Circles and Squares and Rectangles, OH MY!

As soon as I saw the first drafts of Alli’s Shapes by Design set, I knew it would be perfect for creating some amazing background papers.  You will be able to create dozens of different patterns with each single image, just by the type of repetition you choose.

I chose to work with this retro circle with nesting shapes within it’s frame.  I stamped it once in the center of my card front to start.  Notice how the nesting rectangle is vertical.

To begin the creation of my pattern, I rotated the stamp 90-degrees and stamped a second circle above the first.  Notice that the nested rectangle in the second circle is horizontal.

I filled in the rest of my first "strip" of pattern in the same manner, making sure the direction of the nested rectangles alternated.

To start a second strip, I made sure to align the rectangle in the opposite orientation used in the neighboring circle.

I continued working until I had filled the sheet.

To help add a little finishing detail to the pattern, I punched 1/2-inch circles from cardstock and adhered them to the centers of the circles.  If you are playing around with this type of technique, don’t be afraid to try punching out patterned paper rather than cardstock for a unique look.

Here is my completed card.  The monochromatic color scheme makes it easy to create this card in the recipients favorite color.  I love having simple cards like this to reproduce when I am need of several at once.

I am often asked what I do on th interior of a card to finish it off.  Here is an example of what I like to do.  Carrying over a small design element into the upper portion of the interior helps to continue the theme, even after the recipient opens the card.  I am really looking forward to playing around with the remaining images of this set.  It just holds SO many design possibilities!