For this ATC, I’m keying off the green in the focal image, and contrasting a very light background with a much darker intermediate layer. I could have easily reversed the placement of the dark green and the music papers, which would have created a very different look.

For this card, I’ve used the background paper as my color key, choosing a paper and ink that coordinated for my intermediate layer, and toning the edges of my focal image. I find that toning edges makes the transition from one layer to the next less jarring to the eye.

I must have been in a green mood this week! Because this card is a little more modern, I’ve dispensed with any toning, and used the hard cut edges as a part of my design. To contrast the floral background and focal image, I’ve used some text paper as my intermediate layer. You’ll notice that whether you’re viewing patterned paper groups, wallpaper coordinates or printed fabrics, designers rarely use the same motif in all the designs of a single group. You might see a large floral paired with a smaller floral and a stripe or plaid. This variation of size and motif while keeping the same color palette is one way of creating a harmonious finished piece.

Using Layout Templates:

The black and white line images on this page are sized for ATCs, vertical cards made from a half-sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 cardstock, and square cards made from a half-sheet of 12 x 12 cardstock. You can save these templates to your computer and print them out as guides. You can also simply use them as inspiration, and cut your pieces to your desired sizes without the templates.