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Using Nested Shapes Templates
By Stacey Mullins

Want to create eye-catching accents for your paper crafts that take just minutes to create? Try nested shapes! For card focals, scrapbook pages accents, handmade ornaments, gift tags and more, these layered medallion shapes will add interest to all your projects.

Nested shapes look intricate, but they really could be easier to create. “How?” you ask? With the Paper Pizazz® Nested Shapes Template! This template features 12 different patterns for you to mix and match, layering patterns of different sizes to create unique nested shapes. And don’t forget to check out the Nested Shapes #2 Template, too! With 12 totally different patterns, you’ll love the versatility of being able to mix and match all 24 patterns you’ll find on the two templates.

The best part about the Nested Shapes Templates? We’ve left the personalization totally up to you. Just trace the patterns onto the back of your favorite patterned papers, glimmer paper, cardstock, or vellum to coordinate with your project. Use the shapes as they are, or try inking or chalking them to add extra definition to the edges. You can layer the shapes as suggested on the template, or try combining them to come up with your own unique pattern. You can create nested shapes with four layers or just two or three layers for smaller accents. Layers can be attached with a simple glue stick, or you can create dimensional nested shapes by securing each layer with foam tape like Susan did for this cheerful card focal.

Supplies:

Instructions
For the Card Front:

  1. Place the card with the fold at the left, then cover the front of the card with light yellow textured paper and ink the edges black. Cut a 4 3/4”x6 1/4” piece of dark pink textured paper, ink the edges and glue centered on the card front. Add one black mini brad to each corner of the dark pink textured paper.
  2. Using the template, trace pattern 1-A onto the back of the pink linen paper and cut out. Trace pattern 1-B onto the back of the pink with stripes paper (hint: Turn the template so two opposite scalloped corners on shape 1-B are aligned with the vertical stripes on the paper so the stripes run vertically when the shape is added to the card front), trace pattern 1-C onto the back of lime textured paper and trace pattern 1-D onto the back of dark pink textured paper and cut out all the shapes. Ink the edges of all four shapes black. Cut out the pink flower tile and add one black mini brad to the center of the flower. Starting at the bottom, layer shapes 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D and the pink flower tile, attaching each layer to the layer under it with foam tape. Add foam tape to the back of the bottom shape and secure the whole piece centered about 1” from the top of the card.
  3. Cut a 4 3/4”x1/2” piece of pink with stripes paper with the stripes running vertically, ink the edges black and glue 1” from the bottom of the card, aligning the short edges with the edges of the dark pink textured paper. Cut out the yellow and pink label and computer journal or handwrite “Happy Birthday” over the pink portion. Add one black mini brad to each end of the label, then use foam tape to secure the label centered over the pink with stripes paper strip.

For the Card Inside:

  1. Cut a 1/2” wide strip of pink with stripes paper with the stripes running vertically and ink the long edges black. Glue 3/4” from the bottom of the card, trimming the excess paper even with the edge of the card.
  2. Cut a 1 3/4” square of light yellow textured paper and ink the edges. Mat on lime textured paper, trimming the mat to 1/16” and ink the edges. Use the template to trace shape 1-D onto the back of dark pink textured paper, then cut out, ink the edges and glue centered over the light yellow textured paper. Cut out the yellow flower tile and add one black mini brad to the center of the flower. Use foam tape to secure the tile centered over the dark pink textured shape, then glue the whole piece centered 1/4” from the top of the card.
  3. Computer journal or handwrite “Enjoy your day!” onto the pink textured tag and ink the edges, then turn the tag so the top is on the left. Cut a 1/4” wide strip of pink with stripes paper with the stripes running vertically, ink the edges and glue 5/32” from the top edge of the tag. Trim the excess paper even with the edges of the tag. Mat the tag on pink linen paper, trimming the mat to 1/16” and ink the edges. Glue the tag centered between the striped paper strip and the yellow flower tile piece.

Love the shapes you see from the Paper Pizazz® Nested Shapes Template? Don’t forget to check out the Paper Pizazz® Nested Shapes #2 Template for 12 more patterns! Want both? Just click here for special savings on these two fabulous templates.