Beginners’ Tip: Working with Pattern Paper
By Laurie Smith

Use Pattern Paper to complement your layout—not become the main focus of it. There are a few guidelines to help with the selection of pattern paper on your pages;

1. Monochromatic color scheme-the same or different patterns within the same color scheme.

2. Papers with different colors but the same/similar pattern.

3. Patterns in similar size and scale. Polka dots, stripes and flowers are easy to combine and a nice way to begin mixing pattern papers.

4. Using a color-blocking template is another sure fire way to combine pattern papers without overdoing it.

5. Use pattern paper as an accent, for example matte your photos and titles with it.