A Guide to Color Coordination in Paper Crafting (Feat. NEW Colored Cardstock!)

Do you struggle with color coordination when it comes to crafting? Whether you’re designing handmade cards, scrapbook layouts, gift tags, or DIY home decor, finding the ideal color combinations can feel overwhelming. Lucky for you, our colored cardstock and dye inks are here to simplify the process! 

Discover 10 Best Die-Cutting Techniques with Colored Cardstock

In this post, we’ll delve into the art of pairing Altenew cardstock with ink colors, sharing tips to ensure seamless coordination and maximize your crafting potential.

Color Coordination Made Easy with Altenew’s Color Families

In case you missed it, Altenew has released a breathtaking selection of letter-sized colored cardstock, offering the perfect backdrop for your creative projects. From bold, eye-catching hues to soft, serene pastels, our new colored cardstock collection is a treasure trove for any crafter. Complementing this is our extensive range of dye ink colors! This thoughtful pairing makes achieving a cohesive look in your paper crafting endeavors effortless.

Tips for Effortless Color Coordination

1. Create Color Swatches

Utilizing color swatches can revolutionize your approach to color pairing. By having a visual reference of all your cardstock and ink colors, you can easily identify the most flattering combinations for your handmade projects. Consider compiling a physical swatch book or leveraging digital tools to keep track of your favorite hues.

2. Test Before You Commit

Don’t rush into your final project without testing! Experiment with different cardstock and ink combinations on scrap pieces first. This crucial step can help you avoid color clashes and ensure your finished product aligns with your vision.

3. Tailor to Your Project Type

Different projects call for different aesthetics. When selecting your colored cardstock and ink colors, think about the nature of your project. Bright, bold colors may shine in handmade cards, while soft pastels can beautifully enhance delicate scrapbook pages.

Inspiring Pairing Examples

To spark your creativity, here are some successful pairings using Altenew’s colored cardstock and ink colors. These combinations not only highlight the beauty of Altenew's colored cardstock but also ensure a cohesive look across various crafting projects.

• Crimson Cardstock + Ruby Red: A bold and vibrant duo that’s ideal for eye-catching greeting cards.

• Misty Moor Cardstock + Sea Glass: This subtle pairing offers a serene, calming vibe, perfect for nature-inspired creations.

• Blush Cardstock + Rose Quartz & Puffy Heart: The soft, delicate tones of Blush paired with the gentle pinks of Rose Quartz and Puffy Heart create a romantic and feminine palette, perfect for wedding invitations or baby cards.
• Caramel Toffee Cardstock + Frayed Leaf & Dark Chocolate: The warm, earthy tones of Caramel Toffee combined with the rich greens of Frayed Leaf and the deep browns of Dark Chocolate create a natural, rustic feel. Ideal for autumn-themed projects or nature-inspired cards.

• Lagoon Cardstock + Teal Cave & Ocean Waves: The vibrant hue of Lagoon paired with the deep teal of Teal Cave and the lighter blue of Ocean Waves creates a refreshing oceanic palette. Perfect for summer-themed cards or seaside scrapbooking.

• Bamboo Cardstock + Forest Glades & Evergreen: The muted green of Bamboo paired with the deeper greens of Forest Glades and Evergreen creates a harmonious, earthy palette. Ideal for floral designs or nature-themed projects.

Maximizing Your Cardstock Usage

1. Efficient Die Cutting Techniques

To stretch your cardstock and minimize waste, focus on efficient cutting techniques. Whether using a paper trimmer, a scissor, or a die-cutting machine, mastering precise cuts can help you make the most of each sheet. Here are some tips:

• Before you start cutting, sketch out your designs and plan the layout on your cardstock. This will help you visualize how to position your cuts to maximize the usable area.
• When using a paper trimmer, align your cardstock with the grid lines to ensure straight cuts. For die-cutting, position your dies carefully to minimize leftover scraps.
• Use dies that allow you to cut multiple shapes from one piece of cardstock, layering, nesting dies, etc. This technique not only saves material but also creates beautifully coordinated elements for your projects. 

2. Plan Multi-Project Color Schemes

Why not plan multiple projects around a single color palette? This strategy allows you to utilize the same colors across various paper crafts, maximizing your cardstock usage. By selecting a cohesive color scheme, you can create handmade cards, scrapbook pages, gift tags, bookmarks, and DIY home decor that share a consistent aesthetic.

• Create a Color Palette: Choose 3-5 colors from Altenew’s cardstock sets that complement each other. This way, you can use the same shades across different projects, ensuring that every piece works harmoniously together. We’ve made this easy for you since our new colored cardstock sets and ink color families coordinate with/complement each other!

• Utilize Leftover Scraps: After you complete each crafting project, make sure to save any leftover scraps. These can be used in smaller projects like DIY tags, embellishments, shaker cards, or layered backgrounds, reducing waste and adding unique touches to new creations.

3. Minimal Material Project Ideas

If you’re working with limited cardstock, don’t worry! There are plenty of projects that require minimal material yet yield stunning results. Here are a few ideas:

• Cards with Layered Elements: Create simple card bases and use small pieces of colored cardstock for layering. This approach allows you to showcase different colors without needing large sheets. Our Zero Waste Dies are perfect for this, as they are designed to cut intricate shapes while leaving minimal waste.

• Gift Tags: Use scraps to make beautiful gift tags. A small piece of cardstock can go a long way when paired with a decorative die.

• Mini Scrapbook Albums: Construct mini scrapbook albums using just a few sheets of cardstock. Each page can be made from a single sheet, and you can use the remaining scraps for embellishments or photo mats, creating a cohesive look throughout the album.

• Backgrounds for Mixed Media: Use your colored cardstock as a base for mixed media projects. Even small pieces can be layered with paints, stencils, and other materials to create stunning backgrounds. 

• Home Decor: Create simple DIY wall art or decor items using small cardstock shapes. Cut out designs with our Zero Waste Dies, which are specifically crafted to leave minimal waste, ensuring you get the most out of each sheet.

Make Color-Coordinated Crafting Projects Easily!

We hope this guide has sparked your excitement for color coordination in paper crafting! With our vibrant new colored cardstock and versatile dye inks, you have everything you need to create stunning projects that truly reflect your personal style. Don’t be afraid to dive in and experiment—try pairing unexpected colors or creating your own unique combinations.

We’d love to see what you create with our new colored cardstock sets, so share your masterpieces with us on social media using #Altenew. For more card making ideas, inspiration, and tips, visit us In the Craft Room.