Hi! I’m a Christmas lover, so I’m very happy to share my first layout of the
2026 holiday season with you! This time, I’m using the beautiful Mistletoe
& Holly collection by Simple Stories. One of the things I love about this collection, apart from
the gorgeous gold foil details, is how easily it can be adapted to so many
holiday themes. Whether you’re documenting photos of opening presents,
decorating the tree, enjoying holiday food, celebrating traditions, or
capturing other special moments, this collection has you covered. Its gorgeous
colors make it a must-have!
Before creating a layout, I usually take some time to find a
few photos I’d like to use. This time, I chose two photos of my daughters from
our 2025 Christmas photo session. The photographer used a color palette that
perfectly matched this collection, so choosing the photos was easy! After
printing them, I cut one into a circle and the other into a square to add more
visual interest to the page. To make the photos stand out, I matted them with patterned
papers. For the circular photo, I used a red polka-dot paper from the 6x8 Paper
Pad, while the square photo was matted with a candy cane pattern from the 12x12
Collection Kit.
Once the photos were ready, I started choosing papers for
the background. It was hard to narrow down my options, so I decided to use six
different patterns with contrasting colors and designs to help the photos stand
out. For the base, I cut three strips of patterned paper and tore the bottom
edge of each one. I then distressed the torn edges and adhered the papers to
the white cardstock background.
For the center of the layout, I added the other three patterned papers. This time, I cut them into strips, rolled the top edges, and notched the bottom edges. I arranged them in the middle of the page to create a layered background that anchors the photos and brings the whole design together.
For the title, I used a sticker from the 12x12 Icon Sheet
and added foam tape to the back to give it some dimension. On the right side of
the page, I created a cluster using die cuts from the Bits & Pieces, along
with decorative brads and enamel dots.
Above the square photo, I created a smaller cluster
featuring the chipboard dove, a holly piece, a foil foam star, and enamel dots. Next to
the circular photo, I made a third cluster with a beautiful floral die cut from
the Bits & Pieces, repeating some of the same embellishments used
throughout the layout to create a cohesive design.
To finish the page, I added two labels to the clustered
areas and stitched a black border around the layout. I had such a wonderful
time playing with this collection, and I can’t wait to use it again!
While creating this layout, I recorded my process and turned
it into a reel. If you enjoy watching process videos, visit my Instagram account
@simplyrebecaruiz to see how this layout came to life!
Thank you so much for visiting the blog! I hope you love
this layout as much as I do and that it inspires you to get creative and
document your own special memories. Have a wonderful day, and please come back
soon for more inspiration!
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