Clash or Match: Tips on Mixing Pattern Papers Together

Published: Tue, 04/13/21

I'm sending this email earlier in the day then I usually do because the Clearance Rack has just refreshed (and I don't want you to miss out on these great deals). Many items from the Holiday Catalog have just been added at great sale prices. These products are all while supplies last (and some of them won't last long).

See & shop the Clearance Rack HERE.

When you sign up for my mailing list, I send out a few questions to help me know what pain points you have with your crafting. This helps me know what topics to write about in these emails and my blog posts. Recently, one person let me know she was having trouble pairing multiple pattern papers together. Hers always seemed a bit busy.

I went through my stash of cards and pulled out a few that use more than one patterned paper on the same card. Usually, I like to pair textured solid pieces (textured using embossing folders) with pattern papers. But sometimes, I do use multiple patterns. Below are my tips on mixing patterns.

We are lucky that Stampin' Up! makes wonderful patterned papers (they call them Designer Series Papers). Each pack of paper uses coordinating colors. If you don't know which colors to put together, look at the color listings for the papers and use those as a guide/color coach.

If I am going to mix patterns together on one project, then I stick to that one pack of paper because they were designed to work together. Rarely do I pull from multiple packs (unless I use a wood grain pattern).

Not all patterns will work together. Just like with clothing, you don't want the overall look to appear too busy or clash.

If I'm using more than two patterns, I like to break them up with a monotone (muted) pattern. Almost every pack of paper has them.

You can see I used multiple strips for both of these cards, but the patterns are broken up with a monotone/muted pattern. This makes it less busy and calming for the eyes. The flower, butterflies & dragonflies are also both muted/solid in color to which helps calm the movement of all the patterns. Each card only uses paper from a single Designer Series pack.

The Starburst card uses multiple patterns too, but is broken up by the solid card base. With the lighthouse card, the solid background is thick between the starbursts. This repetitive Navy color ties the multiple patterns together. With the whale card, the multiple patterns are broken up by solid starbursts which each have texture. It makes for a softer look.

If you would like to learn how to make a Starburst card, I have a tutorial here:

https://mailsomethingpretty.com/starburst-technique/

These two cards also use repetition in two ways. Repeated shapes and repeated patterns. Repetition helps tone down the busyness of multiple patterns. The larger tag/label also helps put the patterns in the background, which make them less busy.

I also happen to have a tutorial on making this card too:

https://mailsomethingpretty.com/using-shapes-to-create-backgrounds/

This card uses three patterns. The sentiment is large, which helps keep the eye in focus and the patterns in the background. I think the thin white layer really helps pull the whole card together (funny how such a thin layer can make or break a design).

This last card also has three patterns. They are tied together by the neutral colors of Early Espresso and Very Vanilla.

I generally don't put different florals together because they would compete with each other. These three patterns do not compete because they are very different (yet tied together by the same color scheme).

I hope these tips have been helpful. Pattern papers can add a lot to a card/project. Many times, the pattern paper can be the star.

With the launch of each new catalog, I offer a Paper Share. This is a great way of getting all the new pattern papers without having to buy all of the packs, for a fraction of the cost. I will be sending out more information on the 2021/22 Annual Catalog Paper Share next week. Stay tuned!

Ways to connect with & contact Christine

Email www.mailsomethingpretty.com

call/text - 339/788-1915

Website - www.mailsomethingpretty.com