Saturday, October 22, 2011

Mixing Polka-dots and Stripes and Other Patterned Paper

A recent prompt in Shimelle's Pretty Paper Party class involved mixing polka-dots and stripes. Easy-peasy! I'm a pattern mixer from way back when. I can actually identify the "when." It was when I bought Ali Edwards' book, "A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking with Patterned Paper."  I think the book might make my blog friend Amy break out in hives, but I found that it really transformed how I viewed my stash. For the layout above, I cut apart some polka dot paper and added it to the striped paper with the whale and also layered it onto the plain card on the left.  (Remember, you can always click on a picture to enlarge it and see details). A few things I particularly liked about the layout was the extensive journaling, the use of ephemera, and (of course) the picture of the pirate. It's a fairly subtle mixing of patterns.
Want something bolder? Check this out:
I'm willing to admit that it's pretty bold. But I think it sill works. I don't feel like the pictures get lost in the patterns. And, since it comes from the kit I assembled for my vacation pictures, it "fits" with the surrounding layouts.
So, what's your comfort level in mixing patterns? Are you more like Amy or are you more like me?
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18 comments:

  1. AmyOctober 22, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Snort! I am itchy already! I really can't cope with more than one pattern .. a spot and a stripe can be done ... sort of, maybe .... I admire your bravery! :-)

    Thanks for your kind thoughts for our puppy, she's such a big part of our family and we are not ready for her to go yet.

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  2. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    As the saying goes 'One man's feast is another man's poison' I am the polar opposite to Amy and love patterns and lots and lots of stuff on pages so these are right up my street. Fantastic xxx

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  3. helenaOctober 23, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    I'm another Amy - I create many items without any pattern paper. I sometimes mix them but only in small amounts, like several strips

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  4. MandalikaOctober 23, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    Love these layouts! For some reason it never occurred to me that you couldn't mix dots and stripes so I had fun with this prompt too.

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  5. SianOctober 23, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    I mix em up all the time! I think these combinations look perfect together. That book - I'm on the lookout for a second hand copy of it. it sounds like a great one.

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  6. ClairOctober 23, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    I love that bright burst of green. It makes everything pop :)

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  7. scrappyjackyOctober 23, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    I'm very happy mixing patterns as well....and love the 'boldness' of your second layout.Like you, I do tend to mix in some plains among
    the patterns.

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  8. laurieOctober 23, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    it definitely works! i couldn't have picked out the individual pieces but looking at the finished project i can say they go together in a real and appealing way. great pages that tell much about your family trip - i especially like that there are no posed shots or typical landmarks so they are unique and interesting.

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  9. MelissaOctober 23, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    I'm mixing more and more patterns lately with Shimelle's class. I like the way you used the Washington paper background, it's busy but doesn't overshadow the photos.

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  10. IreneOctober 23, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    The more mixed patterns the better. I'm into mixing animals prints right now with splashes of color.

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  11. BeckyOctober 23, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I love your second layout - the pictures are not lost at all the pattern around them really makes them stand out. Shimelle's class is really making me rethink how I scrap - in a good way I think.

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  12. KimberleeOctober 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I think that book changed my scrapping life as well. I love the layout (and not just because it is about Washington ;) ).

    I wanted to tell you that I just ran across a little bag of elements from your house blog hop you did way back when. I still had a few leftovers and used one on my card the other day so I totally thought of you.

    I need to keep up with reading your blog!

    :)

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  13. AlisonOctober 23, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I'm a pattern mixer, but usually scrap on plain CS backgrounds...maybe I'll change that after Shimelle's class! Love your LOs
    Alison xx

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  14. AnonymousOctober 24, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    I definitely lean toward Amy's CAS look, but I'm enjoyed Shimelle's patterned paper party. I definitely agree that yours work beautifully. The focus is still on the photos, and the combination of papers is wonderful. I do love dots and stripes!

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  15. humelOctober 24, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Good for you, Rinda - super pages! I think I'm nearer your end of the spectrum; I'm happy to mix up my patterns.

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  16. susibeeOctober 24, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    A lovely combination of papers and photos.

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  17. GingerOctober 24, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I absolutely love mixing patterned papers and I think you did a fabulous job here Rinda! Lovely :)

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  18. alexaOctober 26, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    I love striped and dots though they'd both get plenty of white space on my LOs. I admire your ability to put them altogether like this. :)

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