Retro Design Inspiration: 1980s

What do you think of when I say big hair bands and neon spandex?  I instantly think 1980s.  Looking back, I can see that I participated in several fashion faux pas (remember peg-legged, pleated, acid-washed jeans?  YIKES!)  However, the eighties weren't all bad. There are plenty of fun and funky color combinations and design themes that you can use as inspiration.

Bold geometric patterns and eye-popping color groupings were popular during the 1980s, and these same color combinations can be used effectively today, especially if you keep balance and tone in check by adding in a neutral color and taking advantage of negative spaces on your layout to give the eye places to rest.  A little bit of the eighties goes a long way!

Paint splatters and graffiti-style lettering and art were very big during this era.  For a fun retro look you could create your own background paper using a splatter technique and several colors of acrylic paint.  For a softer look you could do the same thing with watercolors. Graffiti-style lettering is easy to achieve with your computer.  You can find several examples on the Internet, and then simply copy by hand directly onto your layout, or print out your title and cut it out.

Here are a couple projects I've recently completed that were inspired by the 1980s.

U R Awesome Card

This card started with a base of some fun paper from American Crafts' recently released "Teen" line.  This pattern is called Passing Notes.  I love the handwritten-style font and the bright colors.

Supplies:

• card base - Bazzill Cards and Envelopes
• patterned paper - American Crafts Passing Notes
• ribbon - May Arts
• journal block - Heidi Swapp
• journaling pen - Zig Pure Pink
  

Happy Harbor

This layout features photos of my children at Sea World's Happy Harbor.  The hot pink flamingos and bright blue sky work really well with my 80's-inspired color palette of lime, pink, and yellow. 

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned paper - Doodlebug Designs (stripe), Die Cuts With a View (green plaid)
• journal block - My Mind's Eye
• plastic embellishments - American Crafts, Fieldhouse Spring and Summer Plastics
• alphabet stickers - Doodlebug Designs
  

Here are a few more ideas and products you can use to get that "totally awesome" 80s look for your own projects.  Have fun, and don't be afraid to tease your bangs and put on your old leather jacket if it helps get you into the right mood; we promise, we won't tell!

• Use graffiti-style tags for journaling, or use them on the front of handmade cards.
• Bold patterned paper like this one from Sandylion is perfect for layouts about skateboarding, biking, or other action-packed activities.
• Teen-themed rub-ons with an 80s flair are perfect for layouts about the teenager or tween in your life.  These are great for mini books or home décor projects as well.
• Add a little pizzazz to your project with Lime Green Stickles glitter.  Use several neon colors together for an eye-popping title or page accent.  Try creating a border of geometric shapes or swirls.
• Heidi Swapp's glossy hot pink Chipboard Letters are the perfect product for an 80s inspired page title.
• Try framing out the focal photo on your layout with Bazzill Basics Paper Flowers in bright orange.
• These clear stamps from KI Memories have a fun, graffiti style look that would be great for any 1980s inspired project.
• Create a layout about popular slang, songs, books, or movies from your childhood using this fun paper from American Crafts, aptly named "Hi."