Good Times | Simple Stories | Happy Travels Collection

Thursday, 3 July 2025


Hey everyone!

I’ve got a brand-new layout to share today using the Happy Travels collection from Simple Stories, and I had so much fun with this one!

That gorgeous starburst paper immediately caught my eye, and I just couldn’t resist cutting into it straight away! I fussy cut out the centre circle and backed it with white cardstock to help it pop. Then I layered my photo off-centre over the circle, along with a few tags and loads of beautiful Bits & Pieces.

To add some extra texture and dimension, I carefully cut between a few of the rays, distressed the edges, and curled them up a little –one of my favourite things to do! I love how the layout turned out!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Happy scrapping!

Niki xx





 

1st Day | Simple Stories | Book Fair

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

 


Hey everyone, here is another layout using Simple Stories Book Fair. For this layout, I just had to use that adorable row of pencils from one of the patterned papers. I fussy cut them out and turned them into a feature across the page. I added foam pads under the ends to make them stand up a little. I love the extra dimension that gave them!

Underneath the pencils, I added a yellow strip to anchor everything, then started building my layers. I used the ‘Reading Log’ journaling card as a base and popped my two photos on top. These are from my little boy’s very first day of school. I’ve been meaning to scrap them for years! He was only 3 at the time… and now he’s nearly 7! Where does the time go?

I added one of those gorgeous flower-and-pencil clusters from the Floral Bits (can’t get enough of those), plus a few cute icons from the Bits & Pieces. For the title, I used the ‘1st Day’ Foam Sticker: simple and perfect.

I created a few more little embellishment clusters using the cutest icons; an apple with a worm, a pen pot, ‘hard work’ rosette, notebook, clock, camera and more! I also added a few phrase strips from the Cardstock Stickers for extra details.

To finish it all off, I added some handwritten journaling, Decorative Brads, and of course, a few splatters of black paint – because no layout is complete without those!

I really love how this one came together – that little row of pencils totally stole my heart.

Thanks so much for joining me today, and happy scrapping!

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates

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School Days | Simple Stories | Book Fair

 


Here’s a new layout using the fabulous Book Fair collection from Simple Stories – and oh my goodness, I’ve been waiting for a collection like this to use with school photos for ages! Book Fair is absolutely perfect. I love the bright primary colours, the super cute school-themed icons, and have you SEEN those flower clusters with the pencils in them?! They are just the cutest.

For this layout, I cut a large circle from one of the patterned papers and then chopped it into four pieces. I wanted it to represent 'fractions' because that’s what I’ve been teaching my little boy lately – I couldn’t resist sneaking that little theme in! I put the pieces onto a white background and flipped two of them over to show the reverse pattern too.

I added three photos, one of each of my children on their first day back to school this academic year. I can’t believe how fast they’re growing up!

I used the big “Take Note” journaling card (love that!) and added a tag from the Tag Elements sheet. For the title, I went with the “School Days” foam sticker – nice and bold! I also tucked in a few of those gorgeous flower clusters from the Floral Bits (the ones with the pencils, I’m completely obsessed), plus lots of cute icons from the Bits & Pieces pack: little maths cards, alarm clock, books, glue stick… they’re just all so adorable.

To finish it off, I added a few phrase stickers from the Cardstock Stickers, some Decorative Brads, handwritten journaling, and a few splatters of black paint.

I absolutely love how this layout turned out – and I’m completely in love with this collection. You will definitely expect to see many more pages from me using Book Fair!

Happy scrapping,

Niki xx






Happy Camper | Cocoa Vanilla Studio | Great Escape

Tuesday, 24 June 2025


Here is a new layout for Cocoa Vanilla Studio using the beautiful Great Escape collection! I’ve been wanting to finish scrapping our visit to the Timanfiya volcano in Lanzarote. My little boy loves volcanos, especially the geysers, so seeing one in real life was such a fun experience!

The Great Escape collection was absolutely perfect for this memory. I used that gorgeous white woodgrain paper at the top, paired with those playful, colourful scallops to create a cheerful border. I lined up two of my favourite photos from the day alongside the ‘Adventure Awaits’ journaling card.

To balance the layout, I added a little embellishment cluster at the bottom featuring a cute mountain scene and a couple of cute journaling cards.

Happy scrapping!

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates

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Fabulous Books! | GoGo Getaway Challenge | Simple Stories Book Fair

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

 


This layout was created for a moodboard challenge at our recent GoGo Getaway Retreat, set by our onsite shop.

I used the fabulous Book Fair collection by Simple Stories to document my little boy’s World Book Day costume — he went as the Faraway Tree, and it was just too cute!

The moodboard was packed with inspiration, and I pulled in so many elements: an owl, books, a library card, pen pot, pencils, glasses, stars, handwriting, an apple, a journal, and lots of bold primary colours. Safe to say... I think I met the brief!

Happy scrapping

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates 

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CREATE | For the Love of Pretty Paper Sketch | Simple Stories Crafty Things

Sunday, 8 June 2025

 



June FTLOPP Sketch Challenge!

Here’s my take on this month’s For the Love of Pretty Paper Sketch — and I had so much fun playing with that open space in the middle!

I stuck fairly close to the original design but switched things up with portrait photos instead of landscape. I also added a big striped paper layer behind them, with rolled edges for some extra texture. And I’m loving the separate title cluster—such a fun change from my usual photo/title combos!

I used the Simple Stories Crafty Things collection, which was perfect for these photos of my daughter wearing a dress she made herself! 🧵💖

Have you joined the challenge yet? What do you think of the sketch?

Happy scrapping

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates 






So Many Beautiful Reasons to Smile | Simple Vintage Flower Shoppe Collection | Simple Stories

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

 


Hey everyone!

I'm excited to share a new layout for Simple Stories, featuring the stunning Simple Vintage Flower Shoppe collection. This collection is absolutely beautiful, packed full of pretty florals and charming vintage cameras — it's truly a dream to work with!

For my background, I used a large piece of blue plaid paper paired with a strip of soft lavender paper. I created my title using one of the gorgeous large tags from the Big Bits pack. I also added lots of the beautiful rub-ons — they’re so detailed and intricate, and such a joy to use — along with plenty of Bits & Pieces, Floral Bits, and a few Decorative Brads for extra dimension.

I absolutely love how it all came together!

Happy scrapping!

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates

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So Much Fun! | Simple Stories | Sunny Days Collection

Monday, 26 May 2025

 

Hey everyone! Here’s another fun layout using the vibrant Sunny Days collection from Simple Stories! This time, I couldn't resist cutting into that fabulous starburst paper—it's such a standout design!

To add depth and texture, I trimmed down the starburst paper, carefully cut apart each segment, distressed the edges, and then reassembled them on the page. I love how this technique brings a tactile dimension to the layout, making the bursts truly pop!

For the focal point, I selected a small photo and positioned it along the yellow line. I mounted it on patterned paper and layered it with a coordinating tag, several Floral Bits, and the cheerful foam sticker title, "So Much Fun!"

To enhance the playful vibe, I scattered various Bits & Pieces and added some adorable foam hearts from the Foam Stickers pack. These little accents sprinkle pops of colour throughout the page, adding to its charm!

I also incorporated some Decorative Brads and phrase stickers from the Cardstock Stickers sheet to tie everything together. As always, I finished off the layout with my handwritten journaling and a few splatters of white paint over the embellishment clusters for that final finishing touch!

This collection was an absolute joy to work with, and I loved bringing my summer memories to life with it!

Happy scrapping!

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates






Good Vibes | Simple Stories | Sunny Days Collection

 


Hey everyone!

I'm excited to share a brand-new layout featuring the gorgeous Sunny Days collection from Simple Stories!  I absolutely love how bright, fun, and fresh this collection is — a perfect blend of modern and vintage icons that’s just made for summer scrapbooking!

For this layout, I focused on that amazing diagonal striped paper, cutting a large piece for the top corner and a smaller one for the opposite corner to create a balanced design. I used a single photo, mounted on green patterned paper, and placed it right along the diagonal line. Behind the photo, I tucked in two tags from the Tags Elements paper and added a few fussy-cut clouds for extra whimsy.

For my title, I used the "Good Vibes" foam sticker — I’m obsessed with the multi-coloured letters! They’re such a fun, easy way to add instant title inspiration.

I embellished the layout with Floral Bits, lots of Bits & Pieces, Cardstock Stickers, and my all-time favourite... Decorative Brads! I also sprinkled in a few Enamel Dots for a finishing touch.

To finish off, I added my handwritten journaling and a few splatters of white paint!

I hope you love this layout…I love how it turned out!

Happy scrapping!

Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates

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Life Documented | GoGo Getaway Cybercrop Challenge | Simple Stories For the Record

Thursday, 22 May 2025

 

Hey everyone, here is my layout made for the GoGo Getaway May Cybercrop. My challenge was a 5,4,3,2,1 challenge. I’ve used 5 journaling cards, 4 photos, 3 tags, a 2 word title and 1 large piece of patterned paper, what a great recipe!

I used the For the Record collection by Simple Stories to document my big kids having a go on the high ropes, they loved it!

Happy scrapping
Niki xx

@nikiclairecreates 

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