Stripes can be kind of a "love-'em or leave 'em" design element--I've rarely come across anyone who didn't have a strong feeling one way or the other about them.
While some of us have managed to get over the "avoid horizontal lines at all costs" cross-over mentality of out-dated fashion advice, others of us still struggle to use them in our crafting unless we set out for the nautical look. But stripes are fun, trendy, and fresh--and perfect for spring! They automatically add a sense of coolness and crispness in summer, too.
I've compiled some tips for using bold diagonal stripes that I hope will help you use up those papers in the pack--they are there for a reason, after all. Designers don't just pull together paper assortments at random, you know! Stripes provide an important graphic foundation for many other patterns.
5 Tricks Designers Know about Using Bold, Diagonal Stripes
- Pair bold stripes with bold colors. Wimpy colors do not hold their own visually against dark, in-your-face stripes. Bright yellow, fire-engine red, Pacific blue, Kelly green--in general, avoid pairing with pastels unless you're using striped paper made from those shades.
- Go monochromatic! Keeping all your colors limited to one shade plus neutrals automatically lends elegance and tones down the "shouting" feeling that stripes can sometimes project.
- Don't be afraid to mix stripes and other patterns. Geometrics have hard lines, like stripes, triangles, chevron, or hexagons; prints include all florals and anything with softer lines and curves, like polka dots or script. Take one print from each category and you can't go wrong.
- Intersect your diagonal stripes with a horizon. Clearly defining the limits of the pattern help the mind know what to expect and feel orderly instead of chaotic.
- Play with the direction. The eye travels naturally from left to right and top to bottom. Sometimes it makes ALL the difference in the world if your stripes are helping the eye or resisting it. It can be the difference between your scrapbook title being read or being ignored.
Love design tips like these? My Cheat Sheet Collections are FULL of cool tips and hints for making your projects look more professional. Every one of the layouts comes with measurements, instructions, alternate suggestions and design helps. Check them out here on the blog or on Song of My Heart Etsy! I've used a variation on the design from Cheat Sheets Collection #14, released this week, for the cards in this post. They make design SO easy!
Thanks for stopping in today, friends! Now turn off the computer and go get in the craft room : )
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