There are several ways to look at and utilize the color wheel for color coordination. For example, you’ll notice that the wheel above can be split in half between the violet and fuschia, then across the wheel, and down between the yellow and green wedges. That will effectively divide the wheel into what are known as the warm (upper right) and cool colors (lower left). If you cover the warm colors now using a piece of paper or your hand, can you see how all those cool colors look as though they belong in a family? This means that they can play well together as good color combos in scrapbooking and paper crafting.

But the possibilities don’t end with simply warm and cool color families. Let’s talk about how to find and use monochromatic, complementary, analogous, and triadic colors in your cardmaking. Here are some examples from the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog:

Monochromatic Colors

Monochromatic colors are one of the easiest to work with in crafting projects. To start a monochromatic card design, simply choose a color you love from the color wheel and then pair it with another shade or tint of the same color that’s a bit darker or lighter (or both!). This color coordination technique makes for perfectly matching paper projects every time, plus it comes across as chic and tastefully understated.

Analogous Colors

Ready to drift a little further from the single-hued design of monochromatic colors? Try analogous colors, which are found by combining one color with its closest neighbors on the color wheel. By choosing analogous colors for your card, you’re ensuring a look of cohesion and harmony, as these combinations are known for their calming effect in artistic design.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are the first ones that offer a real pop in art and design. While you find them in directly opposite positions from one another on the color wheel, these color pairings prove that opposites attract. They brighten each other’s effect in bold but friendly contrast. Complementary colors add energy and vibrancy to any crafting project.

Triadic Colors

Triadic color schemes are found by finding three colors equally spaced apart on the color wheel. These color combinations can feel just as predictable (think the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue) as they do dynamic or unexpected. If you think of the color wheel as a dial, find a triadic color combination you like by shifting the dial one click at a time away from those primary hues. Then, it’s a good idea to pick a predominant color while letting the other two play important supporting roles in your card design.

Check back tomorrow for Practical Tips for Color Coordinating Your Crafts