How to combine colours in scrapbooking without fighting them
A simple 60-30-10 rule, how to use a collection and when to break the harmony on purpose.
Most pages that “do not work” fail on colour, not technique. You do not need to memorise the colour wheel: three proportions and a well-chosen collection already look professional.
Supplies
- A paper collection or three inks from the same family
- One contrasting accent (optional)
Step by step
-
Use the 60-30-10 rule
60 % dominant colour (background), 30 % secondary (layers, photo), 10 % accent (embellishments, sentiment). If everything weighs the same, the page shouts.
-
Start with a collection
Papers from the same collection are designed to go together. Pick 2 or 3 and a plain that picks up a colour from the print.
-
Repeat each colour at least twice
A lone pink in one corner looks like a mistake. The same pink on an embellishment and the sentiment looks intentional.
-
Use neutrals as breathing room
White, kraft, grey and black do not count as “colour” in the ratio: they give air and make the rest shine.
-
Break the harmony only once
A single accent outside the palette (a coral on a blue page) adds life. Two or more create chaos.
Practical tips
- Take a photo in greyscale: if elements merge, you lack value contrast (light/dark), not hue.
- The Artcreatiu colour combiner helps pick markers that match a paper or ink.
FAQ
How many colours is too many?
More than four saturated colours on a small layout is usually too many. Prefer three plus neutrals.
Related products
A few products from the shop to practise what this tutorial covers:
