5 ways to mix patterns like a pro on your creative projects

Pattern-mixing can be intimidating if your style is more matchy matchy than eclectic (aka anything goes). But there is soooooo much fun in pattern-mixing and you can really really use up those pesky random little bits that are too fab to just trash but too small to really make a substantial impact...or so you think. *winks*

Shall we explore 5 ways to mix patterns like a pro on your creative projects??

Paper scraps on a paper bag

1. Treat your patterned paper background as a neutral.


When you treat your patterned paper background as a neutral, you can concentrate entirely on building your cluster. Just remember to incorporate bits of colour from your patterned background "neutral" into your main patterned mixing cluster so that everything blends in seamlessly.

Here I have the dog's eye, the polka-dotted black and white patterned paper and the white on black text that "match" the black and white patterned background.

The one about the meat lover

2. Insert pops of solid colour to "break" the patterns.

You can break up busy patterns by subtly inserting pops of solid colour in between busy patterns.
On this layout, I used a green mat for the photo and  a monster in a solid colour.

The one about the almost free meal

3. Combine different textures.

Mix it up with different textures to really create interest and dimension to your creative piece without looking too busy.

The one about the elevated pancakes

4. Incorporate text.

You can treat text/quotes as "patterned" paper. It can be totally fun to mix the different fonts and sizes to create interest on your creative piece.

Mask on!

5. Draw the eye with bright and bold patterns.

Choose a lighter background patterned paper so that it recedes into the background and use bright bold patterns where you want the viewer's eye to be drawn to.


There you have it. 5 ways to mix patterns like a pro on your creative projects. Which one is your fave?