Scrapping with Patterned Paper

Have you seen all the rich colors of patterned papers?
Have you tried some of them and went, Yuk that paper just is to much for my layouts. HMMM well we all do that! Don’t think its not possible to use it and create layouts where the paper doesn’t over power the pictures.The idea is to use it sparingly. Typically I like to start out with a sheet of plain cardstock, then add my patterned paper to it. If it doesn’t look quite like I want it to look I might just add a different color cardstock to it to break it up a bit. For instance I may use a dark blue cardstock then a patterned paper that is cut smaller to start my layout then if it still is looking like it’s too much I may tone it down by matting my pictures in a different color of blue, maybe a lighter shade or sometime I double mount them in 2 different colors. It does make a difference when you are trying to use a very bold paper as opposed to a softer one. Give it a try and see what happens. Most of my layouts just happen.

One of my favorite ways to use different types of papers is to use a stripe with a pattern. It works great! Here is one I did that I used this combination with. I designed this one for a pre-made page, but it is a great example of how you can use many types of paper to in your layouts. ...............................Debbie Ruggles


Carol:
I like to take 2 sheets of colored cardstock that match one sheet of patterned paper...use the cardstock as the layout pages. Rip the patterned paper in half from corner to corner...makes 2 big triangles ...and then place one triangle on each cardstock...this way each layout is only using half the pattern...then I usually mat my pictures with another color of solid cardstock. You also get more for your money this way...stretches out the more expensive patterned paper.I also like to make stripes down pages with the patterned paper. just cut 2-3 2 inch stripes and put them down the sides of the paper...this also stretches out the patterned paper. To me using a little patterned paper on a solid color draws more attention to the prettier paper!......Carol Paskovitch

Sharon:
In fact a few years back when I first started posting layouts in online galleries and getting into "product" I had the same question. Here are some tips that I picked up along the way.In the beginning try to mix pattern papers by working tone on tone. This way you are working within the same color family and the patterns won't compete as much.Also there is a rule called "The Economies of Scale." Patterns can vary in size from tiny polka dots to very large flowers. These designs can look large or small depending on what other patterns you combine them with. When putting together a layout try to vary the scale of patterns on your page from small to medium to large. Another factor you may consider is the visual weight of a pattern. Visual weight is the color and spacing between designs on a paper. A paper will appear either more or less prominent on your layout depending on its "weight". A smaller pattern (like the polka dots) is busier and usually carries more weight than a paper with a larger pattern, so you may want to use those more sparingly so that they don't distract from your photos. To create a balanced page try and use larger portions of patterns that have less visual weight. Another trick with mixing pattern papers is to use the same pattern in various colors on your layout. This allows you to have fun with both color and pattern with out having to worry about the patterns clashing. When in doubt, you can always mix and match papers from a particular manufacturer's line. They usually design their collections to mix and match well together....................Sharon Carroll

Tricia
It took me a while to figure out that when you go to the stores, all of the similar colored patterns are grouped together (duh me!). So now I feel I can use all of the patterns together on one layout because their colors match up. I have no problems using one patter for the matte, one for letters, one for backgrounds all on one layout. Sometimes I will ink the edges of the mattes or the letters to make them pop out on the patterned background...............Tricia Gordon

Scrapbooking Tips To Get You Started

This is our first post at our new home, so it was only fitting to start right from the beginning with how and why we scrapbook. As a mom I know that I have many reasons. One I love being a mom and I loved every moment of watching my baby boys grow up to the wonderful young men they are. I can't tell you how much fun it is to sit with all the scrapbooks and reminisce about the times that we shared. One giant reason to scrap is to preserve all those moments to look back on. Memories are one thing that they say can never be taken away from a person. Probably true, but when I look back on those scrapbooks I can relive my memories by the pictures and journaling on my pages. I just hope that my boys have as much fun looking back these times as I do. I feel like I am preserving a bit of their lives that one day they can share with the next generation. They can show them how we lived and what it was like growing up when they did. I just can't say enough about scrapbooking and how important it is to do.So what tips do I have for you? Well there are many that we could list.

So lets just start out with the basics and then you can just come back each month for more!

1. Equipement. That one is simple. You definately need a good, sharp pair of scissors. You also need some paper and/or cardstock, some kind of adhesive to begin.
**A lot of people begin with the glue stick and then progress into other adhesives. Glue dots seem to be the number one adhesive, so check them out and see if they meet your expectations.**
Rotary Cutters are fantastic, but pricey. Although I did see a small simple cutter at one of those dollar discount centers. So if you are short on cash then check out one of those stores and see if you can come across some bargains for one.

2. Something else that I like to have is a good cutting mat. There are a large selection out there. My only advice is to make sure it self healing. It doesn't necessarily need to be a 12x12 mat. Just one that you can cut on and punch on and works for those things.

3. The old thing about a album always comes up with beginners. Just because you don't have an album doesn't mean you can't scrapbook! Heck I know a lot of scrappers who just purchase the protectors and get a album whenever they feel the need. I do suggest you have a place that is flat and your layouts won't get wrinkled. I also suggest you do purchase some page protectors. They aren't that expensive and they will help keep your layout clean and free of wrinkles and folds. Does it mean you can't scrap if you don't have these? NO! Just keep them in a flat clean and dry place until you can get them safely in protectors.

4. As for ideas, they are endlessly displayed on the internet. You can find a ton of them almost anywhere. Just look around, you can find sketches, ideas and tons more patterns on making your scrapbooking pages. So don't concern yourself for looking for a magazine subscription just yet!

5. A great way to get ideas is to go to classes, or crops. There are a lot of them out there. I myself put on a monthly crop robin. where we make 1 project (usually a 2-page layout) and I just have everyone bring their pictures, adhesives and glue and we get the job done. We have a different host each month and a different project is made by that hostess. Oh we have visitors to, they just pay the host $10.00 and they can come and join in on all the fun. Just a idea to get you started on some of the fun social scrapbooking events that could be out there. You might even find one that is close to where you live.

6. Whatever you can afford, remember some of that should be for paper and cardstock. You can't really do much without some. I remember when I was starting out I looked at dollar stores for scrapbooking things. Just to save you the hassle, the papers were not that great. I love the heavy, colorful quality papers and you will to. So look at your local scrapbook store and see what they have. You will be amazed at the colors and beauty some of these paper have.