Spectacular Swirls with Layered Circles

Easy Designs With Just a Few Layered Circles!

These spectacular swirls look complicated, but are really easy when you use the Layered Circles dies or various size circle punches. Decide on a color scheme and some circle sizes and you’ll be on your way to a card that will surely capture attention!

Cut two groups of layered circles from card stock or Designer Series Paper (DSP), making the colors of the second group go in the reverse order of the first. You will actually have enough for two cards.

Once you have your circles cut, layer and adhere them so that they all meet at the same edge of the circle as seen below.

Now it is time to cut both circles in half, going through the spot where all the circles meet at the edge. This might be a bit tricky to cut depending on your paper cutter and how many layers you are using in your layered circles. I recommend a guillotine cutter if you have one. If not, start with your paper trimmer and finish off with scissors. Where you cut does not have to be exactly in half. In fact, it can look great even if one side is slightly bigger than the other. It is all up to you! Experiment with different options.

Next, take the top of each layered circle piece and match up the colors with the straight edges together, as seen in the photo above. Voila! Spectacular Swirls from your layered circles! Save the left over pieces for another card.

Putting It All Together

Decide how you would like to adhere them to your card front. For instance, do you want them to meet right up to each other or do you want to leave a space (this will widen the swirl and use up more space on the card front). Then add a strip of card stock across the space, perhaps with a sentiment, or place your sentiment elsewhere on the card. Make sure to use strong adhesive due to the many layers.

Notice how I used either a contrasting or white-on-white layer between my swirls and my card base. I often like to run this layer through an embossing folder for added texture. Try embossing some of your circles as well, as seen on the darkest swirl (Early Espresso) on the acorn card (inspired by Wendy Lee). Since the swirls are a bold focal point, I recommend using something subtle These are my two favorites:

Lastly, if you like, you can cut or punch an extra circle of the smallest size to cover up the half circle(s) that shows on top, cover it with a sentiment, or leave it as is. All are great options. Enjoy the step-by-step video tutorial below!

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