When it comes to cardmaking and paper crafting, color isn’t just decoration—it’s the secret sauce that brings your designs to life. But choosing colors can be overwhelming, especially with so many beautiful inks, papers, and embellishments available. That’s where color theory comes in to save the day. Here are five easy color theory tricks that will help you create eye-catching cards with confidence.
🎨 1. The Power of the Color Wheel 
The color wheel is your best friend. It’s more than an art class relic—it helps you find combinations that just work.
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Complementary colors (opposites on the wheel) like blue and orange create bold contrast.
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Analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) like pink, red, and orange blend beautifully for a soft, harmonious look.
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Triadic colors (three evenly spaced) like red, yellow, and blue give a vibrant, balanced effect.
Try pulling out a color wheel next time you’re stuck—your design will thank you!
🧁 2. Use the 60-30-10 Rule
This simple formula keeps your color balance on point:
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60% main color (like your card base)
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30% secondary color (mat layers or embellishments)
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10% accent color (sentiments, small pops, or bling)
This trick gives your card a professional, polished finish without feeling overwhelming or dull.
🌈 3. Go Monochromatic
Monochromatic doesn’t mean boring—it means cohesive. Choose one hue (like purple) and use light, medium, and dark shades.
It’s perfect for elegant, calming designs and great when you want to highlight textures or techniques like embossing or layering.
🧃 4. Neutrals Are Your Secret Weapon
White, black, gray, kraft, and even metallics like gold or silver are considered neutrals in paper crafting. Use them to break up bold colors or to ground a busy design.
Don’t forget: a simple white-on-white card with texture can be just as striking as a rainbow masterpiece.
💡 5. Let Your Paper Inspire You
Not sure where to start? Look at your favorite Designer Series Paper! Stampin’ Up! does the color coordination work for you—just pull a palette from the paper’s color list and use it as your guide.
No guesswork, all wow-factor.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an art degree to use color like a pro. With these simple tricks, you’ll start to see color differently—and your cards will reflect that extra touch of magic.
Now it’s your turn: what’s your favorite go-to color combo? Drop it in the comments or tag me in your next project on social—I’d love to see what you’re creating!
Happy crafting,
Katrina 💖
Katrina’s Kreative Heart
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