How to cluster...

Do you ever wonder how to cluster embellies on your layout?

How many are just the right quantity and size and color?

Maybe you are even thinking... "What is clustering?"

Clustering is a design technique where you cluster a set of embellishments together

to draw the eye in to a focal point.

Today the girls will give you some great examples 

and tips on how to make the perfect clusters!

Win
Debbie Sherman

 Debbie said: "One of my favorite techniques is to cluster my embellishments. In this case I cut out 5 stars from the Falling Stars patterned paper and overlapped them on top of one another. I popped them up with foam squares which made clustering them on top of each other much easier."

 TIP: In design, odd #'s are more interesting to the eye than even numbers.  Use 3 and 5 as your go to #'s in design and you'll be surprised at the difference it can make.

 Bo Bunny Supplies:

Patterned Paper: Camp-A-Lot Falling Stars, Camp-A-Lot, Squares, Fireflies
Starry Night, Cut Outs, Dot

Endless Fun In the Sun
Carin McDonough

 TIP : When adding a cluster to your page use foam dots on the some of your items. This makes them easier to cluster together and adds more dimension to your cluster.

 TIP: Stacking and layering are so important when making clusters.

You want to make sure you have a variety of colors, textures & heights.

Bo Bunny Supplies:

Patterned Paper : Hello Sunshine, Busy Bee, Stripe, Sweetness, Daydream, Cut Outs, Little Things, Sweet Pea/Hello Sunshine

6x6 Paper Pad: Hello Sunshine

Chipboard : Hello Sunshine 12x12 Chipboard

Stickers : Lazy Day Cardstock Sticker/Hello Sunshine

Jewels : Hello Sunshine

Carin said: "I also did a diagram to show measurements for how I cut my sun rays, it will even give you two sets of rays! The shaded areas are the ones I used."

Super Star

Jolanda Meurs

 Jolanda says: "I love to cluster my embellishments . I also have made a cluster off my pictures."

 Bo Bunny Supplies:

Patterned Paper: Dot, Falling Star, Squares/Camp-A-Lot

Jewels: Camp-A-Lot

Buttons: Camp-A-Lot

Combo Stickers: Hello Sunshine, Camp-A-Lot

You Are My Son Shine
Tara Orr

 TIP: When making clusters, use repetition.  

If you are using a circular item, use other circular items throughout the layout.

In this layout, Tara has used flowers for her repeating element.

Don't be afraid to try the clustering technique... it might take a few tries,

but once you get it... it's so addicting.  

Make sure to layer, lift, tuck and repeat and you'll be great!!!

Don't forget to show us your version of clustering.

You guys ROCK!!!