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RULE

Use bold patterns only in small portions

Do you love large, bold patterned papers, but shy away from using them? It’s true that bold patterns can be intimidating. It’s definitely easier to follow the rules and use only small amounts (or none at all) than to risk overpowering a photo. Like most things in life, successfully using bold patterns is all about balance. And balance requires careful planning. Whether you choose to counter bold patterns with equally lively photos or minimize embellishments to let the paper shine, using bold patterns successfully is within your reach. Are you up for the challenge?

Artwork by Erin Derkatz

Erin’s page is another example of how creating contrast provides balance for a page. Here a piece of busy patterned paper contrasts with the calm and peaceful nature of the oversized photo. This contrast draws the eye in to rest on the special picture.

Supplies: Cardstock; patterned paper (Autumn Leaves, BasicGrey); ribbon (BasicGrey, Cosmo Cricket); brad (K&Co.); decorative tape (Making Memories); Misc: adhesive, paint, pen, staples, thread

YOUR CHALLENGE

Create a page that juxtaposes a busy patterned paper with a quiet photo.

On this page, the bold pattern I used forms a border around the grouping of photos placed at its center. Because this border is visually busy, the eye is drawn to the quieter area of the black-and-white photos. Solid red embellishments help anchor the images.

Supplies: Patterned paper (Tinkering Ink); letter stickers (K&Co.); chipboard arrow (Deluxe Designs); stars (American Crafts); label sticker (Martha Stewart); ribbon (Fancy Pants); Misc: adhesive, paint, pen

YOUR CHALLENGE

Use a bold pattern to form a border around a grouping of black-and-white photos.

Artwork by Ronee Parsons

Here, Ronee used a simple design and coordinating colors to create an attractive patterned layout. To separate her photo from this busy background, Ronee lifted it with adhesive foam, creating a division between elements. And embellishments with graphic patterns—the circles and grids on the transparencies—provide a welcoming balance to the busy floral.

Supplies: Patterned paper (American Crafts, Hambly); transparency (Hambly); letter stickers (American Crafts); stamps (Gel-a-tins); Misc: adhesive, ink, pen

YOUR CHALLENGE

Plan a scrapbook page that combines a bold patterned paper with a simple design.

Following the Rules

On the layout that follows the rules, the bold pattern is nearly lost behind the photos. In fact, the photos are almost lost as well. The competition for attention between the photos and pattern pushes the eye to run for the expanse of the empty blue paper. The other layout shows how breaking the rules brings attention to the photos. This page incorporates a large piece of bold pattern that balances the photos on the right. The pattern works with the page design, not against it.

Supplies: Card-stock; patterned paper (Chatterbox, K&Co.); letter stickers (Arctic Frog); stamp (Stampin’ Up); journaling tags (Heidi Swapp); Misc: adhesive, floss, ink, pen, photo corners

Breaking the Rules

Supplies: Cardstock; patterned paper (Chatterbox, K&Co.); letter stickers (Arctic Frog); stamp (Stampin’ Up); journaling tags (Heidi Swapp); Misc: adhesive, floss, ink, pen, photo corners

YOUR CHALLENGE

Design a page using a bold pattern as a tool to create balance on your page.