Welcome back! Quick question - how many struggle just a little when mixing patterned paper? Well, not to worry as designer Kelly Goree is here to share some of her tried, tested and true tips and tricks for mixing patterned paper!
"Hello, everyone and Happy NSD!! I'm so excited to be here today to celebrate with you (and celebrate a bit later on today for the Kentucky Derby...AND Cinco de Mayo! What a crazy fun day!).
Today I'm going to share with you five simple tips for helping you mix patterned paper. How I do it is probably the number one question I get asked about my scrapbooking and truly it's quite simple and it doesn't need to be intimidating. With these tried and true tricks, you can start mixing papers with ease and using up those gorgeous papers in no time! So here we go:
1. LIMIT yourself!
One of the easiest ways I’ve found to use multiple patterned papers is to stay within a manufacturer's given paper line or range. Manufacturers put out collections just for this reason. Everything from chipboard to buttons to brads and back again. So not only can you mix and match papers with ease, you can embellish to your heart’s content and know that your design will turn out beautifully.
2. CONTRAST is key!
Colors that are too similar or of the same intensity tend to get lost when put next to each other and what we’re after is getting your layout noticed! Put that spring green next to an orange. Add a pop of black to some bright blues. I want you to mix it up and be bold!
3. VARIETY is the spice of life!
To really get the most out of my patterned paper, my ‘go-to’ trick is to vary the size and shape of the patterns I'm using. I'll use a stripe with a small dot, then add in a large floral. When the patterns are different sizes and styles, they will stand out when placed together.
4. USE in moderation!
Here is one that a lot of people struggle with, myself included. Many patterns out there can be overwhelming because they are bright or bold or have a very large design, but you love them and want to use them! Just remember, you don’t have to use an entire sheet of paper. There’s no rule that says you “have to”, so don't be afraid to use that bold pattern, just use it in moderation.
5. FRAME it in!
This is by far my favorite trick for managing lots of patterns because it truly is one of the easiest – reign in those multiple patterns by using a "frame". Simply by adding a cardstock border around your layout design, you will instantly contain your patterns!
It's really that easy! So get out there, get creating and use those patterned papers. Have a fantastic NSD! ~ Kelly
Did you happen to notice Kelly's beautiful layout above? (heehee, of course you did!) But did you notice she has used the brand new Shine On collection from BasicGrey? Are you in it, to win it?
If you are, leave a comment below by Thursday, May 10th at 6:00 p.m. and we'll choose one lucky winner to receive this fabulous collection! Good luck! Be sure to also visit BasicGrey today on facebook and tell them that SCT sent you! They love hearing from you!
Next up at 5:00 p.m: Maya Road is here!


















Oh my good i want it
Posted by: Gabriela Cruz | May 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM
I love basic grey.Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Vicki Clark | May 05, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Beautiful collection and layout
Posted by: Janie Boots | May 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Great tips I can use when I win the Basic Grey collection!
Posted by: Janice | May 05, 2012 at 04:02 PM
Not so grey in BasicGrey!!
Posted by: Linda | May 05, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Basic Grey is one of my favourites. Thanks for the contest.
Posted by: Shelley K. | May 05, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Thanks for the great tips!!!!
Posted by: NinaN | May 05, 2012 at 04:04 PM
Basic Grey is my absolute favourite line of Patterned paper. Love, love, love it and this line is no exception.
Posted by: Rose Stannell | May 05, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Love the collection!!
Posted by: Shelley Scarbro | May 05, 2012 at 04:06 PM
Lovit it...BGOne of my favorites!
Posted by: Naomi Armenta | May 05, 2012 at 04:07 PM
Great colorful layout! Those tips are the same as we quilters have been using for a long time so I'll have to remember to use them in scrapping as well. Thanks! Love those papers!
Posted by: Shannon Miller | May 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM
This is a beautiful collection! Your layout is so cute!! I have problems mixing patterned papers and will definitely use your suggestions. Thanks so much!!!
I would also like to thank Basic Grey for giving us a chance to win this wonderful collection.
Debbie B
Posted by: Debbie Britland | May 05, 2012 at 04:09 PM
What great tips, Kelly! I have a huge stash (okay, I'm a hoarder) of patterned paper but never know how to combine them. This is SUPER helpful for me! I especially love the tip on the border. As shown in your project, it really keeps everything reigned in. Love it!
Posted by: Krysta D | May 05, 2012 at 04:11 PM
great tips for mixing papers! I love BG and would love to win this gorgeous collection!
Posted by: Martine | May 05, 2012 at 04:11 PM
I love pattern paper, so thanks for a few more tips to use it and mix it up. Thanks for a chance to win too.
Posted by: Jenny McGee | May 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM
nice advice :) thanks for the chance to win.
-jamie
babyblueangel_30@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jamie Larsen | May 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM
I saw this in the store today! VERY cool!! I need to redo my scrapping budget for next week!!
Posted by: Wendy Crowe | May 05, 2012 at 04:12 PM
Love it! One of my favorite things about BG's paper is the bright, gorgeous colors in your collections. Thanks for the tips on coordinating patterned paper :)
Posted by: Denise C. | May 05, 2012 at 04:13 PM
oh my its gorgeous.....love the colors.....
Posted by: Lorraine Wollman | May 05, 2012 at 04:13 PM
Love all the bright colors ... perfect for layouts of my granddaughters!
Posted by: Karen Moore | May 05, 2012 at 04:13 PM
Those are great tips; and Kelly, you really are the queen of patterned paper! Thanks for always inspiring me. :)
Posted by: Char Dobson | May 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Thanks for the tips. Great prize!
Posted by: Kimberley Stevenson | May 05, 2012 at 04:14 PM
Love the layout and great tips. Thanks for the chance to win some basic grey!
Posted by: Chris | May 05, 2012 at 04:15 PM
love that star paper.
Posted by: RamonaP | May 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM
I love Kelly's tips - I already knew the one about using papers from the same line. And Basic Grey puts together fantastic lines so it's easy with their products. The Shine on collection has my favourite happy colors in it! Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Crystal | May 05, 2012 at 04:16 PM