ALP Trend Watch Challenge: Embedded Embellishments

Trend Watch Challenge Time! A trend I have noticed this summer is a really cool one involving embellishments peeking out from unexpected spots on scrapbook layouts. I’m calling them “embedded embellishments,” and I’ve noticed a wide range of examples of this phenomenon, from shaker pockets to folded corners with surprises peeking out to dimensional elements placed under the negative space from cut files and punches.

The main thing all of these looks have in common is that the embellishments have some sort of layer on top of them to create the feeling that the embellishments are “embedded” in the page instead of just adhered on top of the layout as usual. Is this a trend you have noticed as well? It’s an exciting trend, because it’s a really fun way to play with dimension, depth, and texture on the page!

The cut file method:

I tried out this trend recently on a scrapbook page I made for Color Cast Designs with colorful acrylic star embellishments. Rather than placing the star embellishments on top of my layout as a finishing touch, I sandwiched them between my background cardstock and a top layer of paper I had cut a shape into with my Silhouette Cameo.

Backing cut files with patterned paper is a trend that has been around for a long time, but using embellishments beneath the negative space is a slightly newer trend that I am seeing gain traction lately in the online scrappy community. If you don’t have an electronic die cutting machine, you can easily create a similar look with punches or a craft knife.

The folding method:

Since the options for this challenge are so versatile, I decided to try a different take on “embedded embellishments” with another project. I recreated a cut-and-folded-open paper idea I saw on a layout by Kira Ness (@kira.gets.crafty) on Instagram. In the layout I saw, Kira had cut a straight line into the edge of her page background, folded the paper open at the slit, and backed the opening with patterned paper to create the illusion that the background wasn’t the bottom layer. She also added “embedded embellishments” to the paper in the opening.

For my scraplifted version of this technique, I created this spread in my summer-themed traveler’s notebook about going with my friends to see the movie Jaws at a local theater. Telling this story seemed like a great opportunity time to split and staple open my patterned paper, as if it had been gutted by Jaws himself.  (It was also a rare opportunity to use red mist splatters!)

Another popular way I’m seeing this method of embedding embellishments is by simply folding down one corner of a layout or a corner of a large paper layer on the layout. This is an especially fun technique to try with double-sided patterned paper, so you can expose the side that wouldn’t otherwise show!

There are so many different ways to try out the technique of “embedded embellishments.” Practically anytime you add embellishments behind what would otherwise seem to be your page’s background, you’ve achieved the look! I’d love to see how you choose to follow this trend and incorporate embellishments as you play with the layers on your pages! Here’s how you can share what you make:

All through the month of August, upload a project to the Awesome Ladies Project (in your personal gallery) and share the link in the comments on this post. Just log into your free ALP account and visit your personal gallery on your profile page (click “Register” at the top of the page if you are new to this site).

You can also share your projects on Instagram using the hashtag #alptrendwatch in addition to the usual #awesomeladies #feministscrapbooking and #awesomeladiesproject hashtags. Feel free to tag me (@scrappylikeafox) in your post so I see your creations right away! You can even tag me or add the hashtag to past projects if you’ve already created something using this trend!

Have you spotted a scrappy trend while surfing blogs, galleries, or Instagram? I’d love for you to tell me what you see. It could be a theme, motif, product, technique, design trend — anything!  Send me a message in the Awesome Ladies Community (@scrappylikeafox) so we can chat about it, and it might end up as a future challenge here at The Awesome Ladies Project.