When to Use Patterned Scrapbook Paper

Oct.16, 2008 by Genesis Davies
Scrapbooking

There is a huge array of fun scrapbook papers available to the scrapping enthusiast and many of these come in patterns to enhance your pages. While it can be pretty easy to go overboard with all those delightful patterned papers, it does pay to use them sparingly and in good taste. Today, we’re going to look at when it’s a good idea to add these busier papers to your scrapbook pages and how to best use them.

Avoid Patterns with Patterns

Remember when you found out the hard way in grade school that plaid and stripes don’t mix? Well, the same goes for your scrapbook page. If you want a nicely coordinated page, keep in mind that you don’t want a bunch of different textures and prints on one page. Don’t forget to look at the photos, as well. If you have a shot of your toddler in her cute plaid Christmas dress, It’s probably not a good idea to use a striped paper as a frame.

Bad vs Good Pattern Usage

Pick Out Prints in Photos

A photo that has predominant patterns in it usually looks best with a plain color frame, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use the same print elsewhere on the page. For example, if you have a photo of your little ones playing in a ball pit, you might choose to use a polka dot paper as an accent in the corners of the scrapbook page. They don`t have to be right against the picture, but repeating the pattern found in the photos can help tie the page together.

Good pattern example

Opt for Solids on Prints and Vice Versa

Now, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule and you’ll notice some of them in these weekly tips. However, if you are unsure and worried about messing things up, just keep this in mind, if your background is solid, use patterned paper as an accent. If the background is patterned, look to use solids as accents and frames. A good way to know when to ignore this rule is when the patterns are particularly soft, such as with lightly sponged, tone-on-tone textures or barely noticeable stripes. These papers can be paired together for a very nice, coordinated look.

For more coordinated pages, you’ll want to follow the suggestions above. However, if you’re looking to create a crazy, fun page, then go ahead and mix patterns. Sometimes this is a fun way to create a birthday page or one that your child helps you put together (kids have VERY different tastes than we do!).

Take the time to choose your papers carefully. Place your photos on several different ones to select the best option and to match colors. And most of all have fun! Don`t get too stressed out about finding just the right pattern . . . if you have one you like, use it.