Bi-Weekly Tutorial: Circle Punches

(Sending my apologies ahead of time for the appearance of this post. Typepad is making some big changes to the "compose window" and it's not working as it should. It's driving me mad!)

I know many of you have been waiting for my first bi-weekly tutorial. I just finished taking the last of the photos for the tutorial this morning and I’ve decided to post the tutorial today. I actually had the first part of the tutorial written up, but lost it when my browser closed on me due to a strange “error”, which I’m sure has something to do with Typepad’s new compose window. I’m going to start this once again, but this time around, I’m going to type it in Microsoft Word first. Laugh. Maybe this time around I won’t lose everything I’ve written..lesson learned.

I have a rather large basket sitting next to my desk that is full of misc. shape paper punches. I’m a paper punch hoarder. I didn’t used to be. I actually didn’t use paper punches very often when I first started scrapbooking. It wasn’t until I started doing design work that I realized their full potential. Designers are often faced with limited choices when scrapbooking. Supplies usually consist of pattern paper, cardstock, and a few embellishments. We usually have to rely on basic scrapbook supplies to help us create and implement ideas for layouts and projects.  I’ve come to depend on my paper punches and my handy dandy scissors for layout designs. Without them, I’d be lost and my creating abilities would be extremely limited.  I regularly turn to my circle paper punches when working on a layout. Circle punches are quick and easy tools to use in creating one-of-a-kind handmade embellishments. They’re also perfect for bringing softness to a strong angular design. I’ve been experimenting a lot with circles over the last few months. They resonant energy and bring a sense of movement to a layout/project.  You can layer them, cut them up, glue them back together, and make them any size you want. It’s a versatile shape and even easier to create using paper punch tools. In the photo below, you’ll see an assortment of circle paper punches. All of these were used for this tutorial.

Sizes include 5/8”, 1”, 1.5” & 2.5”

Like many of you, I have a number of magazine subscriptions that I refer to for design ideas. I’m always ripping out articles and pictures to add to my idea binder. This particular purse caught my eye after I noticed the pattern on the fabric. I love how the circles come together to create a large circle. I decided that this would be my first demonstration in using circle punches. Circle punches can easily be used to create a personalized pattern on a layout. I took this particular pattern and added it to the layout below. Note how it was done:

First, I created an open space on the layout to make room for the pattern.

I used a canister top as a template for outlining circles on the layout. I carefully chose the placement of the circles so that the circles were aligned and off center. These drawn circles will be used as a guide for gluing punched circles to the page.

Next, I punched out 50 + 5/8" circles from cardstock. I adhered to them to the page as shown in the photo below. The layout is now partially completed. Note that this technique takes a little practice, but it's worth the time and effort. You have to carefully watch the placement of the punched circles as you adhere them to the page. Once you've developed a rhythm, it's pretty simple to do. I'll complete this layout next week. 

My next idea for using circle punches was inspired by another magazine article. I didn't take a picture of it, but it's one of my favorite techniques so far. I even managed to bring a new writing tool to the table for this project. I combined a cluster of various size punched paper circles to create one large circle. I included photos of Ethan within the cluster of circles. There wasn't room within this design for a large photo'(s), so I turned to my circle punches to help me out. Here's how to start this technique:

First, create a base for the design. I used green scallop cardstock for edging and a sheet of ivory cardstock for the background. I brought out a large Rubbermade container to use as a template for drawing a large circle on the layout. I lightly drew around the base of the container (Very Lightly!) with a pencil. I even went back and erased the pencil so the outline was barely noticeable. I drew over the outline with a brown .05 Zig Writer Marker. I drew over the outline (in a messy fashion) three to four times. Using a gold gel pen, I filled in the open outlines of the circle. Refer to photo below:

Next, using various size circle punches, I cut out circles from various sheets of pattern paper. Using a Gold Leaf Pen, I painted the edges of each circle (to create the illusion of a border) Gold.

Each circle was adhered to the layout as shown below. Some of the circles were adhered to the layout using Foam Core Pop Dots. In doing this, I wanted to bring another layer to the pattern and make it appear lively and fun.

This layout is not yet complete, but it will find its way to the finishing line next week. I'll post it then.

I was reading in my newly subscribed "Domino" issue that the "Fish Scale" pattern is making a comeback in home interior design. After thinking about this pattern for a few minutes, I thought it would be an interesting texture to bring to layout. It can easily be done using paper punches. I know we're not all running out to buy paper punches to create "fish scales" on our layouts, but the effect is actually quite appealing. Take a look:

Using a 2.5" circle punch, I punched out one large circle from a bold pattern paper and another from a lightly colored pattern paper. I cut each one in fourths and arranged & adhered them on white cardstock in a fish scale fashion as shown below:

I'm going to work this into a layout in the next few weeks. I love how this turned out!

With summer just around the corner, how can one resist creating some fun, funky flowers? I'll be adding these to the first layout introduced in this tutorial. Here's what they look like:

Using a 2.5" circle punch, I cut a circle from a pink polka dot piece of Amy Butler paper. I then cut the same size circle from a red piece of Amy Butler paper. I cut the red circle in sixths. I adhered five sections of the cut red circle to the pink circle using Foam Core Pop Dots and then added a 1" light turquoise circle to the center of it. I topped it off with a cream color vintage button and rhinestone.

 

This one is similar to the one above, though the circles were adhered in a different order. It's pretty much the same concept, but with different paper.

One last technique before finishing this tutorial, I've seen this technique done elsewhere, but I thought I'd include it here anyway. I have a lot of lace paper sitting around. I don't use it very often, but I thought this was a creative, unique way to use it on a layout/project. Punch circles from lace paper and back with cardstock. To make them more dimensional, add another layer of cardstock and a few embellishments. Here are a few that I made last evening:

 I hope you've made use of the tutorial. I really learned a lot by putting this tutorial together. It's getting me to think outside the box, which is good for flexing those creative muscles. I'll post another in two weeks. Enjoy!