Patterned & Printed Paper
July 28, 2008 4:46 pm Paper Crafts, Techniques and Mediums
- A first step can be to use a color coordinated patterned paper with a few solids within the same color family. Pick a color, any color and lay the patterned paper side by side or use it within a layered look.
- Prints and patterns look great when bordered with solids (a single color with little or no variation, texture, or other conflicting element). You can use paper, ribbon, fabric, trims and embellishments. And the opposite works well too, use the printed-paper as a border for a solid to highlight the main element of your design.
- Avoid getting too busy with your selection of printed-paper. You don’t need to overdo it by trying to include too many patterns or prints. If using solid borders or lines to build a design consider using fine lines and thick full lines to add interest.
- Experiment with using big patterns with small detail prints. The key is to not let any one pattern overwhelm the others. Proportion is important. Keep the overall design balance with a flow that the eye can follow. The eye should be able to see a focal point of your project easily.
- Distressing a bold pattern can soften it. Crinkle, sand, or soak the paper in a batch of strong tea and add an antique flair to the paper.
- Mix and match quiet, subtle patterns with big bold sassy patterns. The understated pattern works as a solid helping keep patterns from clashing.
- Geometrical design is a classic and works well with patterned papers. Cut some scraps into rectangles or squares and play with the design. You can have fun imitating quilt patterns and modern art flair.
- As a general rule in most paper art, the larger bodies of printed papers are use as the foundation or mail block of the design while bold patterns are used as accents in smaller doses. However, keep in mind that rules were meant to be broken at times too.
- Rubberstamping over a patterned or printed-paper adds some texture and excitement. You’ve also created a truly unique “new” paper that is personalized to your taste and creativity.
- Sponge some ink or paint over a patterned paper to give it a new look. Use a metallic for a rich, sophisticated effect. Use a soft white or blue for a romantic look. And use a light wash of soft brown for an aged feel.
- If using a photo within your design, make sure the pattern paper isn’t overwhelming to the photo or the photo will get lost in the mix. Either enlarge the photo or down size the pattern or print on the paper to help bring focus back to the photo.
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