No-Fail Quick Cluster Hack (Works Every Time)

by Jen White

Real quick—think of a cluster on a scrapbook page.

Got an image in mind?

Is your imagined cluster full and elaborate? Or is it something small and more manageable?

Does the cluster make you happy? Or are you running to grab a paper sack and beginning the hyperventilation process? A cluster can be many things, but it should never stress you out.

Take a look at these examples of 3-pc clusters. What do they all have in common?

No Fail 3-pc Cluster

The common components of the three clusters above include:

• A flower
• A leaf
• A linear anchoring element

Start with a flower. The kind of flower you choose is not important as long as its colors do not clash with the other elements.

Next, add a coordinating leaf–just one. Tuck it in under the flower so that about three-fourths of the leaf is showing. Make the leaf point to the left or to the right.

Finally, place a linear, anchoring element underneath it all. This anchoring element can be part of a ribbon, a journaling tag, or even part of a stamp. Notice the height of the anchor element in proportion to the height of the flower. That’s important. The height of these anchors is roughly one-fourth to one-third the height of the flower they are clustered with.

Put It Into Practice

Search through your stash this week and put together several No Fail 3-pc Clusters like the ones above. For those of you that find clustering scary, this exercise is guaranteed to raise your confidence level as well as inspire you to create.

Ready For More?

Did you enjoy this quick and simplified exercise? If so, come sit with me in my Cluster Queen class where I provide thought provoking and gentle instruction specifically designed to pump up your clustering skill and confidence.