Using shapes to create a pattern is a quick way to design an interesting background. By lowering the opacity of the shapes, you will create a paper mache effect. And, it is so easy to change the shape too! Video Notes:

- - Add a square to the layout. Insert Ribbon > Content section > Shapes > Rectangle. The fill doesn’t need to be selected now. Set the stroke to “none.” Click create.
  - When the square is created, it will be placed in the middle of the layout. Start building the paper mache' blocks with this shape.
  - From the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), lower the opacity as desired – the setting doesn’t really matter.
  - Copy the square – Right click > Copy, Right click > Paste.
  - Move and size the 2^nd square – be sure the shapes are overlapping. Go to the QAT and adjust the opacity as desired.
  - Continue pasting squares and adjusting each one’s size, position and opacity until the page is completely covered. Be sure to check all the outside edges have been covered in the shape.
  - Select all the shapes. Go to the QAT and fill with the desired color.
  - Once the paper mache’ is created, select all the shapes and group them together. It will be easier to work on your page without so many individual elements.
- New Shape
  - Use the original paper mache' shapes to make a new shape.
  - Duplicate the original page. In the pages panel, hover over the page, click the down arrow and click on duplicate page.
  - Select all the shapes on the page. From the Shapes Panel, hover over the desired shape, click the down arrow and apply a new shape. Try the circle.
  - Now that all the shapes have been changed to a circle, adjust each circle’s size and position until the page is completely covered. Be sure to check all the outside edges have been covered in the shape.
  - The shapes don’t have to be filled with the same color. Randomly select shapes on the page and re-fill the color.
  - Once all the circles are the desired color, group them together. It will be easier to work on your page without so many individual elements.
- Apply Texture
  - Try applying texture to the paper mache.
  - The shapes will need to be flattened together, so be sure to duplicate your page first.
  - With all the shapes flattened, go to the Filter Ribbon > Surface > select a texture to apply.

Video Tidbit: Paper Mache