Vintage Doesn't Mean Old

I adore vintage things. I would see these fabulous layouts with vintage inspired motifs, then want that look for me. The only problem was that these layouts were often shabby chic in nature which just isn't my style. Over the past year, I have discovered that anything can be adjusted to your style, especially in the paper crafting world. You just need to refresh and adjust your approach to all things vintage.

The Hammock by Christy Strickler Supplies| Cardstock: Colorbok; Alphas: Pink Paislee; Marker: Bic Mark-it; Wood Shapes: Studio Calico; Buttons: My Mind’s Eye, JBS Mercantile; Chipboard: My Mind’s Eye; Feathers, Die Cut: Jenni Bowlin,October Afternoon; Stamp: American Crafts;Sticker: Jillibean Soup;Other: Twine,ribbon, doily; kraft paper; Digital Stamp: Graphics Fairy; For Get It Scrapped; submitted to Simon Says Stamp weekly challenge






Color is important. Fresh bright colors add youthful energy. Dulled or muted tones are soft, gentle and more cozy in nature. Think about how different this layout would feel if I changed the colors. In this case, it was important to use bright tones to convey the energetic swinging of my son in the hammock.

Vintage motifs can be used in fresh ways as well. Using a bright white doily with small crocheted flowers adds the sense of being outside in the fresh air. I used a mason jar filled with stars to represent my son's bottled up energy. Feathers add to the light and airy feel of the outdoor breezes and the feeling you get when you swing. A mix of vintage buttons with stamped wooden buttons creates a fun blend of old and new. Notice how the patterns on the feathers give them a more updated feel? Mix trendy patterns with vintage findings and motifs to make them feel young and fresh.

Vintage doesn't have to be shabby chic and it doesn't have to mean old. It's all in the way that you choose to use your vintage items. Look at how you like to create and see how vintage findings can fit into your own personal style. Use tools like color, weight and texture to choose the right vintage findings to supplement your story. Think out of the box for new ways to incorporate vintage motifs. 

For more vintage inspiration, check out these Pinterest Boards:
Motif: Mason Jars
Motif: Silhouettes 
Motif: Birds of a Feather
Vintage Doesn't Mean Old
Lace and Doilies

Related articles

• Update Vintage Looks With Modern Combos on Your Scrapbook Pages
• A Little Shabby Chic Go Around...
• Ideas for Using Doilies on Scrapbook Pages
• vintage feather wreath