Design Team Inspiration: Creative Ways to Get Inky

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with some more amazing design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s project made by design team member, Jessica, is a stunning layout that perfectly highlights this month’s “Get Inky” Facebook group challenge—and wow, did she deliver!

This beautiful layout, created by one of our talented design team members, is packed with mixed media techniques that really bring the background to life. She started by spraying water onto the page, then layered Distress Spray over the top, allowing the colors to react and blend in such an organic way. She used a paintbrush to create droplets and even moved the spray around with a small blow dryer, which adds so much movement and uniqueness to the design. 🎨

She also incorporated the Daffodil 49 & Market ink pad using the smooshing technique, along with additional paint splatters for even more depth and texture. To build on those layers, she used the Nuvo Mousse with a stencil from the kit, creating a gorgeous combination of soft color, shine, and dimension.

Once the background was complete, she added her photos along with papers, embellishments, and sequins from the kit—bringing everything together into a layout that feels cohesive, layered, and full of creative energy.

Why This Project Inspires

• Layered ink techniques: Water + Distress Spray create beautiful, organic backgrounds

• Creative tools: Paintbrush droplets and blow dryer effects add movement

• Smooshing technique: A fun way to add soft, blended color

• Stencil + mousse: Builds texture and dimension effortlessly

• Finishing touches: Papers, embellishments, and sequins complete the look

I love how fearless this layout feels—so many techniques layered together, but it all works beautifully. This is such a great reminder that experimenting with your supplies can lead to something truly special.

Try This Technique

If you’re playing along with our “Get Inky” challenge, try layering multiple ink techniques on one background! Start with water and spray inks, add in some smooshing, then finish with splatters and stenciling.

Don’t worry about making it perfect—just have fun and see how the layers build on each other!

💬 What’s your favorite way to use inks on your layouts? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: A Layered Layout You’ll Want to Try

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with another beautiful design team project to share with you.

Today’s design team inspiration is from Miranda and is all about taking a layout you love and making it your own—and trust me, this one is so good you’re going to want to try it yourself!

This project really leans into mixed media techniques in the best way. She used a stencil with Nuvo Mousse to create a gorgeous textured background, adding both depth and a soft dimensional shine. Then she layered in paint splatters for that perfectly imperfect, artistic feel that brings so much movement to the page. 🎨

To build her design, she cut texture papers from the March 2025 kit into 2×2 squares, creating a grid-style layout that adds structure while still allowing all that texture to shine. Everything comes together in a way that feels balanced, creative, and full of interest.

Why This Project Inspires

• Inspired design approach: A great way to spark creativity when you’re feeling stuck

• Stencil + Nuvo Mousse: Adds rich texture and depth to your background

• Spray splatters: Bring movement and a fun, artistic vibe

• 2×2 paper squares: An easy technique for building layered, eye-catching designs

I especially love how she used the small paper squares to create such a cohesive layout. It’s one of those designs that looks detailed and impressive but is actually super approachable to recreate.

Try This Technique

If you’re looking for your next layout idea, try starting with a design you love and putting your own spin on it! Begin with a stenciled background using mousse or texture paste, add a few paint splatters, and then build your layers using small, evenly cut paper pieces.

This is such a fun way to use up smaller scraps while still creating something that feels intentional and put together.

💬 Do you enjoy reinterpreting layouts, or do you prefer to create from scratch? Let me know in the comments

Design Team Inspiration: Get Inky Easter Art Journal with Stamps & Texture

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with some beautiful seasonal design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s project is a gorgeous Easter-themed art journal page created by the fabulous Hannah, and it ties in perfectly with our monthly Facebook challenge, “Get Inky!”

She used ink pads from the shop to create a soft and colorful background, then added stamps to bring in detail and interest. To take it a step further, she incorporated Dylusions Diamond Rocks embossing powder, adding texture and a subtle sparkle to the page. ✨

Why This Project Inspires

  • Inky background: A perfect way to play along with the “Get Inky” challenge
  • Stamped details: Add depth and visual interest
  • Embossing powder: Brings texture and a touch of shine
  • Ribbon + paper layers: Add softness and dimension using supplies from the shop and stash

I love how all of these elements come together to create a page that feels both playful and layered, while still keeping that soft Easter vibe.

Try This Technique

If you’re joining the “Get Inky” challenge, try building your background with ink first, then layering in stamps, embossing, and a few dimensional elements like ribbon. It’s a fun way to create depth and texture in your art journal pages!

💬 Do you enjoy creating seasonal art journal pages? Let me know in the comments!

So You Want to Be a Scrappy YouTuber? Now What?! | The Crafty Maven Getaway Podcast Season 2 Episode 8

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here sharing our latest podcast episode—and this one is for anyone who has ever thought about starting a YouTube channel.

In Episode 8, we’re diving into the question:

👉 “So you want to be a scrappy YouTuber… now what?!”

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by where to start, what to film, or how to actually begin, you are definitely not alone. We’ve both been there, and in this episode, we talk through what it really looks like to get started.

Getting Started Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

One of the biggest things we talked about is how easy it is to overthink starting a YouTube channel. From camera setup to editing to what kind of content to create—it can feel like a lot.

But the truth is, you don’t need everything figured out to begin. Sometimes the most important step is just hitting record and learning as you go.

Finding Your Style

We also chatted about finding your own style as a scrappy YouTuber. Whether you love:

process videos, voiceovers, real-time crafting or just sharing your projects

There’s no one “right” way to do it. Your style will evolve over time, and that’s part of the journey.

Keep It Simple & Consistent

Another big takeaway from this episode is keeping things simple. You don’t need fancy equipment or a perfect setup—just start with what you have and build from there.

Consistency is helpful, but it doesn’t have to mean pressure. Creating in a way that fits your life is what will help you stick with it long-term.

Our Biggest Advice

If you’ve been thinking about starting a YouTube channel, this is your sign to just go for it. Start messy, start simple, and let yourself grow along the way.

🎧 Be sure to listen to the full episode to hear all of our thoughts, tips, and experiences!

💬 Have you ever thought about starting a YouTube channel? Or are you already creating videos? I’d love to hear where you’re at!

Design Team Inspiration: Get Inky with Purple Oxide Inks & Bold Florals

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with more fun design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s layout is part of our monthly Facebook challenge, “Get Inky!”, and it’s such a beautiful example of using inks to create a bold and vibrant background.

Our design team member, Cassie, used oxide ink pads in three different shades of purple, along with lemon acrylic paint and a stencil, to build a rich and colorful mixed media base.

Why This Layout Inspires

  • Layered oxide inks: Create depth and variation with multiple shades of purple
  • Stencil work: Adds texture and visual interest
  • Yellow + purple color combo: Bright, bold, and eye-catching
  • Photo coordination: The floral photos pop beautifully against the background

I love how the yellow acrylic paint ties in perfectly with the photos, making everything feel cohesive while still letting the images stand out.

Join the Challenge

This is such a great reminder of how fun it is to play with inks! If you haven’t already, join our “Get Inky” challenge and experiment with your favorite ink techniques.

Try This Technique

Try combining multiple shades of one color with a contrasting paint to really make your layout pop. It’s a simple way to create a bold and cohesive design.

💬 What’s your favorite way to use inks on your layouts? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: Simple Multi-Photo Layout with Watercolor & Stamping

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with more beautiful design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s layout is a perfect example of how simple can be stunning. Our design team member, Kristin, created a multi-photo scrapbook layout using the March 2025 kit, along with a few extras from her stash.

She incorporated stamping and added soft touches of watercolor from the shop, keeping the design clean while still adding interest and detail.

Why This Layout Inspires

  • Multiple photos: A great way to document more memories on one page
  • Simple design: Clean and uncluttered, letting the photos shine
  • Watercolor accents: Add softness and a touch of color
  • Stamping details: Bring in subtle texture and personality

I love how this layout shows that you don’t need a lot of layers or products to create something beautiful. Sometimes a simple design with thoughtful details is all it takes.

Try This Idea

If you’ve been wanting to scrapbook more photos, try a multi-photo layout with a simple design. Add a little watercolor and stamping for interest, and let your photos be the focus!

💬 Do you prefer single photo layouts or multi-photo pages? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: Mixed Media Art Journal with Texture and Ephemera Layers

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with more beautiful design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s project is a stunning art journal page full of rich texture and creative layers. Our design team member, Jessica, used a variety of mixed media supplies from her kit to build depth and interest across the page.

She incorporated paint, scribble sticks, gesso, mustard gloss spray, and distress oxide, blending them together to create a beautifully layered and artistic background.

Why This Project Inspires

  • Layered mixed media: Builds depth and visual interest
  • Variety of products: Shows how different mediums can work together
  • Texture and movement: Each layer adds something unique to the page
  • Art journaling freedom: A great reminder to experiment and play

I love how all the different mediums come together to create a page that feels both expressive and cohesive. It’s a perfect example of how layering can bring your art journaling to life.

Try This Technique

If you’ve been wanting to explore art journaling or mixed media, try layering different products like gesso, paint, and sprays. Start light, build up your layers, and see where your creativity takes you!

💬 Do you enjoy art journaling, or do you prefer scrapbook layouts? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: Layered Mixed Media Background with Coffee-Inspired Details

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with more amazing design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s layout is such a fun and creative one—especially if you love coffee ☕✨

Our design team member, Cassie, created a beautiful mixed media background using oxide inks with the smooshing technique, along with a stencil and acrylic paint to build layers of texture and interest. She also added texture medium for extra dimension and finished it off with rub ons and embellishments from her kit, tying everything together perfectly.

Why This Layout Inspires

  • Smooshing technique: Creates a soft, organic background with oxide inks
  • Coffee stain stencil: Adds a fun and thematic design element
  • Texture layers: Acrylic paint and texture medium bring depth to the page
  • Rub on and embellishment details: Add softness and a unique finishing touch

What I love most about this layout is how well the photo ties into the design. The coffee-themed stencil pairs perfectly with her photo of coffee and a treat—it all comes together in such a cohesive and creative way!

Try This Technique

If you’ve been wanting to experiment with mixed media backgrounds, try combining the smooshing technique with stencils and texture mediums. Then, take it one step further by choosing a stencil that connects with your photo for a really cohesive layout.

💬 Do you like matching your background elements to your photos? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: Soft Pink Monochromatic Mixed Media Layout

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with more beautiful design team inspiration to share with you.

Today’s layout is soft, simple, and so pretty! Our design team member, Shannon, created a monochromatic mixed media layout using delicate shades of light pink and white background.

She incorporated an embossed snowflake paper from the kit along with a small 3×4 photo, allowing subtle details to really shine. She added in the March 2025 sequin mix and Purple Hearts too.

Why This Layout Inspires

  • Monochromatic color palette: Soft pink and white create a clean, elegant look.
  • Mixed media focus: Adds texture while keeping the design simple
  • Embossed snowflake detail: A beautiful focal element from the kit
  • Minimal photo size: Keeps the attention on the overall design

I love how this layout proves that you don’t need a lot of elements to create something stunning—sometimes simple and cohesive is all you need.

Try This Idea

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try creating a monochromatic scrapbook layout using just one or two colors. Add mixed media for texture and keep your embellishments minimal for a clean, beautiful result.

💬 Do you enjoy simple layouts or do you love lots of layers? Let me know in the comments!

Design Team Inspiration: Mermaid Mixed Media Layout with Inked Cut File

Hello Scrapbookers!!! Crafty Meggy here with another fun design team project to share with you.

Today’s layout is full of color, texture, and a little bit of magic! Our design team member, Kristin, created a mermaid-themed scrapbook layout using lots of mixed media techniques and a beautifully inked cut file as the focal point.

Why This Layout Inspires

  • Inked cut file: Adds bold color and makes the design pop
  • Heavy mixed media: Layers of texture create depth and movement
  • Fun theme: The mermaid design brings a playful and creative vibe
  • Creative layering: Everything works together to create a cohesive, eye-catching page

I love how the mixed media brings this layout to life—it really enhances the theme and makes the whole page feel dynamic and fun.

Try This Idea

If you’ve been wanting to experiment with mixed media in your scrapbooking, try alcohol ink markers on a cut file and using it as your focal point. It’s a great way to add color and personality to your layouts!

💬 Do you like themed layouts like this, or do you stick to everyday designs? Let me know in the comments!