Help with using patterned paper

I've bought a fair bit of it over the years because it looked pretty but I don't really know how to go about using it in a layout without it looking stupid/"busy" - or more to the point me not really knowing how to use it "properly" & having it "take away" from the photo.
Is there a basic way of using it (& with confidence)?

I'll put my hand up first and try to help you out, cos i have way more paper then i will ever get too!! lol!!

I try to match the colours of the print on the pp to those in the photo, so they compliment the photo rather than take away from it, and i tend to mat the photo with the pp. It's pretty much all about buuilding layers with the pp, and finishing with the photo on top so it is the focal point.

Don't be scared to cut your paper up!! I have heaps of papers that i bought because they were 'pretty' and i just had to have them, but i still haven't used them as i couldn't work out how to use them as a whole, so i have got to a point where i just have to look at it as a sheet of paper, and go nuts cutting it up, or tearing it!! It is the only way i will ever get thru it all!!

If you are stuck for ideas, why not browse the gallery and look at the different ways all the members use it, as we have a very talented bunch here with lots of different styles!! You might just find a style that strikes your fancy and gets your mojo flowing!!

I am with you AuraScrap, I struggle to use PP's. I am getting better

Now I just rip into it

I always felt like I was 'wasting it'. Now, I figure I have so much of it, I should use it.

Great ideas Vicki!

AuraScrap, in addition to the advice that Vicki and Julie have already given, I would also suggest that you try using some sketches. After choosing suitable pps to match your photos, using sketches can help you with deciding how to best place the papers. Another suggestion I have is to print photos in black and white, that way you don't have to deal with the colour issue. Also, when purchasing pps, try to purchase at least 2 from a range, it makes it a lot easier when it comes to matching them later on.

Another suggestion would be to "scraplift" a layout you really like. It probably won't look anything alike, but it can help to have a fave layout to look at so at least that is a starting point (not as overwhelming as just nothing). You may take one or no things from it, but it gets you up and running! Plus one key word for pp is layer layer layer! Well, that's one word repeated 3 times but you get the drift! If the pp is from the same range - your laughing, if not, one or two colours from the original pp is all you need to match with other pp! Plus raid your scraps! They're GOLD! Hope I've of some help! Above all HAVE FUN!

Oh wow! Thankyou so much for your ideas etc. ladies It has truly helped me & after I take a look at the gallery I think I'm more than willing to have a go
I never thought about changing the photo into balck & white - absolute genius

Glad we could help! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

I'm psyching myself up for it if might actually help if I gathered all my patterned paper together rather than mixed up

Probably a good idea!
It always helps if you sort and store with some sort of system too - either by brand / colour, etc. That way it is much easier to find coordinating papers.

LOL is that what i need to do Sue?? All my pp just goes in the box in the order i buy them!! Newest on top!!

Soupie wrote:Probably a good idea!
It always helps if you sort and store with some sort of system too - either by brand / colour, etc. That way it is much easier to find coordinating papers.

I really wish I had done that when I first started buying PPs, my folders just have PPs all over the place!

I store my pps in brand order.

Hmmmm...perhaps I need to send the organisation fairy around to some of you...

Soupie wrote:Hmmmm...perhaps I need to send the organisation fairy around to some of you...

Soupie wrote:Hmmmm...perhaps I need to send the organisation fairy around to some of you...

Yes please!! You can send her any time you like!!