Clear is one of the hottest trends to hit paper crafting and it's no wonder-from cards to scrapbook pages, see-through items add a ton of character to a handmade project. Here are a few fun embellishments you can leave as-is, or add to your next project.

A great bookmark or page border, this 'Happy' overlay is perfect over a bright patterned paper.HappyBy LeNae GerigMaterials: Paper Pizazz(r) 8in x 8in birthday papers Cardmaker's(tm) Icy Rainbow and Citrus ribbons1/16in hole punch.

Method:Mat an 8in x 1 7/8in rectangle of dots paper onto dark pink textured cardstock, trimming the ends even. Place the 'happy' overlay border on top, then punch six holes along the left end. Thread ribbon lengths through the holes and knot them in place.

Slide mounts make great frames for overlay sentiments. Paris decorated a jumbo slide mount and added it to this 'thanks' overlay, gluing the edges of the overlay behind the slide mount.

ThanksBy Paris DukesMaterials:Cardmaker's(tm) All-Occasion Clear & Frosted OverlaysCardmaker's(tm) Citrus Creative PackSlide Mount Mania(tm) Super Sized Slide MountsHot Off The Press black mini bradsBlack inkGlue Dots(tm)X-acto(r) knife.

Method: Cover the slide mount with dots paper, then ink the edges with black ink. Glue the overlay to the center of the slide mount, then use mini brads to attach strips of the zigzag overlay to the top and bottom. Accent the lower right corner with 'cherish' and 'treasure' overlays to finish.

Filmstrips Ribbons and brads make attaching overlays easy. LeNae punched holes in the top right of this filmstrip overlay and the photos behind it, then tied ribbon through. She secured the other three corners with brads for a decorative display.

Method:Glue photos behind the windows in the filmstrip overlay. Punch five holes along the upper right corner and knot ribbon lengths through the holes. Cut two white tags, add journalling, draw a border along the edges and attach them to opposite corners, then insert the leaf brads as shown.Projects reprinted from Design Elements and Cardmaker's(tm) All-OccasionClear & Frosted Overlays from Hot Off The Press.HOT TIPS1. Create customised windows on layouts with transparency and rub-ons.2. Frame a transparency design, then mount it with foam tape and add it to your page for a funky dimensional accent.3. Film strips are great for portraying action and movement on a page.