I've always been a fan of those linked circles geometric patterns. So beautiful! It's also a pattern seen in quilting although the name of it is eluding me right now. Today I'm sharing a tutorial on bringing the pattern into your paper crafting projects with simply some paper and a circle punch. It's a lot of fun to do so I hope you enjoy trying it out.
Edited to add: It's the Cathedral Window quilt pattern. Thanks Tammy for the help!
For this project I'm using one of my favorite paper lines that I've used over the past few months. It's the Flourish line by Authentique. I've made so many projects with it that I'm down to scraps and am still totally infatuated with it. This project is perfect for using up scraps so that I can use up each and every piece. I was so excited this week to see it now available in the Ellen Hutson LLC shop as I'll definitely be purchasing some more!
To start off creating your folded circles background you'll need a circle punch. I'm using a 1.5" circle punch but you can also switch it up and use larger or smaller circles. You'll just have to do a little experimenting to find out the best corresponding square shape size.
The 1.5" circle makes it super simple as a one inch square cut from cardstock works perfectly. It doesn't matter what color the cardstock is as long as it's sturdy. You just need the one to use as a folding template.
Place the square over the circle. The square will be the slightest bit smaller than the circle edges but this works perfectly with the weight of the paper once folded. Whichever side is up that will be the main middle color. It's best to do this technique with double sided patterned paper to get the most colorful effect.
Next, fold the edges of the circle over the cardstock square to form little flaps.
Remove the cardstock template and use a bone folder to get a crisp crease on the folds. If you don't have a bone folder, they are a really worth while tool to have. I didn't use one for the longest time and now wouldn't be without it. The Teflon Bone Folder is an investment but well worth it.
To create a background for this 5" x 5" card I created 16 of the folded circles. Before adhering them I laid them out. If you look closely the final project isn't quite the same as this image but close.
Adhere the folded circles to the card project. You could create this project from one single pattern but I love the mixed pattern effect as shown here.
As always, click on any of the photos in this tutorial to enlarge them for more detail.
The background ended up even better than I had hoped and I hated to cover it up. Simple embellishments were the perfect way to finish it off but not take away from the background. I threaded hemp twine through three wood buttons and then adhered them with Glue Dots.
Not every card needs a sentiment but I did want one for this particular one as I had a recipient in mind when designing it. A stamped canvas tag fit in well with the look of the project and was easy to adhere under one of the buttons.
Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! I hope you enjoy using the humble circle punch in a unique way.
Supplies:
