Has anyone used the patterns here on a website or something other than computer desktop wallpaper? I was thinking of using one on my site but I'm not sure how to use it so it doesn't overwhelm the content. I'd love to see examples of things others have done to maybe spark some ideas for me.

I've used the patterns on my web sites. I will load the image into Photoshop, and then save the image as a pattern. Then I will create a new layer, go to the layer properties, turn on the pattern overlay, and then choose the new pattern.

Here you can also dim down the pattern, or add a gradient to it, so that it fades out.

I also like to create brushes, and then fill them with the pattern.

My advice would be to keep a pattern background away from any content text, and at a very low opacity.

You'll have to get into Photoshop (or other) to turn down the opacity.

I used stefan's


on my xanga:

yes, i agree w/both silver & serostar, & was going to suggest the same as hemingway. if you do choose to use the pattern, make it your background... w/your tables/div a solid color behind text & other images.

Thanks for posting an example. It's nice to see one "in action". And thanks for the advice.

I followed in teleute's footsteps and used one for a user style for this site (works if you use firefox)



userstyles.org/styles/6211

I had to mess about with the colours a bit so they weren't to over powering.

So no legality issues? It's AOK to use a pattern I created on my blog?

If you check at the bottom right, you will see this image:

Thats an indication of the creative commons license that is in use on this site. Click on the image for a link to a page that describes the creative commons level. In short, it means you are free to share and "remix" or adapt the contents of this site, as long as you dont use it for commercial use, and attribute its origin.

You can also check out the page on Terms of use in the Sharing the Love group.

@colorcosy, there's a difference between creating a pattern (i.e., creating the vector paths) and coloring a pattern. If you are the creator of the pattern, you can use it wherever you like. If you want to use a pattern that you colored, you need to look at the bottom of the pattern description, under the heading "This Pattern Originally By:" If it's the name of a fellow color lover, you may use it as you like (as long as you don't use it for commercial use, and attribute its origin). But if the creator is not a CL, you need to contact that person to get permission. Click on the website by the creator's name to find out how to contact them.