This is a matter of preference for some. I have been to some very lovely blogs that simply have a solid background. Whether it be a solid white, gray, or any other color, there really is no set rule for your background, except that most times you want it to match. I also recommend something simple. Keep it simple to keep it interesting!
Simple doesn't mean solid color, just something that isn't going to outdo your header. If you look at mine you will see that it is a light shade of blue that matches my header with tiny polka dots...kinda like little cherries.
You can create a scrapbook background using Photoshop, just like we did with the header. I found a great tutorial HERE on the blog Kevin & Amanda. The instructions are easy to follow. I chose not to use this tutorial to make my background only because I felt that I didn't need a background like this. However, just going through the tutorial taught me and gave me practice with Photoshop. While visiting, take notice of the header and background, both created by Amanda, owner of the site. You will also notice how her header and background are done with the scrapbooking method. Very lovely! This works for her.
Another great site to use, which is also the same site that I used for my background, is Pattern Cooler. Here you will find pre made designs that you can choose from and then edit. You can choose colors to match your header for instance. If you do choose this method, I strongly suggest you download Colorzilla.
Colorzilla downloads onto your computer and you can use it to match up colors. For instance, I have the word cherries on my header in a very specific shade of red. when I was creating my background, I found it difficult to match up the reds without using this tool. Colorzilla keeps itself in the lower left hand corner of your server screen like this...
When you want to match a color, you just click on the image in the corner and a cross shape appears. Move to the color on the screen that you would like to match and it will tell you the Red, Green, and Blue color codes as well as the six digit code of that color. Some sites and programs ask for the three color codes, some ask for the six digit code. Both are there for you to use.
One other way to go is to choose a pre made background that requires no editing of any kind. You simply copy and paste the code and you are good to go!
Here are two sites with beautiful pre made backgrounds...
Shabby Blogs
The Cutest Blog on the Block
