Does this happen to you – you sit down to make a card and spend more time choosing colours for handmade cards than actually creating? 🙋♀️
You start with one piece of cardstock. Then another. Then perhaps a third. Before you know it, your desk looks like a cardstock explosion and you’re no closer to making a decision!
If that sounds at all familiar, pull up a chair! You’re in very good company.
Choosing colours for handmade cards is one of the things card makers seem to struggle with most. I hear it all the time. “I’m not good with colour.” Or, “Something’s not right, but I’m not sure what.”
The good news? You don’t need an art degree or a designer’s eye. You just need a few simple approaches that make colour feel less mysterious and a lot more fun.
Today I’m sharing three easy colour approaches using these fun animal cards as examples. Once you start noticing these colour combinations, you’ll start seeing them pop up everywhere.
Colour Some Z-Fold Cuties
Each of these cards features a few simple things:
- a simple Z-fold (or reverse fold)
- bold greeting and image stamp in one (which one of these animals is your fave?)
- watercolour pencil colouring and blending
- a dry embossed background
- lots of bright colour combos
The textured backgrounds on these cards were created using Two-Tone cardstock and the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder. It’s one of my favourite ways to add interest when I don’t have Designer Series Paper that suits the project.
Start Simple with Monotone and Analogous Colours
The alligator get well card is a great example of choosing colours for handmade cards using a simple colour family.
Most of the card stays within the green family, creating a calm and cohesive look. This is called a monotone colour scheme, where different shades or tints of the same colour work together naturally.
The darker embossed panel adds depth while the lighter green card base keeps things feeling fresh. White layers provide breathing room and help the focal image stand out.
Analogous colours work in a similar way. These are colours that sit beside one another on the colour wheel, such as green, yellow-green, and blue-green. Because they’re closely related, they tend to feel harmonious without requiring much thought.
Sometimes the easiest colour choices are also the most effective.
Bright Contrast Helps Focal Images Shine
The Huge Thanks card takes a different approach. Instead of staying within one colour family, it uses bright contrast to create energy and fun.
Coral and turquoise sit opposite one another in warmth and coolness. Together they create excitement without overwhelming the eye.
The black sentiment acts almost like an outline in a colouring book. It anchors the design and keeps the brighter colours from feeling chaotic.
When choosing colours for handmade cards, adding a strong neutral like black, white, or navy can often make bold combinations feel more intentional.
Complementary Colours Create Instant Impact
If you’ve ever wondered how some cards immediately catch your eye, complementary colours may be part of the reason.
Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Blue and orange are a classic example…and purrrfect for our lovable lion.
The rich blue layers provide strong contrast against the warm yellow and orange tones in the lion and embossed background. The result feels cheerful and energetic while still staying balanced.
Complementary colours don’t need to be used equally. Often one colour takes the lead while the other acts as an accent. That little blue party hat on the lion? It may be small, but it helps tie the whole design together.
How to Make This Idea Your Own
If these designs are right up your card making alley, try these simple ways to make them your own.
- Start with one colour you love and add lighter or darker versions of it.
- Use white cardstock to give your design breathing room.
- Try one bold colour combination and anchor it with black or white.
- Look at nature for inspiration. Flowers, birds, and landscapes often provide ready-made colour palettes.
- When in doubt, keep it simple. Two or three colours are often enough.
If colour still feels like uncharted territory, be sure to check out my post on how to stop playing it safe with colour. Sometimes all it takes is one brave little cardstock choice to open up a whole new world of creativity.
Want to Build Even More Creative Confidence?
We all need a little pat on the back or a word of encouragement every now and then. But I have a hunch you’re way more creative than you think. Take a peek at my post Creative Confidence for Card Makers. It’s got some great tips for you whether you’re a new card maker, or you’ve been at it for years.
Give Them a Try! YOU Can Do It!
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that colour confidence grows the same way creative confidence does: through practice. The more cards you make, the more you begin to notice what feels balanced, what catches your eye, and what makes you smile.
So the next time you sit down to create, try not to overthink it. Pick a colour you love and start there.
You might be surprised by how quickly choosing colours for handmade cards begins to feel a little easier.
Before you go, I’d love to know, do you naturally gravitate toward soft monochromatic palettes or bright contrasting colours? Leave a comment below and let’s chat colour!
