Layering Punched Circles

by Denise Gormish (Jan 12, 2010)

Circle punches are a versatile scrapbooking tool. They come in a wide variety of sizes and can easily punch circles for many uses. Layering circle punches can create a variety of looks on your scrapbook pages. By using punches of two or more sizes, the circles can be layered one on top of another for a beautiful design. Circle punches can punch out cardstock, patterned paper and photographs. They can be dressed up with rub-ons, stamps, stickers and other images. Here are some suggestions for using layered circle punches.

Use Layered Circle Punches to Highlight a Photo. A photo, even a small one, can be given greater attention by using it as a layered circle. In my layout about Chicago, I wanted to focus on the smaller black-and-white images. To do that I layered a cardstock ring on top of the circle photograph. To get the "ring circle," punch a larger circle the size of the photograph circle, then punch a smaller circle within the larger circle to create a window for the photograph.

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Use Layered Circle Punches to Highlight a Title. Placing the letters of the title within the layered punches can highlight a title. In my layout about my daughter I spelled her name over a row of layered circle punches.

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Use Layered Circle Punches as a Grid. A group of layering punches can be arranged to create a grid. The grid can be filled with embellishments or photographs. In my layout, "Walking Boston," I punched the photographs into smaller circles than the cardstock circles and layered the photographs on top. I arranged them in a grid of two rows and four columns for an attractive layout.

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Use Layered Circle Punches as to Highlight Embellishments. Not only can photographs be highlighted with layered punches but embellishments can be highlighted as well. Instead of punching out a photograph, use the top layer to add rub-ons, stamps or other embellishments. In my layout, "Shopping Memories," I layered a circle of white cardstock, and then a smaller circle of patterned paper on top of it. I topped it off with themed embellishments.

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Use Layered Circle Punches to Create a Visual Triangle. The use of the layered circle punches can be extended to creating a visual triangle. When you repeat something in three spots on the layout, those items are connected together and form a visual triangle. Those three things can be three layered punch circles. Visual triangles are a form of repetition that provides unity to a layout.

Dust off your circle punches and have fun using them - two at a time - for a layered look.

Paper Supplies:

Bazzill white cardstock

http://store.scrapbook.com/12x12whitepack.html

Pattern Paper: Scenic Route

Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps by Rhonna Farrer - Flourishes

http://store.scrapbook.com/al-2501.html

Prima: Flowers (http://store.scrapbook.com/flowers-embellishments.html)

Paper Shapers Whale of a Punch Nesting Punches - Circle - 1 1-4"

http://store.scrapbook.com/ek-pspnp11.html

Paper Shapers Whale of a Punch Nesting Punches - Circle - 1 1-2"

http://store.scrapbook.com/ek-pspnp09.html