Die-cut background papers are all the rage in the scrapbooking world right now. Die-cut backgrounds are available in scallops, zigzags and ornate shapes. But, what can you do if you don’t have access to them or you favorite paper doesn’t come in die-cut shapes? Why, you can make your own of course. It is not as hard as you would think.

Scrap Divas Intermediate Project by Chris Pozzi Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

 

This layout was made by using a Fancy Pants bracket to create a die-cut background paper. First, lay the bracket on the back side of the paper, lining up the tip of bracket with the edge of paper. Trace the bracket.



Next, rotate the bracket around the paper to complete the shape.



And then, cut out the bracket to create the back ground page. To finish the paper, adhere the cut paper to another piece of background paper then add your favorite photos.

To create the die-cut flowers, freestyle cut flower shapes. You can start by tracing a circle shape so that the flower had a basic round form. Trim around the circle to create the flower petals. Then adhere the flower to the layout.



There are many fun ways to alter die-cut shapes and chipboard pieces. To create the sparkle on the crown, I sprayed the die-cut piece with Glimmer Mist Antique Brass and then added the jewels.

To alter the grunge board letters, I painted them using a paint dauber, and then traced the swirls with a Sakura pen, blotting the ink to provide a subtler effect. I discovered this technique quite accidentally when my shirt sleeve blotted the first letter for me. To recreate the look, I used a paper towel on the second letter.

My name is Chris Pozzi and I live in North Central Illinois. I started scrapping in 2003, after the birth of my youngest child. I reside in Illinois with my high school sweetheart turned husband, and 3 highly energetic and wonderful children. I like to scrap life's everyday moments right down to the dirty faces of my children. I currently design for Kit n' Kaboodles and have been published in several online magazines.

To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in this layout, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.