Circles, squares, rectangles and triangles have all been used in scrapbook design for a long time. Another shape that is popular now is the chevron. A chevron is a V-shaped pattern that is often used for military insignia. It is becoming popular in various forms and used in a variety of ways on scrapbook pages. Here are ideas for using chevrons and some examples of chevrons on scrapbook pages.
Background Element. A chevron, often in a repeated pattern, can be used as a background element. Similar to rectangular paper strips, overlapping circles and repeating arrows, chevrons can be placed behind an element such as a journaling box, a photograph or an embellishment. They can be used singularly or repeated. In my layout “Easter Surprise,” chevrons were used in the background behind overlapping paper strips.
Background Paper. It is becoming increasingly common to find scrapbook paper that uses repeating chevrons throughout the entire paper. These background papers make it easy to feature the chevron shape as a background for the entire layout. Even if you don’t have a chevron-designed patterned paper you can create the same effect by repeating chevrons throughout the background of your layout by using paper punches or chipboard. Templates are also a great way to add hand-drawn chevrons.
Outlined Chevron Shape. One pretty use of chevrons is to feature one as an outline instead of as a solid shape. By just outlining the chevron, you can give chevrons yet another look. One very nice way to do that is to create the outline using a glitter pen or outline it with glue and sprinkle glitter on it. It makes a very elegant look especially in silver or gold.
Directionals. Chevrons in a repeated pattern tend to give a directional feel as if the chevrons are pointing at a particular element of the scrapbook page. In my layout “Weather Report,” the chevrons are pointing right to the photograph. Doing so puts the emphasis on the photograph.
Chevron Embellishments. Chevron-shaped embellishments are popular and can be found in many types of embellishments including brads, plastic shapes, wood veneers, tape, paper punches, stamps and chipboard. Often you can even create the chevron yourself by using a digital image that you print and then place on your page. Alternatively, you can cut up chipboard, plastic, thin metal or other materials to make your own chevrons. You can even sew a chevron on to your layout.
There are many options for using chevrons on a layout. Consider new and unique ways to add them to your pages. The options are vast so have fun creating layouts with chevrons.
