Layering Punched Circles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Digital Supplies from DesignerDigitals:

Michelle Martin: Layered Memories No. 55 and Layered Memories No 35

Katie Pertiet: A Bit of Grunge No. 03 Paper Pack, Fine Lines Border Lines Brushes and Stamps, Drop Shadow Styles Collection and Travel Stamps

Mindy Terasawa: Flutter Butter brown paper

Ali Edwards: Layered Template No. 22

Jesse Edwards: Clean and Serene Solids paper pack

Mindy Terasawa: It's A Girl Thing kit, It's A Girl Thing: Furniture, and It's A Girl Thing: Girlfriends