The Darling Dies are one of our favorite Adventure Level (L3) sets that make large interlocking circles on the grid.
You can use the Darling Dies to cut cardstock, photos, and pattern paper which allows you to create amazing layouts. There are unlimited ways to fill in the die cuts. Just a few ideas are you can layer the circles, fill the outer design spaces, and emphasize different parts of your design.
We have selected 6 ways you can fill the Darling die cuts that we know you will want to see and recreate with your own photos.
1. Emphasize the Center Circles with Paper Mats

"Lovely Gardens" by Paije Potter
You can emphasize the four inner circles of the Darling design by using the layering dies from the set to make colorful layering mats with cardstock.
When you add a circle mat with a different color it draws your eye in. Paije used a light blue cardstock to add contrast while still looking good with all the other colors of the layout. She also added four 1x1 squares with the year, 2020, cut with the Numbers 5 dies in the center of her layout.
This Layout Features: 12x12 Pineapple Crush Grid Paper from the Cool Drinks Collection, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), Numbers 5 Die (L1), and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1).
2. Place Full Circles in the Four Corners

"Elizabethan Gardens 2023" by Paije Potter - Pattern #368
You can also add emphasis to the four corners of the Darling die cuts by keeping them as full circles and not the inner circles.
This gives your layout out a completely different look while using the same die cuts. The circle shape in the very center of this layout was also emphasized by placing a different color of pattern paper in some of the mini sections.
This Layout Features: 12x12 Love Grid Paper from the Happiness Collection, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), Layering Die Bundle Colored A-L through E-L (L1), and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1). Pattern paper from Maggie Holmes™.
3. Don't Use the Circle Die - Fill in Each Mini Piece

"Our Hike Together" by Tami Potter - Pattern #368
Another way to use the Darling Die cuts is to omit the circle dies entirely.
You can use just the Darling outline die cuts and fill all the overlapping design spots with photos. This gives you a really cool mosaic-look with the emphasis on the interlocking circles. Paije also added the same pattern paper throughout the layout so that it flows through the entire page as if it's a second background on top of the 12x12 grid paper background.
This Layout Features: 12x12 Wood Planks Grid Paper from the Weekend Collection, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1). Pattern paper from American Crafts™.
4. Place the 4x4 Darling Die Cuts in the Center

"Tiger Trek Trail" by Paije Potter - Pattern #102
Another way to design a layout with the Darling Dies is to place your 4x4 Darling die cuts in the center of your layout.
This creates an unusual interlocking design that you can fill in different ways. Paije used photos to fill the long ellipses and cardstock to create an 'x' in the center. The photos are from the murals on the trail, as are the 1x4 strips on this layout.
This Layout Features: 12x12 Fishermans Wharf Grid Paper from the Weekend Collection, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), Numbers 5 Die (L1), back of 12x12 Beachcomber Grid Paper from the Shoreline Collection, and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1). Pattern paper from American Crafts™.
5. Make it Bold with Cardstock!

"Fun in the Sun" by Jodi Benson - Pattern #368
The cardstock placement on this layout really make the Darling die cuts grab your attention.
In all of the outside spots, Jodi filled them with blue cardstock and the inside circle layering pieces are a contrasting orange-red hue. The bright white Darling die cut outlines really stand out and are perfect for this fun summer layout.
This Layout Features: 12x12 Fresh Malt Grid Paper, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), Sunny Die (L1), and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1). Pattern paper from PhotoPlay™.
6. Add Lots of Layers

"Riding Ole' Blue" by Jodi Benson - Pattern #368
Look at how many layers you can add on your layout with the Darling Dies.
Jodi layered the four corners circles with pink cardstock, and double layered the inside Darling circles with plaid pattern paper and light pink cardstock. This is another fun way to highlight the circles of the Darling Die cuts and your special photos. You can continue this method by layering the center 2x2 square photo as well.
The Darling die set comes with multiple layering sizes to have lots of fun with!
This Layout Features: 12x12 Squash Grid Paper from the Harvest Collection, Darling Part 1 and Part 2 Die Set (L3), Layering Die Bundle Colored A-L through E-L (L1), and the Basic Die Bundle A-E & 1" Grid - Colored (L1). Pattern paper from Jen Hadfield™.