How to use Doodled Overlays on your digital scrapbook pages

If you have ever wondered about the Doodled Overlays in the shop but weren’t sure how to use them, then this is the post for you! Here are six of my favourite techniques for using the Overlays to add a little doodled touch to your digital layouts.

1. Use them over a plain background

The simplest way of using the Overlays is to layer them over a coloured paper to add some extra pattern to your page – just unzip the file and add one to your page! The black outlines of the Overlays work particularly well if you’re also using lots of doodles on your layout.

2. Re-colour them

You can also recolour the black lines of the pattern to better suit your page. In Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements) you can do this by using a colour overlay layer style, or by using a clipping mask and clipping another paper on top of the Overlay. Reducing the opacity of the Overlay layer can also be a really effective way to soften the pattern for a more subtle look.

You can also combine and layer original and coloured Overlays on the same page to create even more pattern variations.

3. Blend them

Using techniques to blend the Overlays into the background (by using a mask or a soft eraser brush for example) creates an even softer effect. This technique can be really effective for adding a subtle pattern to any empty areas of your layout, or for highlighting important sections. It’s also great for toning down the pattern around your journaling to make sure it’s easy to read.

4. Create patterned paper pieces

If you’re a fan of of the paper pieced look (as I am!) you can create your own patterned papers by layering the Overlays over plain paper shapes. This creates pops of pattern across your page without those patterns becoming too overwhelming, perfect for a more complex page design! You can also mix and match different Overlays in one page to add more fun little details.

5. Create a cut out shape

One of my favourite ways to use the Overlays is as a guide to cut out the paper layer underneath. You can use this technique to create an interesting shaped paper piece, or to reveal sections of another paper layer, or layers hiding below! This is a fun way of adding a little more dimension to your page.

6. As a template

You can also use the overlays as a template to create your own patterned paper by filling each area with colour and adding your own textures. This allows you to create really bespoke papers that match your colour scheme and photographs perfectly.

I hope these fabulous layouts and fun tips and tricks have inspired you to get creative with some Overlays! Here are a couple of Overlay freebies you can use to try out these techniques:

I’d love to see what you create so please share your work over in the Gallery or tag me if you share on Instagram or Facebook. Happy overlaying!

You might also like:

• Photoshop Tips: Using Doodled Overlays
• Lovestruck Overlays freebie
• Photoshop Tips: Making a custom background using blending modes