Begin with an object
Choose something you already enjoy looking at. It could be a fabric remnant, a postcard, or a favorite cup. Identify two dominant colors and one smaller accent, then notice the proportion in which they appear.
Translate, do not match
Materials change the way a color feels. The same shade can look soft in wool and crisp on paper. You do not need a perfect match; look for a similar balance of warm and cool, bright and quiet.
Make a small test
Place scraps together or paint a few swatches before committing to the whole project. View them in the light where the finished piece will live. Sometimes the color that looked exciting in isolation works best in a very small amount.
Keep the combination
Make a note of the materials and save a small sample. A palette you love can connect several different projects without making them identical. Repetition can be a creative choice rather than a limitation.
TAKE ONE LITTLE IDEA WITH YOU
Choose a project that interests you, gather only what you need, and give yourself room to learn while you make it.
Find your next make ↗