Recently, our Design Team has been bringing you a series of blog entries all about go-to designs. This series has been inspired by Sara Scraps, our community educator here at ScrapHappy. Sara has been presenting ScrapHappy members with classes all about go-to designs, and how they can become easy (and alterable) foundations for getting pages done. Her expertise is invaluable, and her classes are one of the many perks of membership.
Today, I’ll be focusing on one of my favourite go-tos (full disclosure, I have a few)…the circular design. I’ve definitely found myself caught up in a crafty loop, and I’m here for it!
Wreaths for the Win
When it comes to creating layouts, if I find myself stuck (or rushed for time during a LOAD month) I look for collections in my stash containing wreaths. Back in the day <ahem, I’m going to age myself> companies used to release patterned shapes – like scalloped circles or parentheses-edged rectangles – that could be layered onto your cardstock base. This trend faded away for a while, but wreaths have recently re-entered the scene.
Although many tend to be floral in nature, I’ve actually discovered a wide variety of wreaths that are extremely versatile. I love how they ground the page, yet add impact! Additionally, because the wreaths often feature intricate designs, I don’t have to overthink my clustering or use of ephemera.
Once I’ve added a wreath to my base page (usually with foam squares for added dimension), it’s easy to layer on a cluster of photos. Add a quick title or word strips – along with a journaling spot – and voila! You have a layout created in a flash.
Wreaths Again?Absolutely (and Let's Add Layers)!
If I’m feeling fancy, I love how easy it is to layer onto a pre-cut wreath for a fuller look. Many collections with wreaths feature ephemera that will coordinate and tuck in beautifully. This added dimension makes my heart happy. Sometimes more is more (at least it is in Lindsy Land)!
Seasonal Circles
I love featuring seasonal wreaths on my projects, too. Take a more bare-bones wreath of branches & fall leaves to fashion a backdrop for Halloween, or incorporate a softer-toned floral wreath into a Christmasy layout. There are truly so many options and, once again, the circular shape provides added flare and a bold statement to your creation.
Stepping It Up With Alternative Options
As I browsed through my layouts I realized not all of my circular designs followed conventional “rules.” In some cases my circle wasn’t created using a wreath, but an extra large image instead. In other instances, my featured circle wasn’t a circle at all…but a star, oval or heart. Regardless of the exact shape, the overall concept of my designs remain the same.
Simpler wreath-like shapes cut with a Cricut or Silhouette can be an alternative rounded element as well, especially if backed with darker background papers. My go-to is all about easy layering, while remembering the photos are still the shining stars of the show.
Who Says Circles and Squares Can't Be Friends?
Even though circular layouts and using wreaths are used predominantly, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t deviate off the expected path at least a little (meaning my go-to circular design maybe isn’t always so circular).
What exactly do I mean? Well…not all wreaths are created equal, and they are definitely not all circles. But even pre-designed oval, rectangular, or square wreaths can provide the same easy access to a quick design. In the following layouts you’ll see how I still let the shape of the ‘wreaths’ guide me in the placement of my photos, titles, and journaling. However, you’ll also notice how fun it is to play around with the placement of these elements, due to the unique nature of differing backdrop shapes.
Craft Your Own Circular Vibe
You might be wondering what to do if you don’t have access to pre-designed wreaths (of any shape or size) at all. Well, consider creating your own wreath-like elements that still present a circular-ish flair!
You can mat a square-cut patterned paper onto your base, leaving a wide border, to create the same grounded backdrop style we’ve been exploring. Or, look for elements (such as rainbows or gears) in your papers that can create a circular vibe.
Looping Your Photos
Another creative way to approach a circular layout is to layer your actual photos in a circular pattern. When I found this Wicked layout in my pile I realized I’d literally created a wreath out of the layered photos and elements! Apparently I can’t escape my go-to even if I try.
Ring Around the {Ephemera} Rosie
Here is yet another variation on a circular design, where the boba ephemera is scattered in such a way that it guides the eye around the layout. Definitely an atypical approach, but something else to try when you don’t have access to a wreath.
Finding Rhythm in the Round
As a fun little bonus I thought I’d share that I can’t even escape my circular go-to when creating other projects, such as this up-cycled record. Diamonds might be the usual girl’s best friend, but I guess circles are mine!
Round and Round I Go
As you can see, I am clearly in my Circular Era! Turns out, I guess I’m well-rounded when it comes to design.
So, if you’re thinking about stepping beyond your comfort zone, why think outside the box when circles are cuter?! And, if you’re looking for more go-to design inspiration, check out these previous posts:
- A Closer Look at Go To Designs
- Hate editing photos? Try this go-to layout design!
- Go To Designs – The Magnificent Grid
- Question of the Month: What’s YOUR Go-To?
Pssst…circular wreaths provide a quick way to take a cute selfie, too. Just sayin’! Until next time…stay fun and fantabulous, scrappers!
