Kerri Miller
Colors by themselves are good but combine colors and they become great! I’ve often said that I don’t have a favorite color but a favorite color combination. The more sophisticated, the more I’m drawn to it. It’s why I eat red and purple Skittles together, shop at Target and read Martha Stewart Living.
The colors all call to me…
And after reading about the color rules in Color Inspiration for Card Makers, I knew I had to talk with color expert, Beth Opel to learn how she uses color combinations in her card making.
Beth Opel
Which color rules do you live by and which do you choose to break?
I generally always follow the rule about partnering metallics and an elegant aesthetic. Whether it’s in the form of glittery papers or blingy embellishments, a little shimmer or shine is the “jewelry” that completes the design–or outfit! (Can’t get away from that fashion analogy.) A Little Bird Card is a good example of this:
Beth's A Little Bird Card, p. 116
I tend not to follow the rule about the compatibility of pastels with a shabby style. I admire that nostalgic, vintage sweetness, but it’s just not me. I lean more toward what I’ll call “graphic girly,” with soft colors and clean lines–feminine with a punch! Pretty Girl Card is a good example of this:
Beth's Pretty Girl Card, p. 56
How did you go about creating projects for the Color Inspiration magazine?
I was really flattered to have had so many of my cards chosen for the Color Inspiration issue, as it was incredibly inspiring to me. I wish I could have had time to create a project for every color combination! I even had a little system to help direct me: I made a set of slips of paper denoting occasions, and a second set of slips of colors, and then I’d draw one of each. If the result was, “birthday” and “pink,” I’d pick a color combo that featured pink and start working on a birthday card!
Here are a few of my favorite cards designed by Beth:
Grow in Perfect Love Card, p. 156
Swing for the Seats Card, p. 102
Hi Card, p. 94
Thanks, Beth for your thoughts and inspiration on color! Our friends at Bazzill are back with another colorful giveaway! Leave a comment and I’ll pick two lucky winners to receive their card making kit (featuring supplies to make 16 cards using the same color combos found in Color Inspiration!) AND a copy of Color Inspiration for Card Makers! All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Wednesday, Jan. 12.
Two winners will each take home this fun card making kit from Bazzill!
Color fan!
Kerri
P.S. Make sure you hop on over to Moxie Fab World to see what color challenge Cath has whipped up today!
fabulous cards! i love them all!
I LOVE seeing unique color combinations!! They are so much fun.
Wow! Great cards, and great prizes!
Cute cards!
I am loving all of the color combos!
If I can only be so lucky as to win this! I struggle with color – that is my major downfall in crafting. I can’t wait to get this issue – and to have a kit along with it? HEAVEN!
So cute I <3 Bazzill
Love the information on color and the cards are divine!
i love bazzill!!! would love that kit and magazine.
Beth’s cards are fabulous! Wonderful kit too! I have fun with color and I love to see other take on interesting color combinations! It’s all about fun!
There is no better paper than Bazzill. Every color you could ever need!
What fun, thanks for sharing and a chance to win.
Neat article! I haven’t see this in the stores but I think I am going to go find it!
I am always looking for some fresh color ideas. 
I LOVE Bazzill! Everything about Bazzill. I like matchy matchy layouts and Bazzill makes it easy.
Wow- thanks for all the great ideas and for the chance to win!
The cards are beautiful
I love Bazzil and I love paper.!!! I think any color combo goes with me. I would love to win a kit!
Wow… I absolutely love all the cards!
Thanks for showing your different card styles.
Boy! Could I use this!!! Thanks for the opportunity!
Adorable cards! love all of them! thanks for the fab giveaway!
Yummy! I adore color!!!
I love the color combinations. Thanks for the chance to win a great kit.
WOW…winning would be great! Thanks for the chance!
Beautiful cards, Beth! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome Bazzill kit!
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I love colorful cards. I’ll start with a beautiful piece of paper, then I’ll start making a piles of other papers I think look good with it. After a bit I’ll start laying the piled papers next to my “choice” piece and decide which one or two I want to work with. From there I’ll choose ribbon and other bits to embellish my card. Would love to win the kit and book.
Love the cards! Was just heading to bed, checked online on my phone…got out of bed cuz I needed to enter this drawing, beautiful work!
Another giveaway?
HOORAAAAY…
I realy love Beth’s cards- not too much color, great compositions.. WOW cards
I love creating with colour so your inspiration is fab
Thanks for the giveaway chance
Beautiful cards, thanks for the inspiration!
Great cards! That “Hi” card is amazing!
Some great ideas here. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!
Beautiful and creative cards. TFS.
Wonderful cards – thanks for sharing, and for the shot at some great stuff from Bazzill!
I love the cards… thanks for a chance to win!
Beth’s Grow in Perfect Love Card is just lovely. It is an example of a card I really like but would never think of myself. I need help with color!
Love the cards and the colors. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love using colors and textures. I too, really like the Grow in perfect love card …wonderful colors. Thanks for the opportunity to win a Bazzill card kit
Love the unique color combos, so inspiring.
So thankful for the inspiration of such truly professional crafters.
lovin’ all the cards and color combos.
Beautiful cards. I especially love the first one; the swallow add the perfect touch, I think!
I love Beth’s beautiful style! So classic!!!
Awesome cards!!! Love the best the “grow in Love”…stunning!!!
All of these cards are fantastic…. I really love the first card!
Thank you so much for sharing & the chance to win!!!
~Ola
okj83 at live dot com
zloe.blogspot.com
I often stuggle with color combinations. I usually start with patterned paper and match the color with solid cardstock. Love the cards in this article!
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I love learning from the pros! Great cards!! I’d love this!