Does anyone have this problem with pp?

[stamp300]

Everytime I want to make a card using pattern paper, I could never decide on what paper to use. It always takes me forever looking through every sheet of designer paper and not ever making a card with it. I think sometimes for me it's overwhelming because I have so much of it. How do you ladies make a decision on what paper to use and how to use it?

Connie

[paulssandy]

Yup, been there!! Now I choose my solid colors first and then see if there is any DS paper to match.

[jenrn]

I have the same exact problem. I think I just have too much of it, and non-su patterned paper just doesn't always match my SU cardstock. I am going to start buying SU patterned paper for exactly that reason!

Amy Westerman uses patterned paper on her cards all the time and she has a great blog you should check out:

http://heartfeltgreetings.blogspot.com/

I have also been told to start with your patterned paper first, then pick out your solid colors to go with it. Sometimes that works for me, but mostly not. I'm just as stumped as you are,

Hope something here helps!

[okstamper]

Hey sis, I have that same problem...But I managed to get my card done tonight using PP..

I'm on my way to check out the blog that was mentioned..

Bonnie

[sunnysnowflake]

I do the same thing! I find it so frustrating. I went through my papers this spring and sold a bunch in a garage sale but I still have way too much and I bought more this weekend!
I always color/stamp the image and then sit there and thumb through the PP to see what matches. Then I see if I am going to need plain paper or whatever else. It is probably backwards but I guess it works.

[vanislandwoman]

I look at samples in the catalogues and in the online sharing to see how people use the patterned papers. I just finished doing an adaptation of the '60 cards from a scrappin' kit'- I used a half kit and have 36 cards, some finished some not. Now that the combinations are assembled, I am doing the techniques and additions to try to individualize each card.
I bought several of the prints samplers when they were out, and am determined to use it up. One thing I'm doing is making gift boxes from one of the patterns found either on this website or SU, can't remember which at the moment.
If I don't start using up more of my patterned paper, I feel that I have foolishly wasted the money. I spent it to get supplies to make cards and scrapbook pages, not to sit on my desk doing nothing!

Good luck!

[Gina K. Designs]

I start with my patterned paper and then decide what else to use from there.
Just look through your patterned paper and see what "mood" you're in. Then go from there. Choose stamps that work with the pattern and pick a solid cardstock color that's in the patterned paper. It's kind of backwards but you end up making stuff you didn't think you would. It's fun and keeps it interesting.

Hugs,
Gina K.

[stampkinz]

That is why I don't use pp very often. If I see some paper that I like and I buy it I try to use it up and then buy something else I like. I'm usually tired of using it by then anyways Otherwise I end up with tons of scraps and leftovers and then too many patterns to choose from.

[stamp300]

Thanks for your help ladies.....I'll try your ideas.

Connie

[nmslmomto3]

something I did too that helped me, when I would buy a pack of matching patterned paper, like from TAC, I went through and figured out what colors matched that paper and then put it on the front of the paper pack.

[nmslmomto3]

sorry, I didn't finish my thoughts on the above post, had a bus come..YEAH! Anyhow, when I first get it I go through and match up the colors that way when I want to use the paper I just pull out a piece and already have the colors that match it. This will not work for those multi packs, like the stacks, but works great for those that come packaged from a company, like TAC.

[peebsmama]

I have to start with my patterned paper first. I have tried stamping and coloring images then sorting through my pp to find something to go with it, only to find that nothing was quite right. Then if I found some pp I did like, I would have to restamp and recolor the image to go with it. By then, I'm just too frustrated to finish it and it goes in the pile with all the other half finished stuff. I really should sort through my stash as well and get rid of most of it. Some of it I bought so long ago and it has never been used. Its just taking up valuable space right now.

[MSBetsyZ]

LOL, this might sound weird, but it worked for me last night. I almost NEVER totally CASE cards, because it's so much work trying to get everything right, lol! But I did last night, because I really wanted a copy of the card.

Well, after making that card, I had all the leftover pp sheets and scraps just sitting there, and it was a snap to go ahead and use them to make a card of my own design. Not only that, I was really tickled with it!

I agree with figuring out all the colors that coordinate with the paper ahead of time. It really does make it a snap to get going on a design.

[Honey Bee]

I have learned so much about using up patterned paper from the blogs of Michelle Wooderson and Lisa Zappa. Lots of tips and great ideas there.

Honey Bee

[okstamper]

Hello,

How would I get to their blogs from here?

Thanks

Bonnie

[stampencamper]

Often scrapstores/craft stores have matching companions together to buy.
I have found now when I have a discount coupon worthy ofusing on any item, I head straight for the coordinating paper packs, like Basic grey, Stella ruby, Anna Griffin, etc; they are already coordinated. From watching others putting cards together, it ap;pears if you have a dotted/check/or stripe paper that matches a COL0R within the other pattern you choose. I'm wanting to get into more paper designed cards as they are so much more
economical then rubber stamping and it works with scraps from scrapbooking Carolyn