Building Border Embellishments with Vanessa
Border strip embellishment clusters on a layout can pack a punch and bring a whole layout together. Using scraps of pattern paper, dies, punches, and lots of the hobby themed ephemera from the new Me Time collection we are going to create a fun dimensional border embellishment to use on a project.
To start gather some dies, punches, ephemera, dimensional foam adhesive, adhesive and several patterned papers from the Me Time collection.
For base of the embellishment select 2 papers from the Me Time collection. Cut one of the papers to 1” wide by whatever length you would like. The example today is cut to 8 ½ “. Before cutting the second paper use a border punch to add a decorative edge to the paper and cut the paper 1” wide by the same 8 ½ inches. Repeat this process with a second 1” strip. The two border punched strips will be layered under the first 1” strip of paper.
Next using a die or punch is a shape such as a circle, a square or a label select another pattern paper and die cut the shape making sure it is at least 2 inches. This shape will then be placed on top of the paper strips using dimensional adhesive. This shape can be placed anywhere on the paper strip. If you have other border dies or die cut elements that you want to add for additional layers and interest, you can add them on at this step. For the example I die cut a 21/2” circle and some ric rack border strips then added them to the border embellishment.
With the base complete select ephemera pieces from the Me Time collection to build on top of the shape that you added to the paper strip. Use items like labels and icons to create a cluster filling it in with things like hearts and flowers. Use liquid adhesive for the items at the bottom of the cluster and for the ephemera pieces on top adhere them using dimensional foam to add height. To complete the border strip embellishment, add some enamel dots or sequins for additional texture.
Creating your own dimensional border embellishments allows you to make your layouts unique and using the Me Time collection you can create fun border embellishments to help document all of your favorite hobbies. If you try making your own border embellishments, be sure to tag us at #tracireeddesigns
Story Foundations: Me Time is all about making space for the things you love and celebrating the hobbies that make your time your own. Inspired by quiet afternoons with a good book, creative projects at the table, time in the garden, baking something from scratch, or settling in with a favorite pastime, this chapter is designed to help you tell the stories of the things you do simply because they bring you joy.
Filled with dozens of hand-drawn icons and playful embellishments, you'll find everything from books, yarn, embroidery hoops, paint brushes, gardening tools, mixing bowls, puzzles, gaming, and journals to all the little details that make your favorite hobbies uniquely yours. The colorful palette coordinates beautifully with the rest of the Story Foundations series while remaining versatile enough to pair with your favorite hobby and everyday collections.
Whether you're documenting a longtime passion, a new hobby, a creative project, or simply how you love to spend a quiet afternoon, Me Time gives you a fun foundation for capturing the activities that make you happiest.
With patterned papers, journal cards, stickers, and embellishments designed to mix, match, and layer effortlessly, Story Foundations: Me Time makes it easy to celebrate your interests and creative pursuits...because the things we love to do just for fun are stories worth remembering, too.
See the unboxing and example images for the Story Foundations: Me Time collection HERE.
Don’t forget, the entire 2026 Story Foundations Collections are meant to mix and match and pair with each other! You can see all the Story Foundations Chapters HERE.
BUNDLE INCLUDES:
Story Foundations: Me Time Digital Kit, Cards 1, 2, &3 + Stickers!
BUNDLE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Story Foundations: Me Time TN Papers or Patterned Cards