Using repetition in a memory-keeping spread is a great way to build a background, create embellishment clusters and bring a spread together with similar elements. There are often repeated shapes in these collections including circles for the Meadow Collection. But don’t be afraid to create your own repeated elements with stamps, stickers, paper, or even washi tape!
Traci used a repeated stamping technique to create a beautiful custom background for her layout.
For my post using repeated shapes, my initial idea was to use circles because there are SO many of them in the Meadow collection, but I’m never one to take the easy route, so instead, I decided to make a layout with a couple of different kinds of repeated shapes, none of the circles!
My first series of repetitions is, of course, with the butterfly patterned paper I made using the Meadow Memory Keeping Stamps from the collection.
In order to not only carry butterflies throughout the page but make the stamped butterflies match the illustrated ones in the collection, I used rub ons and puffy stickers from the Meadow Modern Memory Keeping Kit in conjunction with the stamped paper to combine both butterfly styles into one seamless layout.
In order to ensure that all sides of my layout came together, I also used notched banner paper strips on each page across the open spread! See this spread come together in this process video!
When memory planning, why not start with the decorations first, as Natasha demonstrates here.
I am a huge fan of using repeated elements, especially basic shapes, in my memory planning layouts. It is actually one of the four main ways that I approach my memory planning process. During these weeks I put down my decoration first, then add my photos at a later date. When I use this method, repeated elements are helpful in creating cohesion throughout the spread.
Circles are one of the repeated elements that stood out to me in the Meadows collection. Using the Meadow Travelers Notebook Memory Keeping Kit, I pulled the chipboard pieces and then the circle stamp from the same collection. Using the papers from the Simple Dori, which I took apart, I stamped the circle out on a few different patterned papers.
Utilizing the patterned paper allowed me to use even more of my favorite colors from the collection in my layout! My handy dandy circle punch helped me get the perfect shape to be able to scatter all around in clusters in my layout.
Repeated elements are such a useful design tool to have in your toolbox when creating layouts. Come along with me as I work on this memory planner layout in this video!
