When patterned paper is your background, it's important to have a clear focal point. I often achieve this by creating a block of photos that are matted on a solid paper. The matte helps create contrast to the patterned background, and unifies the photo block. The straight lines help avoid a confused eye.

I also have a contribution to this challenge:

Tinkering Ink, brown crayon, CI journal spot, felt and paper flowers, Thickers

Great layouts and great ideas!!!  Thanks!