Playing with Patterns

Every scrapper has their own style, their own characteristic way of placing their photos together, and their distinctive embellishments they use. My “trademark” supplies are pattern papers. I used to be so afraid of pattern, and my layouts would be stark landscapes with a few photos and an embellishment or 2 placed on top of a single color of cardstock. My layouts were very clean and simple, but they just weren’t me. I’m a messy kinda gal, not matchy-matchy, not clean and simple-more like funky, playful and artsy. Experimenting with patterns really helped me to express myself and I am much happier with my layouts now.

Mixing plaids, stripes and polka dots all on one layout can be a very daunting task for some, so take it slow and let the “professionals” do the dirty work for you! Grab a pack of paper from one manufacturer, choose 2 or 3 patterns from the kit, combine in small quantities on your page and you have just created a masterpiece of patterns. By choosing papers from one kit, you can be reassured that they coordinate in just the right way- your project can be fun and playful with out being a hot mess!

Southern Girls Challenge has a design team call going on right now, looking for scrappers to submit a project showcasing their favorite embellishments, so I submitted my “Bunny Breakfast” layout (below) showing how I’ve combined patterns to create may background. It might seem busy to you, but I like the crazy fun background it creates! Try it out for yourself, grab those polka dots and plaids and give it a whirl! =) T