Today, there is a new mood board challenge over at the Scrapbook Challenges blog. I have a particular creative process when it comes to this type of challenge. I start with the colors in mind and then search for supplies. This can be time consuming if I search through my 12×12 paper stash. Unless a specific collection comes to mind, I usually head over to my baskets of 6×6 paper pads.

I rifled though the baskets and pulled out three pads of paper. My initial thought was that I would choose papers from each of the pads. Due to the playful nature of the photo, I felt I needed papers to match the story. As I went further into my process, I felt just two of the pads would fit my page. Sometimes it’s best to pull a few things and then whittle down your choices.

I wanted to use as much of each sheet of paper as I could. Using a 6×6 paper pad meant the dimensions were relatively set. However, it was still easy to achieve a pleasant looking design.I created two clusters on the page. Note how each cluster of the design places a sheet of each pattern on a diagonal from the other piece.

 Purrfect Podcast Shenanigans by Christy Strickler |Supplies Cardstock: Colorbok;Patterned Paper: Studio Calico, Echo Park, My Mind’s Eye; Letters: Bella Blvd.,American Crafts; Stamp, Acrylic: Studio Calico; Ink: Tsukineko; Chipboard: Echo Park; Vellum: Crate Paper; Die Cut: Heidi Swapp; Other: Button, Wood Veneer; Scrapbook Challenges Mood Board Challenge

Once I chose my 6×6 paper pads, I searched for a 12×12 patterned paper to be the canvas. I try to vary the patterns I use on each page. Using a small polka dot print as the canvas helped me choose other prints: one floral, one organic, a large dot, and a geometric. I try not to repeat patterns. If I do so, I try to choose a larger version of the pattern as I did here with the polka dots prints. I did also look to the mood board for pattern inspiration. I liked the little southwestern theme card with the fox and tepee. The southwestern style patterns are often hard for me to use. I found a print full of playful color and managed to add it in here. All of the papers were chosen for color. I did take into consideration how they all complimented each other.I chose to matte each piece of patterned paper on black cardstock to help it stand out.

Embellishing is easy at this point. I have set colors and a theme to guide me. Additionally, I look to the mood board for any clues as to which textures I might want to add. Since a bit of a wood grain pattern is visible in the picture with the flowers, I reached for my wood veneer first. I also wanted to use flowers but not like the ones in the photo. I chose flowers that would compliment the black and white floral patterned paper.

I know many people find mood board difficult to work with. I find it best to break them apart into different sources of inspiration. First look at color, then pattern and last, pull ideas for textures. Keep in mind that it is a board intended to inspire you. You do not have to use every aspect of the board nor do you need to make sure that the colors you use are exactly the same as those shown on the mood board.

To see the mood board and more inspiration, check out the Scrapbook Challenges Blog.