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How to Select Color for Designs and Crafts

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By Lubowski
User-Submitted Article
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Choosing the right combination of colors is essential to the success of your project. This task can be daunting, especially when you haven’t studied design or art. The truth is that it is easier than most people think and there is no color wheel involved. There are easier ways to learn about color than going to school for 2 or 4 years to learn about it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    One of the easiest ways to find colors that go well together is to look at nature for inspiration. You don’t even have to go outside, just look at nature photographs of different seasons. Don’t only look at the colors; also look at how muted or bright they are. Spring and summer are the best seasons for bright color combinations while fall and winter are best for more neutral color combinations.

  2. Step 2

    Another great source of color inspiration is art. Works of art from any era are a great way to see how colors look together. Modern art usually is usually great for bright and, sometimes, unusual combinations. Look to the masters for a more subdued or traditional combination of colors.

  3. Step 3

    If you are looking for assistance that is more thorough with your color choices, head for the library or bookstore. Usually located in the graphics and art departments, there are a number of books that deal with color combinations and the effect they create. Any artisan and designer should have these books in their personal library.

  4. Step 4

    Another way to look at colors for your projects is to go to a paint store or home improvement center. There you can always find color cards that you can use to see how different colors look like together. These cards are usually free unless you want the color sample pack (all the colors cards placed together in an easy to carry pack).

Tips & Warnings
  • When choosing colors for fashion or jewelry, consider the season it is going to be worn on.
  • Choose colors you like and not what you think fashion dictates. This will make you unhappy with your project and you may not finish it.
  • Two books to consider are Color Harmony 2 by Bride M. Whelan and Color Index by Jim Krause (from the Design Index Series).

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