Paper Gumbo: June 2007

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Classic Black and Whites

From the LM Newsletter

Classic Black and Whites By: Melissa Thigpen, Design Team Member

Simple, elegant and classic, black and white is a timeless combination that is showing up in collections from several manufacturers this year: Luxe Designs Classic Black, Antique Cream Narratives by Karen Russell, Doodlebug Black & White, Scrapworks Formal Affair, 7 Gypsies Napoli. The patterns run the gamut from delicate and feminine to worn and mellow to big and bold. With so many style choices, the possibilities of black and white go far beyond the traditional wedding pages.
Using black and white on your pages may seem challenging. The rules of color do not apply. Like black and white photographs, designing with black and white elements means thinking more in terms of light and dark, contrast, pattern, texture and balance.
Balance:
Solid black and white both have a lot impact or weight in a design. Black and white patterned paper can have more or less weight according to the ratio of black to white in the pattern. Try combining different patterns ranging from mostly black or white to a 50/50 combination of the two to create balance on your page.
Pattern:
Because black and white papers are by definition without color, the patterns really take the center stage. Use patterns that reflect the elements or themes of your photographs. When combining patterns, try pairing up angular or linear patterns like stripes, diamonds or text with curving patterns for a great contrast.
Texture:
Black and white doesn’t mean boring. There are plenty of ways to add texture and dimension to your pages to give your designs more pop even without color. Try using chipboard, ribbon, buttons and brads, die cut elements and papers, silk or paper flowers. Add some sparkles with jewels from Doodlebug or KI Memories and Stickles glitter glue.
Color:
Color really pops against a black or white background. A black and white design is a great way to make your color photographs shine. Adding a bit of color to your design is another way to add drama to your page. Use a colored ribbon or flower that picks up an important element from your photos as Nancy did in her lovely wedding layout.
Black & White Photos:
Sometimes a formal or interesting black and white photograph needs a timeless setting. A black and white page design can provide exactly that. Try matting your black and white photograph with either solid black or white to frame it and keep it from getting lost against any patterned paper you use on your page.
So try your hand at going back to basic black and white and see what wonderful pages you can create.

Design Team Examples
To view all layout ideas and products used, please be sure to visit the Design Team Gallery:http://gallery.lifetimemoments.com/showgallery.php?cat=9519Classic Black and Whites
Or Click each image below to see a larger view!