My favorite layout of my own is this 2-page spread I created last year (and is a lift from a previous layout about a trip to the same location, but weather had prevented us from actually seeing the view - but that's another story). I like that it allows for a variety of photo sizes and orientations onto one spread.
This time around I did it as a 1-page layout about a different weekend trip. I used a much tighter and cleaner grid, and I really like how it turned out.
And for the twist:
F -
A - arrow
V - vellum layer
O -
R -
I - ink (stamping)
T - tab
E - enamel dots
Thanks for the fun challenge!