I love to create visual depth on my scrapbooking pages by handcutting out aspects of the pattern paper and then using them as accents on my page. This is a particularly useful technique if the pattern paper is a busy one and if used on it's own would overwhelm the photos you are intending on using.
If you've ever tried your hand at Paper Tole, you'll be able to put those skills into effective use with this technique. On the below page the flowers were carefully cut around using a sharp craft knife on a glass chopping board - you will find that it is much easier to use glass rather than a cutting mat because the knife won't cut into the board. Of course you can use a fine-tip pair of scissors as well - it just comes down to personal preference.
TIP - If you are cutting a lot of pieces, then make sure you snap off or replace the blade as soon as it becomes dull or begins to drag on the paper. Not doing so will result in the paper tearing!
Once each flower is cut, I then shape them by placing each one face down on an old mouse mat and using a balling tool - or a smooth icy pole stick - in a circular motion, to shape the petals. Even defining the petals and flower centre from the right side of the pattern paper with the pointed end of a paint brush works effectly too. This will give some visual movement to each flower and therefore overall depth to your page once they are attached.
If you look at the close-uo photo below, some sections of the flowers on the above page, have been attached flat to the page (with a little liquid adhesive) whilst others are raised up on small pieces of foam tape (Magic Mount) which allows them to appear like they floating above the page. I also do a similar thing with leaves and stems, by attaching some flat and lifting others.
It's a simple technique but it does create a wonderful effect when you are able to view the page up close.
Here's a few other pages that feature this same technique of cutting out flowers from a pattern paper sheet and using them to create effective page accents:
Enjoy!
