Let’s make a splash with pond lilies and an analogous color scheme!
Last time we kept things monochromatic, using variations of just one color. Today, we’re taking one small step sideways on the color wheel and working with neighbouring – or analogous – colors.
And if choosing colors is something you’d like a little more help with, I’ve created a free five-part Color Made Easy email course. You’ll find the link below.
But first do you want to see analogous in action?
Grab a cuppa and watch the video right here, or head over to YouTube to see it in HD.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love. Thanks a bunch 🥰!
Analogous Color Scheme
An analogous color scheme uses colors that sit beside one another on the color wheel. Because they already share similar qualities, they tend to work together easily and create a beautifully connected palette.
TIPS FOR ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEMES
- Choose colors from similar families for a naturally connected look.
- Use three to five colors that sit beside one another on the color wheel.
- You don’t need to use every color within your chosen range.
- Let one color lead, then use the others in smaller amounts for balance.
- Include light and dark shades so layered details remain easy to see.
Don’t forget to ‘shop your stash’ for a fresh new take on these ideas!
Card Inspiration – Pond Lilies!
One of my favourite kinds of color combinations is analogous – and it’s nearly as easy as monochromatic!
I decided to use one of my favourite combinations, but instead of reaching for my usual teal blue-greens, I pulled out a beautiful blue. I covered the entire card base with color, then added subtle water-like texture using a 3D embossing folder – somewhere for those lily pads and flowers to really shine.
The lilies and leaves also received plenty of ink blending and dimension. This definitely isn’t a quick card, but I think all those little details were worth it!
What would I have done differently?
- I did consider adding some white splatter to the design, which I think would have looked lovely. Instead, I added a few clear glass dew drops to mimic water droplets.
- I also think a border would have framed the design beautifully – but that’s my usual go-to. Today, I wanted to stretch my crafty pants a little and leave the arrangement open across the background.
Over to You!
Are you ready to try an analogous color scheme? Remember, you’re not limited to just cardstock – you can mix and match inks, markers, pencils and anything else in your stash. There really is no limit!
If you’d like more help choosing and using color on your cards, you can join my free five-part Color Made Easy email course.
And if you decide you’d like to explore color further, my full Color Made Easy for Cardmakers class is also available.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope this inspires you to take a little wander around the color wheel for your next card!
Crafty hugs,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
Let’s Shop!
Cardstock: Altenew – Iceberg | Jet Black – Concord & 9th – Sprout.
Inks: Altenew – Limeade | Fresh Leaf | Reindeer Moss | Winter Lake | Arctic Mountain.
Copics: Y26
Tools: Altenew – Petal Shaper – ALT https://tinyurl.com/53h89r75 |SSS https://tidd.ly/4pfsJzC
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
 Pond Lilies ALT | SSS |  Windows to Stillness ALT | SSS |  So Many Sayings OTH |  So Many Sayings Dies SSS | OTH |
 Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
 Versamark Ink SSS | OTH |  Fresh Dye Inks ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |
 Pure White ALT |  Powder Tool SSS |  WOW Heat Tool SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |
 Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
Paper Trimmer SSS |  Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB US |  Acrylic Blocks SSS |  Mini MISTI SSS |
 Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Squares ALT |
 Foam Tape ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |