Would you like to know how to select colors for scrapbook layouts? You’re not alone! I have struggled with this, and I know many others that have too. Fortunately, I found a FREE online tool that I turn to a lot when I need some inspiration, and that’s what I’m going to talk about today.
Here’s a screen shot of the home page…
For the most part, when I scrapbook, I select the pictures that I want to use on my layouts, and then base my color scheme around the hues in the picture. For example, the color of someone’s shirt in the photo, or something in the setting, such as the wrapping paper on a present, may inspire the entire color scheme of my scrapbook layout.
Many times it’s not always obvious to me what colors I should use, and that’s when I turn to a free tool from Adobe. It’s called Adobe Color (formerly Adobe Kuler). I have been using it for years on my scrapbooking projects!
For scrapbooking layouts, you will want to click on “Extract from an Image” on the top left side navigation.
This will take you to a screen where you can upload your photo.
Tutorial: Scrapbook Color Schemes Using Adobe Kuler
I recently uploaded a picture of my youngest son, and took a few screenshots to share with you, so that you can see this tool in action. In this particular photo, my little guy is standing in front of a flower bed, and although I would love to use the purples and reds of the flower blossoms as the color scheme in my layout, I’m concerned that it would look too “girly” for this rough and tumble boy!
FIRST COLOR SCHEME – COLORFUL
Too many pinks and purples! If he was a little girl, it would be perfect, but I’m afraid this one just isn’t going to work. On to the next one…
BRIGHT COLOR SCHEME
Eliminating the bright purple helps a little, but I’m still not sure about this one. Let’s see what “Muted” looks like…
MUTED COLOR SCHEME
The purple is back! I could take it out, but then I would be left with red, green, white and gray. Christmas, anyone?
DEEP COLOR SCHEME
Again with the Christmas colors! I have one more to go – the “dark” scheme…
DARK COLOR SCHEME
We got a winner! I like this one. The lavender/grey color picks up nicely with the flowers, but it doesn’t seem too feminine, especially when combined with the dark greens and charcoal gray.
Now to go through my paper stash and see if I have card stock in these colors (I think I do!). Anyway, let me know what you think about this tutorial by leaving a comment below. Also, if you have any questions regarding how to select colors for scrapbook layouts, let me know below, and I will see if I can answer them!
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