitely one of them. Thirteen years ago, she took a chance on me and invited me to be part of her design team. Little did I know that I would not only become part of an amazing company, but I would also gain a lifelong friend. Anyone who knows Cynthea knows how lucky they are to have her in their circle. I am so grateful for her kindness, encouragement, and the special place she holds in my heart. The bright and cheerful Color Me Crafty collection was absolutely perfect for documenting this treasured friendship.

For the foundation of my layout, I chose a bold black Textured Cardstock background that really allows all of the colorful papers to shine. Rainbow strips from the Crafty Colors paper across the top bring in lots of happy color, while patterned layers frame my favorite photo of the two of us. I added a “BESTIE” title from the Odds and Ends across the bottom of the photo and tucked in a floral cluster to balance the design. This page is such a happy celebration of a friendship I cherish.

I love how the main focal area came together with all of the crafty details. A sticker from the This and That sticker sheet that reads “Crafty Friends are the Best Friends” anchors the lower corner of the photo, and I layered a cute camera and paintbrush on top of a ViewMaster icon underneath. These are from the Odds and Ends and Bits and Pieces die cuts. Twine tied around the brush adds texture and dimension, and all of those colorful elements perfectly capture our shared love of creating together.

At the top right of the photo, I created a bright floral cluster using oversized blooms from the Bits and Pieces. Decorative Sprinkles add a fun finishing touch and bring even more color to the page. Above the photo, I tucked in a row of colorful albums and a sweet “Love This” tab, giving the layout lots of playful office-inspired charm. The Tab is from the Bits and Pieces, and the Love This is a sticker found on the This and That sticker sheet.

One of my favorite details on this page is the border along the top. I paired the rainbow striped Crafty Colors paper with the adorable button and flower border strip from the Magical Memories paper and added black and white twine between the layers. The contrast against the black background really makes those happy colors pop. I also scattered several flower and button die cuts from the Odds and Ends around the page, tying tiny bows through them for extra texture and whimsy. Those little touches add so much movement and playful personality to the design.

Another fun detail is the sweet clipboard embellishment tucked into a pocket, both found in the Bits and Pieces die cuts. I added the purple heart sticker from the This and That sticker sheet; it adds a cute pop of dimension and reinforces the friendship theme that runs throughout the page. I love how these office-inspired elements tie in perfectly with the crafty theme of the collection.
On the clipboard is a handwritten note sharing just how much Cynthea means to me. Some friendships are truly gifts, and Cynthea is one of mine. I wanted to capture how grateful I am for her sweet friendship and the special place she holds in my heart. Including hidden journaling is one of my favorite ways to preserve those heartfelt thoughts that make these memories even more meaningful.


Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this page inspires you to document one of your own special crafty friends using the adorable Color Me Crafty collection. These friendships and memories are truly priceless, and they deserve to be celebrated and preserved for years to come. I hope I’ve encouraged you to scrapbook those special people who make this hobby even more wonderful—because memories like these are treasures worth holding onto. Happy crafting! 


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

9096 Color Me Crafty This and That Sticker Sheet
9090 Color Me Crafty Odds and Ends
9092 Color Me Crafty Bits and Pieces
9062 Color Me Crafty Assortment Sprinkles
9100 Color Me Crafty Garden Girl
9102 Color Me Crafty Magical Memories
9106 Color Me Crafty Perfectly Plaid
9107 Color Me Crafty Button Stash
9109 Color Me Crafty Crafty Colors
9112 Color Me Crafty Textured Cardstock Assortment Pack

OTHER

White Crochet Thread
Black and White Bakers Twine

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

COLOR ME CRAFTY BULLETIN BOARD | with Tya

Hello crafty friends! I’m so excited to share a project that has brought the biggest smile to my face! I’ve been seeing the adorable bulletin board trend popping up everywhere lately, and I knew the new Color Me Crafty collection would be the perfect match for this sweet pink bulletin board that is destined to hang in my craft room. Every paper, embellishment, and icon in this collection practically begged to be turned into cheerful décor, and I had so much fun bringing this happy little display to life. Let’s take a closer look at all the fun details! 

 
My Happy Place


The star of the board is definitely the large round “My Happy Place” piece. I used an embroidery hoop as the base, and then I layered several stitched circles together, using some Bubblegum Textured Cardstock and one of the colorful patterned papers from the 6x8 paper pad for the center. The oversized title from the Chit Chat creates a bold focal point, and I tied a tiny coral button from the Odds and Ends for an extra touch of whimsy. White pom pom trim around the edge and a soft ribbon hanger finished it off perfectly and added lots of texture. 

 The Crafty Life Corner


Over on the left side, I created a fun banner using bright floral paper from the 6x8 paper pad and layered a sticker from the This and That sticker sheet “The Crafty Life.” A cute paint palette, button, and glue bottle icon from the Icons sticker sheet reinforce the creative theme, and I topped the whole section off with a large striped bow made with sheer ribbon and colorful curly streamers. This section really adds so much personality and movement to the board.

 Favorite Memories Pocket


I wanted to include some special crafty memories, so I used one of the purple envelopes from the coordinating Cards and Envelopes package to create a fun pocket for my photos. I tucked several favorite snapshots inside and added patterned sticker tabs and some Assortment Sprinkles enamel dots to make them easy to pull out. Along the bottom of the envelope, I layered adorable camera, heart and instant photo die cuts from the Odds and Ends featuring rainbows, sunshine, and a colorful hot air balloon. This sweet little section captures some wonderful memories and brings even more happy color to the board.

 Mini Banner Clips 

 
One of my favorite details is the trio of tiny banner pieces hanging from oversized paper clips. Each banner was embellished with lots of dimension and texture. All of them are made with cardstock from the Cardstock Assortment.  Then the other papers are pieces that are from the 6x8 paper pad. The stickers are all from the Puffy Icons Stickers. The first features layered flowers and the sentiment “Crafty Girl.” The center banner says “Making Pretty Things” and is accented with miniature scissors, and the third showcases a sweet little girl image and a tiny cup. I finished each one with white pom pom trim and fishtail banner ends. These miniature decorations add so much whimsy and perfectly celebrate all things crafty.

 Flower Garland 


Across the top of the board, I strung black and white Chunky baker’s twine and added several flowers from the Bits and Pieces embellished with colorful buttons that are actually Puffy Stickers. The garland creates a cheerful finishing touch and helps tie all the elements together while bringing even more color to the display. 

 Creative Inspiration Bookmark


 Along the right side of the board, I added a long inspirational piece featuring one of my favorite sentiments about creativity. This is also found in the 6x8 Paper Pad.  I mounted it onto patterned paper, embellished it with Puffy Sticker hearts, and finished the bottom with an adorable camera icon from the Icon Sticker Sheet. A  coral Doodle Twine bow at the top gives it the feel of a handmade bookmark and adds another layer of charm.

 One of my favorite things about this project is all the little details. The layered flowers with buttons, colorful enamel dots, pom pom trim, oversized paper clips, baker’s twine, ribbon, and dimension throughout make every section feel special. The bright pink frame and neutral fabric background allow all those happy colors from the Color Me Crafty collection to really shine.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this cheerful bulletin board has inspired you to create some fun décor for your own creative space. The new Color Me Crafty collection is absolutely perfect for celebrating our love of crafting, and I hope you’ll pick up this adorable collection and create something special to brighten your own happy place. Happy crafting!


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

9095 Color Me Crafty Icon Stickers
9096 Color Me Crafty This and That Sticker 
9090 Color Me Crafty Odds and Ends
9091 Color Me Crafty Chit Chat
9092 Color Me Crafty Bits and Pieces
9062 Color Me Crafty Assortment Sprinkles
9097 Color Me Crafty Puffy Icons Stickers
9112 Color Me Crafty Textured Cardstock
9094 Color Me Crafty 6x8 Paper Pad
9093 Color Me Crafty Assortment Cards and Envelopes
4817 Beetle Black Chunky Twine
5629 Coral Doodle Twine

OTHER

13x17 Linen Bulletin Board
4 1/4 inch Embroidery Hoop
Zig Zag Edge Circle Metal Die
Stitched Circle Die
Large Pom Pom trim
Small Pom Pom trim
Sheer Stripe Rainbow Ribbon
Sheer Lilac Ribbon
Paper Straw 
Large Yellow Button
Mint Ric-Rac
Purple Pom Pom trim
White Crochet Thread
Paper Clips


Tuesday, May 12, 2026

BUTTERFLY KISSES LOVE YOU LAYOUT | with Tya

There is just something so sweet and happy about the Butterfly Kisses collection from Doodlebug Design! The bright pastel colors, playful butterflies, and darling floral patterns made this layout such a joy to create. I used this adorable collection to document these precious photos of some family friends' kids at a wedding reception, and I just love how perfectly the soft colors and whimsical details highlighted these sweet little best friends.

For the base of my layout, I created a fun patchwork background using a variety of patterned papers from the  6x8 paper pad. I love how the mix of florals, polka dots, butterflies, and stripes adds so much interest and color without overwhelming the design. Layering the white cardstock panel on top helped frame my photos beautifully while still allowing all those gorgeous patterns to peek through around the edges.

One of my favorite details on this page is the “Love You” title cluster at the top of the layout.  The words are from the Chit Chat. I layered the title over a floral heart from the Bits and Pieces and added one of the adorable butterfly pieces and some hearts for extra dimension and movement. The black and white twine adds such a fun, whimsical touch and helps guide your eye around the page.


On the right side of the layout, I created a sweet embellishment cluster filled with flowers, hearts, leaves, and one of the pretty pink butterflies from the collection. All of these are from the Bits and Pieces and the Odds and Ends. I love adding little layers like this around my photos because it gives the page so much texture and helps bring everything together. The tiny Puffy Sticker flowers and sprinkled black ink dots finish the cluster perfectly.

For the left side cluster, I tucked in more florals and die cuts along with the “You’re So Sweet” speech bubble from the This and That Sticker sheet. I also added twine bows to some yellow flower buttons from my stash and layered pieces with foam adhesive to create extra depth and dimension. These little details are some of my favorite ways to make a layout feel interactive and full of life.

The full layout view really shows how beautifully all the colors in the Butterfly Kisses collection work together. The soft yellows, pinks, mint greens, and pops of coral create such a cheerful springtime feel. I love how the playful butterflies and florals help tell the story while keeping the focus on these darling photos and special memories.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this layout inspires you to pick up the Butterfly Kisses collection and use it to document some of your own sweet memories. This collection is absolutely bursting with happy colors and charming details that make creating such a delight. Happy crafting!


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

8807 Butterfly Kisses This and That Sticker
8801 Butterfly Kisses Odds and Ends
8802 Butterfly Kisses Chit Chat
8803 Butterfly Kisses Bits and Pieces
8787 Butterfly Kisses Puffy Icons Stickers
8805 Butterfly Kisses 6x8 Paper Pad
8823 Butterfly Kisses Textured Cardstock Assortment Pack
2994 Beetle Black Doodle Twine

OTHER PRODUCTS USED

Black Acryllic Paint
Yellow Flower Buttons
White Crochet Thread

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

BUNNY HOP HELLO SPRING LAYOUT | with Tya

There is just something so magical about those first signs of spring, and this sweet little photo shoot of my cute kitty out in the garden captured it perfectly! I couldn't resist documenting these adorable moments of her curiously sniffing the very first blooms of the season. For this layout, I used the absolutely darling Bunny Hop collection, and I love how it brings these springtime memories to life. This collection isn't just for Easter - it's perfect for any bright and happy spring photos like these. 

I had so much fun putting this layout together, and I wanted to walk you through some of the details and design elements that make it extra special.

Here you can see the overall design, with the photos arranged in a vertical cluster on the right side of the page.  I balanced that with a large open space on the left, which really helps draw attention to the photos and keeps the layout feeling light and airy.

This angle gives a better look at the layers and dimensions. I used a mix of pattern papers from the collection. The background papers are the May Flowers and Carrot Patch papers. I then used a sheet of white cardstock and then used the pretty rainbow stripe from the Bunny Hop paper and the pretty yellow plaid from the Lemon Plaid/Polka Dot Petite Print paper. 

In this closer look, you can see how I layered the photos slightly offset from one another for added interest. I also tucked a few embellishments like the memories tab from the Bits and Pieces and the same cute yellow daffodils from the Bits and Pieces throughout the layout for cohesiveness. This keeps your eye moving along the page.

Here is a closer look at the top of the layout where I added the sweet tab, the flower, and a bit of Doodle Twine for texture. The cute little epoxy sprinkles are from the Hello Spring Shape Sprinkles, as well as an orange Sprinkle in the center of the flower.

I love this little scene with the Tree, sunshine, and flowers- it really ties into the garden theme of the photos. These all came from the Bits and Pieces, Chit Chat, and Odds and Ends die cuts. Adding clusters like these helps tell the story and brings the whole layout to life.

This is one of my favorite parts! The Hello Spring sentiment die cut from the Chit Chat layered over the cute Spot of Spring dot paper, and then added on top of a Cupcake Doily. This creates such a soft and happy focal point. I added a few enamel dots and Sprinkles to the flowers here as well for an extra pop.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this layout inspires you to pull out the Bunny Hop collection and use it for your own springtime memories - not just Easter! Sometimes the sweetest stories come from those simple, everyday moments! Happy crafting, friends !


INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | BLOG

DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

8466 may flowers double-sided cardstock
8467 carrot patch double-sided cardstock
8464 spot of spring double-sided cardstock
8101 Lemon Plaid/ Polka Dot Petite Print
8461 bunny hop double-sided cardstock
8455 bunny hop bits & pieces
8453 Bunny Hop Odds and Ends
8454 Bunny Hop Chit Chat
8459 Bunny Hop This and That Sticker sheet
8001 Easter Assortment Sprinkles
8429 Hello Spring Shape Sprinkles
4077 Spring Assortment Doodle Twine
4065 Cupcake Doilies

OTHER

White Cardstock



Tuesday, March 31, 2026

BUNNY HOP - BUNNY TREAT HOLDERS | with Tya

Hello friends! With Easter right around the corner, I couldn’t resist creating something sweet, simple, and oh-so-cute using the Bunny Hop collection. These darling chocolate bunny treat holders are the perfect little addition to any Easter basket, and they came together so quickly! 


 Did you know that each Doodlebug collection comes with a coordinating Petite Print pack and a matching textured cardstock pack? I love having those options right at my fingertips—it makes mixing and matching effortless and ensures everything ties together beautifully! For these treat holders, I used a mix of those coordinating papers along with some adorable elements from the Bunny Hop collection. The cute bunny chocolates peeking out make the perfect focal point, and I layered on tags, twine, sprinkles, and sweet little embellishments to give each one that extra “Tya touch” of texture and dimension. Each holder has its own personality thanks to the different color combinations, but they all work together so perfectly as a set.


To start, I cut my base piece from some bubblegum textured cardstock to 2” x 8¼”. This will create the main structure of the treat holder and gives it that sturdy feel while still keeping everything nice and lightweight. For the patterned paper, I cut a piece of the Cupcake Candy Stripe/Sprinkles paper from the Petite Prints pack—one measuring 1¾” x 5” for the tall back panel and one measuring 1¾” x 2” for the front pocket piece.


Next, I used my score board and scored along the 8¼” side at 1” and 3 1/8”. These score lines are what form the pocket and give the holder its shape, so be sure to get nice crisp folds for the best results.


Once everything was scored, I folded along the lines to start forming the pocket. You’ll see how quickly it begins to come together into that adorable little holder shape!  I love how these coordinating prints add just the right touch of pattern and color. I adhered the patterned paper pieces onto the base, lining everything up so the pocket section looks clean and polished. This step really brings the whole project to life! 


Next, I used a tag punch at the top of the holder to create that cute tag shape. I also used the punch on the other end of the paper that was folded over. I like how this finishes up the paper and makes it cohesive.


Once the base was ready, I added my chocolate bunny inside the pocket and used adhesive to secure it in place so it stays put. 

 
Then I wrapped some chunky twine around the holder and tied it into a bow. This adds texture and that perfect handmade touch that I just love.


Finally, I decorated the front with some of the sentiment banners from the Chit Chat, Easter Assortment Sprinkles, and the Puffy Icons Stickers from the Bunny Hop collection. These little details are what really make each treat holder unique and extra special! These are such a fun way to dress up a simple chocolate bunny and turn it into a thoughtful handmade gift. They would be adorable tucked into Easter baskets, shared with friends, or even used as place settings for a spring gathering! 


Here are a few close-ups of each of the holders:







 Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope I’ve inspired you to pull out your Bunny Hop collection (and those fabulous coordinating papers!) and whip up a batch of these cute, quick, and easy treat holders. They’re guaranteed to bring a smile and look absolutely perfect in anyone’s Easter basket.


DOODLEBUG PRODUCTS USED

8475 Bunny Hop Petite Prints
8476 Bunny Hop Textured Cardstock
8001 Bunny Hop Easter Assortment Sprinkles
8452 Bunny Hop Puffy Stickers
 8454 Bunny Hop Chit Chat 
4804 Cupcake Chunky Twine
4807 Tangerine Chunky Twine
4808 Bumblebee Chunky Twine
4809 Limeade Chunky Twine
5632 Mint Chunky Twine

OTHER

Tag Topper Punch
Scoring Board
Glue Dots and Double-Sided Tape
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