Clustering Embellishments For Effect
Katrina Hunt | Maya Road
One of the things I love to do on my projects is to create clusters. These can be as big as pictured on my layout or tiny clusters with just some sequins or enamel dots. I prefer to do bigger clusters, as I have trouble with smaller random clustering! I think it's because I like stuff.
This technique can also be daunting for some people. It's easy and I am going to give you a few pointers on how to get started!
On this page I have a few areas that are clustered. The first cluster I started with was the one at the top of the page. Stacking and layering are a must and I don't adhere anything down until I am perfectly happy with how it looks. I actually lay out my entire page before I adhere anything. Then I carefully start picking up each piece and adhering it to the ones underneath. Repeat until you have your clusters done! Also, a good tip is to take a picture with your phone before taking apart! You can refer back to it and how you had things laid out.
Tucking little bits and pieces in areas, helps to draw you focus to areas. Here I tucked that "snap" tag and part of a polka dotted tag behind, but next to my clustering of tags.
I like to have my clusters touching the main focus of my projects. Occasionally, you may find me placing one in a corner somewhere. But, for the most part I gravitate toward corners of my main focus. Also think about using your embellishments in different ways. Here I tucked a vintage flower in the hole of the wood veneer bobbin, just for something fun! Also, mix textures, patterns, etc.
If you are just getting started, try working within a specific paper collection and their embellishments. Here I mixed Fancy Pants with Maya Road and I love the combo! Best advice I can give you is just play around and have fun. At first, it may take a little time, but after you practice you get a feel of what will work and what won't!
Katrina Hunt
