Are you someone who has a collection of patterned paper sitting there collecting dust? If you’re anything like me, it can be easy to get caught up with buying all the beautiful patterned paper you see. Then later, you find yourself needing some inspiration to start working through those all of those sheets of paper. In this post, I’ll show you some creative ways to use patterned paper for card making.
Create a Patterned Background
One of the easiest ways to use patterned paper is to create a background. You can use one sheet of patterned paper or combine multiple patterns to create a unique background. You can either use it as is, or you can cut it to the size you need. Just make sure that the pattern doesn’t clash with your card’s focal point. See this Mother’s Day card as an example.
Layer Different Patterns to Make a Scene
If you have multiple patterned papers that you love, try layering them to create a scene. You can mix and match with patterned paper, textures, or solid paper. You can layer clouds, stars, and moon patterns to create a night sky, or floral patterns to create a garden scene. This can be a really fun exercise.
Make a Frame
Another way to use patterned paper is to make a frame. Cut a piece of cardstock and place it on top of the patterned paper. Then, cut out the center to create a frame. You can also use the frame as a border to highlight your sentiment or image. You can also create a shaker card with a frame, adding sequins or other small embellishments inside the frame. You can also make your own patterned paper, as I did here.
Fussy Cut a Portion of the Paper
Fussy cutting is the process of cutting out a specific image by hand with scissors. Consider cutting a design from a sheet of patterned paper. It’s a great way to use patterned paper without overwhelming the design. You can fussy cut flowers, leaves, animals, or any other image that you like. You can then use the cutouts as accents or to create a focal point.
Cut the Patterned Paper into Strips
Another way to use patterned paper is to cut it into strips. You can use a paper trimmer to get straight edges or use decorative scissors for a more unique look. You can use the strips as borders, Layer them to make a focal point, or use them as embellishment layers. Here’s one of my favorite cards where this technique is used.
Pair with Matching Embellishments or Inks
When using patterned paper, it’s important to make sure that the embellishments or inks you use complement the pattern. You can use matching ink colors to stamp images, or you can use matching embellishments to tie everything together. For example, if you’re using a floral pattern, you can use flower embellishments or floral stamps.
Create Accents and Pops of Color Throughout the Design
You can also use patterned paper to create accents and pops of color throughout your design. You can use a small strip to create a border, or you can punch out shapes and use them as embellishments. You can also cut out letters or numbers to create a unique sentiment. Here, I used it to accent and line my sentiment.
In conclusion, patterned paper is versatile and can be used in many creative ways for card making. Whether you use it to create a background, frame, or accent, or you fussy cut a portion of it, it’s a great addition to any card maker’s supply stash. So, dust off those patterned sheets of cardstock and start creating beautiful cards with them today!
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