DT Tips: Pattern Play...

Happy Friday!  It's my turn for Papertrey Ink's DT Tips and today I'm celebrating the patterns and textures of Autumn.  I love fall crafting and the variety of ways you can bring a bit of Autumn into your handmade creations.

I'll do my best to explain how I love to mix my patterned paper and textures.  The first thing that drew me to paper-crafting was, in fact, the patterned paper :).  This stuff is like candy to me and I can hardly create without incorporating a bit of it.  

On my first card, I have used the darling Shape Up Series:  Pumpkin and Pumpkin Sections.  I started with a base of Stormy Sea cardstock, knowing I would love little pieces of it peeking through as I layered on my sections.  I then selected my materials.  Corrugated cardstock is a must in my craft supplies.  I love its simplicity but also the way it can create character and interest so easily.  You'll notice that sections of my pumpkin and the Enclosed:  Leaf (veins) are cut from corrugated cardstock.

I also selected a tiny floral...florals are also a must when mixing and matching.  For this project, I needed a small floral because I could see that a large floral would be too busy mixed with my woodgrain, small polka dots, and plaid.  So when selecting your patterns, it's important to make sure that you've got a balance.  If you go with a large plaid like I did here, a smaller floral and polka dot would help balance it, instead of creating competition and noise between the patterns.  My sentiment comes from the Autumn Scarecrow stamp set, my flourish across the bottom is from the Autumn Adornments, and my stamped leaves are from the Forest Floor:  Autumn stamp set and dies.

On my next card, I have used the cute, cute, cute Apple Prints stamp set and coordinating dies.  I just knew these little apples would look sweet as can be cut from plaid and polka dots.

I used two plaids/ginghams on this card, which I normally wouldn't do when mixing patterns.  But, you can see that one is darker than the other, for a more subtle pattern, and the other is brighter and tipped on a diagonal, which takes on a whole different feel.  Try this:)...it's a fun way to use plaid paper.

One of my images is solid and was stamped, and then at the top is a simple, bitty polka dot.  I generally don't use large patterns on small die cuts, because you can lose the shape of the die from time to time.

The tops of each apple was cut from Spring Moss felt which adds texture and softness.  Love felt!  In the background, I used the Frame it Out:  Many Blessings stamp set, stamping in Classic Kraft ink on a Mix and Mat:  Brackets die cut.

My last card reminds me of everything I love about Autumn...it just has a cozy, warm feel to it, which is what the textures and patterns do...they make us feel something.

I began with a Mix & Mat:  Postal Die and then used the Window Works Die to cut a window in the center.  I layered it over soft, tan gingham paper.  I needed my background to be soft, in order to allow my pumpkin to show up properly and not get lost.

I then used a tiny floral paper and the Polka Dot Parade #8 die to cut my pumpkin, using dark green felt for my leaf, and corrugated cardstock for my stem.  My Ocean Tides felt heart was cut using the Traveler's Journal Passport Cover.

My sentiment comes from the Sunflower Harvest stamp set and the floral vine across the bottom from the Autumn Adornments stamp set.  Once again you'll notice that I added in a tiny polka dot from the Bitty Big Honey Nut collection and I added a medium size floral to compliment it, but not overpower.

I hope that gives you a little peek inside my brain:)...it's kind of something that you feel your way through and get the hang of with practice and lots of fun experimenting.

Supplies are all listed for you below and I'll answer any questions you might have...just send me an email to [email protected].

Enjoy your day!

Melis 

Comments

[~amy~]

I always love how you work your magic with colors and patterns. These are beautiful.

[Cindy H.]

Oh, such beautiful inspiration! Love them all but I especially love the pumpkin card. You always create such a lovely inspiration using that die. I've CASE'd an earlier card using your pumpkin creations and I'm sure I'll try to CASE this one, too :) Thank you for sharing your thought process.

[jan metcalf]

Thanks for sharing your brain Melissa! Actually I would say your heart, your creativity, your artistic view, your warmth and the love you put into each card! Love them all!

[Cindy Otto]

Love, love, love these cards. Autumn and paper pricing are two of my favorites! Thank you for sharing.

[Helen]

These Autumn cards are delightful. More items for my wish list inspired by you! tfs

[Connie Wine]

You have a unique and amazing EYE as you select colors, patterns and dies and stamps!!!! My question is:: you have so many products out just for one card—how do you keep it all organized!?!?!?!?

[Conniecrafter]

Beautiful cards, I especially love how you used the patterns in the pumpkin!

[Anne Sturgeon]

Love the leaves. These Autumn colors matched with the florals, yummy... Nicely done.

[Nancy Penir]

Talk about eye candy... I tune in to your blog just for my fix! Need your candy every day! Delicious!!! Especially the pumpkin, I know I have that die, need to get it out! OK, love them all, but the patterns and colors on the pumpkin, yum!

[Susan from Colorado]

Dearest Melissa, I don't know if I should be grateful or promising to never view your blog again! (I could NEVER not view your blog) When I see your creations I want everything you post so I can make what you make. But alas I haven't found the morally correct money making machine as of yet ... sigh! At least I can gaze on your art and rejoice in it's beauty Ü. I was pleasantly surprised to see a few things from today's post that I have in my craft room. Thanks for the inspiration to get them out and have some fun of my own. You are the bee's knees and I love you Ü

[PeggySue]

I just sigh when I look at your creations. I want to be you when I grow up!!! (if that's possible, since I'm already 55). Love what you've created and always do. Fall is my favorite season and these are wonderful creations to try to emulate.

[Becky Green]

OH MY, Melissa! I understand what you're saying about the patterns & textures... they DO make you feel something! I think I am ready for fall now that I've seen your cards! LOL They're PERFECT for the fall, giving off those WARM & COZY feelings! ;) Your cards are GORGEOUS! Every time I see one of your creations, I see what I NEED from PTI! LOL SUPER JOB on this post! THANK YOU for the Tips! LOVE those pumpkins!!!! ;)

[Patty O'Malley]

I love each and every one of these projects, Melis! They create such a warm, cozy feel!

[Paulette Still]

Happy Fall, Melissa! Your cards always make my heart stand up and sing. LOL. You have a beautiful knack for mixing and matching the perfect elements for a gorgeous paper craft every time.

[Yvonne F.]

I love every of these projects/cards you made. I don´t know anybody who mixes patterns and colors as good as you!!

[Jennifer McAllister]

Years ago you inspired me with paper piecing. I still love the look and love doing it. Each one of these cards are beautiful. My want list just grew way out of control!