When working with the Mosaic Moments® System, we generally start with a single-page pattern. However, many of us prefer two-page layouts in our albums, so these patterns must be converted to a spread.

The key to creating that two-page spread is to make sure there is balance and continuity across the two pages. This can be easily achieved by using the mirror image of one pattern next to the original pattern. But, not all of our pages work in such a symmetrical, and structured, design.

To help you know which pattern categories work well together and which ones do not, we previously published an article featuring six basic rules to use when creating a two-page spread. You can find that article, along with lots of examples, here.

But, there are a plethora of additional options for creating two-page layouts. Here is one of our tips and some more "advanced" ideas.

One rule for two page layouts is to make sure the focal points are either different shapes or have different placements on each of the two pages. This is especially important if both focal points are placed in the center column. If the focal points are the same, they will compete with each other, and your eye will be confused on where to look.

If you want to have two defined focal points on your pages, one idea is to use two different shapes or sizes for both. On the left it is a rectangle and on the right layout it is a square. This is one of most common ideas we use.

For this layout, Paije only had one photo she wanted for the focal point. So, on the left layout there is a 4x6 rectangle that is the defined focal point. The right layout does not contain a very defined focal point, since all of the photos are the same size.

So, only one layout needs a focal point, and you can choose a second pattern with no defined focal point.

On this layout, the two focal points are the same shape (4x4 squares). But, they are placed in different spots. On the left, it is in the top center and on the right layout, it is in the center of page.

For the most part, we avoid using focal points that are the same shape, but in this case placing them in two different spots still helps them to stand out without competing.

If you do not want to search through different categories, simply choose two patterns from the same category. The key is to make sure they both have a different style, like a different focal point on each layout.

Both of these pages are Strip Patterns. However, because the strips are in the center in the page on the left side and on the corners on the right side, the two patterns work together.

The continuity is helped along by the use of 4x4 squares in each corner on the page at the left and in the center of the page at the right.

These pages both feature Row Patterns. In a Row Pattern, you can draw horizontal lines across the page without running into any elements. While each one has three rows on it, the rows fall in different places on the pages.

This is OK because of the three large, matted photos with starfish on them. By placing them in at different levels, the eye automatically goes from the one in the center of the left page to the one on top of the right page and then to the bottom of the right page.

Even though they are not the same sizes, they provide balance to each other.

Despite the fact that both of these pages feature the Mosaic Pattern, and both have a focal point in the center of the page, they still work well together. The secret to this combination is to have two different-sized focal points on the layouts.

Having larger photos go in the opposite direction on each page also helps make the two focal points different enough that they offer balance instead of competition.

Free-style Patterns are possibly the most difficult to match. However, by placing a ribbon and bow on a photo on each page, and having go it in an alternate direction, helps to balance out the focal points.

Repetition of color and accent shapes help as well.

If you use a busy pattern, balance it with a pattern that is simple to keep the page from looking too chaotic.

The right layout has four sections of small design spots, so Paije chose to use a layout with mostly large design spots on the left.

On the left page you can see there are so many photos - 25 to be exact! There is a lot going on; So, Tami made the right page a simple pinwheel with fewer and larger photos to create balance.

Similar to above, if you decide to use an asymmetrical page design, you can balance it with a symmetrical one.

Although these layouts are very different, the choice of color mats balance the photos in a crisscross pattern across the spread.

Further balance is obtained by the subject matter in the photos. For example, the top left photo is a circular sign that is almost the same size as the gondola circle in the bottom right corner.

The use of the same colors and shapes for the words also help move the eye around the layout, with a start and finish in the same row.

Remember the key to creating any two page spread is to have balance. On the right, the page pattern is very top heavy since there are two 4x6 design spots right on the top.

To balance the top heaviness on the right side, Paije found a pattern that was "heavier" on the bottom. Most of the larger design spots are closer to the bottom half on the left layout.

Also, remember to have similar elements on both sides of your two page spread. Here, both patterns have mosaic elements, plus the 4x6 SQ design spots.