This article appears in
. Visit our
online store to order a copy of this issue.
Yes, I’m a patterned paper collector. What scrapbooker isn’t? I’m attracted to all the pretty florals, whimsical polka dots, and versatile stripes, but it’s really more than that. Patterns can inspire my creativity and help to showcase a celebration such as a birthday or wedding. Patterns can even evoke a feeling with their themes, such as formal or playful. But combining these patterns can result in a busy look that distracts from your photos, so what’s a scrapbooker to do? Here are some tips and fast-and-easy techniques to mix patterns with confidence and help you save time the next time you go shopping for your supplies.
Shawna Rendon, former assistant editor
fast facts:
I love taking photographs of flowers. There is something about being surrounded by God’s beauty that makes me happy and at peace. For this layout I wanted to showcase an assortment of flowers from the different Disney locations in Florida. By creating this border, I was able to add lots of fun patterned paper and include a total of 10 photographs on my layout.
photo inspiration
To create this layout, I took my cue from the photos to pick the right papers. I first chose a patterned paper that had all the flower colors in it. Then it was easy to just stay with the same line of coordinating papers and add additional patterns to complement the colors in the photos. By incorporating small swatches of the patterned paper it allowed me to have variety and keep the focus where it belongs, on the photos.
supplies: Green, white paper • Patterned papers (KI Memories) • Ribbon (American Crafts) • Computer font
Sheredian Vickers
The Woodlands, Texas
fast facts:
Sheredian is a college and career guidance counselor, has a husband and two children, and is a very proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. Her most treasured possession is her health as she is a breast cancer survivor and has been blessed not only to witness her daughter’s two graduations (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees) and her wedding, but to also welcome her youngest grandson Christian into the world.
use black-and-white photos
Sheredian purposely turned her photo to black and white in order to use these patterned papers. She chose a color-blocking technique, in which she used an assortment of patterned paper blocks pieced together to make the background for the layout. This was not only time-saving but it was also an easy way to create her playful background.
supplies: Black, pink paper (Bazzill) • Patterned paper (KI Memories, SEI) • Ribbon (American Crafts) • Rub-ons (Déjà Views by C-Thru Ruler, Making Memories) • Ink (Ranger, Stampabilities) • Cork (Lazerletterz) • Chipboard letters (Li’l Davis) • Stencil (Autumn Leaves) • Clear embossing powder (Ranger) • Acrylic paint (Making Memories)
Lisa Turley
Chesapeake, Virginia
fast facts:
Lisa enjoys chocolate and her favorite TV shows are Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and Survivor. She’s willing to splurge on anything scrapbook related. “Am I supposed to be spending money on anything else?” she asks. Her most treasured possession, besides her loved ones, are her photos.
stick with one paper line
Lisa was able to complete this layout in 45 minutes in part because she chose to use a complete coordinating line of products. The beauty of a coordinated line is that it takes all the guesswork out of mixing patterns and the valuable time it saves shopping for matching elements. Lisa wanted to keep the layout simple, so she layered her patterned papers and then outlined the corners, title and frames with a 3-D glaze pen to add contrast and dimension.
supplies: Patterned paper, monograms, rub-ons (BasicGrey) • Mini brads (Queen & Co.) • 3D glaze pen, journaling pen (Sakura) • Chipboard
