Ways to Use Patterned Paper for Scrapbooking

We scrapbookers everywhere can probably agree that we have more than enough patterned scrapbook paper sitting in storage. More than we need. Why is it that we feel the need to gather and store these beautiful pages by the hundreds? Well, as scrapbookers we know that at any given moment in our scrap booking adventure, we will be in need of that oh so perfect piece of paper, the one that will fill the bill for our latest scrapbook page and make it all happen. The one you picked up about a year ago and tossed in with all the others. Well, here are a few tips from Scrapbooking Tips and Tricks Magazine that outline some patterned paper ideas for scrapbooking. I found a number of them to be interesting

Layering Shapes

You can create a very distinctive look by layering shapes in one, two, three or more layers. I've seen this type of thing on a number of scrapbooks from friends and it is quite eye catching. Using dimensional adhesive will also help your layering to look more enhanced.

Using Small Scraps

You can use small torn scraps of your patterned papers to break up different patterns. What's interesting about this technique is as much as it breaks things up it also brings them altogether to enhance your finished product. It also helps in finding a use for every bit of your patterned paper. Who knows? You may even get your supply down to nothing? Imagine that?!

Printed Paper

Limiting cardstock or white paper to your printed journaling doesn't have to be the case. You can achieve a great look when you print on patterned paper as well. Using monochromatic patterns that are lighter in color is a good way to go. It's also wise to use a smaller type of patterned print so you avoid distracting the viewers eye from your journaling. White washing to dull the boldness of your patterned paper is another method you can use if you need to tone things down a bit. Just paint a white or light colored ink over the patterned paper, let dry and run it through your printer.

Spiral Accents

You can easily make decorative looking spirals with pencils by using your left over scraps cut into long thin shapes and then wrapped around the pencil. These can be a fun whimsical way to accent your scrapbook page. It's best to use a thinner type of paper that has printing on both sides. This type of paper will keep the spiral shape more effectively once it's been twirled. Printing on both sides of these will be an added interest to the page as well.

Scrapbooking is always more fun when you can find ways to keep things interesting, lively and upbeat. These tips will help you achieve all of these for a beautifully put together finished product.

Source:

Scrapbooking Tips and Tricks, July 2010 issue