Sunday Sketch

Layers are incredibly important in paper crafting, but so are color combinations. There are many different ways to combine colors and patterns, but it's not always easy to make it look like anything more than a jumbled mess.

In this sketch, you'll see the first way is to start with a solid base and then layer a coordinating pattern on top. There are lots of paper sets out there now, so you don't have to guess which will go together well.

Next is another solid color, alternating color and pattern. Varying textures helps, too, so tear or use edging scissors to do something interesting.

Another pattern comes next, and then an image and phrase. Placing this box in one corner will allow you to see the pattern in the background.

So here's the Praying For You card I made with this sketch. I adore the brown and green color combination, and the patterns just scream autumn.

The papers came from a pack, so they're already coordinated, which makes things much easier. The die cut even came with it, so little thinking is necessary - I like that very much.

The hand-stamped phrase and ink-distressed edges complete the card with a couple of special touches.

This card and many other paper and wood crafts can be found in our Etsy shop at www.stufffromtrees.etsy.com.

What colors and papers do you have in your collection that would work with this sketch?