Scrapbooking in Neutrals

"Neutral colors" is a term used to refer to colors with low "colorfulness" or chroma on the color wheel. This includes the achromatic colors (black, white, gray) and in many cases, also includes shades such as beige and ivory. These colors are very useful in scrapbooking, but are usually used in a secondary role to the brighter colors. However, sometimes great results can be obtained by letting the neutral colors take center stage and creating a layout using entirely (or almost entirely) neutral colors.

One common reason to use neutral colors is to match photos of these colors. Men in suits, monuments, and urban skylines are examples of photos that tend to contain neutral colors. Bright papers and embellishments would overwhelm the layout and draw attention away from these types of photos.

Another reason to use neutral colors is to create a somber mood.  In this very simple layout, I used neutral colors and raw chipboard to emphasize the somber mood and seriousness of the subject matter.

Likewise, I used black and white contrasted with one colorful element to convey the mood in this somber layout.

Of course, sometimes the reason to use neutral colors is because you want to. I chose the neutral patterned paper in this layout because both people in the layout share a love of birds (clearly they also share the ability to sleep at restaurants).

I thought the patterned paper was so beautiful that I didn't want to draw attention away from it by using bright embellishments.

Neutral colors can also be used with photos that are difficult to match, especially if there are several photos of different colors being combined onto a single layout.

If you are looking for some nice neutral-colored products to use, there are plenty. Here are a few of my favorites:

• BasicGrey Designer Cardstock - Practical Collection
• American Crafts Cardstock Pack - Neutral
• Bazzill Basics - Bitty Blossoms - Neutral
• Bazzill Bling Cardstock in Black Tie or Sugar Daddy
• Jenni Bowlin Vintage Collection

I hope these ideas make you want to try scrapbooking in neutrals. Don't forget to share your work in the gallery here at Scrapjazz.

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