"It was an itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, yellow polka-dot bikini
That she wore for the first time today..."

Polka dots are back! Maybe not for bikinis, but they are definitely back for scrapbooking. Here are some ideas on how to embrace this trend and use polka dots on your scrapbook pages and cards.

Subtle Dots

Sometimes cardstock is just too plain and patterned paper is just too busy. In this situation, consider using a tone-on-tone polka dot paper to add just enough interest. One of my favorites is the Bo Bunny Double Dot collection. Like cardstock, these papers come in a variety of colors and can be used anywhere cardstock would be used, but unlike cardstock, they add a bit more interest to the project. Kimberly Rennie used several colors of Double Dot papers for the rainbow stripes and the title in this layout:

Another possibility for subtle dots is the Bazzill Dotted Swiss cardstock.

Dotty Subjects

Some themes just go with polka dots. The one that comes to my mind is Disney, and in particular Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Just a little dotted paper looks like theme paper for these Disney layouts.

Multi-color Dots

Polka dot papers can have a single color of dots or multiple colors. Consider a patterned paper with multiple dot colors to highlight multiple colors in a photo as I did in this layout where the dots match my son's sweater.

Make Your Own Dots

Can't find the polka dot paper that meets your needs? Consider making your own.

• Use a round stamp or round piece of foam to stamp polka dots onto a piece of cardstock.
• Use a circle punch to make large dots from multiple colors of cardstock or patterned papers to make large dots and adhere them to the cardstock.
• Collect the scraps from a hole punch to make little dots which can be adhered to the paper.
• Draw the dots by hand.

Completely Dotty

Polka dots coordinate with themselves. Try combining dotted papers and other products from different companies as Cathleen Smith did in this Easter layout.

Not adventurous enough to make a layout entirely from polka dots? Here are a couple of cards using only polka dot products from a variety of manufacturers.

Whether your polka dots are large or small, bright or subtle, one color or many, consider going dotty on your next layout or card. You'll have fun and be pleased with the results.