Using Stripes

In recent years the popularity of stripes has increased dramatically in scrapbook layouts. Especially popular has been the use of striped patterned papers and decorative tapes. What are the advantages of stripes and how do you use them? Here are some information, inspiration and guidelines for using stripes on your scrapbook and craft projects.

Advantages of Stripes

• Stripes are versatile. Stripes are available in a variety of thicknesses such as wide, medium or thin. Stripes can also be a variety of colors. Within a striped pattern, the stripes can be just two alternating colors or a wide variety of colors. Additionally since stripes are a series of lines they can be placed either vertically or horizontally on a layout.


• Stripes create a mood. Horizontal stripes create a calm and balanced feel to a layout. Vertical stripes bring an active and busy feel to a layout.


• Stripes bring a feeling of symmetry and balance to a layout.


• Stripes combine well with other patterned papers including paisleys, florals, and other stripes.


• Stripes can be used boldly on a larger amount of the layout surface or it can be used subtly as an accent.


• Stripes work with any scrapbook style, including clean and simple, classic, romantic, artsy or Shabby Chic.

Stripes are fun and attractive so here are so guidelines and ideas for using them.

Guidelines for Using Stripes
Determine the mood of your layout. If you want a calm and balanced feel to a layout, place your lines horizontally. If you want an active and busy feel, place your lines vertically. Here is an example of a layout that feels calm due to the horizontal stripes.

Balance your stripe thickness with the total area where the stripes will be placed. If you have a small space (a journaling block, for example) use thin stripes. Larger stripes would be too much. Alternatively, when you have a larger space (title area or large background area) you can use thick stripes.

When using more than one patterned paper, choose a size that will contrast with the other patterns. For example, use a thin stripe with a big floral.

Check your colors. Your striped pattern should contain colors common with the rest of the layout’s color scheme. Using patterned papers (as in this layout) from the same paper lines can help keep a consistent color scheme.

Use stripes to create a focal point. In an area where a lot of solid color is used, add some stripes. The stripes will create an automatic focal point.

Unite an album or series of scrapbook pages with stripes. Repeating a striped pattern from page to page will unify the pages.

The simple use of lines in your layout design gives you more options and creative power for your layouts. So, take advantage of the myriad of patterned papers and decorative tapes and have fun with lines.