6 Easy Tips For Creating Two Page Scrapbook Layouts with Page Patterns

Page patterns, and most sample layouts, in the Mosaic Moments® System are single pages, so they are easier to see. However, they can easily be made into two-page spreads.

We have put together a tip and 5 different ideas, with lots of additional examples, to help you turn single-page layouts into double-page spreads. It's easier than you think ... check it out below.

Tip #1: Use Similarities
Whatever pattern you may choose, you should make sure the two patterns have at least one similarity between them. This includes using design spots with similar shapes and sizes. Also, be sure to use similar photographs or repetitive uses of colors, die cuts and papers on both pages.

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"Sadie Puppy" by Paije Potter - Patterns #131 (symmetrical) and #100 (Mostly Squares)


Both patterns pictured here have horizontal 1x3 spaces that Paije filled in the same way. She adjusted page pattern #100 slightly so it would have 1-inch squares, just like the pattern on the left. Then, she filled them in the same way as she did on the left page so the two pages blend right in together.

Paije intentionally chose these two patterns because both have square shapes. On the left there are five 2x2 squares and the right layout has 3x3 and 4x4 sized squares.



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"California Trip" by Paije Potter - Patterns #395 (Mosaic) and #301 with adjustments (Column)


Each of these patterns include mosaic elements, 2x2 square shapes, and similar photo spaces, which together create a cohesive design.

Notice that although there are three large spaces for photos, one is vertical and two are horizontal. Do not worry -- they still blend beautifully. The variety simply adds to interest to the page.

If you look closely at the page patterns, you will notice some slight adjustments on this layout. While the pattern on the right called for some 1x2 elements, Paije replaced them with 1x1 elements to continue her mosaic theme. You can always alter a pattern to fit your photos and design if needed.



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"My Happy Place" by Candy Spiegel - Patterns #564 (Rows) and #533 (Pinwheel)


Although these two page patterns are very different, the repetition of daisy-like flowers and patterned paper help them coordinate.

Also, notice how Candy used the Mini Loop Border Set on the right-hand page to replicate the intersecting circles of the Charmed Die on the left.

Now let's see ideas on what patterns to choose for two page spreads:

Tip #2 -- Add a Pinwheel
Much like a neutral color, Pinwheel Patterns can go with all categories in the pattern gallery. So, when in doubt, use a pinwheel for the second page.

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"Yoga in the Garden" by Candy Spiegel - Patterns #369 (Pinwheel) and #600 (Rows)


A pinwheel pattern (pictured on the left) provides a nice contrast to a row pattern (pictured at right). Notice how the large photos on the pinwheel break up the long rows and add interest to the page.

The photo mats, used on the larger photos, help take the eye across both layouts.



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"Snow Much Fun" by Jodi Benson - Patterns #179 (Freestyle) and #117 (Pinwheel)


For this example, Jodi combined a freestyle pattern with a pinwheel pattern. This is a great option when you have a lot of large photos to use.

Repeating the colors, snowflakes and 1-inch squares on both sides ties the layout together.



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"Lake Huron" by Candy Spiegel - Patterns #588 (Strips) and #427 (Pinwheel)


The strips of pattern paper help this strips layout marry well with the pinwheel pattern. The horizontal photos on the right side also contrast nicely with all of the vertical photos one the left.

Tip #3 -- Use a Rotational Balanced Pattern

Similar to a pinwheel, a rotational balanced pattern provides the feeling of motion, like a spinner or clock. However, these patterns do not have a center element that the objects "spin" around.

Rotational balanced patterns are found in the columns category and the mostly squares category.

This tip works well for all page pattern categories on the gallery.


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"Pink Ladies" by Paije Potter - Patterns #430 (Symmetrical) and #467 (Column)


Can you see the "motion" in the layout above on the right side? It feels like it is spinning right around the leaf in the center. This is rotational balance and it goes well with the symmetrical layout on the left.


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"OBX Trip" by Paije Potter - Patterns #460 (Column) and #214 (Column)


Paije used two column patterns here. However, because the one on the right is also a rotational balanced pattern, the two work well together.


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"Yellowstone 2015" by Paije Potter - Patterns #607 (Mosaic Style) and #606 (Column)


The rotational balanced pattern, on the right above, is not as obvious on this layout because of the long stip across the bottom of the page. However, that long strip along the bottom of the page matches perfectly with the pattern on the left, creating a cohesive design.

Tip #4 -- Mirror the Pattern

Mirroring a pattern is an incredibly easy way to match pages of a layout. You simply take the layout on the left and flop it and repeat it on the right.

Mirror patterns work best with asymmetrical patterns, such as those found in the freestyle category. For best results, avoid this method with symmetrical or pinwheel patterns.


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"New Orleans, Louisiana" by Paije Potter - Pattern #455 (Rows)


For this example, Paije used the Sweetheart Dies on the left and right of her spread. This technique creates a nice order to the layout ... almost like a pair of bookends.

By mirroring the pattern, she was able to create a long strip for her title that goes across both pages.



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"Brusters" by Lauren Jones - Pattern #551 (columns)


In this example, Lauren repeated the graphical border pattern on each side of her layout. This is a fun technique that is easy to achieve with mirrored layouts. Patterns with decorative borders look great mirrored. And there is no doubt that these pages go together.


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"Play Ball" by Tami Potter - Pattern #119 (Mosaic Style)


Mosaic layouts may also look great mirrored. Here, Tami took advantage of the mirror pages to create a mosaic of the entire ballpark, as seen from her seat. Absolutely amazing!


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"Pike Street Market" by Tami Potter - Pattern #151 (Column)


Sometimes a mirrored pattern needs a bit of modification. For example, this design by Tami needed a clear focal point, so she turned two of the smaller photo spaces into one large space. Not only does this add a focal point, but it creates a lot of interest on the layout.

Tip #5 -- Flip it Upside Down

Similar to doing a mirror image, you can also flip a layout upside down to make a matching page. This is a great option if you like an asymmetrical look on your layout.

This tip works the best with asymmetrical patterns.


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"Magical Trip" by Paije Potter - Pattern #288 (Freestyle)


In this example, Paije flipped the second page with both a mirror image and upside down. It provides a nice contrast with the mosaic squares on opposite corners and opposite pages.


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"Disneyland Trip 2018" by Paije Potter - Pattern #494 (Column)


What's cool about patterns with a border is when you flip the layout upside down, the border is the same on the other side! This is perfect for a two page spread.

Tip #6 -- Complete the Rows

When you have a pattern of rows, you can extend the row across the entire 2-page layout.

This tip mostly works for row patterns paired with column or symmetrical patterns


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"Carsland" by Paije Potter - Patterns #344 (mostly squares) and #345 (rows)


When you extend the row, you do not have to replicate it. On this layout, Paije continued the rows, but used different-sized elements on the second page. Using the same colors, and repeating the look of mats and corners keeps the two pages cohesive.


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"Beautiful Belle Isle" by Paije Potter - Pattern #546 (Strips) and a freestyled pattern


Here, Paije wanted to keep the strips going to show the full panorama. So, the right layout is not a pattern on the gallery, but it was easy to make her own pattern just by extending the rows.

Using 2x2 squares along the bottom is a great option when you have a lot of photos of scenery, animals, flowers or even people in the distance.



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"Riverside Outfitters" by Paije Potter - Patterns #420 (Column) and #150 (Rows)


In some cases, a row across a two-page layout might be too much. In that case, break the row slightly, like Paije did here.

See how the middle column on Paije's left page breaks the rows? Because the paper she used has such strong graphics, the eye, at a glance, will still see those rows.