Go To Designs: The Shelf

Another Go To Design I turn to quite often is the shelf. What exactly do I mean by a shelf? It's a horizontal border that does not span the full width of the page, used to showcase key elements. Here's some examples:

This shelf is made up of three patterned papers that are border punched and embellished. The photo placed on the shelf becomes the center of attention. A layer of mist adds subtle dimension. This photo is so old, it is an actual polaroid!

In this example, I've use the shelf to place a photo and title on top, and hang a photo and the journaling below. Grouping key elements in this manner creates a sense of unity.

This is one of my favorite shelf pages. I used a layering technique with paper scraps and tags, and I like the extra dimension the strings and brads bring to the page. I try to keep the space around the shelf fairly clean. This one uses white space quite literally!

Collection Featured: Crate Paper Fourteen

Here is my most recent shelf page, where I put my Silhouette to good work. The shelf design is useful when you have one large landscape photo or a few square photos you want to highlight. You can vary the placement on the page: to the right, to the left, or smack dab in the middle.

I tend to begin my shelf pages with three layered borders in a variety of sizes and colors, then add a few bits and pieces. The hearts placed near the title and journaling draw attention to these elements, and create diagonal flow.

So are you ready to give the shelf a whirl? Or maybe this is already a Go To Design in your arsenal? It's very handy and versatile!

Pin It