Every Halloween, the same motifs and colors tend to make their way into decorations and eventually onto scrapbook layouts. We see traditional Halloween color palettes such as green, orange, black and purple. Black cats and spiders appear though usually in silhouette. Many people grab a traditional scrapbook kit (be it digital or paper) and set to work documenting the year’s Halloween festivities.  While there is nothing wrong with using  traditional color palettes for crafts and scrapbook layouts, there are times in which we might want to try something a little different. How does one break away from traditional color schemes? By taking the Halloween motifs back to their natural forms.

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Creepy Crawly Halloween Color Formula 1: The Black Cat

Though he isn’t really creepy nor crawly, the black cat silhouette is a common motif in Halloween decor. He inspires us to use a basic 3 color palette with black, white( or grey) and a golden yellow. We could even take the palette a step further, adding sparkle and shine by substituting silver and gold for the yellow and grey.

Supplies to Consider for this Color Palette:

If you want to take the inspiration a step past the colors, consider the textures present in the photo. Cut furry or fuzzy cloth into shapes ( see this article to learn how to add fuzzy cloth to a scrapbook layout). Choose yarn or fibers with a metallic hue or a soft fuzzy feel.

Creepy Crawly Halloween Color Formula 2: The Tree Frog

Though I think frogs are cute, I have been told by many that they find them to be pretty disgusting. The tree frog offers us a blend of traditional fall colors with pops of blue and green. This Halloween color palette is perfect to document parties or young children in bright costumes.

Supplies to Consider for this Color Palette:

Frogs tend to come from wet environments and many consider their skin to be slimy. Consider using art supplies such as water colors or playing with slimy gel mediums. If wet mediums aren’t your thing, choose bright epoxy or enamel shapes. 

Creepy Crawly Halloween Color Formula 3: The Snake

This Halloween color palette offer something similar, yet a bit more muted than the previous color palette. While many people find snakes frightening, they are often said to be Mother Nature’s jewelry. Once again( as with the cat color palette above) you can substitute gold or silver for the grey or yellow tones to add a bit of sparkle.

Supplies to Consider for this Color Palette:

Snake skin has scales which in many ways reminds me of sequins. Consider adding them along with beads or even glitter to add a bit of glitz to your Halloween project.

Creepy Crawly Halloween Color Formula 4: The Tarantula

Earth tones don’t necessarily have to be boring. Choose patterns and textures in varying shades to make the most of this Halloween Color Palette.

Supplies to Consider for this Color Palette:

Tarantulas are a bit of fuzzy hair over a hard exoskeleton. Consider textures combinations such as burlap mixed with velvet or fuzzy yarns mixed with kraft paper. Add sleek hard elements such as enamel dots for a finishing touch.

As you think about creating your project, consider new sources of inspiration, like the real live versions of Halloween’s creepy creatures shown above. Your stash of scrapbook and craft supplies likely offer many unusual products which can be re-purposed for Halloween projects. Think about  more than just color and allow texture and pattern to play a role in your supply choices.

 

 

 

 

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