Color-blocked designs are a fabulous way to let your photos shine. They involve blocks of cardstock (or patterned paper) combined with photos in geometric patterns. Here are three tricks to creating successful color-blocked designs.

Silly by Allison Kimball.

1. The size of a cardstock block should not show more color than the size of the largest photo next to it; otherwise, the color may draw attention from the photos.

2. Avoid bold colors that are not shown in the photos; again, doing so may overwhelm a photo instead of complement it.

3. Add variety using other components of your design. Notice how Allison varies the direction of her journaling between horizontal and vertical orientation. You could also add interest with small accents, doodled borders around the blocks, and embossed or watermarked designs on the cardstock blocks.

Do you have other tips for creating color-blocked designs? Share them with Club CK members by leaving a comment below.

--Brittany Beattie, Club CK social director