Nov 194 min read

Preserving Christmas Memories: A 12x12 Scrapbook Layout Inspired by the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel

If you’ve never visited the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel during the holidays, you’re truly missing out. This hotel is absolutely magical, and as the name suggests, it’s grand! From the stunning craftsman-style architecture to the 35-foot Christmas tree that dominates the lobby, the beauty of this place is simply breathtaking.

I wanted to capture all of that magic in this 12x12 double-page scrapbook layout. That’s why I chose Stampin’ Up! Nature’s Sweetness Specialty DSP—its elegant, nature-inspired design perfectly reflects the craftsman style of the hotel. Combining this paper with other festive elements, I aimed to bring the grandeur and beauty of the Grand Californian to life on the page.

Californian Hotel—capturing its beauty and intricate details made this memory even more special

Scrapbooking this memory felt extra special because I decided to take photos I’d never thought to capture before. While the tree itself is always a showstopper, I focused on the intricate ornaments this time. It was a small but meaningful way to see something familiar in a new light, and that’s why preserving these moments through scrapbooking means so much to me.

Why Use a Sketch?

For this layout, I used a sketch from CTMH Make It From Your Heart Volume 6 as my starting point. Sketches are such a great tool—they save time, provide structure, and still leave plenty of room for creativity.

Adapting the sketch: Adding a fourth photo by extending the layers created a balanced layout while making space for meaningful journaling

The original sketch was designed to hold three photos, but I wanted to include four. By extending the layers on the right-hand side of the page, I created space for an additional 4x6 photo. While this adjustment reduced the journaling space, I used the areas above and below the photo for typed journaling. It turned out to be the perfect amount of room to tell the story of this layout.

Please Note:

This layout is based on a purchased sketch, so I won’t be sharing measurements for this design. However, be sure to visit the Measurements, Cutting Guides, and Sketches section for other layouts that include detailed measurements to inspire your next project!

Materials Used:

Stampin’ Up! Materials:

• NATURE'S SWEETNESS 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) SPECIALTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

• White Willow 12x12 Cardstock (base, photo mats, and circles)

• Pecan Pie 8-1/2”x11” Cardstock (large circles and Mickey silhouettes)

• Peaceful Seasons Thin Cuts (“Christmas” title)

• Deckled Circle Dies (used for embellishments and layering)

• Pecan Pie and Clear Adhesive Backed Dots

• Stampin’ Blends (to color lanterns)

• Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad (to stamp lanterns)

• Paper trimmer, glue, adhesives, Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, foam tape

Close To My Heart (CTMH):

• Toffee Cardstock (large photo mats, medium circles, pine cone back)

• Pine Cardstock (pine leaves, title cut with Cricut®️)

• Mocha Cardstock (pine cone fronts)

• Toffee Ink Pad (to stamp bows on lanterns, ink edges of Toffee circles and photo mats, and blend around embellishments on the white base)

• Gold Shimmer Brush (to splatter on the base and add a glitter effect to Pecan Pie Cardstock)

• CTMH Evergreen Stamps and Thin Cuts Cardmaking Workshop (pinecones)

Other Materials:

• Avery Labels 8665 (for journaling)

• Cricut and Design Space®️ (to print and cut the licensed Mickey silhouette and cut the title and date)

Side note:

While I used some CTMH products in this layout, many of these items have excellent crossovers with Stampin’ Up! products. If you’re looking for alternatives or need help finding the perfect materials, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!

Adding Personal Touches

look: This cluster of embellishments, featuring lanterns, poinsettias, pine cones, and pine leaves, hides a subtle Mickey—adding a playful, personal touch to the layout

One of my favorite details in this layout is the hidden Mickeys I added after completing the page. Did you know that hidden Mickeys are scattered all over Disneyland? Inspired by this tradition, I thought it would be fun to include a few here, especially since the large Mickey silhouette was already part of my title. While these additions may make the embellishment clusters look a little quirky, they add a personal touch that feels uniquely mine. Scrapbooking isn’t about being perfect—it’s about preserving memories in a way that feels meaningful lto you.

Final Thoughts

The finished 12x12 double-page layout: Capturing the magic and grandeur of the Grand Californian Hotel during the holidays, preserved in a treasured memory

If you’ve never visited the Grand Californian Hotel during the holidays, I highly recommend adding it to your list. The grandeur, magic, and beauty of this place are unforgettable. Creating this 12x12 double-page scrapbook layout, allowed me to capture the spirit of the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel and preserve a memory I’ll always treasure.

Whether you’re starting with a sketch, experimenting with new materials, or adding personal touches, remember: that scrapbooking is all about telling your story, your way.

Explore More Disney-Inspired Scrapbook Layouts & Handmade Cards

This blog is your go-to destination for Disney-inspired creativity! With yearly trips to the parks, there’s always something magical to share, from scrapbook layouts to handmade cards. We’ll have a steady stream of fresh ideas to inspire your own Disney-themed projects. Stay tuned and check back often for new layouts, techniques, and tips!

Share Your Creations

We’d love to see how Disney inspires your crafting! Share your scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, and other creations in the Members Gallery. Your projects could inspire someone else to bring their magical memories to life!

Shop the materials I used to bring this memory to life:

https://s.tamp.in/TdkqW6

Wishing you joy, creativity, and cherished memories this holiday season.

April - This Chick Loves Paper

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Website Disclaimer:

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!®