How to Create an Embellishment Cluster with Die Cuts- Week #3

When I bought paper, I used to buy every embellishment that matched it: die cuts, stickers,chipboard and whatever else I could get my hands on. I would then use the package of die cuts sparingly. I wanted needed those die cuts to last. I felt like it would be a shame to run out of them and still have paper left in a collection.I would see people on design teams and think they were crazy for piling on a ton of embellishments from one package.

Over time( I have been scrapbooking since 2001), my paper and embellishment collection grew. Many of the die cuts and embellishments sat unused. I realized that my style reflected a frugal blend of simple yet layered. I used up paper but was left with a large supply of die cuts. Holding all those packages of die cuts in my hands, I realized that I had to find a way to use them. I started layering them into embellishment clusters.

The layout I am sharing today features die cut vellum pieces. It would be easy to substitute punched patterned paper shapes or even stickers. Feel free to mix both die cuts and stickers into the same cluster.

Key Points to Consider when Layering Die Cuts into Embellishment Clusters

• Choose a background paper which contrasts with the die cuts. I had a lot of bright colored hearts, so I chose a white sheet of cardstock.
• The cluster don't have to be horizontal as in the layout shown above. Choose your photo arrangement first, then push the die cuts around until you have them positioned to your liking.
• Using three clusters gives you a visual triangle. Try to arrange the clusters to form the triangle around your focal point photo. In the layout above, the focal point is the large photo with the closeup of my cat,
• Focus on 1-3 concepts to create the visual triangle. I used die cuts of all the same shape in each cluster. Colors are repeated. I also placed the text near each cluster. You can have more than one visual triangle on your page.

Normally, I am not an advocate of piling embellishments onto a single layout. However, if you are sitting on packages of die cuts in your stash, I think it's fine to give yourself permission to add quite a few to a single page. After all, the supplies are there to be used.Focus on keeping the page simple. Choose a neutral background and add heavier embellishments like chipboard or flowers to each die cut cluster sparingly.

Supplies Used:
Xyron Adhesive
Tape: My Mind's Eye, Amy Tangerine
Letters: Duct Tape Brand, Basic Grey
Felt: Sassafrass, Bella Blvd.
Die Cuts: Studio Calico
Chipboard: Totem Poppets
Jewels: Imaginesce
Metal: Maya Road

Make the Most of Your Scrapbook Paper and Bling- Week #44

The upcoming Black Friday sales serve as a reminder for me. I have a lot of stuff in my scrapbook stash. If I see a good deal, I have a tendency to give in, especially if it is papercraft related. In years past, one of those impulse purchases involved bling. A lot of Bling...the kind that makes nice decorative 12 x 12 inch long borders. I love to use decorative jewels on my scrapbook layouts but often I find that I use them best in moderation. The long strips of bling sat unused until recently.

Chances are good that if you are hitting up sales for the best value, you are also very budget conscious when it comes to using your supplies (I know I am). Today's layout is in many ways quite minimalist.We are going to complete it with just 1 full 12 x 12 sheet of patterned paper (should be a double sided print), a scrap of patterned paper, a small bit of vellum, some bling and a few embellishments.

After selecting your photos, cut down that scrap piece of patterned paper into a square that accommodates them with a little room to add items along one side. This type of layout works well with multiple 3 x 4 inch photos or instax prints. Adhere that square scrap of paper to the B side of your 12 x 12 paper.

Carefully cut it out using a craft knife and leaving a thin edge along the side to provide a matte for your patterned paper scrap. Flip it over and adhere it so that it covers the hole.

If there are gaps (which happens to me because I cut unevenly), adhere your patterned paper block to a sheet of cardstock, leaving space for a thin edge. You can do this multiple times to add more layers if you desire. Place your photos and begin adding your embellishments. I chose to add a strip of vellum and some washi tape to visually anchor the photos onto the block.

I like bling but a full 12 x 12 inch strip is just too much for me. I often cut these longer strips apart. In this case, I cut just a few bits of these chevron bling strips to add to the layout. Long before I bought sheets of pearls and enamel dots, I would buy these strips of bling and sometimes full bling shapes on sale to cut apart for use as accents. You can easily cut a large strip or just one single jewel to use on your layouts.If the glue on the back falls off when you cut the shape or strip apart, use a tiny dot of liquid adhesive on the back of the jewel.

Add your title and then add the journaling to the scrapbook layout. I like to use journaling strips because they add an extra layer to the page while also using up scraps. The size of the title and the amount of journaling I did on this page helped me determine just how much extra embellishing I wanted to add. Both took up a lot of real estate on this page. Given that I also used quite a busy patterned paper and bright colors, I chose to keep embellishments minimal and in a fairly neutral color.

Do you love bling? Or do you prefer something less shiny on your layouts?

About this layout: We recently moved overseas to the United Arab Emirates. I wanted to document our temporary living accommodations in the hotel while also conveying how thankful I am for them.

Supplies Used: 

Patterned Paper: Bella Blvd.

Letters: Lillybee Designs

Tape: My Mind's Eye

Cork: Shimelle

Jewels: Duck Brand, Freckled Fawn

Vellum: Studio Calico

Visit me at MyScrapbookEvolution.com