Have you ever pulled out your cardstock, started putting colours together…and then thought:
“Why does this just not look right?”
Too bright.
Too flat.
Or just…something ‘off’.
Here’s what most card makers don’t realize:
👉 Choosing colour combinations isn’t about talent.
It’s about using the right starting point.
Once you have that? The guesswork disappears.
In this week’s Ink Paper & Play LIVE, I’m showing you simple ways to choose colours that actually work, without overthinking it.
👉 Catch the replay here
Because when your colours work together, your whole card comes together sooo much faster.
3 Easy Ways to Choose Card Making Colour Combinations
These are simple, repeatable, and work with what you already have.
1. Use Designer Series Paper as Your Guide
If you’re unsure where to start, this is your easiest win.
Designer Series Paper is already colour-coordinated. So instead of guessing, you’re simply borrowing a palette that’s been designed to work.
Try this:
- Pull 2–3 colours from the paper
- Use one for your base, one for your focal point, and one as an accent
That’s it.
This one pulls from the Delicate Dreams Specialty DSP with Secret Sea, Hydrangea Hue (a new In Color!) and Gray Granite (a colour I hardly ever use!)
And if you’ve got bits and pieces of paper lying around, click here for a great way to use them up too!
Because those scraps? Still full of possibility.
2. Start with Proven Colour Combinations
If you like having a plan, this is where things get really easy.
Stampin’ Up! has already done the pairing work for you with coordinated colour groupings.
These combinations are designed to:
- create a cohesive look
- balance light and dark
- avoid clashing tones
This one uses one of my fave colours, Night of Navy but paired with 2 I never would’ve used together: Lemon Lime Twist and Crushed Curry. I love how bright it is!
So instead of wondering what works…you’re starting with something that already does. And you know you’re going to love it!
👉 Get the Colour Coaches here!
3. Build Around a Colour You Love
This is where you can make your cards feel more “you.”
Start with a favourite colour, then build your combination around it.
But here’s the key:
👉 Pay attention to whether your colour leans warm or cool.
For example:
- Blue-based greens (like Shaded Spruce) feel cool
- Yellow-based greens (like Lemon Lime Twist) feel warm
For this one I started with Azure Afternoon, then picked another two colours, Balmy Blue and Gorgeous Grape. I thought it needed one more pop of colour so went with Berry Burst. A fun and unexpected combo!
A little word of advice. When you mix warm and cool tones randomly, things can feel slightly off, even if you can’t explain why.
Here’s the simple fix:
- Keep warm tones together
- Keep cool tones together
That small shift makes a big difference.
Check out the video to see what this looks like.
Want Help Choosing Colours Faster?
If you want a shortcut, I’ve got something that does the thinking for you.
👉 Try the Card Occasion Matchmaker
Pick your occasion…and get colour ideas that make sense right away!
See Colour Pairing in Real Time!
If you want to see exactly how to select colours, you can catch the full session here:
Interesting huh? I love how the colours just pop when you get it right!
A Note on New Colours (Because It’s Hard to Resist)
If you love adding fresh colours to your collection, you might want to take a look at this:
Find out more and register 👉 https://www.designwithjo.ca/2026-in-color-club/
It’s a simple way to build your set of the newest Stampin’ Up! colours over time.
How to Make This Idea Your Own
You can take these ideas in different directions depending on your style.
Try changing:
- Your starting point – paper, a favourite colour or a ready-made combo
- The intensity – bold contrasts or soft blends
- Balance – mostly neutral with pops of colour, or layered colour throughout
- Your layout – same colours, different designs
The key is choosing your colours on purpose. Then let everything else build from there.
Want More Ideas Like This?
If you enjoy simple ways to improve your cards using what you already have, you’ll want to be on my email list.
Inside, I share:
- practical tips you can use right away
- fresh project ideas
- reminders for upcoming tutorials and LIVE sessions
👉 Join the email list here:
You don’t need more colours.
You just need a better way to choose the ones you’re already using.
Because around here?
👉 We don’t guess…we create with confidence. 💛
