#39 - Pattern Paper Pandemonium

We all love it... patterned paper. Flowers, polka dots, ledger, script - the paper manufacturers have thought of it all, and they know just how to coordinate all those beautiful papers to give us the perfect paper lines.

But why let the manufacturers have all the fun with that mixing and matching of papers? It can be a little daunting to put "unmatching" papers together on a layout, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. So, here is my challenge to you...

Use at least 5 different patterned papers from at least 5 different manufacturers. It's that simple.

Here is what the team did:

Paloma: Paloma totally went for it and used all kinds of patterns on top of a neutral cardstock. Some papers she left in strips, some she used for some handcutting. Somehow they all work together, though. Gorgeous.

Pamela: Pamela found a way to use all those extra strips of paper that we all accumulate. Notice how the blue tones seem to clash, but when put together in small amounts they seem like they were made to go together.

Deb: Deb used a bit of everything - writing, polkas, florals. She managed to avoid the use of a "base" cardstock at all. Lovely. (Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Sassafrass Lass, Scenic Route, Imagination Project, and Jenni Bowlin)

Brenda: Brenda used a pattern paper as her base and then added in small bits of papers to add bursts of color. Using a punch with different patterned papers is a great way to give a cohesive look. (Studio Calico, Making Memories, Pink Paislee, Chatterbox and Cosmo Cricket)

Jennifer: I kept my basic design fairly plain. First I picked a background paper and then leafed through my stash to find a patterned paper that jumped out at me (in this case, it was the yellow, red, green floral pattern from Basic Grey). I then pulled out papers that had some of those same tones in them. I used 4 punches circles of each of 5 papers for an overlapped scallop look. I cut out a square of the last to use as a place to journal.

Ok.... hope that gives you a jumping off point. The possibilities are literally endless. If you want to REALLY be brave, set out a bunch of papers, close your eyes, and choose a few to use. I think you will like the results.

You have until Sunday, March 8th at midnight EST to complete this challenge. I am doing things a little differently this time, and everyone who enters the challenge will be put into a drawing for a couple RAKS. I will randomly choose 2 winners who will get a fabulous add-on kit from Studio Calico. (PHOTOS LATER)

Please make your submissions new, although you are welcome to combine with a layout you are doing for another challenge elsewhere.

Have fun!