Scrapbooking has its own ebb and flow of trendy products and patterns, just like any other design-based industry.  There are a few basic patterns, however, that have stood the test of time, classics if you will.   One of those classics is definitely stripes.  They may change each season in color or width, even directionality, but they are an ever-present design option when you're looking to add a little pizzazz to your layouts.

The main thing to keep in mind when using striped patterned paper is that your eye will naturally want to follow the line of the striped paper across your layout.  It's such a strong visual clue, that you want to work with your striped papers, not against them, so that your layout flows nicely. Don't forget about diagonal stripes either!

Here are a couple layouts I've completed that feature striped patterns:

Building a Snowman

Try creating your own striped background with cardstock, or even other patterned papers.  The added texture will be a fun twist to the traditional use of preprinted papers. For this layout I made wavy stripes and then sewed them to my background for some added texture.

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill.html">Bazzill
• label-style stickers - EK Success
• snowflake stickers - EK Success
• metal-rim tag - Making Memories

Tiny Trouble Maker

Don't forget that mixing stripes and other patterns is really fun!  Stripes are perfect for use with dots and floral designs especially.  I tend to shy away from mixing stripes with plaid designs, however. It usually feels too linear for me; I like to mix my stripes up with more free-flowing designs like this fun, floral paper.

Supplies:

• cardstock -Bazzill.html"> Bazzill
• patterned paper - Heidi Grace
• chipboard letters, stickers, labels - Heidi Grace
• letter stamps - Making Memories
• acrylic paint - Plaid, Folk Art
• black journaling pen - American Crafts

On Island Time and Smores

Another great thing about stripes is the fact that they are gender-neutral, so you can go as girly or as masculine as you want with the same paper.    On these two layouts I used the exact same striped paper - and you can see that one layout is much more feminine than the other.

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill.html">Bazzill
• patterned paper - Treehouse Designs (bikini) and Die Cuts With a View (stripe)
• ribbon - American Crafts
• gems - BasicGrey, Bling It
• paper trim - Doodlebug Designs
• silk flowers
• glitter brads - Making Memoires
• frame dies - Sizzix, Frame Ornate and Frame Back, Ornate
•                        Sizzix, Circle Scallop
• chipboard letters - Bo Bunny Press, Chunky Chips, Denim
• mini calendar page, and "Where" ticket - Jenni Bowlin Studios
• white gel pen - Uniball Signo
  

Here are some great striped papers at Scrapbook.com you might want to pick up and try out on your next layout.

Bo Bunny Press - Pet Shop Stripe

Carolee's Creation - Stitch Stripe

Anna Griffin - Peyton Collection Stripe

Creative Imaginations - Beach Stripe

Fiskars - Flocked Scallop Stripe

There are also striped embellishments available that would look dynamic when mixed in with other patterned and solid papers.

Making Memories Sheer Frame - Wallpaper Stripe

Provo Craft Cuttlebug - Embossing Folder, Just My Type

Stripes are an easy and versatile design tool that anyone can add to their layouts to establish any look they want, from fun and whimsical to elegant and feminine.  You are only limited by your own imagination!