Stripes are versatile. Stripes are fun. Stripes can alternately add excitement and order. I thought stripes 5 ways would be so easy - I was wrong! I mean, how can I share 5 ways to use stripes that are new and clever and unique? Horizontal, vertical, diagonal (a way I never think to place stripes unless they are printed that way on the paper!), use the to direct the viewer's eye or as a background. Use as an element in a color blocked page - endless possiblities!
 
 Sample 1: Tone on Tone Stripes
 This one is for the digi girls...I love the look of tone on tone stripes. For this sample, I just added black boxes vertically over the blue patterned paper. Change the layer mode to 'multiply', play with the opacities, get an entirely new look! I've attached a copy of the original paper in image 2 so you can see the difference the stripes made - takes 60 seconds tops!
 
 STEPS:
 1. Open a new 8.5 x 11 canvas. Add a texture to the white background. Add 2 patterned papers resized to 6 x 6 in upper and lower right corners as shown.
 2. Size 2 photos to 3 x 2 and place flush right to cover the seams created by the patterned paper. 
 3. Add stitching, journaling tab, mesh, clips and paint swipes. Type journaling and date.
 
 CREDITS:
 paper: Eco Paper Pack
 paint swipes: Matted Brush Kit
 stitching: Variety Show Stitches
 font: P22 Typewriter
 
 Sample 2: Stripes as Journaling Guides
 Now, I know that for many of you, this is kind of a 'duh' tip but I hate using my handwriting. For one thing, I can't write straight to save my life and I'm way too lazy to do the pencil guidelines. For two, I just don't like my writing. So, I tried to channel Shelley a bit and do a funky kind of type. I failed miserably but I still like the layout :)
 
 STEPS:
 1. Place photo and striped paper on background cardstock as shown. Add a strip of contrasting cardstock to the right edge.
 2. Cut title letters from cardstock and adhere along left edge of photo/patterned paper. Journal along stripes. Add bird rub-ons (cause these two are inseparable) brads for a 'hop' line and a frog cut from the top of an Arctic Frog letter sticker sheet (I must have a frog somewhere in my stash - just couldn't find anything but this!)
 
 CREDITS:
 cardstock: Bazzill
 striped paper: KI Memories
 brads: American Crafts
 rub-on: Hambly
 font: Nueva
 
 Sample 3: Make Your Own Stripes with ribbon, stickers, brads and rub-ons. The illusion of stripes using a variety of rainbow hued emebellishments (a great way to put your stash to use!)
 
 STEPS:
 1. Cut brown cardstock to 7.5 x 8.5 and fold in half (to 3.25 x 8.5 to fit in a business sized envelope.)
 2. Add ribbon, stickers, rub-ons, brads and jewels to form stripes. 
 3. Use sticker letters for the sentiment.
 4. Address, mail and wait for the delighted recipient to exclaim with glee over your creativity.
 
 CREDITS:
 cardstock: Bazzill
 label maker and tape: Around the Block
 brads and jewels: Queen & Co.
 paper frill: Doodlebug
 ribbon: KI Memories (red), American Crafts (blue)
 rub-ons: American Crafts (green), Sassafrass Lass (blue/white)
 stickers: Christina Cole (EK Success), Making Memories
 
 Sample 4: Painted Stripes I wanted to do something painted with these sherberty Making memories paints. I dipped the brush in a little water before I picked up the paint so it would be a little thinner and let the lines on the paper show through. A rub-on, some letter stickers and a few brads finish it off!
 
 CREDITS:
 paper: Scenic Route
 paint, flower brads, letter stickers: Making Memories
 rub-on: Hambly
 jewel brads: SEI
 
 Sample 5: Strips of Stripesdifferent stripes, different widths...all flush together to create a photo mat or journaling space. It adds some chaos though so combine it with something more subtle so the eye has somewhere to rest. Use stitching or another element to link the strips somehow (I use digital...because I'm sewing impaired!)
 
 CREDITS:
 paper: KI Memories, Making Memories, Sandylion, BamPop, Autumn Leaves, Sassafrass Lass
 stitching: Stitches Gone Wild
 font: AL Professor
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