August 1, 2009

Pattern Pizzaz

This month's Papertrey Senior Design Team challenge was to use four or more patterns on a project. You know that I love to make my own patterned paper so this challenge was a fun one for me. Today I'll be using Papertrey's Floral Fusion stamp set. Those that attended the CHA Super Show were able to acquire this stamp set at the Papertrey booth.

I started my project by cutting lots of 1" x 4" strips of Vintage Cream cardstock. Using Papertrey ink colors in Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist and Spring Moss, I stamped a different pattern on each of my cardstock strips. I also added in some fun polka dots from Polka Dots Basics II in Summer Sunrise ink.

By using a single stamp design and single ink color, I was able to create what looks like individual patterned paper that was cut up for each of my cardstock strips. I love the look of this because it looks like I chose papers that came from a coordinated paper pack. But for a fraction of the price. I could have also stamped full sheets of my patterns to create a one sheet wonder....this would be great if you needed lots more of the patterned paper.
Next, I assembled my cardstock strips onto 4.25" x 5.5" Kraft card fronts. I did not worry about spacing the strips perfectly, I went for a quirky look by just attaching them randomly. Edges of cards were inked with Vintage Cream ink.
Next up, I made some sentiments using images from Floral Fusion and Ripe Avocado ink. I used a scalloped rectangle punch and rectangle border stamps from Borders and Corners: Rectangles.
One of the hardest things about using lots of patterns on your projects is making it all look good. And not like a mismatched mess. One of the best ways to tie all of the elements together on your project is by matching items of the same/similar colors. Papertrey makes it super duper easy peasy to do this because of all of the coordinating products we offer. Today I'm matching up some buttons but you could easily match up inks to ribbon, cardstock, Copic markers, etc.
To finish up my cards, I let my patterned paper strips steal the show. I kept my sentiment pieces fairly small and used Vintage Cream Sheer Stripes ribbon that stayed neutral and sheer. My cards have FIVE different patterns on them, but they don't look to *busy* at all. Actually I think they look very soft and pretty, just the look I was going for.
So I hope you try your hand at combining patterns on your projects. Don't be afraid, you can do it! Here's some other samples I made some time ago. For these projects, I used Bitty Dot Basics patterned paper as my base paper, then stamped images on top.
Very different patterns and colors, but it all works because I used color and coordinating products to tie it all together.
Hope you give it a try! For even more inspiration on using multiple patterns on your projects, visit these Papertrey designers' blogs:

15 comments:

Andrea said...

As always your cards are beautiful and inspirational. You're tempting me to start a stamping project when I should really be packing for VACATION - ack! btw, did you realize that you posted this twice?

Taheerah said...

Oh Mish these are so beautiful! I *so* wish I could've gone to CHA as I *want* that set!!

Zarah said...

Okay - I fell so much in love with your card, I had to lift it - and the result can be seen here:
http://zarischka2.blogspot.com/2009/08/dont-die-of-shock-now.html

Hope you don't mind!? :D

Elizabeth S. said...

These are fantastic!! I just love florals and would love this set!

amber said...

great cards! i love your color choices! great meeting you at cha...thanks for all your hard work at the make & take table!

MichelleY said...

Mish....all I can say is I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when you stamp your own pattern paper! You are such an incredible inspiration for me!

Dotty said...

Love the idea of making your own background paper. Love your color combinations. Great card.

muriel said...

Michelle, your cards are just beautiful, love them all...It was very nice meeting you at CHA.
Muriel

Elaine said...

great tips! Love your cards always...this is no exception :)

Karen said...

Michelle,

Dying..... to know the brand of your Freaky Girl stamp. She speaks to me and I must find her!!! I checked Eclectic Paperie and could find no trace of her. Please, please help me in my search. Does the stamp have a name?!?!?!?!

Thanks!

yvette said...

Mish I loved meeting u at CHA even though u ladies had bealry time to breathe the booth was so busy.I was excited to get the free set of flower fusion so keep creating so we can get great ideas thanks

Kristie Larsen said...

These are gorgeous! I LOVED meeting you at CHA. Thank you for your hard work and kindness! You made my experience at CHA so delightful. So glad to have met all you ladies and get to see your gorgeous work in person. Hope you got home ok!
loves
k

Dana said...

I'm not a commenter. I've been following your blog for a looong time though, and never have I gasped out loud (gol?!) before.
These samples on this post made my heart flutter! I am truly in awe. Just an amazing array of color and pattern. I will remember these for a long time.

Traveling Mama said...

These are So beautiful! You are SO talented! You are such a constant inspiration! Hugs from Morocco!

Marcie Sharp said...

It was so exciting to see you in person at CHA! Your make and takes were beautiful, and I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did!!

Related Posts with Thumbnails