| Take a close look at these two pages.
See something different? The added texture in the yellow
'Jen' title, the tag flower, and the oval windows on the
'John' page all have something in common. They are
dimensional and they are made from scraps! I used
a fill-in-behind-the-scenes type of technique to create
them. This is similar to Iris folding in card
making but there is NO FOLDING! Yeah! I love it
when I can get the look of something complicated but
streamline the work involved. Simpler and easier
and faster is my motto! And this technique can be used
for titles, tags, accents, borders or whatever your
heart's delight. Now I’ll show you how I created them.
It is as easy as finding a cutout and snipping some
scraps. For starters, you can practice on any
outer negative from a die cut if you like. |
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Materials
| - scraps of cardstock and patterned
papers at least 2 inches long |
| - paper cutter or scissors jumbo or
giant punches or a colluzzle or a die cut negative for
the 'window' preprinted grid from online sources given
below or pencil and paper to draw a simple grid
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| - any adhesive that is NON-LIQUID
(I used Easy Stick* but Hermafix* dots or
Mono-adhesive* would work fine too. Photo splits will
not work well here so get out your tape runners!) |
| - your choice of photo |
| - ruler (optional) |
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Step 1: Decide on the
photo.
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Step 2: Choose a cutout to fill.
You can choose a negative from a die cut. Or you can use your
Colluzzle* brand templates or any jumbo or giant punch.
You can even use the 'window' left over when you cut die cut
lettering for a title. All you need is a paper that will act
as a 'window' to fill in. The window should have a cutout or
punchout in it that is at least 1 1/2 inches diameter. This
enables you to stack at least 8 rows in it for greater paper
variety and visibility. Mark the back of the cutout so you
know in a glance which is the front and which is the back on
your window piece. We will be working on the BACK of the
window. |
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Step 3: Snip some paper.
Choose scraps that coordinate with your photo colors and the
eventual background paper. Snip or slice the scrap paper into
strips. If you are using a cutout window that has an opening
less than 2 inches diameter, try to make your strips about 1/8
to 1/4 in width. If you are using a larger die cut negative or
window shape opening that is larger than 2 inches wide, try to
make the strips 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The width can vary a bit
from strip to strip. This adds to the 'crazy
quilting' look of your layering. |
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| Step 4: Use a
grid. Now you will need a grid that goes underneath the
window so you can see where to place the pieces. You can
print one off from this link or any site that gives
patterns for Iris Card folding.
http://www.angelfire.com/art2/creativecards/newsletter/issue17/irisfolding.html
Better yet, make your own grid. This is not hard to
do and you will be guaranteed that it will fit YOUR
particular window! :) It only takes about 4 minutes. The
grid is the simple guideline on white paper that you
place under the window so you can see where to put the
strips. It is not part of the finished page. It is just
a guideline for placement. |
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TO MAKE A GRID
A. Turn your window cutout over so you are looking at the
backside. Draw the window opening onto white paper with
the pencil.
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B. Now draw straight lines around
the outermost edge of the shape that are about the width of
your strips. Number the spots for the strips as you draw them.
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| C. Continue drawing lines around the space in
a rough spiral direction until all the space is filled. Number
the strips as you go on the drawing. The last section in
the center is marked "C" for center so you know it is the last
one and also so you can choose a more decorative or focal
paper for that section if you desire. |
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D. Check the grid again inside the opening to
be sure it looks fine. |
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Step 5:
Let's start gluing! Make sure you are looking at the BACK
of your window. Lay the window down over the white paper with
the grid. Again, make sure you are looking at the BACK
of the window. Roll adhesive all around the frame of the
window opening.
Lay down the first few pieces. You will need to add more
adhesive as you work. Add more glue to the back of each new
piece after it is in place. |
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Step 6:
Stack those strips! Keep going now! You will
keep gluing strips around and around until the opening is full
of paper strips. Make sure no gaps or air spaces are showing
as you go.
Pretty soon the window will look something like this mess.
(THIS IS GOOD!) Don't panic. Remember we are
working from and looking at the back of the window.
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Step 7:
Trim excess. Now you can lessen the bulk a bit by trimming
if you see it is needed. Make sure to turn over the window now
and check for air gaps and pieces that stick out that need
trimming.
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Step 8: Finish off the piece with
the photo or other accents as you like.
Use it to create a page. You can replicate this
technique in punch art, titles, tags, borders, mats, accents
and so much more. You can even use it to make greeting
cards. It is a versatile and inexpensive way to add
texture to a scrapbook page for only pennies.
Here (see bright yellow layout at top of page) I have
adapted the same method to do the title. I layered snips
behind a word created with my die cut lettering.
Remember to work from the back!
Congrats! You have just completed your first Snip and
Fill! Hurray! |
Happy
Scrapping!
Rockester |
