Patterned paper can add depth, interest, and personality to your scrapbook pages, but it's important to use it wisely to achieve the desired effect. Here’s some essential points to remember when incorporating patterned paper into your scrapbook layouts.
1. Start with a Cohesive Theme
Before you even begin selecting patterned papers, have a clear theme in mind for your scrapbook layout. Whether it's a vacation, birthday, or special event, choose patterned papers that complement and enhance the story you want to tell. A cohesive theme will help guide your paper choices and ensure that the layout has a unified look and feel.
2. Balance is Key
Patterned paper adds visual interest, but too much can overwhelm a layout. Achieve balance by combining patterned papers with solid or lightly textured cardstock. Use patterned paper as accents, photo mats, or in smaller sections to allow your focal points to shine. Experiment with different proportions to find the right balance for each layout.
3. Consider Scale and Size
Pay attention to the scale and size of the patterns on your paper. Large-scale patterns can be eye-catching but might overpower your photos and journaling. Smaller patterns, on the other hand, can work well as backgrounds or for layering. Mix and match patterns of different sizes to create depth and dimension in your layout.
4. Harmonise Colour Schemes
Patterns often come in a variety of colours, so choose papers that harmonize with your photos and embellishments. Use a colour wheel to select patterned papers that complement the colours in your pictures. Look for papers with one or two dominant colours that tie everything together and create a cohesive colour scheme.
5. Create Visual Hierarchy
Patterned paper can help establish visual hierarchy on your scrapbook page. Use bold and vibrant patterns as focal points, drawing attention to specific areas of the layout. Softer and more subtle patterns can be used as background or supporting elements to create a sense of balance and guide the viewer's eye
6. Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix different patterns on your layout. Combining patterns with varying scales, colours, and designs can add interest and create a unique look. Be sure to pay attention to the overall balance and harmony of the patterns you choose, ensuring they work together rather than competing for attention.
7. White Space Matters
Remember to leave some ‘white’ space on your layout. (also known as negative space) Clear space on the layout helps prevent the design from becoming too busy and allows the viewer's eye to rest. White space can also serve as a backdrop for your photos and journaling, making them stand out more prominently.
Patterned paper is a powerful tool in the scrapbooker's arsenal, capable of adding depth, personality, and visual interest to your layouts. By following these points and experimenting with different patterns, colours, and sizes, you'll be able to create stunning scrapbook pages that beautifully showcase your memories.