Here's May's Free Digital Scrapbooking Template and A Sneak Peak at A Fun Printable Suitcase Mini Travel Album

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

I've got your free monthly template ready along with page inspiration, a throw back preview of my Roam If You Want To Collection and a super, super fun summer vacation paper project for you. Let's dive on in to the scrap-a-licious-ness!

Here's my page and an alternative idea with the template. I've always viewed templates as a kind of spring board to a page layout. They are awesome to give us ideas for a page. Layered digital scrapbooking templates can be moved all around. So, you can customize until your heart is content.

I scrapped my page in minutes. Templates definitely speed up the process. I went pretty bold with the arrows. I thought they were fun and a bit modern which paired up great with my fresh collection, Roam If You Want To. The colors in my photos went nicely with the palette of the collection. I pulled out like colors for cohesion.

Most of the templates have a sweet outline option. This outline is ideal for providing contrast to a page. Go with a bold shadow and you'll get more depth and interest on your pages.

Below, Kait went subtle with her arrows and didn't use the outline. Her title was super clever, too. I just love birds and this one is so darn cute.

If ya don't love the arrows, ditch'm and use our photo spots and cluster placement for inspiration or as a layout guide.

 

Here are a few of the outlines. You can see how they will be perfect for cut file lovers.

This is the Roam If You Want to Collection. You can find a lot of it, under a different name at Design Bundles in Plus. I'm debating on whether to give most of it away. So, stay tuned!

I've been dying to do this project and got a wonderful start. The printables are all set and even the template has been tweaked to perfection. It should be ready by summer so you can get scrappy.

Above, are the printable papers all scrapped up and printed. Whilst below, are what the other printable pages look like. We'll cut out the cute suitcase, scrap up our insert pages and then put it all together. Excited?

When ya type in things like, "travel collection scrapbook" or "summer collection scrapbook" you'll be able to see hundreds of my designs, in Plus. Below, is a preview of one.

If you missed the free links or ya just can't wait for all of these amazing templates, hit up my shop and grab them all for under $5. I know, right?! I'll leave the links for the free templates for 1 to 2 months and that's it. So keep in touch with The Cherry or sign up for the newsletter to be sure ya don't miss all of this super scrappy free stuff. Scroll back and see what links are still live.

If you like stories about travel with lovable characters, adventure and romance, it might be for you. If you are interested, here is the first installation, you can read on the blog. I also offer an entire free collection for the book. You'll have to go back and grab all of the freebies. There is a lot! Here's the main part, but I've got frames and more, too. Use the search bar at the top left of the blog and or scroll down in the side bar and peruse the titles of previous blogs that can help, too. I'll give ya one link to get started. It's the last one. So, ya know you have to go backwards to get it all.

Let's see what ya missed so far with the monthly templates.

Here's some inspiration.

I've got a lot of different scrapbooking styles in this bundle. Below, is a more artistic style.

Theresa made a lovely page with a spring twist.

Below, is one of my favorites from the bundle, but ya missed the free link.

Kait's page is just gorgeous.

This was the first one. If you love it, you'll have to grab the bundle. It's only 3.99!

Jenn always does such gorgeous work.

This blog is full of amazing scrapbook inspiration, paper crafts, cooking ideas, printables, travel posts and freebies galore. Scroll through and enjoy.

I gave away an entire collection with farm house charm and chickens. You'll have to do quite some scrolling to grab it all. The Pinterest board, TCOT's Freebies will help greatly.

I've linked up a couple other blogs. I recently wrote about aloe and provided a fun freebie and revised some more cooking or kitchen printables as well. I gave this entire collection away, too. See what you've missed?!

Thanks a million for checking out The Cherry.

World Wide OnLine Scrapbooking Sites and Shops to Check Out

Welcome To The Cherry On Top.

I just updated this blog and most of these links are still up and running. That says a lot about these shops. The original publication was in 2018. A craft store that is still around all of these years?! I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OF THESE STORES.

Mockups to show off your designs and projects.

I've got a bit of a special blog for you, today. I've done some serious research, asked around and have compiled a fairly comprehensive list of online scrapbooking stores that sell traditional scrapbooking and craft products...get this...from around the world.  Hehehe...Since several people were interested in specific areas, I did even more research for those areas requested. I hope this list will be helpful for your future purchases.

I'm also adding some of my stuff from own shop. I'd love for you to check it out.

They are, in my opinion some of the very best. I have high expectations of my store visits and I found myself not only enjoying some of my browsing experiences, but learning a whole lot from it.

A super fun paper project. Buy the template and use your own papers if you prefer. 

Personally, I do dig a larger shop with a huge selection and totally kicking clearance. I also really, really want to see a blog or at least a page full of tutorials and projects. I'm a bit of a scatter brain. So, it is really important that the site is easy to manoeuvre.  For me, simple is important. Well organized and clear are also very much appreciated.

Let me share with you my findings and hopefully, give you a new, lovely place to shop. These stores are really not in any kind of order, but are divided by world region.

Since most of my readers are from the States and I have the most experience with these shops, I'll start with those. I'll begin with the big ones, that most of you may already know. At least this way, I'll give you links so you can go visit these stores and form your own opinions.

United States:

Michael's (I cannot, for the life of me get a link!) and AC Moore (now closed) were my go to shops when I lived in the States. Though, towards my stay in the States, it seemed the scrapbooking department was shrinking. Yikes.  I visited both online stores and Michael's certainly stood out and was a lot more extensive across the board. Though, I had an icon for a buggy/cart at AC Moore, I didn't see anything to buy.  They did have some really nifty  inspiration though. My mom loves to go to the actual store for the coupons and she often sends me stuff from there.

I've got a sweet collection of templates and stickers for travel scrapbooks.

Michael's had a really nifty site and I would highly recommend it, though I do love touching and going through the aisles in reality.  Hehehe...What I wouldn't give to do that, today!  I can't even post a nifty craft shop here in Belgium except one shop that is over an hour's ride away.  What was I thinking when I moved here?!  How on earth did I not do my scrap shop research first?!  Hehehe...

A Cherry On Top is another huge, online store with a nifty gallery and they also offer a live chat, which makes them unique. I've ordered from them several times and they shipped all of the way over to Europe for me. Most places do this, but it ain't cheap. Typically, it's around $50 for shipping. You might also want to make sure there are no extra fees if you are shipping internationally,  They can be very steep. They have nothing to do with the store, but from whatever country you reside. The ideas board can certainly be more user friendly, but once you find what you're looking for, it's pretty good. I thought the prices here were good, too and the clearance selection not bad either.

Printables for the graduate for both ladies and gentelmen.

JoAnn is another big shop, but the variety is nothing like some of the other big shops. The site is quite nice, clear and easy to use and there is also an inspiration page as well some awesome looking sales with really good discounts. The coupons are killer here!  The brands are fairly limited, but man do they have a lot of sweet projects there.  Hit them up for inspiration. I thought I read that they were closing, but when I updated this blog, the site was still up and looked great.

A super easy, cute and mega fun Easter paper craft project great for kids.

Scrapbook.com has the best choice and selection, in my own opinion.  Just scroll through the lists of supplies and designers and you'll see what I'm talking about. They have a blog, gallery, tutorials and a lot of social spots that stay current.  They are a very prominent scrapbooking store that offers a lot to their customers. I'd even suggest getting the newsletter so you can keep up with their many promotions.  This past season, they even had quite some free stuff with purchase.

Craft up some book marks. Pimp up your planners or print stickers with steam punk.

Blitsy is totally new to me! I just found them in a search I was doing for this blog and if I may be completely honest, found the site very appealing. So clean and neat and very easy to use. Their inspiration page is pretty fab. They are just blog link ups and several lead to dead ends, but still. It's a great idea.


Paper Issues is definitely on a smaller scale. Several people recommended them.  They also had a lot of free files and I was digging on their swag bags. The prices for these were really great.

So, that's my list for the U.S. and all of them ship internationally. Many of them have free shipping for U.S. residents over a certain amount starting at $50. Though, I know Scrapbook.com often has coupons for free shipping.  Look out for those.

Flanders, Belgium

If you're in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, consider heading over to Tiny's Hobby in Kortrijk. They've got a pretty darn good selection of scrap stuff and they offer a lot of classes. Though they can definitely amp up the crops. They used to offer several a year. I think they only have one in the summer, now.  My gal Vicky and her family run the place and they are very helpful and knowledgable with a lot of hobbies.

Pipoos, has an every shrinking scrapbooking department and the prices kill me, but it's better than nothing.  You can find scrapbooking and paper craft goodies at Action and Boekenvoordeel, though through my experience, the quality is at a minimum.  I often have to re adhere my goodies from both of these places.  None of these have online shopping, however.

I'll admit, going through the sites from the UK was underwhelming. I'm such a tight wad and the prices just kill me when it comes to currency configuration.  Hehehe... I found two that stood out a bit.

United Kingdom

Papermaze had a pretty good selection. Especially, for just papers. There were hardly any kits to be found, though. The clearance section was largish, though the discounts were not deep enough for me. I'm cheap, ok! There was also a lot of out of stock, which is a disappointment for me. All of these lovely things, but ya can't have them. Hehehe...They offer international shipping and promise to ship at impressive dates. I didn't see that everywhere. They also have a blog!

Craftelier had a pretty good selection and the site itself was very nice to zip around. It was appealing and fun to look at it. I thought the shipping prices were really a bargain. They offer free shipping to Europe with 100 Pounds or more and only 6 pounds up to 100 Pounds of purchase. Check out the details on that one.

Canada

I was specifically asked to mention Canada. I have no personal experience when dealing with Canada.  Hehehe...Here are a few I found.

Scrapshotz a small, but nice selection, subscription options which I think are pretty nifty and they have a gallery, too. So the site is a bit larger and sometimes that makes it more appealing or professional. I just love seeing products in action. They have a dollar bin, which I love!

Scrapbookcafe has such a pretty site. It's very easy to use.You have to spend over $150 to get free shipping and the design list is fairly long. Right now, it appears only to be a store.There is a blog page, but I couldn't get there through it. I didn't see any product in use, but the overall appearance and feel for the store was very nice.

Australia

If you're living down under I have this link for you.

Craftonline is a larger site with free shipping with $50 purchase or more. Their designer selection is pretty darn sweet and they have weekly specials, too. No blog, no gallery or tutorials, but very easy to use store. Next day postage is also useful when you can't wait to get your hands on your products. They are also linked up pretty well socially speaking.

That's a wrap! I hope these links and descriptions will help you find the right store for your crafting needs.  If you've got a great shop you use, link us up.  Share your pretty projects, pages, albums and talk craft with us in our group, here.

Leave any links or names for your favorite hobby shop.

Happy crafting!

Leopard Print, Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice for Autumn and Halloween Plus a New Chicken Design Freebie

Welcome to The Cherry On Top,

So here we are. The the end of October and I'm sitting in capris and a short sleeve shirt, in Belgium. I was chatting with a girlfriend of mine in Texas and she said it was in the 90's. Nothing to see here, folks. Just totally normal weather. I do love the warmer air, but to what expense? Anyway ...

I hope you're able to enjoy this time of year no matter what hemisphere you're on. Change is always nice and refreshing, for the most part.

Don'cha love cranking up the wood stove? Simmering ghluewein and lighting a few candles? Mushing up some apples and cinnamon in your oatmeal? Mmmm...warm and cozy. We don't even need our stove yet! I still have tomatoes in the green house, for goodness sake. Hehehe...

I digress! I thought I'd show off some fall designs that might inspire you. There are even a few paper projects that might float your boat. Many of my projects are easy enough for kids. If you're a home school parent or a teacher, you can consider adding them to your curriculum.

These leopard and gold, kind'a sassy designs are a touch sophisticated. They'd make great stickers, keychains, door signs, garden flags, mug design, door mats ...

Last week, I showed off the Meow-A-Ween Collection. It is so darn cute! Here are some stickers and one of the designs from the collection. If you like kitties, you'll love Meow-A-Ween. It is an enormous collection. Just type in Meow-A-Ween in the search at Plus or in my shop to see it all.

This is a very easy card.

These templates are super popular. Make them yours and get scrappy!

I was asked to design a kit for Design Bundles with a Halloween theme. Here ya go!

I obviously love designing for Halloween. I wish I had more time! I had even more ideas!

Here are just a few more popular autumn gnome designs you can find in my shop.

You can find the designer of these lovely designs in Design Bundles, too.

The design below is one of my most popular ones. It took me nearly all day to compose it!

This card took me even longer than the design above. Ha! Ha! Ha! I saw one of those funny cards with all of the mascots for holidays on it years ago and thought it was so darn cute. So, I tried to make a design of my own that was similar. You can download it for FREE.

I'm thrilled how much y'all love the chicken collection I've been working on. Thanks for all of the nice comments. I've finally wrapped it up. Here's the latest freebie and there are at least 2 more mini's and I might do another word art or two. I wanted to do something with eggs...Like Eggcellent and Emergency Egg-it. Hehehe...

Here's freebie #8. I've got only 2 more to go. Stay tuned!

I'll put a commercial use friendly version in the shop soon. They'll be a few more pieces in there that are not available for free. I'll let ya know when it's ready.

Don't think I forgot about the Walking Stick collection. The Catalonia Collection (same thing) is also finished or nearly finished. I did finish the first draft for the book. I think it's too short. I kept writing and writing, but wasn't thrilled with the direction. There's a whole lot of potential. I need to sit through it and rethink the direction it is going. I had an idea where I wanted to end it and I got there. I love it as it is. Just not sure about the length. I can't wait to share some excerpts with you and show you the scrapbooking format the book will take.

Thanks again for hanging with The Cherry and for contacting me personally with your lovely compliments. It means so much and it totally makes my day.

I may have to skip a week, here and there. I'm so super busy for the next two months. Someone contacted me about card making. I have a bunch of cards and templates that I designed for Plus. I'll change them up and try to get them on the next few blogs so you can design your holiday cards.

Join us in the group. Consider signing up for the newsletter or scroll back through nearly 1,000 blogs full of scrap-a-liciousness, crafts, cooking and more.

Happy crafting!

A Love For Layouts Blog Train of Free Scrapbooking Templates, Free Holiday Printable and Free Christmas Scrapbook Kit

Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

We are back with yet another free template in this wonderful round of free digital scrapbooking templates blog train.  If freebies are yo' thang, then you've come to the right place, Honey!  This blog is stuffed full of fabulous freebies going back nearly 10 years.  Today, I've got even more to add.  Read on further so you don't miss any of them.

Scrapbooking and crafting holiday photos and projects is probably my most favorite theme.  I love the winter holidays which is great because I certainly don't like the winter weather.  Hehehe...It gives me something to look forward to at least.

Since times are so tough for most of us, I've put my entire shop at 50%.  So you can pop in to Kreative Design Studio and download all kinds of new Christmas and holiday designs for just a few bucks.  I've got 4 packs of 2 templates that with the sale are only $1 each.  That's a pretty darn good deal!  Here's a quick look at some of the newest templates.

Y'all!  I've just bundled these for around $4!!!!  That's for all EIGHT!

A few pages to inspire you.

A kitty twist!

We interrupt this broadcast to give you our first freebie for the day.  This lovely cute and quirky digital scrapbooking template with Santa hat, elf hat and elf shoes.  I think this is such an adorable template.  I hope you like it as well.  You might have come from International Word Art Studio  Your next stop is Annie C Digitals.

Your Free Holiday Template

My team made some gorgeous pages with it.

Don'cha just love those glowing lights?

The gold touch is pretty great, too.

Now, don't you go leaving us just yet!  I'm giving away an entire kit, that I just put in our shop.  You can skip all of the hopping around and just grab the kit for around $2 or you can have some fun hopping around to get it.  When ya click RIGHT HERE, you get the second part.  The first part is in our newsletter and the third part is in our You Tube Channel. You can find the link in a description of our Christmas Cookies video.  (It's a bitly link with unixmas. Click on more to see it. Consider following our You Tube Channel. 

I've got a little free with purchase freebie that also coordinates with Unicorn Christmas in the shop and if you're really loving this collection, I've designed tons of stuff and put them in Plus.  You'll have a huge collection if you get it all.  (Type in Unicorn Christmas in the search bar, in Plus.)

You can scrapbook with the designs.  Do a fun sublimation project.  Use the journal card as a tag...

This is the freebie from last week.  Enjoy all of the great gifts we've provided.  If you feel that it still isn't enough, then click on the box in the side bar that'll send ya to Design Bundles freebies and have at it!!! Have fun with the template hop and our freebie kit hop and consider popping into our shop and supporting The Cherry this holiday. I've put so many new items in including printables and vintage designs.  A big thanks to those of you who already have made a purchase.

Thanks a million for stopping by the blog!  Make sure to keep coming back for more scrapbooking and crafting fun.

Happy holidays!!!