Do you usually use solid colored background papers or patterned papers?

[EvelynD2]

I tend to use solid colored papers for backgrounds and patterned papers for accents such as photo mats etc. What do you like to use on your layouts?

 

[Cherylndesigns]

I normally use a solid of semi-solid paper for my backgrounds. i have trouble making really busy patterned papers work for my backgrounds. I do admire the pages that use them, though. I often blend papers, though - I like some subtle prints showing through. I guess that's what I meant by "semi-solids". I have blended up to four papers for my background.

 

[Jeannette]

It really depends on what kind of kit it is, and what kind of pattern papers. I do like floral papers, but not so much papers with repetetive elements on them.
Solids papers though are great to add brushes, paints etc.

 

[Kythe]

I find that slightly blended papers give me more flexibility. I find solid papers too severe except for layering and border backgrounds.
I find strongly patterned papers really hard to work with. Very subtle floral papers that are blended and cover only part of a page work best for me. I think it is because I like the photo or journal text to be the focus of a page not the patterned background.

 

[zanthia]

prefer lighly patterned papers to use as background , perhaps you can call it semi solid as mentioned above

 

[faerywings]

I am the same as most of you-- I typically used semi-solid/mixed media papers for my backgrounds. I shy away from the "traditional patterns" ie. checks, plaid, or stripes other than as accents or mats.

 

[pachimac]

I have the hardest time using patterned papers for any type of backgrounds. I will use really light patterns, but mostly mixed media type papers for the backgrounds. What I have a hard time is if I want to do piled backgrounds and there are ONLY patterns or ONLY the same color or pattern mixed media pages.

 

[Madi]

I like mixed papers, mainly solid with a part pattern/decorated/stamped.

 

[ClaireG]

I like to use solids as backgrounds usually, especially if they have a bit of texture. However if I do used patterned ones, I tend to ensure that my background layer is white and then reduce the opacity of the patterned paper, so you get a bit of a faded look and so it doesn't overpower the rest of the page.

 

[EvelynD2]

I like to use solids as backgrounds usually, especially if they have a bit of texture. However if I do used patterned ones, I tend to ensure that my background layer is white and then reduce the opacity of the patterned paper, so you get a bit of a faded look and so it doesn't overpower the rest of the page.

That's a great idea, Claire!

 

[melscrap]

I like textured or lightly patterned backgrounds. It feels like the photo (and therefore the main focus of the page) gets lost if the background is too busy.

 

[*gina*]

Mostly I use solid papers or papers with a bit of watercolor. Sometimes I blended a patterned paper into a solid paper and lower the opacity of the patterned paper.

 

[Jam-on-toast]

I have recently become obsessed with white backgrounds - off white, texturized white, etc... I rarely use bold patterns or super bright colors

 

[faerywings]

I have recently become obsessed with white backgrounds - off white, texturized white, etc... I rarely use bold patterns or super bright colors

Have you seen these? Not so basic: Whites
I love them!

 

[scribler]

I love using patterned papers for backgrounds when I am doing pages with photos. I also love very artsy/mixed media backgrounds. If I don't use a patterned paper or something artsy then I go with something like this paper pack. I'm guessing this is what everyone is calling a semi-solid background.



I almost never used a solid backbround. I just find they don't work for me.

 

[Jam-on-toast]

Have you seen these? Not so basic: Whites
I love them!

Oh, these are great! I need to check them out!

 

[EvelynD2]

Have you seen these? Not so basic: Whites
I love them!

Those are beautiful!

 

[EvelynD2]

I love using patterned papers for backgrounds when I am doing pages with photos. I also love very artsy/mixed media backgrounds. If I don't use a patterned paper or something artsy then I go with something like this paper pack. I'm guessing this is what everyone is calling a semi-solid background.



I almost never used a solid backbround. I just find they don't work for me.

Those are really pretty!

 

[svanderhaegen]

I tend to rely on semi-solid light-colored papers as the base for my backgrounds. I must admit that I often struggle when it comes to incorporating highly intricate patterns or daek colors. However, I have great admiration for those who skillfully employ busy patterned papers in their work.

To add depth and visual interest to my backgrounds, I often experiment with blending different papers. This technique allows me to achieve a delicate balance, where subtle prints shine through.