I'm a very straight line scrapper. I rarely crop photos into shapes and I'm genetically unable to tilt my photos. That's why I love using circles on my layouts. Adding circles gives my layouts shape and adds contrast. I hope that this works to draw attention to my photos. I'm going to give you some ideas from my experience working with circles. If you are already a circle-y scrapper, I hope you will share pointers with me (and your fellow villagers) at the Post Office message board.

Using Circles on your Page Background

One of my favorite things to do is to make my own background paper by cutting out circles and attaching them to the background cardstock. I usually use a Coluzzle circle template to make my circles. If I don't feel the need to be precise, I trace around round objects and cut out with scissors.

When using circles on your background, make sure to run the circles off the edge of the page. This makes it look like the pattern continues and adds energy to your page.

For this layout, I cut the circles out of a sheet of circle patterned cardstock (SEI). I trimmed the circles leaving a border of white around each circle. This grounds the shape and with the photo matting, ties the layout together.

Other ideas:

• Consider cutting circles out of the background cardstock and then layer over patterned background paper. Mount the top layer on pop-dots for depth.
• Make Circles with Stamping Ink
• Position circles at the edges of photos to draw the eyes around into the photos.
• Take advantage of paper that has circles printed on it, but don't be limited to the background color of the paper. Cut the circles out and use them with a different background color.

Circle-Printed Pattern Paper

Several companies make patterned paper that features circles. It can be difficult to use this paper as it can overwhelm the photos. I like to use the paper as an accent or border.

You've no doubt heard the phrase "angles love curves." I'm not sure what exactly this means, but I do know that circles work well combined with angled lines.

Running the angled line behind a photo can draw your eyes into the photo.

Title or Journaling in a Circle

It can be fun to put your title or journaling into a circle shape. If the majority of the layout is comprised of straight lines, putting your title or journaling into a circle can draw attention to it and make it a focal point. On the other hand, if the layout has lots of circle elements, incorporating your journaling or title into a circle can integrate it into the layout.

Many companies make circular accents. Some of my favorites include KI Memories Circles, Scrapworks Alphadotz, and Doodlebug alphabet stickers. Buttons are great too!

For this layout I used the Alphadotz, which are my new favorite thing ever. The accents are cards from IKEA.

So, I challenge you to use more circles in your layouts. Share your results here at the Village - I can't wait to see them!