I have been scrapping for 4 years and I am intimidated by patterned paper. Don't get me wrong I love the stuff and have PLENTY of it, but am scared to death to use it!

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http://merrymaass.blogspot.com/

Well, just send it to me and I'll put it to use! LOL

Just kidding! I LOVE patterned paper! I would be super intimidated NOT to use it!! I would suggest starting with sketches that require patterned paper and get used to how to use it comfortably. I have been doing that with embellishments. Right now I put brads on corners all the time. Once I'm more comfortable, I know that I'll think of more creative uses!

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Alicia (Tree-hugger wannabe)
mom to Shawn, Jake, and Toad
"Chick" out the Scrapbooking Forum for great handcrafted Occasion Ideas!!

Awww yeah using the sketches is a good idea. Or just scraplift and use it up!

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Mommy to Bailey 10/02, Brooke 9/04, & DJ 6/06

Check out my scrapbooking blog!
http://nevillland.blogspot.com/

I'm just getting the hang of using the patterned paper too. It used to intimidate me, and I still use a lot of solid paper to go with it. I'm not quite sure how to mix patterns yet... baby steps!

Scraplifting and the sketches are a great way to get more and more used to the patterns.

It's not just you. Granted I am just starting out, but patterend paper is hard for me also. I am ok using a pattern and a solid...but two patterns ~ forget it.

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I just have a major problem with EVERYTHING (think clothing too) matching! I have to match stuff. Red polka dots and I match it to red paper. You know? I have seen some gorgeous pages that coordinate but I can't COORDINATE! LOL

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Alicia (Tree-hugger wannabe)
mom to Shawn, Jake, and Toad
"Chick" out the Scrapbooking Forum for great handcrafted Occasion Ideas!!

I am this way, too, Jen. Actually, I am this way even in having my kids pictures taken. The photographers always think I am nuts when I ask for solid backgrounds only (unless we are actually outside like at the beach, etc.!). I just want the focus on my subject/child...not the background so much. I am getting better with using prints in scrapping, but I tend to do so only when I can use solid frames/matting around the pictures themselves or when I tear a piece of solid paper to cover up and break up half of the printed paper. Make sense??

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Shaking in my boots (well, if I was wearing them in the middle of summer!), but glad to be back!