Top Edge Mini Cluster: Part 1

Lesson 6—Top Edge Mini Cluster

Start Here

  • Download the Lesson 6 elements, video, and manuals below (10 Mb).
  • The Cluster Queen Action Set (for PS & PSE) download can be found in the Lesson 1 download folder.

PDF Lesson Downloads

CAUTION: Each step in this lesson has its own PDF manual—Step One, Step Two, and Step Three. For success in this class, do not move on to the next step until you’ve successfully completed the one before it.

Why These Five Elements?

Each of the elements provided comes from my personal stash. The element set is not specific to any particular designer or kit.

  • Style. Because the theme of lesson six is a top edge mini cluster, I looked for elements that:
    ◦ provide a feeling of downward movement,
    ◦ are linear in design,
    ◦ hang down, and
    ◦ look good when turned upside down.

TIP: Some of the elements in your stash will not be good for this lesson. I will show you what type of elements to avoid in Step Three.

  • Texture. I always try to find variety of texture when choosing elements for a cluster. Stamps are great when combined with 3D objects like the tag and the string.
  • Color. Top edge mini clusters are only intended to add a touch of beauty to a project. They should not demand attention on a scrapbook page either in size or in color. For that reason, I stuck with a neutral color palette that has just a touch of color.

Step One: Create a Cluster

  • Create a top edge mini cluster using the five elements provided.

What is a cluster?

  • A cluster is a group of elements positioned close together.

What is a top edge mini cluster?

  • A top edge mini cluster is mini, as in very small when compared to the rest of a scrapbook page.

  • A top edge mini cluster always starts at the top of a document and flows downward.
  • All elements should provide downward movement, as if they are hanging from the top edge of a document.

Keep the Focus

All good clusters contain focus. Without focus, all you have is cluttering, not clustering.

  • A top edge mini cluster will have one focal element. All the other elements are there to support the focal element.
  • Which of the five elements provided would you choose to be the focal element?
  • The focal element is usually in front of all the other elements in the cluster.
  • If using the Top Down method, start with the focal element.
  • If using the Bottoms Up method, place the focal element last.
  • If using the Shape Starter method, begin by placing a shape partly off the top edge of a document. I do not recommend starting with a circle since circles are not linear.

Tips, Tricks, and Inspiration

Having trouble getting started? Cannot seem to think outside the box? Here’s a little help from a friend.

  • Top edge mini clusters often have an anchor of some sort at the edge of the document. All the elements will spring from the anchor element.
  • All elements should be partly off the document.
  • Vary the vertical centers of each element in the cluster.
  • Vary the length of each of the elements in the cluster.
  • Do not spread the elements out. Keep them overlapping and in very close proximity to each other.
  • Flip, snip, rotate, and resize until you are happy.
  • Work to keep elements in good proportion with each other. In real life, for example, what size would a tag be in relation to a piece of string?
  • All elements should point down.
  • Angling elements is not recommended.

This is the image you need to keep in mind when creating a top edge mini cluster. It’s the image of a big clip holding on to the top edge of a document. The blue arrows represent various elements in a cluster.

  • All elements at some point should come in contact with the edge of the clip.
  • You don’t need to see much of an element in order for it to be effective.
  • When trying to decide how much of an element should be showing, look for small details that might make a big difference.

Is your confidence growing?

Is it getting a little easier to read my instructions and then see a cluster start to form in your imagination?

If you are not feeling even the tiniest bit more confident, that means you need to spend more time in Step One and Step Two.

Do This—Chart Your Confidence. Make a physical note about your confidence level at the start of this lesson. Where are you on the scale? Any different than last lesson?

Additional Challenges

You will find some lessons easier than others. If you feel like you breezed through Step One, here are some prompts and ideas to get you thinking like a Cluster Queen and challenge you to take it to the next level.

  • Try starting from scratch and seeing how many different versions of the top edge mini cluster you can make using these five elements.
  • Try duplicating some of the elements, like the chevrons.
  • Do you see any opportunities for a custom shadow?
  • For a more minimal look, see how many clusters you can create using just one or two word strips and one or two of the supporting elements.

ATTENTION: Please do not post your results of Step One on the class Facebook Group. Doing so may sideline the creative process for your fellow classmates.

If you’re mega excited to share your result of Step One, I’d love to see it. You can email it to me or send it via the Help Desk.

CAUTION: Don’t rush to Step Two; take time to experiment and find your own solution.

Complete and Continue