How To: Circle & Shaped Bokeh

The bokeh look is one that many crafters really admire when it’s seen in a project. But, when it comes to actually creating the look, many look-away because they just don’t know where to start. Let’s demystify this technique and have you creating blurred backgrounds in no time!

supplies for circle & shaped bokeh

You don’t need much to achieve great results. In fact, you don’t need anything special! Of course, if you need to do some shopping, I always have supplies linked below and at the end of the post. But, before you shop, be sure to check out my Crafty Sales page for any deals you can take advantage of at your favorite crafting haunts.

• background panel (watercolor wash, patterned paper, gel plate print, etc.)
• nesting circles dies
• nesting heart dies (or other shapes)
• white pigment ink
• foam blender and/or finger blender
• embossing & die cut machine
• heavy cardstock

Looking for more specials and deals from your favorite craft stores?
Check out my Crafty Sales page – UPDATED DAILY!

steps to create circle & shaped bokeh

1. Add various nesting circle or other shaped dies on a piece of heavy 6×6 (or any size) cardstock and diecut to create a bokeh stencil.
2. Optionally, cut extra stencils with the smaller circles for more targeted use later in the technique.
3. Place the large stencil over a selected background panel.
4. Using white pigment ink and a foam blender apply the ink lightly over the stencil. The background should still be visible.
5. Remove the stencil and use the blender to soften the edges of the circles.
6. Rotate and/or shift the stencil and repeat the process, creating overlapping soft circles in the background.
7. To create more defined circles in the foreground, use the smaller circles from the stencil (or a separate stencil) to add in more defined circles without any edge blending.

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watch the technique tutorial

My How To tutorial videos are filmed with real-time narration. You can pull out your supplies and follow along because there’s no editing, except for drying time. Pause when you need to, but otherwise, get ready and create right along with me!

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You can help my artistic efforts by using these links to shop for your supplies! These are Compensated Affiliate Links, meaning that when you click and shop, I may receive a small commission on your sale, at no additional cost to you. It’s an easy way to say “thanks” and keep this great content flowing!