Hi friends! I am so excited to share this gorgeous layout from the wonderfully talented Anke Kramer, who is back with another process video featuring our April 2026 Hip Kits. Anke has a real gift for adding warmth and dimension to a page, and this time she is showing us how to build incredible texture using both machine and hand stitching.
Want to create layouts like this? Our monthly kits include coordinated papers, embellishments, and supplies to bring your scrapbook pages to life.
If you have ever felt like your layouts need a little something extra to make them feel cozy and handmade, this is the technique for you. Anke starts by cutting little 2 by 2 inch squares from the Where in the World paper in the April 2026 Main Kit, then stitches around each one before distressing the edges for that perfectly lived-in look.
From there she layers in the most charming travel-themed details, fussy cutting cameras, maps, suitcases, and other treasures from the Pocket Life papers, the It’s Time to Go paper, and the Scenic Route paper. She tucks tags fussy cut from the Travel Time paper behind her photos, finishes them off with eyelets and matching thread, and adds die cuts from the cardstock ephemera pack in the April 2026 Pocket Life Kit. The whole thing comes together with puffy stickers, foam phrase stickers, and the sweetest hand-stitched butterfly trails from the April 2026 Embellishment Kit. Grab your kits and your sewing machine, and let’s make something beautiful together!
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Stitch Around Your Paper Squares
Start by cutting several 2 by 2 inch squares from the Where in the World paper in the April 2026 Main Kit. Run each square through your sewing machine, stitching around all four sides to create a textured border. This simple step instantly adds a handmade, dimensional quality that sets the foundation for the whole layout.
Step 2: Distress the Edges
Once your squares are stitched, go back and distress the edges of each one. Anke roughs up the paper edges to give them a soft, worn look that pairs beautifully with the travel theme. This little detail makes the squares feel like well-loved keepsakes rather than crisp cut paper.
Step 3: Arrange and Adhere the Squares
Lay your stitched and distressed squares out on your background and play with the arrangement until you love it. Once you are happy with the placement, adhere them down to build your base grid. Take your time here, because this layer sets the rhythm for everything you add on top.
Step 4: Fussy Cut Your Travel Elements
Now comes the fun part: fussy cutting your embellishments. Anke snips a camera, a map, a suitcase, and other little treasures from the Pocket Life papers, then adds more elements from the It’s Time to Go and Scenic Route papers. Cut a nice variety so you have plenty of options to scatter across your page.
Step 5: Layer Photos with Tags and Die Cuts
Place your photos on the page and layer them with tags fussy cut from the Travel Time paper for added depth. Tuck the tags slightly behind your photos so they peek out, then bring in some die cuts from the cardstock ephemera pack to fill in around them. This layering is what gives the layout its rich, collected feel.
Step 6: Add Eyelets and Thread to Your Tags
Before adhering your tags down, dress them up with eyelets and thread in colors that match your palette. Anke threads each tag for a charming, finished touch that adds even more handmade texture. It is a small detail, but it makes those tags feel truly special.
Step 7: Hand Stitch the Butterfly Trails
Here is where the hand stitching really shines. Punch your holes first, then hand stitch little dotted trails behind the butterflies to look like they are fluttering across the page. Take your time with even spacing, and you will have the prettiest whimsical movement weaving through your layout.
Step 8: Add Clouds, Title, and Finishing Touches
Fussy cut soft clouds from the Rain Clouds and Sunshine paper and tuck them onto your page for a dreamy sky. Spell out your title with foam phrase stickers, then finish everything off with puffy stickers and puffy dots for that final pop of dimension. Step back, admire your work, and enjoy your beautifully textured travel layout!
Products Used in This Tutorial
About the Designer
Anke Kramer
Grab This Month's Kit
Every month we put together a box of coordinated papers, embellishments, and supplies that all work together. Open the box, start creating. It's that simple.