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Color Blocking

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In the fashion world we hear about those “classic pieces” that never go out of style. In the scrapbooking world we have some “classic techniques” that are just as timeless, and still look as great today as when they were introduced ten years ago. Color blocking is one such technique that was all the rage and still produces classic, clean layouts.

Color blocking is basically using a variety of papers to create “quadrants” on your page. You can use plain colored card-stock or coordinating patterned papers. Back in the day there were color blocking templates with all different size quadrants, but it is quite simple to create your own pattern. Let your photos be your guide.

One reason I love color blocking is that it gives me the opportunity to use up some of my scrap paper. I just look for patterns that coordinate well with each other and with my pictures. Color blocking is also great when you come across a line that has highly patterned papers and you want to figure out how to “mix and match” them.

Here are some sample layouts using color-blocking techniques:

Layout #1
This is a simple color-blocking design using coordinating papers from SEI.

sweet.jpg

  • Cut 2 coordinating patterned papers in half.
  • Connect the 2 halves with tape on the back side. (This technique helps you conserve paper.)
  • Cut a border strip of coordinating cardstock approximately 2″ wide to “connect” the two half sheets of paper.
  • Choose your photos, matte them in coordinating papers, and lay them out in a pleasing manner.
  • Attach a ribbon along the cardstock strip. Attach a tag onto the ribbon with journaling and some kind of embellishment that compliments your theme.
  • Your title can also be placed on the cardstock strip.
  • Since my patterned paper featured polka dots, I also placed 3 brads in the bottom left-hand corner of the layout which provides an additional accent.

    Layout #2
    This layout uses a variety of “quadrants” with coordinating patterned paper. In this instance I used polka dot paper from the same line but in all different colors. My goal was to create a playful mood for the layout.

    play.jpg

  • In this particular layout I let the pictures I chose guide me on how to make my quadrants.
  • I created an additional quadrant for the title and journaling block. All quadrants in the layout butt up next to each other. If this is confusing you can lay your pictures down on a scrap paper and draw out where you want the quadrants to be. Then cut the pieces out of the scrap paper andyou’ve created templates for yourself!
  • In my layout I backed each of the pictures, the title and the jouraling block in black so that they would “pop” off the page and stand out from the patterned paper.

    If color blocking is a technique you’ve “blocked from your mind” why not revisit it again? Sometimes it’s good to go back to the “classics”. Go ahead and create a simple, pleasing, color blocked design for your next layout.

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