#74 inspired by bold patterns & colours

Well, Pam knows how to stretch us, doesn't she?

This week she asked us to mix and (not) match bold, bright patterns and colours. Now, I'm not exactly afraid of bright colours or bold prints but I might only use a bit of one and then mix it in with something smaller, softer or more neutral. So this was a biggie for me this week.

I knew exactly where to look for my first bright print. I'm such a sucker for BasicGrey (as if you didn't know) and pick up almost everything they produce. But June Bug was always just a bit too bright for me. And I've hardly used any of it. So that was going to be my first choice.

This was the paper I picked out - get the sunglasses out-

And then I wanted to really follow the prompt and went to my older paper box to find a print from another company (I keep all my BG separate from everything else. Yes, control freak, what can I say?). And there amongst all the softer prints was this one from Tinkering Ink. I've never really known what to do with these overpowering flowers so I cut them out and decided to use them as a border along the side.

Another couple of items from BG June Bug to give it some connection and the base was ready for a simple photo. Another one of those photos that I have taken and printed out for no reason. I love finding a meaning to them on my pages.

I then decided that if the base was going to be so bright and powerful, I should just continue with going a bit over the top and create some blingy corners and a cluster using some really really old stuff. In fact, the only new stuff on this layout is the veneer camera and person, and the tapes. Even the kraft cardstock is the B-side to some Kraft Kuts papers from Fancy Pants that I had to have but have never used.

The strong colours and lines support the theme of my journalling about the year ahead which I realised as I was going along and helped me pull everything together in a way that makes sense to me (even if it's a bit higgeldy piggeldy for you).

Now this may not be my favourite layout of all time, but it was great to cut into these two old pieces of paper and not worry about whether they go together or not. Personally, I think they really don't go together but I don't even notice that anymore now that the layout is finished.

Thanks Pam for another stretching challenge and for getting me to jump over my own shadow :-)

Don't forget to share your bold creations over at our Flickr group (here) using the tag WM#74.

Challenge # 74 - Week of January 21st, 2012

Another week is upon us.

And I know we have had a slow start to this year, but we are not slowing down on the prompts. So keep checking back and once you are up to it again, jump right back in. We will be waiting for you.

My challenge for this week was inspired by a layout I made (which I still can't share with you) which used the two papers below.

the doodlebug paper can be found {here} and the basic grey paper {here}

I know what you might be thinking - those patterns don't match. And perhaps they don't. They are big and bold , statement patterns with totally different motifs and styles. One from a classic line and the other from a vintage beach line. Maybe mixing them is a faux pas in the world of fashion and design. But that is what is so great about our craft - we can do what we want! I actually love my page( will share next weekend) and it turned out ok.

Your challenge, if you chose to accept it is to mix two or more Big, Bold patterns from two different lines and manufacturers. Be risky and brave. You can do this. Take it up a notch and break other myths, such as don't mix florals or dots with stripes. 

A tip when using these papers and not letting your pictures get lost in the mix: add a white or black mat around the photos to frame them and separate them.

I leave you with an example of a well-executed bold pattern mixing.

Source: hamblyscreenprints.typepad.com via Pam on Pinterest

xo,

Pamage