Sunday 1 May 2011

Using special patterned papers as a scrapbook background

Much as I love the multi-layered look, sometimes I don't want to cover up the gorgeous, printed design on my background paper. It seems such a waste, so the paper remains in my stash where I can see it, but nobody else can enjoy it.

I enjoy reading step-by-step instructions for scrapbook pages, not because I ever follow them, but because it makes me look at the details of the layout much more carefully. However, I hardly ever post instructions, as I usually forget to take photographs until it's finished.

So, today I thought I'd show you how I created a layout which really makes the most of the lovely K&Co printed paper.
1. Choose a co-ordinating patterned paper (also K&Co) and mat 2 6x4 landscape photos. Measure the size of the mat and, from your base paper, cut out a section slightly smaller than the mat. The hole will be covered up. Cut out the bird details from the removed section. (Try not to throw one of the birds away when you tidy up, as I did!)
2. Embellish the birds (or the 1 remaining bird) with inks and adhesive pearls.
3. You can use shop-bought fabric flowers or create your own. These were leftover from making M's Easter bonnet so they fitted the theme perfectly. I took them off the plastic stems and stuck them back together with pearl centres so they would lie flat.
4. Cut out 3 circles from the matting paper and layer the flowers, birds and journalling spots onto them with foam pads.
5. Assemble the layout and add a title. I used the printed text on the background paper as my title; 'Laugh, Dance, Sing'

The untidy back doesn't bother me because it isn't visible  when it is in the album, but if it worries you, you could mount the whole layout on another sheet of plain cardstick.

Here is the finished page:

6 comments:

Tracy said...

Clever idea. I love paper like that, but it is heartbreaking to cut it!

Julia Dunnit said...

Perfect. When I worked in print, they used to call it 'gutting' - it may make sense but I don't like to think of it like that! Just a fab way to make the most of fave papers.

Julie Jeavons said...

I've got a pile of papers like that and I find it frustrating that the pattern is always where the photo needs to go. I've managed to use some by cutting a slot to the pattern and tucking photos underneath. I'll have to give this one a go. Thanks for sharing.

Jen said...

Great instructions Kirsty - and even better LO. J x

Krystal said...

I love that bird. Beautiful page! TFS!

Lisa-Jane said...

This is wonderful happy layout! I always gut cardstock whenever I can, even the plain stuff. That's because I don't like to waste anything. One day I will use those scraps... one day!