I finally got my hands on the paige evans tricks and treats collection, and I have to say, it's a total breath of fresh air for anyone who loves Halloween but isn't necessarily into the whole "gory and grim" aesthetic. If you've followed Paige's work with American Crafts before, you know she has this incredible knack for taking a theme and turning it into a colorful, whimsical explosion of creativity. This collection is no different. It's got that signature rainbow vibe, but it's tweaked just enough to feel perfectly "October."
Most Halloween lines stick to the basic orange, black, and maybe a muddy green. But this one? It throws in these gorgeous pinks, teals, and soft purples that somehow make the spooky season feel bright and happy. It's the kind of paper that makes you want to sit down and fussy cut for hours—even if your hands end up a little cramped by the end of it.
A Different Kind of Halloween Aesthetic
What I love most about using the paige evans tricks and treats line is that it doesn't pigeonhole you into one specific look. You can go full-on "spooky cute" with the little ghosts and jack-o'-lanterns, or you can lean into the floral and geometric patterns for more general autumn vibes. I've noticed that a lot of crafters get intimidated by the bright colors in a Halloween set, but honestly, they photograph so much better than the traditional dark palettes.
Think about your photos from trick-or-treating. Usually, they're taken at night or in low light, which means they can be a bit grainy or dark. If you put those on a black or dark navy background, the whole layout can feel a bit heavy. Using the brighter papers in this collection really helps those photos pop. The pinks and teals act as a highlight, making the memories feel as fun as the night actually was.
Mastering the Fussy Cutting Game
If you know Paige Evans, you know fussy cutting is basically her middle name. This collection is a goldmine for it. There are sheets filled with tiny stars, individual candies, and those iconic whimsical houses. I spent an entire evening just cutting out the little ghosts. It's a bit of a "labor of love," sure, but the result is so much better than just using a flat sheet of paper.
When you're working with these elements, my best tip is to use some thin foam squares. If you layer a fussy-cut flower over a fussy-cut ghost and pop them up off the page, you get this amazing 3D effect that looks way more expensive than it actually is. It's those little "tricks" that make the "treats" of the collection really stand out. Don't feel like you have to use the paper exactly as it comes; chop it up, move things around, and create your own little scenes.
Creating Layered Layouts with Ease
One thing that can be tricky with a collection this vibrant is making sure the layout doesn't become a cluttered mess. With paige evans tricks and treats, the key is to use her "white space" techniques. Paige often uses a white cardstock base and then builds her colorful elements on top of that. It gives the eyes a place to rest.
I tried a sunburst layout recently using different patterns from the 6x8 paper pad. By cutting long, thin triangles and radiating them out from the center, I was able to showcase about ten different patterns without it feeling overwhelming. It's a great way to use those scraps you can't bear to throw away. And let's be real, we all have a "pretty scrap" bin that's overflowing. This collection is perfect for those "quilt-style" layouts where you stitch pieces together to create something totally unique.
The Embellishments You Didn't Know You Needed
We have to talk about the ephemera and the stickers. The paige evans tricks and treats stickers are just chef's kiss. There are these little puffy stickers that add the perfect amount of texture. I'm a sucker for anything with a bit of gold foil, and she integrated it so subtly here. It's not "in your face" shiny, but it catches the light just right when you turn the page of an album.
And the floral die-cuts? They might seem weird for a Halloween collection, but they work. Mixing pumpkins with big, bold hibiscus-style flowers sounds like it shouldn't work, but in Paige's world, it totally does. It bridges the gap between the end of summer and the start of fall in a way that feels natural. I've used the florals to frame photos of my kids in their costumes, and it adds this soft, sweet touch to what would otherwise be a standard "here is a kid in a mask" photo.
Beyond the Traditional Scrapbook Page
While I usually stick to 12x12 layouts, this collection is begging to be used for more. I've seen people making handmade cards and even little treat bags for school parties. If you're into "pocket scrapbooking" or December Daily-style projects, the 3x4 cards in this line are fantastic. They have enough room for a little bit of journaling but are decorative enough to stand on their own.
I'm actually planning on making a mini-album entirely dedicated to our local pumpkin patch visit. The papers with the multicolored leaves and the tiny squirrels are just too cute to pass up. Since the papers are double-sided, you get twice the options, which is great for mini-albums where you see both sides of the page. Just a heads-up though: you might have a hard time deciding which side to use because both are usually stunning. It's the ultimate crafter's dilemma.
Tips for Mixing and Matching
If you already have some of Paige's older collections, like Garden Shoppe or Splendid, you'll find that a lot of those pieces actually play really well with paige evans tricks and treats. Her color palettes tend to have a common thread, which makes it easy to stretch your stash. I found some old pink buttons and teal embroidery floss that matched this new Halloween line perfectly.
Adding a bit of hand-stitching is another classic Paige move. I like to take a paper piercer, poke holes around the edge of a pumpkin or a ghost, and go in with some basic backstitching. It takes a bit of time, but it adds that "handmade" soul to the project that you just can't get with digital printing. Plus, it's a great activity to do while you're binge-watching a spooky show on Netflix.
Final Thoughts on the Collection
At the end of the day, the paige evans tricks and treats collection is about having fun. It reminds us that scrapbooking doesn't have to be serious or perfect. It can be bright, it can be messy, and it can be a little bit "extra." Whether you're documenting a massive Halloween party or just a quiet afternoon carving pumpkins, these papers give you the perfect backdrop.
I think we sometimes get caught up in trying to make our pages look like a professional gallery, but the real joy is in the process. Playing with the colors, feeling the texture of the cardstock, and figuring out where that one perfect sticker goes—that's the real treat. So, if you're looking for a way to brighten up your autumn crafting, I can't recommend this line enough. It's definitely earned a permanent spot on my craft desk this season. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few dozen more ghosts that need to be fussy cut!