Scrapbooking Tip: Using Patterned Papers

As a scrapbooker of more than 8 years, I know how confusing patterned papers can be to work with.  It's so easy to fall in love with all those delicious colors, patterns, and textures.  What does one do when trying to use more than one pattern on a layout?  Well, here are a few tips.

1.  Use coordinating papers made by the same company.  On this layout, for example, I used K & Company's Girl Scouts paper line.  (This is the original line.  K & Co. has replaced it with a new line of GS papers.)

2.  If you have the option, choose double-sided papers so that you have more choices of designs that coordinate nicely. 

3.  Use plain cardstock as a background/base paper, and add patterned paper effectively.  In this case, I used the patterned papers to draw attention to my photos and move the viewer's eye from the top of my layout to the bottom. 

4.  Choose coordinating embellishments that pick up a few of the colors in your layout.  Try not to over-do the embellishments when you're using patterned papers.  You don't want to take the focus away from your photos.

5.  Another idea for incorporating patterned papers into your scrapbook pages is to use them for your titles.  For this layout, I used one of the patterned papers for the letters and a coordinating solid paper to mat the letters.

Try using some of these ideas, and you'll see how even the busiest papers can be incorporated into your layout to create a very eye-catching effect.  Happy scrapping!