Today's Tip: Mixing Patterned Paper

• Mix different size patters together - such as a one large pattern with a few smaller patterns.
• Use consistent patterns with different colors
• Use patterns with similarities other than color
• Use a solid piece of card stock to pull together several patterns using the same color.
• Use patterns with subtle similarities
• Use patterns with the main colors within the same color family
• Try thinking of it as an outfit (for someone who will wear patterns)
• Put all your patterns on your desk beside each other, step back and squint. If something sticks out like a sore thumb, remove that pattern and look again
• If you have a pattern you want to use, but it doesn't quite match, try changing it with chalks, inks, or laying vellum over to tone it down
• When using bright patterns, if you like them together, but something just isn't quite right - try "inking" the edges white. It will soften the colors and give it a more unified look.
• Try using texture patterns in different shades of one color instead, such as using three pieces of  different shades of pink with all different textures