Hello Monday -- Sunburst Tutorial

Creating a Sunburst Background

I tried a few methods and ultimately developed my own method that provides the precision that my perfectionist nature loves.

To begin, gather the following supplies

1 12x12 piece of chipboard

2.5 inch circle punch

1 piece of scrap paper, can be anything that you can punch a 2 inch circle from

removeable adhesive

ruler

fine black sharpie marker

Step 1 : punch a circle from the scrap paper.  Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the circle then place gently adhere it to the spot on your chipboard from which you’d like the rays to radiate.  Trace the circle with the marker.

Step 2: Find the center of the circle by measuring from the edge 1.5 inches in both directions and marking an X.  Then draw lines to cut out one quarter of the circle.  Place the quarter back into the outline and mark the center with a black dot.  You can now complete the rays accurately using your ruler.

Step 3: Choose the first angle and draw a line, using the ruler to keep it straight, between the edge of the circle and the edge of the paper.

Note: I chose not to make my angle into the point because I feel it gives a more interesting piece but you could certainly go right into the corner of the square if you prefer.

Step 4: Continue marking rays all the way around your chipboard.  You can space them according to your preferences but remember that the smaller the space the smaller the cuts you’ll need to make later on.

Step 5: Number each piece at the wide end of the slice.

Step 6: Cut the pieces out.  I use my rotary cutter, self healing mat and transparent ruler for easy and precision but you can choose the method that you prefer.

Step 7:  Choose your papers, use the templates to draw lines on the back side of your paper and cut out.

Step 8: Cut out the pieces and place them on your background using a light adhesive

Step 9: Sew pieces down, add layers of vellum if desired.

Note: If you don’t want a full 12 inch backround, you can cut it down to whatever size you prefer, or make another set of templates with the size you’d like to use. 

Make sure to keep your templates on hand for future use!

Here is my final layout. 

Metallic gold embossing is my new favorite thing!

Supplies for the layout (Studio Calico kit, Roller Rink, Cardstock: Bazzil Basics, Patterned Paper: (Theresa Collins, Basic Grey, American Crafts, Echo Park Pebbles, MME) Washi Tape (Freckled Fawn, 7 Gypsies) Wood Veneer (Sodalicious), Stamps: Studio Calico, Stickers (American Crafts, Tim Holtz) Vellum Die Cuts: Studio Calico Pearls: MME, Alpha Stickers: Basic Grey, Embossing Powder: American Crafts, Brads: MME, Sequins: Studio Calico, Twine: Maya Road, Mist: Heidi Swapp, 

Hope your having an inspired week!