Decorative Dies
"Snow Much Fun" By Jodi Benson - Pattern #179
Perhaps the easiest way to embellish a layout is with decorative dies. Yes, this page would have been just fine with shades of blue cardstock, but look how much cuter it is with snowflakes and little mittens.
Jodi also used one of the elements cut from her paper pack in the top right corner. These elements (also called journaling cards) often have sayings or pictures that can easily be trimmed to fit the grid.
Make Patterns
With pattern paper, cardstock and the right dies, you can create all new patterns and designs to show off your photos.
Here, Paije used the North Pole Die Set to create unique stripes on her layout. The stripes provide an element of movement that is fun with sledding, skiing or skating photos.
You might also try making patterns with corner tile dies and grid dies.
"Snow Day 2004" by Paije Potter - Free-styled Layout
Specialty Papers
"First Snow" by Candy Spiegel - Pattern #557
Inspired by the dog prints in the snow, Candy used the Paw & Bone Die Set with a white shimmer paper to create the paw prints on this layout.
The shimmer paper adds a soft, pearlescent touch to the layout, reminiscent of snow on a sunny day.
You might also try a glitter paper or a foil paper for your winter scrapbook pages.
Sequins and Shapes
When your photos are the star and the layout is already busy, like this one created with the Bricks Die, a tiny embellishment might be just the thing to take the layout to the next level.
Here, Candy took tiny foam snowflakes, meant for shaker cards, and glued them into the corners and around the large tree photo on her layout.
You might also try clay embellishments or sequins.
"Winter" by Candy Spiegel - Free-styled layout
Ribbon and Charms
"Winter Paddle Boarding" by Jodi Benson - Pattern #602
Just like an elegantly wrapped package, a beautiful ribbon or bit of twine with a dangling charm across one of the photos is the perfect way to finish off a layout.
Here, Jodi used the colors of the ribbon as the inspiration for her layout. It matches beautifully.
She also "created" her own pattern paper by embossing cardstock with chalk ink.
Stickles and Pearls
Winter sparkles, shimmers and shines. Bring a bit of that to your layouts with Ranger Stickles, Nuvo Dream Drops and similar products.
Here, Paije created tiny sparkly dots with Stickles on the photo mat in the center of her layout. In addition to adding sparkly fun, this is a great way to use up that extra space on a 4x6 photo mat.
Plus she added some sparkle along her snowflake borders. Stickles are perfect for winter pages since it glitters like the snow.
"Puppy Loves Snow" by Paije Potter - Pattern #605
Chunky Glitter
"Ice Storm" by Candy Spiegel - Pattern #549
Shaker Box and Felt
For a really unique idea, add texture with felt mittens and movement with a shaker box on your layout.
Mosaic Moments® dies will cut felt ... although you may need to add a metal plate to your cutting sandwich and run it through multiple times. Candy has found that thin felt (go for the cheap stuff) works best.
The shaker box in the center, taken from the card-making world, features the Highlands Die and a few sequins on top. The inside is filled with sequins that move when the page moves.
