pattern pizzazz...

I was so excited when Nichole invited me to join her senior design team for another challenge...and the challenge was definitely a good one!  She asked us to combine four or more different patterns on a single project...and then explain why we chose the patterns we used.  

I definitely love patterns - but I tend to lean toward more subtle patterns...especially when I am combining several patterns together.  Not that I don't love big bold patterns...I just don't seem to be able to work with them as well as others.  So I'll leave the bold pattern tips to the other gals - and share my more subtle pattern combination here. :)

Here are the SIX patterns I used on my card.  As you can see, some of the patterns are from printed papers and others have been stamped.  I used white ink to stamp the small circles, large circles, stripes, and butterflies. The tiny white dots and the grid are from these paper pads.

I am definitely not claiming to be an expert...but my first tip for combining patterns is to use patterns that are the same color/color combination.  On my card, the papers are different colors, but the actual print/pattern (whether it's pre-printed or stamped) is the same color (white), making it easy to mix and match patterns.

It's also easier to balance patterns if you use equal amounts of patterns that are similar in "weight," meaning there are not some patterns that are bold and heavy, while others are super light and airy.  (Hopefully that makes sense!)  At least that is what works for me.

Be sure to check out the fun pattern combinations, amazing projects, and great tips from the super talented girls on the Papertrey Ink Senior Design Team:

Nichole Heady

Lisa Johnson

Heather Nichols

Michelle Wooderson

Becky Oehlers

Lauren Meader

and

Dawn McVey

Thanks again, to Nichole and her team for asking me to join them for the last couple of months as a guest designer - I've had so much fun working with them and their amazing products!  I can't wait to see what they are working on for the next release!! :o)