HI not really sure if this is the right place to post this but I can't see anywhere else it fits.

I was hoping some one could explain patterned papers casue they are a mystery to me I have looked back over what I have done in the past and its very rare that I have ever used any and don't like the things that I have used them on. To me it seems a waste to buy a lovely peice of paper only to cut it up or cover with most everthing else

thanks Gypsy

I've been one not to be too fussed with pattern paper. I do rarely use it, and if I did - it would be to cut it up.

But I've been including a little lately. It may be just your taste Gypsy that you prefer not to use it. OR maybe its something you need to practice with a bit until it feels familiar.
Isnt scrapbooking just one big learning experience - we just never stop learning something new!

I love beautiful pattern papers I love to fussy cut and layer but I do have a few that are so beautiful and a story on their own so I just look and don't cut.

I know what you mean about covering up a lovely piece of pp with everything else only to be able to see "bits" of it (I'm sooooooooo guilty of this) but I think it's just your own taste in things. If I start with a pp base I usually build my pages up with paint, mists, layering etc and in the end not much of the pp is visible but it is the "inspiration" for the rest of the page. I think it depends on tastes and scrapping style.

Some people use PP really well, I cant I alway cut it up and end up with a box of 3/4 sheets of PP, I love textured cardstock and papers that are one colour and if its a double sided paper I tend to use the side that just got one colour - I agree it seems like a waste but you can check out some layouts By Belinda Venables, she uses patterned papers really well http://belindasescape.blogspot.com/

I love using patterned paper out here. Esp if it is able to be fussy cut and 3d but like the girls have said it is all depends on everyone own personal style and tastes.

You sound just like me a couple of years ago Gypsy! I asked that question too . I think you just find what you like & go with what works for you. I love cutting into my paper & layering it up now.

Great topic Gypsy, interesting reading the different responses!

Kraft It Up's challenge this month is to use no pattern paper! if you interested!!! it was actually easier then i thought a good excuse to use other stuff!!!

I think I had a similar experience when I started altering books. That first ripped page, gluing pages together, painting them went against everything I felt about how books should be treated. However, ahem, I soon got used to it, but I'm always very careful to check out a book's value before starting. Even my poor art work has improved a book or two IMHO, as there are some shockers out there.

As a result, PP is not a problem for me. If I don't want to cover/cut it, I don't, but if it will add something to the page I do. If there was more time, I think I would make more of my backgrounds etc, so would use less.

I'm addicted to PP but have terrible trouble using it. Other than fussy cutting I'm trying to find other ways of using it without covering most of it. Webster pages I particularly I love but to cover it up with other stuff? They are too pretty.