Hello friends, it’s Becki here, Happy New Year! There’s something especially meaningful about documenting the quiet moments of transition—the pause between what was and what’s coming next. For this layout, I wanted to capture that reflective feeling as we step into a brand-new year, and the Take Note collection was the perfect fit for telling this story.
I started with a warm yellow patterned paper as the background to bring in an optimistic, hopeful tone. The subtle grid pattern adds structure without overwhelming the design, making it a great foundation for layering. I framed the page with a bold, geometric patterned paper to anchor everything and draw the eye inward.
The layout is built around a vertical and horizontal cross design, which naturally guides your attention across the page. This structure allowed me to balance the photo, journaling, and embellishments while still leaving plenty of breathing room. My black-and-white photo sits in the upper right corner, layered with patterned papers and a stitched edge to add texture and a handmade feel.
For the story, I included journaling that reflects on the transitions of the past year and the anticipation of what’s ahead. The “My Story” phrase and binder clip embellishment help visually ground the journaling and reinforce the idea that these everyday reflections are worth recording.
The title, “Hello! 2026,” was one of my favorite parts to create. The playful mix of colors and fonts instantly adds personality and sets a welcoming tone for the page. I paired it with a small phrase sticker— “Love this life. Love this life.”—to echo the theme of gratitude and optimism.
On the right side of the layout, I layered icons and ephemera like the camera, globe, and tag to symbolize memories, perspective, and looking forward. Small hearts, enamel dots, and floral accents are scattered throughout the page to add visual movement and pops of color without overwhelming the design.
What I love most about this layout is how the Take Note collection blends storytelling elements with fun, approachable design. It made it easy to document a reflective moment while still keeping the page bright, joyful, and full of personality.
This page is a reminder that not every layout has to document a big event—sometimes the most meaningful stories are about growth, change, and simply saying hello to what comes next.
Supplies:
Take Note Collection Kit
Take Note bits & pieces
Take Note Stickers
Take Note Adhesive Brads
Take Note enamel dots
Take Note floral bits
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