https://www.writeclickscrapbook.com > For the Love of Color (July 2009)

If It Makes Me Happy | Stacy Julian

If It Makes Me Happy | Stacy Julian

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Close To My Heart) + chipboard letters (My Minds Eye, We R Memory Keepers) + rub on letters (American Crafts) + flower clip (Making Memories) + ribbon (Michael’s) + buttons

A Note from Stacy

I loved the challenge to consider how I define favorite colors and interesting color combinations. Color and color theory are one of my passions and perhaps because I wanted to come up with something that sounded really smart, I kept trying to make this harder than it is. In the end (for me) it really is about the happy emotions I feel when I experience colors I love. While I can appreciate a wide range of color and color combinations, I gravitate to and use my *HAPPY COLORS.*

As creatives, we cannot underestimate the value of observing ourselves and our preferences. I did come to the conclusion that I am very fond of mixed (or tertiary) colors and color combinations where there is just a bit of dissonance -- one or two colors that almost seem out of place. I love combinations where there is a contrast in value. Look at the rug photo on my layout -- there is a base of pastel and muted colors set off by a dark red and vivid gold. LOVE that. I also love texture and pattern in color, whether it is a predictable "girl-next-door" gingham or the weathered feel of old wood. Finally, I don't think I could scrapbook without touches of black and white -- black and white together makes me very happy.

Consider sorting and storing some of your photos by color. I was able to retrieve ALL of the photos on my layout in 30 seconds because they were ALL together behind a tab in my THINGS WE DO drawer labeled Colors and Seasons. I simply pulled five photos from the mix that was already there and waiting, to illustrate colors I LOVE. The look on Taft's face clearly communicates the emotion I wanted to capture on this page.