Patterned Paper Troubles......
 

I never thought I'd have such a hard time using a Polka Dot Background, It's getting really frustrating but I'm determined to do it!! I typically just use solids or wood and then accent my page with layers of patterned pieces.

What type of Pattern do you have trouble using as the whole background??

Have you tried using really large polka dots? I'm the same as you in that I usually use solids, and like the cleaner look. You could use oversized polka dots, and make the polka dots only a few shades lighter than the background, then it won't contrast as much.

Like Jacinda's suggestion, try using something less contrasting. Maybe layer it over a solid and turn down the opacity. I actually think really tiny dots are less distracting than huge dots. Also, try layering your photos with lots of solids to get the eye to focus on that spot rather than the overall background.

Smaller dots are a bit less distracting as it gives the impression of a textured solid.

I'm with Grace that you do need to make sure you layer with solids to tone down the patterned paper. Or if you are going to use a patterned paper to accent it needs to be lighter/darker than the background and also not the same size pattern.

I also have trouble with a super patterned background. I usually am able to get t to look good by splitting the background in half so it’s half patterned and half not

Thanks you for all the suggestions. I think I have an idea I can run with to get this challenge done.

Another pattern I have a hard time with are plaids.... and they are actually my favorite to look at which is kinda funny in a "go figure" way. LOL :)

I love, love, LOVE patterns and often have a hard time using JUST solid papers! :D

What I do with mine (any of them really) is I layer paint to distract from the patterns.

The smaller the pattern, the easier it is on the eyes for the background (at least for me).

Plus for that challenge, you could fill your entire page with layers, photos and what not that you aren't "blinded" by the polka background paper, instead your focus is on the photos.

I'm with you on patterns, Wendy! I love patterned backgrounds!

Jenn, the one I used for this was almost tone-on-tone polka dots in a kit from River Rose.

This is what I came up with..... I was much happier after I was able to cover most of the polka dots up. LOL as you can see, I'm not completely intimidated by patterns, but there's just something about dots.... I think I can get myself used to using smaller polka dots easily after this and try to 'grow' from there :)

https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com...background.jpg

I'm not a fan of polka dots either, but I love how your page turned out!

I LOVE this layout!! I would NEVER have known you had issues with patterns if you hadn't said something. you ROCKED this layout!

Great job, Jenn!! You rocked it!