It's no secret that I like to find ways to incorporate the theme of my layout into the design. And, by doing that I don't mean using themed embellishments, it goes much deeper themed than that. It's taking strips and turning them into birthday candles or flowers or hanging Christmas ornaments. It's taking backgrounds and turning them into scenes like a sky with clouds or waves with fish. It's taking that theme and merging it with the layout design. My layout today is a good example of this method.
Supplies used - Patterned papers: Simple Stories and PhotoPlay; Stickers, die cuts: PhotoPlay; Star cut file: Silhouette; Embroidery floss: DMC
Instead of creating a simple square background for my layout, I created a square American Flag background. It's such a simple design concept with a blue strip on the left and a red and white striped piece on the right. Then the seam between the two is filled with a big cluster of stars and stickers.
I used a variety of sizes, patterns, and types of stars and adding some hand-stitching on a few for added texture and dimension.
There are so many ways you could create a fun, patriotic flag design on your layout. Here are a few ideas:
• For a two-page layout, create a replica of a flag scaled down and add a photo block that lines up with it.
• Create a flag shape like a heart, star, or hexagon. Start with a base shape and add the blue section with stars and red and white stripes.
• Use a cluster of shapes in place of the individual elements. For example, use a cluster of blue and white stars in place of the blue rectangle w/ stars or a cluster or row of red stars in place of a red stripe or two.
• Use a variety of patterned papers for the red and white stripes.
If you haven't signed up yet we are nearing the last day to register for the Sketches with 4x6" Photos Only Facebook Group/Class!! Registration closes after July 8th!!
