9 Ways To Use a Pattern Overlay On a Scrapbook Page
Expert Guidance for Digital Scrapbooking

What is a pattern overlay? In digital scrapbooking, a pattern overlay is typically seen as a black pattern with transparency that can be blended onto anything in your stash. It is not a patterned paper that contains no transparency. You can see through a pattern overlay.

Shop for pattern overlays:

• Practical Patterns #01 by Jenifer Juris (used in these tutorials)

Pattern overlays can be a little daunting unless you know the tricks for making them look fabulous. The guidance and ideas in this post are a bit more involved than previous Ways To Use posts, for that reason, I’ve created a PDF download available below.

Download the Step-by-Step PDF Manual ($1.90 for a limited time)
Includes:
– Instruction for both Photoshop Elements and Adobe Photoshop, and both Windows and Mac
– All nine ideas with step-by-step instructions in one convenient PDF

9 Ways To Use a Pattern Overlay On a Scrapbook Page:

Way #1 Use a Pattern Overlay to Add Texture to Word Art

A simple pattern overlay clipped to sticker-style word art can add the perfect finishing touch. This works best with thick fonts, and you’ll need to fill your pattern overlay with a contrasting color. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #2 Use a Pattern Overlay to Add an Anchor to a Cluster

Anchors are a brilliant way to use a pattern overlay. The pattern overlay allows you to see the paper behind the anchor while still supporting the cluster in front. This technique uses a pattern overlay, a layer mask, and a grungy brush. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #3 Use a Pattern Overlay to Turn an Element Into a Patterned Stamp

I love it when I can extend the use of elements in my stash, and I super-love the unique and trendy look that this technique provides. The trick with this look is all about the blending. All you need is an element and a pattern overlay. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #4 Use a Pattern Overlay to Add Journaling Lines to an Element

Every good scrapbook page needs a bit of journaling, even if it’s just the who and when, and added journaling lines provide just the right finishing touch. Journaling lines can be added to so many different things, not just paper, and they are quick and easy to apply if you have a lined pattern overlay, a layer mask, and a grungy brush. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #5 Use a Pattern Overlay to Add Texture to Wooden Elements

I LOVE the added texture that wooden elements bring to a digital project, but wooden elements are even more fun when you apply a burned or whitewashed look with a pattern overlay. All you need is a fun pattern overlay and just the right combination of blend modes and opacity. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #6 Use a Pattern Overlay to Dress Up the Edge of an Element

One of the great things about digital is that every element in your stash can be altered to get just the look you’re going for. I love how applying a colored and blended pattern overlay to this journaling card made such a fun variation. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #7 Use a Pattern Overlay to Add Shaped Anchors to a Paper

Instead of applying a pattern overlay to the entire solid background paper, try applying it in shapes instead. The shapes should help support the flow of the page and provide anchoring spots for the details of your page. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #8 Use a Pattern Overlay to Support a Photo-Filled Scrapbook Page

It’s a little hard to see in the before and after, but here I used a blended pattern overlay to support the flow of the photo-filled page and act as an anchor for journaling and elements. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Way #9 Use a Pattern Overlay to Dress Up a Watercolor Mask

Adding a clipped, colored, and blended overlay to a watercolor mask makes the mask extra eye-catching. When doing this, I’d recommend using a pattern overlay that contrasts with any pattern that’s already present in the mask. Need help completing this look? Get the step-by-step PDF.

Get all nine ways in one convenient step-by-step PDF download.

Supplies used in these examples: 
Practical Patterns #01 by Jenifer Juris
This Is Us by KimB Designs
Here Comes the Sun by KimB Designs
Hey Vacay by KimB Designs
Unconditionally by KimB Designs
Young @ Heart by KimB Designs
September Serenity by TirAmisu Designs

Additional Resources for Pattern Overlays

• Patterns To Overlays (mini class) by Jen White
• Patterns, Layer Mask Magic (free tutorial) by Jenifer Juris
• Patterns, Make It Match (free tutorial) by Jenifer Juris
• Patterns, Overlay Dress Up (free tutorial) by Jenifer Juris

_____________________________________________

Author: Jen White | Contact Us
All comments are moderated.
Please allow time for your comment to appear.