It can be a challenge to mix and match patterned papers when creating scrapbooking pages. No matter what, we need to ensure that our pictures are THE FOCAL POINT of all of our pages. I'm sure you've seen pages where the pictures get lost with all the patterned papers and embellishments. Sometimes it's as if people forget why they're scrapbooking . . . to preserve their pictures and memories! (Oh, and to enjoy the creative process too!)
Pictured are samples from one of our recent workshops:
Here are some tips for mixing and matching patterned papers:
- Use patterned papers from one coordinating line, like the Simple Stories “Kate & Ash” line shown here. This ensures that all the colors will work well together. You can purchase the papers individually or in kits. The kits make scrapbooking really easy and often they include embellishments that you can use on your pages.
- Mix different size patterns together, such as one large patterned and two or more smaller patterns.
- Try to use at least one of the same papers on each page of a two-page layout. This helps tie the pages together and look more cohesive.
- Include a similar element on both pages of a two-page layout to strengthen the cohesiveness. Examples of this in these two-page layout shown above are the stripe through the lower portion of the pages.
- Mat your photos on one or two colors of solid-colored cardstock. Use cardstock that matches one or more of the colors in the patterned paper. This will help the make your pictures the focus of your pages.
I hope these tips are helpful. If you want to check out our Scrapbooking Page Kits, CLICK HERE! We also have paper collections without embellishments; to check them out CLICK HERE!
Happy Crafting!
Sondra