Four Days. One Sketch. Endless Possibilities.

Last week I hosted my annual A-May-zing Sketch Camp, and as I sit down to write this recap, I’m reminded why this has become one of my favourite events of the year.

The concept is simple.

Start with one sketch.

Then explore all the different ways it can be used.

But what always amazes me is how quickly that simple idea turns into something much bigger. One sketch becomes multiple layouts, multiple stories, and endless creative possibilities.

This year was extra special because Sketch Camp has a new permanent home inside Chris’ Sketch Camp. Instead of creating a new group every year, we now have one place where scrapbookers can gather, share inspiration, access replays, and continue exploring sketches long after the event ends.

It All Started With One Sketch

When I designed this year’s sketch, my goal was to create something flexible.

I wanted a design that would work with a variety of themes, products, and photo combinations. I also wanted it to be approachable enough that scrapbookers wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by a blank page.

All the measurements were included in the class handout. If you missed camp make sure to check out the Facebook group to review past camps and stay up to date on up coming camps! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1275049404342151

One of the biggest lessons I hope participants took away this week is that sketches aren’t rules.

They’re starting points.

They’re a way to get photos off your phone and onto a page without spending hours wondering where to begin.

Layout #1 – Bloom Boutique

For our first layout, I used the Bloom Boutique collection.

This version has a soft, elegant feel and shows how easily a sketch can be transformed with floral products and a lighter colour palette.

Starting with this version allowed everyone to see the foundation of the sketch before we began exploring different directions.

Layout #2 – Waterside Retreat

The second layout featured the Waterside Retreat collection.

Even though the sketch stayed exactly the same, the layout took on a completely different personality.

This is one of my favourite things about sketches. Change the papers, colours, and photos and suddenly you’re telling an entirely different story.

It’s a great reminder that we don’t always need a brand-new design to create something fresh.

Layout #3 – Beautiful Ordinary Life

Our final live layout featured the Beautiful Ordinary Life collection.

This one felt especially fitting because it focused on the everyday stories that often become our most treasured memories.

Sometimes the moments that seem ordinary today become the stories we’re most grateful to have documented later.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a bonus layout.

For this one, I used photos from Backstage, and honestly, it might be my favourite layout from the entire event.

The challenge?

I had way too many photos.

There were so many wonderful memories and friends I wanted to include that I simply couldn’t narrow them down.

Instead of leaving photos out, I added a Flip Flap mini album directly to the layout.

It was the perfect solution because it allowed me to tell more of the story while still keeping the overall sketch design intact.

Sometimes the best part of scrapbooking isn’t finding a way to fit fewer photos on a page—it’s finding a creative way to include more.

Bonus day!

I even managed to work in a Bonus day that focused on a single page layout.

The Real Lesson

As the week went on, I found myself repeating the same message over and over:

You don’t need more ideas.

You need a place to start.

I think that’s why sketches continue to be one of my favourite teaching tools.

They remove some of the overwhelm.

They give you a framework.

They help you move from staring at photos to actually creating something with them.

And once you start, the creativity usually follows.

Thank You

To everyone who joined me for A-May-zing Sketch Camp 2026, thank you.

Thank you for sharing your layouts, your stories, your enthusiasm, and your creativity.

One of my favourite parts of the week was seeing how differently everyone interpreted the same sketch. Every layout was unique because every scrapbooker brought their own photos, memories, and perspective to the page.

And that’s exactly why I love this hobby.

One sketch.

Endless possibilities.

Happy Scrappin’!