Echo Park Layout Tutorial by Guest Designer Steffanie Seiler

Welcome our Guest Designer, Steffanie Seiler back today with a Echo Park Everyday Eclectic layout tutorial.

I think pinwheels are so cute.  I have been wanting to make them for the longest time and keep forgetting!  This was my first real try at them and here is my how-to...

• Punch out a few squares from double-sided patterned papers that coordinate with your project.  I used 2 sizes:  1 1/4" and 1 3/8".
• Using a ruler, draw light pencil lines from corner to corner, both ways.

• Cut in from corners to about 1/4" from center.  Erase pencil lines.
• Place a glue dot at center of square.  Begin curling in same corner toward middle on each of the 4 wedges, sticking to glue dot.

• Add button or other decorative element to center.  Done.  So simple and so cute!

 I love the feel that stitching adds, whether it be by hand or by machine.  In this instance, I chose machine.  With this paper collection and the layout I had in mind, I knew I wanted to be more playful with my stitching.  So rather than create straight stitch lines, I moved my cardstock back and forth under the needle to create wavy lines.  I went around 3 times to get the effect I wanted.  It also serves to frame my layout.

The remainder of this layout is mostly just about cutting strips of paper in varying widths and lengths and layering them. This created a "foundation" for my photos and journaling block to sit on.

One thing I love about Echo Park collection kits is that just about everything you need is in the kit.  Patterned papers, sticker embellishments and at least a couple of different alphas.  All I added was a cardstock base, a few small buttons, dimensional adhesive, a bit of baker's twine, some lined paper for  journaling and a decorative border punch.  One thing I have learned about pre-made embellishments or stickers---don't be afraid to alter them.  The "today" sticker on the clouds was embedded in a larger sticker embellishment.  It didn't work for me, so I just cut out the part I wanted.

Here is the finished layout along with some close-up views...

I have enjoyed sharing my projects with you and I hope that I have inspired you to create TODAY!!  Now go have some fun!!!

Visit Steffanie at her blog, Life of a Brown Eyed Girl, and follow her on Pinterest!