Smile, Little Man! – A 12x12 Fall Scrapbook Layout Full of CTMH Cozy-Up Charm
- This Chick Loves Paper
- Oct 11, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Scrapbooking Real Life—Frowns, Friendship & Fall Feels
Scrapbooking isn’t just about the picture-perfect moments—it’s about the real ones. The ones with big feelings, unexpected laughs, and the little stories we never want to forget. And this? This was one of those moments!
My little man was not thrilled that our pumpkin patch adventure was coming to an end. His little head tucked down, full pout mode activated. But his sweet friend? She wasn’t having it! With little fingers, she reached over, lifted the corners of his mouth, and—just like that—turned his frown upside down. And that smirk? That’s the moment I knew this was a 12x12 single-page scrapbook layout worth creating!
A Fall Adventure… With a Side of Sass! 😆
Vegas may not give us a real fall, but we packed in all the autumn fun—petting zoo, rides, pumpkins, and a whole lot of giggles. But when it was time to leave? Cue the legendary little man's frown!
Did I plan to scrapbook his pouting? Nope.
Did his friend’s adorable attempt to cheer him up make it the most perfect scrapbook moment ever? Absolutely!
Turning a Tiny Moment into a BIG Memory 🍁✂️
With a story this sweet, I needed a layout that did it justice! So I went all in on cozy textures, warm autumn hues, and a whole lot of leaves (maybe too many—but who’s counting? 😂). Every little detail was crafted to bring that crisp fall feeling to life—because in Vegas if we can’t have real autumn, we’ll make our own!
Here’s What I Used to Create This Layout:
🟠 CTMH Mocha Cardstock – The perfect warm, neutral base for a rich fall feel. (Hollowed out the center—because bulky pages are a no-go! 🙌)
⚪ CTMH White Daisy Cardstock – Trimmed to 11-1/2” x 11-1/2” for a crisp, clean background.
✍ Brown Pen for Hand-Stitched Details – My first attempt at freehand stitching! It’s not perfect, but hey—imperfections add charm, right?!
🎨 CTMH Pumpkin Ink – Blended around the circle edges for that soft, autumn glow.
🍂 CTMH Cozy Up Digital Art Kit – ALL the gorgeous fall leaves came from this kit! Layered, inked, tucked, and stacked for major dimensions.
📸 Double-Matted Photos – Pumpkin & White Daisy cardstock gave the pictures an extra pop!
🎃 Pumpkin & Foliage Embellishments – Because no fall layout is complete without some festive flair!
The result? A scrapbook layout that captures the moment, tells the story, and brings the fall magic—no matter what season it actually is! 🍁✨
Step-by-Step: Creating This 12X12 Fall Scrapbook Layout Using CTMH Cozy Up
Step 1: Setting the Scene
• CTMH Mocha cardstock for the border—hollowed out the center (because bulky pages = nope!).
• 11-1/2” x 11-1/2” White Daisy cardstock as the base.
Step 2: Hand-Stitched Details—My First Attempt!
I freehanded brown stitching around the White Daisy base for a cozy, rustic touch. It’s not perfect—but it adds character, and that’s what scrapbooking is all about!
Step 3: Creating a Focal Point
I cut a large circle from White Daisy cardstock to hold my journaling, photos, and title. I ink-blended CTMH Pumpkin for added warmth, then softened it out to keep that subtle fall glow.
🍁 Step 4: ALL. THE. LEAVES.

The CTMH Cozy Up Digital Art Kit brought the whole layout to life! I cut a bunch of leaves with my Cricut®, inked, and tucked them under the circle until they looked like a crunchy fall leaf pile ready for a jump!
Step 5: Photos, Journaling, and That Smirk!
I double-matted the photos in Pumpkin and White Daisy, added the title, and wrote a bit about this sweet, pouty moment turned scrapbook gold. And just like that—BAM! The layout was done.
Scrapbooking the Real & the Raw
Not every layout is sunshine and smiles. And that’s okay. Some of the most memorable scrapbook pages come from the real stuff—the drama, the smirks, the unexpected gestures of love.
✔ His frown? A little dramatic.
✔ His friend? An absolute gem.
✔ That tiny smirk? Priceless.
And that’s why I scrapbook. For moments like this.
From Pout to Perfection: Explore More Layouts!
I’d like to think I’ve leveled up my scrapbooking skills since this one. Want to see some of my newer creations that are full of bold color, creative layering, and totally WOW-worthy titles?
Click below to explore more 12x12 scrapbook layouts—from holidays to everyday magic!
🎉 Did You Scrap a Pouty Face? Show Me!
Ever scrapped a not-so-perfect moment that turned out to be scrapbook gold? Whether it’s a grumpy goodbye, an unplanned photo-bomb, or a happy accident that made your layout even better—I want to see it!
Drop your scrapbook layouts in the Members’ Gallery and let’s celebrate the perfectly imperfect moments together!
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Every Moment! 🎨✨
This layout is proof that the best stories aren’t always planned. Sometimes, it’s the smirk that says “I’m trying not to smile,” the little friend who reaches over to help, or the unexpected pout that steals the spotlight.
So next time you scroll through your camera roll and see a moment that’s messy, moody, or maybe a little mundane—SCRAP IT. Those are the stories that stick.
Until next time—stay crafty, stay creative, and never stop capturing the little moments that make life beautiful.
💖 April – This Chick Loves Paper
April - This Chick Loves Paper
🛒 Grab Your Supplies & Start Crafting
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Images @ Stampin’ Up!©️
Images @Close To My Heart©️
The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of April Raine - This Chick Loves Paper as a Stampin’ Up!® Independent Demonstrator. The use of and content of classes, services, or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!®
This fall-inspired 12x12 single-page scrapbook layout features the CTMH Cozy Up Digital Art Kit, layered leaves, and a sweet story of friendship at the pumpkin patch—brought to you by This Chick Loves Paper!
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