One of the biggest struggles scrapbookers share with me isn’t creating the layout.
It’s choosing the colors.
With so many cardstock and Designer Series Paper options available, it’s easy to wonder:
Which colors actually go together?
For this week’s Friday Freebie Sketch #27, I’m sharing a simple tip that helped me create a birthday layout for my husband’s upcoming birthday.
I started with the Brights Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper and knew I wanted a bright, cheerful color palette.
Instead of randomly choosing colors, I used a simple color relationship:
💙 Blue + 💛 Yellow = 💚 Green
That led me to choose:
• Azure Afternoon
• Daffodil Delight
• Granny Apple Green
Because these colors naturally work together, creating a fun, cohesive layout without overthinking the process.
Sometimes choosing colors doesn’t require complicated color theory.
Sometimes it starts with one simple idea.
🎨 Need Help Choosing Colors?
If color selection feels overwhelming, Stampin’ Up! has two fantastic resources that can help.
🎨 The Color Coach Wheel:
The Stampin’ Up! Color Coach Wheel takes the guesswork out of choosing colors by helping you identify:
✨ Complementary Colors – Colors opposite each other on the color wheel that create contrast and make elements stand out.
✨ Analogous Colors – Colors next to each other on the wheel that create a harmonious, coordinated look.
✨ Triadic Colors – Three evenly spaced colors that create bright, balanced color combinations.
✨ Monochromatic Color Schemes – Different shades and tones within the same color family for a clean, cohesive design.
Whether you’re creating scrapbook layouts, cards, or home décor projects, the Color Coach Wheel helps you confidently choose cardstock, Designer Series Paper, inks, and embellishments that work beautifully together.
💡 In this week’s layout, I used a simple color relationship:
Azure Afternoon + Daffodil Delight = Granny Apple Green
The Color Coach Wheel makes discovering these color combinations quick and easy!
👉 Purchase the Color Coach Wheel here
📄 FREE Printable Color Coach
Want a quick reference guide you can keep in your craft room? Download my FREE printable Color Coach PDF featuring coordinating Stampin’ Up! color combinations.
👉 Download the FREE Color Coach PDF here:
Because sometimes the hardest part of creating isn’t the layout…
It’s simply knowing which colors to choose.
Supplies Used
• Brights Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper
• Azure Afternoon Two-Tone Cardstock
• Daffodil Delight Cardstock
• Granny Apple Green Cardstock
• White Willow Cardstock
• Basic Black Cardstock 12 x 12
• Daffodil Delight Ink Pad
• Balloon Festoon Bundle
• Baker’s Twine Essential Pack
In This Week’s Sketch You’ll Learn How To:
✨ Choose colors with confidence
✨ Use simple color relationships
✨ Create a cohesive layout
✨ Take the guesswork out of color selection
Sketch #27 Includes:
• 12″ x 12″ scrapbook layout sketch
• Photos and measurements
• Supply list
• QR Code linking to the full video tutorial
🎥 Watch the full tutorial here:
💌 Want This Week’s Friday Freebie?
This sketch is available FREE to my email subscribers and will be shared on June 26th at 6:00 PM EST.
Miss it? You’ll find Sketch #27 in my Friday Sketch Vault after the deadline.
✨ New to Scrapbooking?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, I’ve created a beginner-friendly guide to help you scrapbook with confidence.
Sometimes the Simplest Solutions Work Best
It’s easy to overthink color choices.
This layout reminded me that sometimes the answer is simpler than we think.
When colors naturally relate to one another, choosing cardstock, paper, and embellishments becomes much easier.
I hope this week’s sketch gives you confidence to trust your instincts and start creating.
Happy Crafting!
— Holly
CraftingwithHolly.com