Using Busy Patterned Papers

Like so many scrapbookers I have a love for paper. I especially love patterned paper. It's the first thing I buy when I walk down the aisles of a scrapbook store or purchase supplies online. These days I am awed by the amazing selection of paper. It's intricate, wild, fun and beautiful. These "busy" patterns, though, can be hard to use on a scrapbook page without overwhelming the photographs. How can these busy patterned papers be used without taking over the layout? Here are a few examples of how to use busy patterned papers:

• Instead of the busy pattern, consider the color scheme.
  When the color scheme matches the photographs, it will work together better without overwhelming the photographs. While considering this layout, I loved how the two-tone patterned paper matched so well with my single photograph. I could let the pattern dominate the layout because of its colors. The matching colors still kept the focus on the photograph.

• Use black-and-white or neutral-colored photographs.
  To use a busy pattern, consider printing your photograph in black and white. The neutral colors in the photograph will give you more freedom of color choice. When you have photographs with neutral colors within the photograph, take advantage of the opportunity to use any color scheme. In my layout, "So Blessed," my photographs contained neutral colors and it allowed me to use a flowery, multi-colored patterned paper.

• Offset the busy pattern with a solid, neutral foreground.
  A busy, multi-colored pattern can be brought under control with the use of a neutral color. With a neutral color either dominating the interior or exterior of a layout, balance is achieved. In my layout, "Nature's Beauty," I used a large block of white cardstock for my journaling and photographs. The white block kept the patterned paper from overtaking my layouts.

• Offset the busy pattern with a solid, neutral background.
  In my layout, "Cousins," I did the opposite. I broke up the patterned paper for some visual relief and mounted it all on white cardstock.
  

• Use small strips of the busy pattern.
  Consider cutting up your patterned paper into strips and blocks of paper. Mount these strips and blocks on cardstock to help them "pop" on your layout or place them directly on a solid background. In "Bumpass Hell," I used a white background to make the individual pieces stand separately.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Frame the layout with the busy pattern.
  To use a large patterned paper, simply mount a large block of cardstock onto the paper. You can leave just an inch or two frame all around the layout or more depending on your subject and design scheme.

• Cut or punch out portions of the busy pattern for embellishing.
  Papers with flourishes, flowers and images can be cut out of the pattern and placed on the layout as an embellishment. Other embellishment ideas include using shaped punches and hand-cutting shapes out of the patterned paper. In my layout "Face to Face," I used two sizes of a circle punch to create the circles out of patterned paper.
  
  
  

• Make top and/or bottom borders from the busy pattern.
  For a classic look, mount your patterned paper at the top and/or the bottom of the page. Leave the middle space for photographs and journaling. The solid middle section keeps your photographs from being overwhelmed.

• Colorblock with the busy pattern.
  Cut up your patterned paper and colorblock sections of your layout with it. Colorblocking allows you to use fun paper without distracting the eye from your photographs.
  
  
  

Grab some fun, elaborate patterned paper, chose photographs and have fun. Use these design ideas to help you use that large supply of patterned paper.

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