Choosing Papers for Your Layout |
Choosing papers for a layout can often be a daunting task. We certainly don’t want to pick papers that clash, are too busy, or even just don’t set the right mood. So what do we automatically think to do? Solids! Let’s break out of our paper picking rut and have some fun with patterns.
Before I choose my papers, I always choose my photo, as well as the mood I’m going for in the layout. When using portraits, I try to choose papers that are both elegant and simple in their design. I really want the picture to be the focal point, while the paper enhances both the photograph and the mood.
In the two page layout “Beautiful As You”, I chose to use Snowfall and Whimsy Ribbons as an accent paper. I found that the softness on Snowfall and the playfulness of Whimsy Ribbons accentuates my subject’s beautiful, youthful countenance. I colorized both papers in Paint Shop Pro to give them a more feminine look.
I find that having two sons leads me to have a lot of silly photos. They’re always doing something to make people laugh, and I want the papers behind these photos to convey a sense of mirth and childhood play. I’ve picked some photos of Devin being his usual goofy self for the layout called “Smile”. I decided that Bubble Bath Blue and Sherbet Blueberry work well with them. Each of the papers is a lot of fun to work with, and the filled circles with open circles to accent pulls everything together in the layout.
The next way I choose papers is by taking cues from my photographs. I’ve got one photo of JP, sleeping on a striped sofa. While looking for a background, my eyes rested on Cotton Stripes Denim and Dreams Blue. The stripes work back to my picture, and the Dreams Blue paper works well with my sleeping subject.
I hope that the ideas and tips in this article help make your paper choosing a fun and easy process! Note: All the papers used in this article can be found on Simply Papers.
Leila
Written by Leila Schweiss, Copyright 2003 CottageArts.net, All Rights Reserved.
