If you visit here much at all, you know that I love mixing colors, patterns and textures. It is my favorite thing about scrapbooking. But sometimesa challenge helps nudge (shove) me out of my box. This week I came across two challenges that would take color (mostly) out of the mix.
One of the March "Layout A Week" challenges at Studio Calico asked that you make black and white the focus of your project. And one of the challenges at the Paper Issues Spring Crop called for a monochromatic layout. So I went for it.....
I limited myself to black and white (and a little gold) for a layout. And to be honest, I kind of love it.
I focused on mixing patterns and textures while trying to maintain a "light" feel. The black plastic grid was from an ancient Studio Calico kit and had been hanging on my peg board forever. When choosing papers I used two vellums (because they add lots of texture without adding much visual weight) and patterns that were predominantly white. A chalkboard shipping tag added a different texture and a pop of black. And the black and white photo really pulled it all together.
I'm not giving up all those pretty patterned papers but this was a fun exercise with a great end result. And that nudge out of my box is the reason I love creative challenges. It pushes me to try something different I never would have tried.
I hope you're finding your own scrappy time. Try something new the next time you sit down to play. You might just love what you make.
One of the March "Layout A Week" challenges at Studio Calico asked that you make black and white the focus of your project. And one of the challenges at the Paper Issues Spring Crop called for a monochromatic layout. So I went for it.....
I limited myself to black and white (and a little gold) for a layout. And to be honest, I kind of love it.
I focused on mixing patterns and textures while trying to maintain a "light" feel. The black plastic grid was from an ancient Studio Calico kit and had been hanging on my peg board forever. When choosing papers I used two vellums (because they add lots of texture without adding much visual weight) and patterns that were predominantly white. A chalkboard shipping tag added a different texture and a pop of black. And the black and white photo really pulled it all together.
I'm not giving up all those pretty patterned papers but this was a fun exercise with a great end result. And that nudge out of my box is the reason I love creative challenges. It pushes me to try something different I never would have tried.
I hope you're finding your own scrappy time. Try something new the next time you sit down to play. You might just love what you make.
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