Feeling Stuck Using the Same Colour Combos?
It’s time to stop playing it safe with colour – try a colour wheel Instead. Because if your cards are starting to feel a little… predictable…same-same…boring?
You’re not alone. But rest assured there are some easy fixes.
Is this what happens? You reach for the same safe pairings. Maybe a soft pink and green. Maybe navy and white. They’re lovely, yes.
But are they stopping someone mid-sip of tea to say, “Wait… who made THAT?”
That’s where the magic of a colour wheel card making approach comes in.
My “Aha” Moment with Colour Confidence
Time to fess up. I used to play it safe too.
I’d pick colours I knew worked. Yellow, black and white. Navy, green and white.
And while my cards always turned out, they didn’t always have that little extra spark. That “walk across the room to see it” moment.
Then I gave the Stampin’ Up! Color Coach a try.
Wow! Game changer! Colour choices way less like guesswork and more like having a crafty little assistant under my craft desk whispering, “Try this… you’ll like it.”
And you know what? I did. 😆
So in this week’s Ink Paper & Play LIVE, I’m showing you how this inexpensive and simple little tool works…and why you need one in your stash of supplies!
👉 Catch the replay here
Because when you don’t have to even THINK about choosing colours, card making just becomes waaaay more fun!
Colour Wheel Card Making: Easy Combos to Try
You’ll be amazed at how many colour combinations you can create, working with what you already have.
1. Analogous Colours (Your “Safe but Stunning” Zone)
These are colours that sit next to each other on the wheel.
It’s a broad category because they work so well together.
Think pinks, purples and maybe leaning toward a touch of blue.
- Soft and harmonious
- Easy on the eyes
- Perfect when you want flow, no fuss
This floral card with the pink watercolour wash background? That’s analogous doing its thing beautifully.
Bubble Bath, Fresh Freesia, Berry Burst and Blackberry Bliss with Old Olive (I tell you why I chose this colour of green in the video – don’t miss it!). So pretty!
2. Monochromatic Colours (Simple, but Oh-So-Polished)
One colour. Different shades and intensities.
That’s it. End of story.
But what a great story you get to write!
- Clean and cohesive
- Great for elegant – and even whimsical 😉 – designs
- Surprisingly impactful
My green card? Different shades of Old Olive, layered like a boss.
Not boring.
Anything but predictable.
And surprisingly easy to create.
This will work wonderfully for you whether you’re just starting out card making and have only a few colours, or you’ve been at it for years…and have a ‘healthy’ stash. There are so many ways to use your inks, papers and tools to create monochromatic designs.
Make sure you grab the tips I share in the video.
3. Complementary Colours (Where the WOW Happens)
You’ve heard the term “opposites attract”?
That’s why this one shines!
So instead of wondering what works, you start with something that already does. And you know you’re going to love it!
You pick opposites on the wheel.
Green and pink. Orange and blue. Yellow and purple.
But more specifically, Old Olive and Bubble Bath. Pumpkin Pie and Balmy Blue. Daffodil Delight and Highland Heather.
- High contrast
- Eye-catching
- Perfect for focal points
This fun circles card with the bright green and soft lavenders? That’s complementary colour working hard for you.
Fresh Freesia paired with Old Olive, Granny Apple Green and Very Vanilla. Happy colours make a happy card!
See the Color Coach in Action!
If you want to see how the colour wheel can amp up your cards, can catch the full session here:
Colours I never would have picked on my own!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
Now here’s the fun part. Let’s make this work for you in your craft space.
Try this next time you sit down to craft:
- Pick ONE colour you love, then build out using the wheel
- Use scraps in different shades for a monotone look
- Flip your usual combo. If you always use blue and white, try orange and blue instead
- Start with your DSP and match cardstock using the wheel
Another bonus? You’ll finally start using those colours sitting in your stash wondering when their moment will come…
Want More Ideas Without the Wheel?
If you’re easing into this, you might also love this post where I break down colour choices without a wheel.
It might be a great stepping stone before you dive into full colour wheel card making mode.
This week builds beautifully on what we explored in that colour combinations post. That one leaned more on intuition. This one adds structure.
Same goal. More confidence.
And when you pair the two? You’ve got a recipe for cards that feel fresh every single time.
Need help picking sentiments, techniques AND colours?
If you want a shortcut, I’ve got something that does the thinking for you.
Pick your occasion…and get colour ideas that make sense right away!
👉 Try the Card Occasion Matchmaker
Grab More Ideas Like This!
If you loved these ideas, come join me live for more bite-sized inspiration.
👉 Join the email list here:
Short. Fun. Packed with ideas you’ll actually use.
Time For You To Play!
If you have a wheel already, go grab it! And if not, you can pick one up here. It’s inexpensive for the time and frustration it will save you…and the glowing comments your cards will get!
Pick out a colour to play with and see how it pairs with analogous, monotone and complementary buddies in your stash. Then pull them out and make something that makes you say WOW!
Because around here?
👉 We boss the paper…we don’t let it boss us! 💛
