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Snip and
Fill Accents
by
Rockester
Take a close look at these two pages. See something different? The added texture in the yellow 'Jen' title, the tag flower, and the oval windows on the 'John' page all have something in common. They are dimensional and they are made from scraps! I used a fill-in-behind-the-scenes type of technique to create them. This is similar to Iris folding in card making but there is NO FOLDING! Yeah! I love it when I can get the look of something complicated but streamline the work involved. Simpler and easier and faster is my motto! And this technique can be used for titles. tags, accents, borders or whatever your heart's delight. Let me show you how I created them. It is as easy as finding a cutout and snipping some scraps. For starters, you can practice on any outer negative from a die cut if you like.
Materials
* Scraps of cardstock and patterned papers at least 2 inches long
* paper cutter or scissors
* jumbo or giant punches or a coluzzle or a die cut negative for the 'window'
* preprinted grid from online sources given below or pencil and paper to draw a simple grid
* any adhesive that is NON-LIQUID (I used Easy Stick* but Hermafix* dots or Monoadhesive* would work fine too. Photo splits will not work well here so get out your tape runners!)
* your choice of photo
* ruler-optional
Step One: Choose the Photo
Step Two: Choose a cutout to fill.
You can choose a negative from a die cut. Or you can use your Coluzzle* brand templates or any jumbo or giant punch. You can even use the 'window' left over when you cut die cut lettering for a title. All you need is a paper that will act as a 'window' to fill in. The window should have a cutout or punchout in it that is at least 1 1/2 inches diameter. This enables you to stack at least 8 rows in it for greater paper variety and visibility. Mark the back of the cutout so you know in a glance which is the front and which is the back on your window piece. We will be working on the BACK of the window.
Step Three: Snip some paper
Choose scraps that coordinate with your photo colors and the eventual background paper. Snip or slice the scrap paper into strips. If you are using a cutout window that has an opening less than 2 inches diameter, try to make your strips about 1/8 to 1/4 in width. If you are using a larger die cut negative or window shape opening that is larger than 2 inches wide, try to make the strips 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The width can vary a bit from strip to strip. This adds to the 'crazy quilting' look of your layering.
Step Four: Use a grid
Now you will need a grid that goes underneath the window so you can see where to place the pieces. You can print one off from this link or any site that gives patterns for Iris Card folding.
Better yet, make your own grid. This is not hard to do and you will be guaranteed that it will fit YOUR particular window! :) It only takes about 4 minutes. The grid is the simple guideline on white paper that you place under the window so you can see where to put the strips. It is not part of the finished page. It is just a guideline for placement.
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TO MAKE A GRID
A. Turn your window cutout over so you are looking at the backside. Draw the window opening onto white paper with the pencil.
B. Now draw straight lines around the outermost edge of the shape that are about the width of your strips. Number the spots for the strips as you draw them. figure 2561
C. Continue drawing lines around the space in a rough spiral direction until all the space is filled. Number the strips as you go on the drawing. The last section in the center is marked "C" for center so you know it is the last one and also so you can choose a more decorative or focal paper for that section if you desire.
D. Check the grid again inside the opening to be sure it looks fine.
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Step Five: Let's Start Gluing!
Make sure you are looking at the BACK of your window. Lay the window down over the white paper with the grid. Again, make sure you are looking at the BACK of the window. Roll adhesive all around the frame of the window opening.
Lay down the first few pieces. You will need to add more adhesive as you work. Add more glue to the back of each new piece after it is in place.
Step Six: Stack those Strips!
Keep going now! You will keep gluing strips around and around until the opening is full of paper strips. Make sure no gaps or air spaces are showing as you go.
Pretty soon the window will look something like this mess. (THIS IS GOOD!) Don't panic. LOL Remember we are working from and looking at the back of the
window.
Step Seven: Trim Excess
Now you can lessen the bulk a bit by trimming if you see it is needed. Make sure to turn over the window now and check for air gaps and pieces that stick out that need trimming.
Step Eight: Finish off the piece
Finish off the piece with the photo or other accents as you like.
Use it to create a page. You can replicate this technique in punch art, titles, tags, borders, mats, accents and so much more. You can even use it to make greeting cards. :) It is a versatile and inexpensive way to add texture to a scrapbook page for only pennies!
Here I have adapted the same method to do the title. I layered snips behind a word created with my die cut lettering. Remember to work from the back!
Congrats! You have just completed your first Snip and Fill! Hurray!
Rockester
Traditions Matter* 
