TECHNIQUES | JOURNALING AND TYPE | YOUR MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Most Asked Questions

Contributing Editor Carrie Colbert Batt is an expert on this question.

I love using patterned paper and rarely complete a page without it. With all the beautiful choices out there, it can be hard not to go a little overboard at times. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using patterned paper:

1. Use it in small portions, as Leslie Lightfoot did on her page here. Don’t be afraid to whittle down those 12x12” sheets. Small pieces of patterned paper (blocks, strips, etc.) make great page accents. In general, I shy away from using patterned paper for the page background.

2. When you use patterned paper as the background of a page, mat photos and journaling with a bold solid color.

3. Select patterned paper in colors that complement your photos. Knowing the basics of color theory and how to use a color wheel will make the task easier, but you can simply place your images on different sheets of patterned paper, step back, and notice the effect each has.

4. Choose patterns that convey emotions consistent with what you are trying to communicate. Even papers that are the same color can evoke very different feelings.

Continued on Page 19: How do I create journaling for heritage photos when i don't have any details?

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