Saturday Special 1/9/10- Working with Patterned Papers
Hello, it’s Liz and I have decided to do a Saturday Special about patterned papers. I love patterns I would put every patterned paper in a kit on a single page if I could figure out how to do it, but I have gotten the impression that I am in the minority when it comes to patterns. So hopefully this will give you some tips and tricks to work with patterns like a pro.
1. Color is crucial. The color of your patterns will define whether your page ends up looking fabulous or like a hot mess. One way to ensure harmony is to pick the colors from your picture and find patterns in those colors. If you are colorphobic (which is nothing to be ashamed of!), you could use black and white or other neutrals. Regardless of your choice, pick a color palette and stick with it!
2. Know the scale of your patterns. Patterns come in 3 basic scale sizes: small, medium and large. Know the scale of the pattern will help you use pattern to its best advantage. All of my examples come from “A Spot of Tea” by Erica Zane and Denise Beatty Originals because it was the kit I used for my page. A small scale pattern looks like this:
It is well small. I like using tone on tone small patterns as backgrounds alot. It gives interest without being overwhelming. Small scales can work great for just about anything and can often be interchanged with solids.
Here is a medium scale:
It is larger than the small scale pattern and can give greater impact to a page. You could use it as a mat for you picture or stack a solid with it for a background. This pattern will definitely pop on your page!
Finally a large scale:
his paper says “Look at me! Look at me!” I would suggest using large scale patterns as accent pieces when first starting out. They can add alot of punch. These patterns should complement your smaller scale patterns.
3. Mixing it Up Patterns look great as solo acts but mixing them can add a huge wow factor. Keep in mind the scale and color when mixing. A green and red stripe is going to clash with blue and brown dots. Same color families will go together (e.g. blues, browns, pinks, etc.). If the thought of multiple patterns scares you start out with some softer patterns (i.e. tone on tone flowers/dots, small polka dots or stripes) and then match a wilder pattern with it!
4. Stick to the Rule of Three When working with pattern less is more. Stick to 3 patterned papers to avoid overwhelming the page. You could do 4 if one of your patterns is subtle. More than 4 and your page may start to look clutter.
5. Have fun and stick with your style. Go with what works for you and have fun! Patterns are not supposed to break you down into tears. If you are a minimalistic scrapper, pick patterns that are more subdued. If you like going crazy, pick some bright multi-colored patterns and really mix it up. It is up to you to decide how crazy the page gets.
The challenge is to scrap a layout using 3-4 patterned papers on it.
Here is my page:
Using Spot of Tea by Erica Zane and Denise Beatty Originals
And here is some from the CT ladies:
From Courtney:
Great subtle use of patterns. Adds a pop of color!
From Jen:
There is alot going on this page but because the patterns are just small pieces it totally works!
From Jenn:
She used not only patterned papers but patterned elements as well! Check out the striped swirl and checked ribbon!
The Rules:
The papers must be visible (no hiding them completely but a hint of sliver is okay, I just need to be able to see them.) Post your LO to the Saturday Special gallery and post it in the thread in the forum before the end of January. You’ll receive one point towards your January total. If you use a New Release, PLEASE NOTE IT IN BOTH YOUR CREDITS IN THE GALLERY AND YOUR POST TO THE THREAD in order to receive your extra point. At the end of the month, I will pick a random winner, who will receive a bonus point on February’s total. Have fun and I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!
Tags: challenge, The Saturday Special
