Scrap Booking

Themes, layouts and inspirations

11 Tips, Tricks and Techniques to Try in Your Art Journal

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11 Techniques to Try in Your Art Journal

If you find you’re in a creative rut doing the same things over and over again remember there are so many different products and techniques you can try out to add something new to your art journal.

Step out of your comfort zone and try adding watercolors to your backgrounds, add images with stamping and rub-ons, try mixed media products like art crayons and pastes and add extra interest with layers of washi tape or handmade pockets. The team over at The Cherry on Top has gathered together 11 ideas you might not have tried on your designs. You can also apply these ideas on greeting cards, scrapbook layouts and traveler’s notebooks pages too. 

11 Techniques to Try in Your Art Journal

Be sure not to miss out on a delightful journey through a plethora of creative techniques – a total of 11 unique approaches that promise to spark your imagination and ignite your artistic flair. To witness these techniques come to life, head over to

Check out all 11 different techniques and find photos of each idea over on The Cherry On Top blog. 

-Heather

You can purchase many of these products at the shop at A Cherry on Top.com

4 FREE Retro Summer Journaling Cards

DIY Journaling Booklet

6 Free Summer Scrapbook Journaling Card Printables

Journaling Prompt Tags

More Ideas For You:

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9 Fireworks and 4th of July Scrapbook Layout Templates

There’s nothing quite like the energy of the 4th of July — the laughter, the food, the late sunsets, and of course, those spectacular pops of fireworks lighting up the night sky. Whether you celebrate big with parades and sparklers or keep things cosy with backyard barbeques, these moments deserve a page that feels just as joyful and full of life.

This new set of 9 Fireworks & 4th of July Scrapbook Layout Templates is designed to bring that festive energy straight onto your pages. Each layout is filled with doodled fireworks, rockets, sparklers, stars, flags, bunting, and all those classic patriotic touches. These pages are bold, fun, and easy to customise — perfect for adding movement, excitement, and colour to your scrapbook.

These layouts work beautifully for:

  • fireworks shows
     • BBQs and backyard gatherings
     • parades and community events
     • family traditions
     • kids with sparklers
     • themed parties
     • beach or camping over the holiday
     • red, white, and blue family photos
     • military family celebrations
     • neighbourhood block parties

Here’s a closer look at the 9 layouts included:

Layout 1 – Fireworks Burst + Centred Photo Frame

A classic, celebratory design that puts your favourite snapshot right in the spotlight.

Layout 2 – Rocket Cluster + American Flag Accent

Perfect for kids, sparklers, and those “waiting for the fireworks to start” photos.

Layout 3 – Double Flag Layout With Star Scatter

Bold and patriotic with lots of movement — ideal for parade pictures.

Layout 4 – Vertical Rockets + Journaling Block

A playful, energetic design filled with height and excitement.

Layout 5 – Twin Polaroid-Style Frames + Firework Banner

Great for two related moments or before-and-after shots.

Layout 6 – Globe & Firework Mix With Decorative Strips

A more artistic option that suits themed events and travel-inspired celebrations.

Layout 7 – Mixed Paper Strips + Fireworks Collage

A textured, layered look for those who love combining patterns.

Layout 8 – Triple Photo Cluster + Spark Explosion

Perfect for telling a full story — three small photos fit beautifully here.

Layout 9 – Semi-Circle Firework Sweep + Bunting

A lively, curved composition that frames your photo with a festive arc of fireworks.

How to Use These 4th of July Sketch Templates

  • Mix red, white, and blue papers for instant holiday flair
     • Add silver or holographic embossing for sparkle
     • Use star punches, enamel dots, or glitter glue to enhance the bursts
     • Layer vellum over fireworks to create a smoky night-sky effect
     • Print photos with a darker exposure for that classic firework glow
     • Use stamped rockets and stars to extend the clusters even further
     • Add handwritten notes about the sounds, smells, and feelings of the night
     • Rotate the layouts for brand-new compositions

These festive layouts are perfect for capturing the excitement of 4th of July celebrations, whether your pages are bright and bold or soft and sentimental. They help bring all that movement and colour onto the page in a way that feels lively but still clean and scrapbook-friendly.

If you use these sketches, tag CraftGossip — I always love seeing your pages light up.