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How to Create a Stunning Sunburst Scrapbook Layout
Scrapbookers, get ready to use up your paper scraps and create a dynamic sunburst layout that draws attention straight to your focal photo! In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a beautiful, eye-catching page using the sunburst technique. This design is great for documenting special moments like family gatherings, vacations, and celebrations.
Supplies Needed:
- 12 x 12 scrapbook base (I used a beach-themed background)
- 9″ x 9″ cardstock for the sunburst design base
- 10″ x 10″ colored cardstock
- Depending on what kind of Sunburst pattern you want to achieve you will need 7 – 12 Scraps of different designer papers in 4″ strips of various sizes from 4″ to 12″ in length *There are 13 triangles in all.
- Paper trimmer and scissors
- Adhesive (tape runner or glue)
- Photo (mine is a 5×5 of my family)
- Pencil for marking the sunburst center
- Title and embellishments (I used ocean-themed elements like crabs, seaweed, and starfish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Choose Your Layout and Colors
- Pick a focal photo and a color palette that complements it.
- I used a beach theme with shades of blue, orange, pink, and coral.
- Select at least 5 different designer paper scraps to create variety in your sunburst pattern.
Step 2: Prepare the Sunburst Base
- Cut a 9″ x 9″ white cardstock piece to be the base of your sunburst.
- This piece will later be framed and placed onto your 12 x 12 scrapbook page.
Step 3: Cut the Paper Strips
In the video below I was following a design I found on line but after I realized it doesn’t need to be that complicated. Just cut as many triangles as you need and arrange them the way that looks nice to you.
- Each scrap paper strip should be 4 inches wide but with different lengths. Mine are 4″ to 12″
- Label each strip with a number and direction so you don’t get them mixed up.
- Cut triangles from each strip by slicing from corner to corner. This will create the rays for your sunburst.
Step 4: Mark the Sunburst Center
- Place a small circle or pencil mark where the center of your sunburst will be.
- Make sure it’s positioned slightly off-center to keep the design visually interesting.
Step 5: Arrange the Sunburst Pieces
- *You will dry fit all the pieces before gluing them down
- Start with the smallest triangle and adhere the pointy end where the pencil mark is closest to the edge of the base. Make sure it extends all the way from the mark to the edge of the base.
- Alternating patterns go around the base and adjust each triangle strip so it covers the edge of the page without leaving gaps. There should be 13 triangles.
Step 6: Adhere the Pieces
- Once you like how your sunburst looks glue all the pieces down.
- Be sure each piece bumps up snuggly to the previous one to avoid any white space showing.
- Continue layering until the entire base is covered.
Step 7: Trim Excess Paper
- Flip the sunburst base over and use scissors or a trimmer to cut off any excess edges.
- Now you have a perfectly framed sunburst effect!
Step 8: Assemble the Page
- Adhere the 9″ sunburst base onto a 10″ framed cardstock (I used Summer Splash to match my theme).
- Position the layered piece onto the 12 x 12 designer paper background.
Step 9: Add the Photo and Title
- Place your focal photo over the center of the sunburst.
- Choose a title that complements your layout. I used “What a Wonderful Day” with bold die-cut letters.
- Arrange the letters to integrate with the sunburst design.
Step 10: Embellish Your Page
- Use die-cuts, stickers, or fussy-cut elements to enhance the design.
- I layered seaweed, crabs, and starfish to bring the beach theme to life.
- Add a border strip along the bottom to ground the design.
Here are the links to my store if you would like to recreate my Sunburst
Product List
Final Thoughts
This sunburst scrapbook layout is a fun and creative way to use up your paper scraps while making an engaging and colorful design. Whether you’re scrapbooking a vacation, a family gathering, or a celebration, this technique adds movement and energy to your page.
💡 Try this technique and share your results! I’d love to see your sunburst layouts—drop a comment or tag me on social media! Happy scrapping! 🎨✨
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