Hand Stitching, Mixed Media, Paper Flowers, Scrapbook Layout, Stencils

Let Busy Patterns do the Work for You

When I create a scrapbook page, I start with the photo and the background patterns. Some paper patterns can be overwhelmingly bright or bold, and take focus away from a photo. Today, I am going to share a few ways that I let the patterns do the work for me.

teen music scrapbook layout using not just for boy kit club graffiti art kit, reminisce urban vibe, vicki boutin print shop, Pink Fresh Simply the Best, Pink Fresh Good Times, 
Thickers Perfect Day, Echo park I Love School Stencil
SUPPLIES | NJFB Graffiti Art Kit, Reminisce Urban Vibes, Vicki Boutin Print Shop, Film Frames, Pink Fresh Puffy Sticker, Pink Fresh Ephemera, Pink Fresh Cardstock Sticker, Pink Fresh Cardstock Frames, Pink Fresh Ephemera, Thickers Perfect Day Sticker, Headphone, Black Acrylic PaintI Love School StencilShimmerz PaintsWeathered Wood Ink, Foam Blender ToolPink WaterbrushWaterbrushSpray BottleT-RulerDie Release ToolFoam DotsSkinny Foam TapeGlue DotsBearly Art GlueTape Runner,  GlassboardPhoto PrinterSewing Machine

The Graffiti Art kit from {Not} Just for Boys has some bold patterns and bright colors, and I was not sure how to use the components together on a page. I began by separating the patterns with black cardstock creating a defined line where the eye could rest.

torn paper in the shape of an arrow - teen music scrapbook layout using not just for boy kit club graffiti art kit, reminisce urban vibe, vicki boutin print shop, Pink Fresh Simply the Best, Pink Fresh Good Times, 
Thickers Perfect Day, Echo park I Love School Stencil

Brick patterns will lead the eye to a focal point on the page. As I added the brick, I was intentional about the direction the lines would lead. I placed pieces opposite the photo and one above in an arrow shape that pointed downward.

On a busier background, the photo needs to stand out. I backed mine with a black frame and vertical elements. Vertical pieces create a platform for the photo to sit and break up horizontal patterns.

leaves and blue phrase with cell phone sticker - teen music scrapbook layout using not just for boy kit club graffiti art kit, reminisce urban vibe, vicki boutin print shop, Pink Fresh Simply the Best, Pink Fresh Good Times, Thickers Perfect Day, Echo park I Love School Stencil

To widen the frame, I layered pieces of ephemera and phrases. The roundness of the leaves and die cuts softened the harsher lines and brought a natural element to the page.

At the base of the page, I have a cardstock design cut in two. The white cardstock creates a grounding element on the page and operates d like arrows pointing in the direction of the photo.

title this life with cardstock headphones  - teen music scrapbook layout using not just for boy kit club graffiti art kit, reminisce urban vibe, vicki boutin print shop, Pink Fresh Simply the Best, Pink Fresh Good Times, Thickers Perfect Day, Echo park I Love School Stencil

The final piece on the page was the journalling block. I widened the base of my photo frame with the horizontal element, creating a large piece in the center of the patterns that stood out on the page.

If you would like to see how this page came together and learn a few more tips for using busy pattern paper, I have a short process video for you.

Stepping out of my comfort zone has been my theme for the year. I often shy away from vivid patterns, because I fear they will overpower my photos. Instead of avoiding these prints, I let them do the work for me, pairing them with other elements that would keep my photo the focus.

I hope this project inspired you to give this Graffiti Art kit a try. If you have any questions about this project or the supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment.

I hope this inspired you to try something new. If you have any questions about this project or the supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment.

Hey friends! I wanted to let you in on the products I use in my videos. Just so you know, I’m not getting paid to promote any of them, but I do have some affiliate links available if you want to check them out. If you end up buying something through those links, it would mean a lot to me and my business. And don’t worry, you won’t be charged any extra. Thanks for your support! Learn more


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