Wednesday Trends - Mixing Pattern Papers

Hey there!! It's Angela here with Wednesday Trends and today it's all about Mixing Pattern Papers....

 

We all know that pattern papers are all the rage and definitely here to stay. It's amazing how many lines are continually coming out. We all want the newest and the cutest, but what do we do with the DP that we've been hoarding? Well.... we need to use it!!

How can we use it? I'll admit I LOVE buying 6x6 paper pads and probably own way too many (I won't count them because I know it's a lot!!). LOL. The idea behind 6x6 pads is that all the papers in a pad match and go together, therefore, we all end using them together. One of the great things about 6x6 pads opposed to 12x12 papers is that the 6x6 patterns have been shrunk down to make them proportional.

  

I used to be someone who only used papers if they came from the same pad but then I started noticing that some of my older pads sat on my desk unused. What was I going to do with all the patterned paper? I decided I NEEDED to use it.

If you're going to mix pattern paper, it's best to use one paper that is a bit louder with a lot of pattern and then use papers that co-ordinate with it but don't clash. We don't want to the DP to become the focal point but make sure we are keeping the image the main focus. Stripes go will with a floral and polka dot pattern. By varying the scale of the patterns in your DP, it will create more visual interest in your cards.

Here's an example of mixing pattern papers.

For this card using the new release "Poultry in Motion", I used DP's from My Mind's Eye (the denim paper), Simple Stories (Chevron paper which is my loudest paper), Bella Blvd (the green polka dots) and the last one is Imaginesce (the red polka dots).

Why do these DP's work together? I chose to use the Chevron paper as my focal DP and then found other DP to go with it. It's always best to try to use DP's that aren't too busy and are almost more tone on tone. Because I pulled the colors from the Chevron paper, each of the other DP's work and only serve to enhance the overall look of the card.

** One thing to remember - don't be afraid to go bright and bold**

It makes your cards stand out - who doesn't want to stand out right? LOL.

Here is another example of DP's that work together. The Basic Grey paper (the square panel on my card) is my "louder" and most prominent print and then I used some MME DP (the blue polka dot) and Authentique (the yellow). This card uses the set called "Scent-sational". The scale is different for each pattern paper so there is more interest to the card.

Here is one last example where I have used a larger pattern on my card.

For this card, I used a larger pattern from Simple Stories. It works because you still can see quite a bit of the overall pattern. Once I cut the focal paper, I chose colors that co-ordinated with it - the blue DP is Bo Bunny and the Pink is from Echo Park. TSG sets used on this card are: Cutie Pi and Chemistry.

Things to remember about mixing pattern papers:

 I often go with three co-ordinating papers (things are always best in series of three's).

 

Choose one that is louder or more vibrant and then use smaller co-ordinating prints or with varying scale.

 

A subtle or tone on tone pattern will act almost like a solid. This will help bring down the boldness of your louder print.

Stripes, Polka dots, and floral prints always go well together. Text prints will work well with these patterns too.

 

If using 12x12 paper, try to use patterns that are slightly smaller. If your DP has a huge pattern to it, you won't see much of it on a card.

I always mat each layer of DP with either a dark brown (I use Early Espresso Cardstock) or black. This will help to define the layers and everything pops off the card more. (This is something Kim Teasdale taught me - that girl is genious!!!).

Once you start to experiment with Designer papers, it will get easier to mix and match.

Have fun!!!!