Choosing the Right Background Paper
Among the many elements that contribute to a scrapbook layout, the background paper is one of the most crucial.
It serves as the foundation for your design, setting the tone and mood for your page.
Let's look at why selecting the perfect background paper is essential and how you can make the best choice for your next project.
Why the Right Background Paper Matters
Sets the Tone and Mood:
The background paper is the canvas for your layout. Its colour, pattern, and texture influence the overall feel of your page. For instance, a soft pastel background can create a serene and gentle mood, perfect for baby photos, while a bold, vibrant background can add energy and excitement, ideal for party or adventure layouts.
Enhances Your Photos:
The primary purpose of a scrapbook is to showcase your photos. The right background paper complements your images, making them the focal point. It should enhance the colours and themes in your photos rather than overshadow them.
Supports the Theme:
Background paper can help reinforce the theme of your layout. For example, a beach-themed layout might benefit from a sandy or ocean wave background, while a holiday layout could use festive, seasonal patterns.
Creates Cohesion:
A well-chosen background paper brings all the elements of your layout together, creating a harmonious and cohesive design. It helps unify your photos, journaling, and embellishments into a single, visually appealing story.
How to Choose the Right Background Paper
Consider Your Photos:
Start by laying out your photos and examining their colours and themes. Look for background papers that complement the dominant colours in your images. For instance, if your photos feature a lot of greenery, you might choose a subtle green background to enhance that aspect.
Think About the Theme:
Match your background paper to the theme of your layout. For a travel-themed page, you might use a map print or papers with travel-related motifs. For a birthday celebration, you could opt for papers with balloons or confetti patterns.
Balance Patterns and Solids:
To avoid overwhelming your layout, balance patterned and solid papers. If you select a busy patterned background, use solid mats for your photos and journaling to ensure they stand out. Conversely, if you use a solid background, you might add patterned paper accents for visual interest.
Test Before Committing:
Place your photos on several different background papers before making a final decision. This trial-and-error process allows you to see how each option affects the overall look and feel of you layout. Pay attention to how the background paper interacts with the colours in your photos and how it contributes to the theme.
Use a colour wheel:
Understanding basic colour theory helps you make informed choices. Complementary colours (colours opposite each other on the colour wheel) can create a vibrant look, while analogous colours (colours next to each other on the colour wheel) offer a more harmonious and calming effect.
Texture:
Texture can add a tactile element to your layout. You could incorporate textured papers to add depth and interest. Think about whether the texture enhances your theme or photos and ensures it doesn’t distract from the main elements of your page.