This is the third blog in series on using the humble corner rounder to do more than trim the edges of your pictures. Be sure to look at the first two blogs for both techniques and layout ideas.
- Part 1: Using the Corner Rounder for Simple Borders
- Part 2: Using the Rounded Square for Fabulous Layouts
First, I want to give credit where it is due. These ideas were not developed by me but were kindly and publicly shared by their creators/designers. See below for those credits AND links to original sources. I encourage you to “follow” these amazing designers at their websites or Facebook groups. My contribution was to gather these corner rounder ideas together as a group.
In the last blog, you learned how to make a beautiful layout with Rounded Squares (a square rounded on two corners). See below.
Today, I’ll share another wonderful design that you can make using Rounded Squares. Materials note: For ALL the Corner Rounder Roundup projects, you can use:
- Any corner rounder. You don’t have to have a two-way corner rounder that also cuts indents on corners.
- Either two-sided or one-sided printed papers.
- Printed papers or thin cardstock
- SCRAPS! Use them up!
KARYN McDERMAID-ROLFE MANDALA BURST-INSPIRED LAYOUT
Karyn creates beautiful layouts and kindly shares them at her website, Facebook page, and at the Creative Life Facebook page. If you love what you see, join her Facebook group and the Creative Life group! Karen created a beautiful layout and shared her how-to’s at the Creative Life Facebook page and YouTube. I’ll share some directions below.
- Pick your papers carefully. Large prints may not show up in a 1.5” square or 1” square. Small patterns or tone-on-tones such as those at left work best.
- You CAN use lightweight cardstock to cut the smaller pieces if desired.
- Directional patterns require additional cutting and layout steps. See Karyn’s excellent video for step-by-step directions on how to cut out the Rounded Squares from directional paper.
You will need the following:
- 1 sheet of 12” x 12” background paper A
- 1 sheet of 12” x 12” background paper B OR four 12” x ½” framing strips from background paper B
- Fourteen 1”x1” squares of paper C (gold pieces in example)
- Fourteen 1.5”x1.5” squares of paper D (rust/orange pieces in example)
- Fourteen 1”x1” squares of paper E (green pieces in example)
- One circle (F) for center photo mat. (Use smallest Custom Cutting System circle with green blade on outside. To cut photo, use same CCS circle with red blade on outside).
- Embellishments and journal box as desired
STEPS
- For pieces C, D and E (42 in all), use the Circle Rounder to trim TWO OPPOSITE EDGES on each piece (see diagram at right). Remember to empty the waste bin on your Circle Rounder after finishing each color group. As Karyn points out in her video, if you don’t, it can affect your cuts.
2. Use the fine tip of a journaling pen (e.g., black, navy, dark green) to draw an outline on each of the 42 Rounded Squares. They do not have to be perfect. The lines give depth to your layout. See also Karyn’s video directions.
3. Trim ½” off the top edge and one side of background paper A. Resulting piece is 11.5” square.
4. Create frame one of two ways. 1) Adhere background paper A to 12” x 12” sheet of background paper B OR 2) Adhere the four strips of background paper B to the back of background paper A so that ¼” shows on each side on the front. Your whole page should be 12” x 12” square.
5. Find the center of your 12”x12” layout and adhere the circle (F) in the center using repositionable tape. Check to make sure it is centered in both directions. A centering ruler can help. Adjust as needed. This is important…if your circle is off center, you will run out of room on one of your edges when you layout out the Rounded Squares.
6. Arrange the fourteen C pieces around the circle with the points facing toward the middle and outside. See diagram above for position. It’s important to get these positioned evenly because all the other pieces will be placed based on this inner ring. Adhere with repositionable tape runner.
7. Arrange the fourteen D pieces as shown in Karyn’s example above, with their inner point positioned between the C pieces. Adhere with repositionable tape runner.
8. Arrange and adhere the E pieces between the D pieces as shown in Karyn’s example above. Note that you may extend over the page border at the centers of each side. However, don’t extend over the edge of the page.
9. Check your pattern and adjust as needed.
10. Add center photo and embellishments. You can use bits of border punches, layered embellishments, stickers, flowers, journaling boxes, or other embellishments.
Some ideas:
- This would make a great title page (engagement, birthday, anniversary, vacation, annual album, etc.)
- Some of the Rounded Square can be photos! Look at the great golf example above by H. Northcott. Consider putting face shots in some of the spots.
- Want a two-page spread? Make a few extra Rounded Squares and use them to create a partial “burst” in the opposite corner.
LAST NOTES AND INFO…
- If you make one of these layouts, please take a picture and share it below!
- Many thanks to H. Northcott and T. Perper for sharing their examples above.
- If you need supplies or tools from Creative Memories, I would be delighted to assist. You can order easily through my link: https://www.creativememories.com/user/MarshaSC .
- Want to attend my next virtual crop? They are FREE! Be sure to follow my Facebook page (Marsha’s Scrappin’ Circle) or send an email to me to be added to the email list so you get early notice!
- Need help with an order or more info about a crop? Contact me at marshamatyas@gmail.com.
Marsha's Scrappin' Circle 