Hello, Simple Stories friends! Gloria Parra here today with a new layout using the super fun For the Record collection. This collection is designed as an everyday collection, perfect for documenting your months and years. But today, I want to show you that it can also work beautifully for school-themed layouts!
To start, I used the blue lined pattern paper called Keep Looking Up as the background for my layout, providing a subtle texture and a school-inspired feel. I then selected the numbers paper, It’s All Good, and the yellow paper, The Best Part, to add layers and contrast. I cut the numbers paper to 4 ⅞” x 10.5” and the yellow paper to 5.5” x 10.5”, then adhered the numbers paper on top of the yellow one, leaving a thin border at the top and bottom to help the layers pop.
For my main photo, I chose the lined chipboard frame from the For the Record collection to add dimension and make it stand out. To complement it, I included two 3x4-inch photos, creating a strip of three images that help tell the special story of my daughter making it to the honor roll this year. To add contrast against the numbers patterned paper, I used an orange grid paper from the 6x8 paper pad as a mat for my two smaller photos, bringing in a pop of color and helping them stand out.
To create a seamless and dynamic look, we will tuck the corner of our photo strip under the beautiful floral elements from the background paper. Using an X-Acto knife, carefully cut around the top florals, then gently lift them and slide the photo strip beneath, allowing the vines and flowers to overlap onto the photos. This small but impactful detail adds depth, dimension, and a natural layered effect, making the layout feel more cohesive and visually interesting.
Now we will start creating our embellishment clusters, beginning with the top left cluster, which will be the place where we add our stories. Choose two tags and the striped notebook sticker from the sticker sheet, then tuck them beneath the layers in the top left corner to create depth. To soften the harsh lines of the tags, add some floral embellishments, bringing a natural flow to the design. For an extra touch, place a clip-on top of the chipboard photo frame, adding a beautiful detail that further highlights our main photo and draws attention to the focal point of the layout.
Now, let’s move on to the lower embellishment cluster, which will serve as the base for our title. Start by layering two long labels to create a shelf that grounds the title. From the foam sticker sheet, I used the word “Memories” and paired it with red color vibe alphabet stickers to spell out “Honor Roll,” creating a meaningful title that commemorates this special achievement. To add extra detail, I included a camera die cut from the bits and pieces, along with a floral ephemera, which softens the cluster and brings in an organic, cohesive look.
Now, let’s move on to the third cluster in the top right corner, where the printed label is. Here, I added the “Photos Tell the Story” sticker from the sticker sheet, reinforcing the storytelling theme of the layout. To soften the lines and create a cohesive look, I included a smaller floral embellishment, tying it in with the other clusters. This spot is also perfect for adding the date or a couple of meaningful words, making it a subtle yet important detail that completes the layout.
To finish this layout, I added brads to the centers of some florals and glitter glue dots to others, bringing subtle texture and shine. To add even more detail, I incorporated chipboard hearts and a few staples, tying all the embellishment clusters together with small but impactful finishing touches.
I hope you liked the end result as much as I did! I hope this layout inspires you to grab the For the Recordcollection and document those special academic achievements, milestones, or school memories that deserve to be told. If you’d like to see the full process, I have a process video on my YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out! Thank you so much for stopping by, and until next time—happy crafting! Hugs, Gloria.
Supplies Used:
Simple Stories For the Record Collection Kit
Simple Stories For the Record 6x8 paper pad
Simple Stories For the Record 12x12 Sticker Sheet
Simple Stories For the Record Journal Bits
Simple Stories For the Record Floral Bits
Simple Stories For the Record Bits and Pieces
Simple Stories For the Record Sticker Book
Simple Stories For the Record Decorative Brads
Simple Stories For the Record Chipboard Frame
Simple Stories For the Record Foam Sticker
Simple Stories For the Record Chipboard Stickers
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