Back-To-Basics: 7 Gorgeous Color Combinations Every Crafter Should Use
by Adi Gregorio January 16, 2025
Color is the life of every project, from handmade cards to memory-keeping layouts and anything you set your mind to. A well-chosen palette can elevate your designs, evoke emotions, and help you achieve whatever effect you're intending. No matter your experience or skill level, knowing your colors is just as important as any crafting technique.
Color Combinations to Use for Your Next Project
To choose great color palettes is also to understand what colors work well together. While you can certainly experiment and do what you want with your projects, there are some color combinations that are tried and tested. Whether you want a minimalist classy feel or a bold and luxurious vibe, color plays a big part in your project. Check out some color combinations every crafter should know here:
Timeless Neutrals
As a beginner or a crafter looking to make a simple but beautiful project, you can't go wrong with neutral colors. These are typically in the cream, beige, and white family. You can choose from different neutral-themed color combinations and add different elements like sentiments and sequins if you feel like things are looking a bit too plain.
Bold and Bright
Having a good grasp of color families, or colors that go well together is incredibly important. When you put these together in a project, they should look cohesive and bring out the vibrancy in each other. For instance, you can play with a gradient green cardstock set in one cardmaking project OR go for a multi-color approach with an entire cardstock bundle. Either way, you'll find that bold, complementing colors can really make a project stand out.
Natural, Earthy Tones
Have you ever wanted to bring warm, natural tones to your cardmaking projects? Choosing earthy colors like green, brown, or any muted colorways are great for such creations. That's right, you can incorporate temperature in your projects with color! If you're sending an autumn-themed card or something forest-themed, natural color combinations that you'll find out in the world are the way to go.
Pastel Perfection
If you're looking to incorporate a cutesy, whimsical vibe to your projects, then maybe pastel colors are more your speed. These are typically lighter, softer, and more delicate-looking versions of your primary colors. Pastel pink, green, and blue are typically the popular color combination choices, but you can find lots of other variants out there to give your project that magical, dainty vibe that looks like it leapt straight off a storybook.
Classic Monochrome
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with classic monochrome. Now, this can mean working with only one color in an entire project, or you can also play with black and white. This gives your creation a modern yet striking vibe, perfect for CAS (clean and simple) card designs. Plus, you can make gorgeous feminine and masculine cards with this color combination too!
Jewel Tones
As the name suggests, jewel tones typically feature the hues you'd find in jewels like sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and more. These colorways are elegant and exude a regal vibe when used in cardmaking projects, bringing depth and opulence you can't fully achieve with any other color combination. You can also add some sparkle to these projects like glitter cardstock or gold foil for a more luxurious finish.
Non-Traditional Combinations
There will come a time when you want to go beyond the typical color rules and combinations, and this is the perfect opportunity to go wild! Who says you can't incorporate all colors of the rainbow in one card? Or maybe you want to use two colors like bright blue and orange in one card; a combination people don't typically go for. Go for it, because the more you experiment and discover what looks good, the better your mastery will be in understanding colors!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Color Palette for Your Project
- Have a basic understanding of color theory, or colors that go well together
- Decide on the vibe and theme of your project before choosing colors to work with
- Start with one color and begin swatching and combining it with others.
- Purchase coordinating or gradient colored cardstock to make the process easier
- Get inspired by real-life subjects (nature, seasons, occasions) for more cohesive color combinations
Perfect Your Color Combinations Game for Vibrant, Masterful Designs!
Color is all about emotion, drama, and bringing the right vibes to your project. Play by the rules and go for some classic color combinations, but don't be afraid to step out of the box and experiment with colors you want to work with too. When it comes to color, nothing is too outrageous. Happy crafting!