Making and Using Scallops

Scallops, they are all the rage. But how do we make them? How do we use them? Are there tools to do this for you? Let's look at what I have found.

Where to Use Scallops

You can certainly use scallops on anything you create. You can use them on layouts and cards, mat your photos with scalloped paper, cut a strip to create a scalloped edge, create a scalloped mini album, and the list goes on and on.

Decorating the Edges

You can do a lot of things with a scalloped edge. Of course leaving it plain is a great option also. If you would like to dress up your edges a bit, here are a few things you can try:

• Punch holes in each scallop.
• Stamp a design on some or all of the scallops.
• Doodle on the scallops with lines, dots, or whatever you choose.
• Add some bling.
• Add buttons.
• Add brads.
• Add eyelets and weave a piece of ribbon through the eyelets.

Below are some great examples of scallops being used on cards, mini albums, and layouts from the Scrapjazz gallery.

1. BOM by add1cted: Here is a great example of a scalloped edge on a mini album. Look at the great doodling with the white pen on the edges.
2. Cuttlebugged Birthday Card by jestermann: Here is a card using the Marvy Uchida scalloped punch.
3. Look @ me...I'm 3 by shihtzu452: Here is an awesome layout using the Bazzill mini scalloped paper. Be sure to notice the dots doodled on each scallop.
4. Love & Cherish by Erin Halla: This layout shows a small portion of the Bazzill scalloped paper used behind the photo along with circles layered on top. This is a great effect.
5. 6 x 6 Birthday Card by jestermann: Here is a card where a large corner rounder was used to make the scalloped edge.

Tools

There are many things available that will make scallops for you. There are even paper lines that already have scalloped edges. Chances are that you probably already have some of these things lying around in your stash. Here are a few tools that can help you make scallops:

• BasicGrey notch and die tool: This tool has an attachment that can make a scalloped edge anywhere you want one.
• Bazzill Cardstock with an Edge: Bazzill makes a large scalloped cardstock and a mini scalloped cardstock. You can use the paper as is or even use it as a template by tracing the cardstock onto the back of your paper and cutting it out. Bazzill also makes scalloped shapes such as hearts, circles, rectangles, and flowers.
• Carolee's Creations Adornit Scallop Stamps: These wonderful new acrylic stamps will make beautiful scalloped edges anywhere you want to use them. The great thing about these particular stamps is the doodling is already done for you too.
• Cutterpede Trimmer: This trimmer has a scalloped decorative blade attachment that you can use on the trimmer. This is another quick and easy way to create a scalloped edge.
• Cricut: Several Cricut cartridges will also create scalloped shapes. They are Mini Monogram, New Arrival, Alphalicious, and Accent Essentials.
• The Crafter's Workshop Templates: This company makes wonderful templates in both 12" x 12" and 6" x 6" sizes that you can use to create your scalloped edge. You just trace and cut out. It's very easy, and I use my templates quite a bit.
• decorative scissors: You can find decorative scissors in many stores. Several manufacturers sell scissors that will create a scalloped edge. Even the dollar stores carry these decorative scissors.
• EK Success corner rounder: This rounder comes in three different sizes which will give you three different scallop sizes. You can remove the guard on the rounder, turn the rounder over, insert your paper, and punch down the edge of your paper. You will end up with a beautiful scalloped edge.
• Marvy Uchida punches: Marvy Uchida makes several scalloped punches in different shapes to help create those fun edges. They have scalloped circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, and heart punches available.
• paper lines: There are many paper lines available with pre-scalloped edges. Two lines in the Scrapbook.com Superstore are Bazzill and Creative Imaginations. Be sure to look up both lines. You will see some great papers.
• QuicKutz: QuicKutz makes several dies that have scalloped edges in both the 2" x 2" dies and the 4" x 4" dies. This is a quick and easy way to create a scalloped edge.
• scalloped chipboard: Several companies make scalloped chipboard pieces. These are great for using on your layouts and cards. The one made by Bazzill is wonderful.

Making Digital Scallops

Libby Weifenbach has written a quick "how to" to help you create digital scallops.

1. Open a new document in PSE with a transparent background.
2. Choose your brush tool.
3. Select a hard round brush.
4. Adjust the pixel size until you find what you're looking for.
5. Side note -- you can either select a color with the color picker OR you can just use your scallop as a clipping mask to fill with patterned paper.
6. Now, up at the top, look for where it says "More Options" and choose that.
7. Set the "spacing" to 90%.
8. Now go back to your blank document.
9. Hold down the shift key and drag your mouse across the document. Drag your mouse slowly; otherwise it may not be straight.
10. This should create a row of circles in a straight line.
11. You can now go in and crop them in half to create the appearance of a scalloped edge.
12. To make a lacier look, make a hole in each scallop. You will use your round brush to do that.

Here is a digital sample created by Jennifer Sizemore:

If you have not tried using scallops yet, I hope you will now. And if you have, I hope you will find something new that you can do with scallops. They are truly a fun addition to any creation!