How many times do you use the colors within your photos to create your palette? There is nothing wrong with coordinating our scrapbook products with our photos. However, let’s consider going another route altogether. Let’s choose a palette that contrasts with our photos.
We are going to use a set of photos and a color wheel to choose our supplies and create a layout. We’ll choose colors that contrast with our photo while still allowing us to create a visually pleasing layout.
Supplies
Photo(s)
Scrapbook Papers and Embellishments
Adhesive
A color wheel- you can find one on the internet for free
Step One After selecting your photo(s), identify one color that stands out to you. In some cases, you may have only one photo with a color that pops right out. This photo will become your focal point. Look at your color wheel and select a color on the opposite side. I chose the blue in my son’s shirt. Orange is opposite blue on the color wheel. My starting point for my supply choices will be orange.
Step Two Once you have identified your starting color, choose only 1-2 other colors to use with it. The goal is to NOT use that pop of color from your photo in the kit. Choose patterned paper and textures that compliment each other.
I chose two basic colors to create my kit: brown and orange. Kraft cardstock will be my base or canvas. Kraft adds warmth while at the same time, it tones down the high energy of the orange. The doilies serve to soften the hard, bright color and precise patterns. Wood grain adds warm texture
Step Three Move photos and papers around the canvas to get a feel for where you will be placing them. Pay attention to how your photos interact with the colors of the patterned paper. The photo of my son getting his hair trimmed has a sort of yellow orange cast which is emphasized by the orange paper.
I can counter this by placing the photo on the white doily and newsprint patterned paper. I am also going to place three strips of the checkerboard pattern to create a subtle visual triangle.
Step Four After adhering your photos and patterned paper to the canvas, begin adding and layering your embellishments. Look for opportunities to add texture and dimension while reinforcing the visual triangle. I first tucked some fussy cut wood doilies under the checkered patterned paper. I then added a strip of tape with the wood veneer border on top.
Tape is an easy way to add a layer without adding bulk.
I also added some finishing details by hand stitching some small beads to my wood border.
Paying attention to how the photos interacted with the patterned papers really helped me to emphasize them. The orange contrasted with the blue of my son’s shirt to help it pop. I chose two main colors to use in my supplies: brown and orange. When I added the embellishments, I paid attention to where I placed them to help emphasize my photos and lead the eye through the layout.
There isn’t a rule that states you must use every color you see in a photo. Look for opportunities to use colors that contrast with a color found in your pictures. Pay attention to pattern and texture as you embellish your layout. As you layer, keep in mind that embellishments don’t need to be bulky to add detail. Start with 2-3 colors that contrast with your photos. This will make it easier for you to experiment with color.
2nd Haircut by Christy Strickler Supplies Patterned Paper: Farmhouse, Crate Paper, Studio Calico; Letters: Bobunny; Wood Veneer: Studio Calico; Tape: Jenni Bowlin; Other: glass beads, doily, DMC floss, kraft cardstock
Supplies
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