When I am in the mood to create with type or if I have a bold photo then I turn to a tried and true design for my layout. A “mirror-image”  design is easy to do and gives a nice bold effect. Here are two examples of how I used mirror-image design:

For this first layout “So White” I started with my  photo, then cut a piece of coordinating patterned paper the same size as my photo (this type of design is also a great way to use a bold piece of patterned paper). Once I knew where I was going to position the photo and patterned  paper I stuck down letter stickers and sprayed over them with white spray ink. Once the ink was dry I removed the alpha stickers and printed out my journaling.

I wanted to add a bit of white and texture to the patterned paper block so I used some white Zing embossing powder along with our Stacked Numbers stamp along the bottom. A fine black line around both the photo and patterned paper creates a nice frame and defines the focal point of the layout.

If you look closely at this layout you can see how I used the idea of mirror imaging in a couple of ways:

The photo and patterned paper

The title with it’s red letters and the reversed out letters.

The “0″ balances out the stamped numbers on the bottom of the patterned paper.

This second example “Mashed Potatoes” started with the quote. I have this quote in my office and loved how graphic it looked and thought it would be fun to use it on a layout.

Instead of starting with the photo this time I created my text box so that I could get the font and letters sized just how I wanted. Once I had it set and printed it out then I sized and printed my photo the same size as the text block. I didn’t do any further mirror imaging on this layout but opted to add some free flowing hearts to draw your eye in and through the focal point of the layout.

I also wanted to share how I used the vellum on this layout. I LOVE vellum, there are so many things you can do with it! I wanted to add another subtle layer to the hearts and the vellum was perfect. I started by laying a full sheet of vellum over my layout and tracing out my design:

Once I had my design how I wanted it I cut it out, but before I adhered it I decided that it would be fun to use the design as a template for some stitching. So I traced around my cut out piece of vellum very lightly and then machine stitched over the traced line. I stitched over some of the hearts and under others.

I placed my vellum cut out off to the side of the stitching and again had it go over some of the hearts and under others. I loved the final effect and how the vellum softens parts of the patterned paper.

I hope this has inspired you to try a mirror image design on your next layout and to dig out some of that vellum that is tucked away in your stash!

Best wishes,

Christine