Hi friends! Emily here with a little help for those days when you have pretty papers on your desk but aren't quite sure what to do with them. Let's start with circles!
Our Full Circle Collection has doilies, decorative circles, buttons & handwritten sentiments that work so nicely together. You can use a few pieces for a simple card or add more layers when you're in the mood to play.
Select any photo for a closer look.
Gather a Few Pieces
- Doilies & Daisies Circle Dies and/or Decorative Circle Dies
- Button Dies for small accents
- Card base, cardstock or patterned paper, die cutting machine & adhesive
- A sentiment stamp, ink & a stamping block or platform
- Optional: foam adhesive, thread & Dainty Dots Stencils
Start with two colors & a neutral. You can always add another color later, but having a small selection makes it easier to see which pieces work together.
Build From the Biggest Circle to the Smallest
Cut a larger decorative circle for your base, then try a smaller circle or doily over it. Leave enough of the bottom layer showing to enjoy that pretty edge!
If two layers blend together, swap one for a lighter or darker cardstock. A plain layer behind an intricate doily helps those little cutout details show.
For your background, choose patterned paper or softly blend ink through one of the Dainty Dots Stencils. There are three separate stencil designs in that set for you to choose from.
Before you glue: Place the sentiment where you want it to go. If it's being stamped directly onto a circle, stamp while that piece is still flat. Then use a little foam adhesive between selected layers if you'd like dimension.
Give the Message Room
The Gentle Reminders Stamp Set was made from my handwriting. I love the idea of these words becoming a little bit of encouragement someone can keep.
If your sentiment is large, use fewer embellishments around it. A button or small heart can be plenty. You don't have to fill every open space!
Make Paper Buttons From Your Scraps
The Button Dies are such a fun reason to keep those little pieces of cardstock. Cut a few shapes & try one as the center of a doily, or group a couple beside your sentiment.
For a sewn look, thread the button holes before attaching the button. Secure the thread ends on the back so you can position the finished piece easily. You can also leave the holes open to show the layer underneath.
The From the Crafty Corner Stamp Set is another option when you want a handmade message. Choose the wording first, then build the button arrangement around it.
Add a Little Love to the Back
Our Creative Heart Set includes a handwritten stamp, coordinating circle die & heart die. Stamp the message, cut it out with the circle & add it to the back of your card.
Keep this part flat so your card sits nicely. If you add it to an envelope, secure the envelope flap with its usual adhesive first.
Keep Creating With What You Have
Try one circle arrangement, then change just the colors or the sentiment for your next card. That's a lovely way to make several cards without starting from scratch each time.
For a complete project to follow, visit our Full Circle encouragement card tutorial with Rick Adkins. If you'd like all the coordinating products, you can find them in the Full Circle Collection Bundle.
I hope this helps you look at your scraps & little die-cut pieces in a new way. Have fun moving things around and making it yours!
xoxo,
Emily :)
