How to Create a Rainbow Scrapbook Layout with Die Cuts and Dimension

Hello crafty friends! Celes Gonzalo, also known as GuiadeManualidades, is here today to share a layout filled with color, happy details, and a very special memory. For this project, I created my Smile, Always Layout using the beautiful Jubilee collection by Rosie’s Studio, and I chose a photo of myself from one of my most special birthdays from a few years ago. I wanted this page to capture that sweet, joyful feeling through soft rainbow colors, playful party-inspired elements, and lots of layered dimension. It is a design that celebrates memories, happiness, and all those little details that make a moment unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look!

Layout Base

Before we begin building the decorative details, let’s first create the background for this layout. This base is one of my favorite parts because it sets the whole mood of the design: soft, colorful, and full of happy energy. By combining die-cut paper strips, touches of color made with inks used like watercolors, and a bit of dimension, we will create a rainbow-inspired composition that feels playful and full of movement. It is a simple foundation, but it makes a big impact and gives the entire page a fun and special look.

• For the base of the layout, combine one 12" x 12" paper from the Jubilee collection. In my case, I used the pink background one. You can change it if you wish.
• Add one piece of white cardstock. Cut it to 11" x 11" using the trimmer.
• Use the Stripe Right Etched Dies and die cut strips in the colors from the rainbow striped paper included in the 6" x 6" paper pad from the collection . There is also one in the 12" x 12" pack.
• Create a rainbow composition with inks or watercolors in colors similar to those in the rainbow-striped paper.
• Using 3D foam strips, build a background with the colored paper strips. Start and finish it 1" from the side edges of the white cardstock and 4" from the bottom edge of the white cardstock.
• Adhere the strips in layers. You can leave them at different heights at their top ends. Keep the same level for the bottom ends.
• Using the inks or watercolors, create one area of each color following the position of the paper strips.
• Add a few splatters of each color as you go.
• Once everything is dry, adhere the white cardstock flat onto the colored cardstock (pink).
• The base is ready.

TIP: I used these Distress Oxide inks: Kitsch Flamingo, Carved Pumpkin, Fossilized Amber, Bundled Sage, Speckled Egg, and Stormy Sky.

Decorative Details

Now it is time to bring this very special layout to life by combining the beautiful embellishments from the collection with die-cut flowers made from the two sets I will detail below. This is the stage where everything starts to look prettier, more delicate, and full of lovely details. Mixing ready-to-use decorative elements with die-cut floral details gives the layout texture, dimension, and a much more personal touch. It is one of the parts of the process that I enjoy the most…

• Die cut flowers using cardstock in colors similar to those in the background you created. Use set Scallop Journal Cards Etched Dies for the smaller flowers and set Be Bold Blooms Etched Dies for the larger flowers.
• Die-cut the flower centers from gold cardstock.
• Assemble the flowers and shape them to add movement.
• Decorate by color areas. Begin from left to right.
• The photo used measures 2 1/2" wide x 3". Add a white cardstock mat that is 1/8" larger than the final photo size.
• Adhere the photo with 3D foam at 1 1/2" from the left edge (pink side) of the colored strip composition and 1/2" from the bottom of the colored strip composition.
• Combine die cuts, bows, and chipboard sticker pieces across all the color blocks. Use 3D foam to create layers whenever needed.
• Leave the flowers for the end.
• The main title will be "SMILE"; adhere it with dimension.
• Add two die-cut pieces with the phrases/words: "Happiness is Here" + "Celebrate." Add the puffy sticker word "Always" over the die-cut phrase.
• To add a little extra shine, use a few gold sequins.

Thank you so much for joining me today and for taking a look at this special project. I truly enjoyed creating this Smile, Always Layout, and turning one of my favorite birthday memories into a page full of color, softness, and happy little details. I hope this idea inspires you to celebrate your own memories in a fun and meaningful way. If you create something inspired by this layout or by the Jubilee collection by Rosie’s Studio, I would love to see it—please tag me on Instagram at @guiademanualidades so I can enjoy your beautiful work too. See you again very soon with more creative inspiration!

Other Supplies

Sequins, Distress Oxide: Kitsch Flamingo, Carved Pumpkin, Fossilized Amber, Bundled Sage, Speckled egg, Stormy Sky