Autumn Colors with a Twist

I've been scrapbooking for nearly 11 years now. I think in that time I've done hundreds of autumn-themed layouts. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and Thanksgiving Day parades have been covered several times. Back to school, raking leaves, and pumpkin carving activities are a yearly tradition, but I'm getting tired of the same old autumnal color scheme on my layouts after all these years.

I did a little research both on the Internet and in the aisle of my local paint store, and I've come up with some lovely color combinations that give you a warm autumn feel without being so traditional and expected.

I had a blast at the paint store, mixing and matching various color chips. By altering the tone or depth of the colors chosen I was able to achieve a fresh twist on the boring old fall color scheme of gold and browns. Another twist I like to use is avoiding more traditional neutrals, such as tan or black, and instead using a nice vanilla, navy blue, or charcoal grey.

On this first layout titled "Splendid Autumn" I used a popular autumnal combination of green, gold, and blue, but in a more vibrant and playful hue to add some zest and freshness to this layout. In order to keep the layout warm I included chocolate brown as my neutral tone and used letter stickers from Flair Designs that included traditional colors such as orange and rust.

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned paper - Stampin' Up
• autumn-themed stickers - Flair Designs
• paper flower - Creative Co-Op Inc.
• rub-on stitches - Daisy D's

This second project is a greeting card that was crafted in autumn colors, but the saturation level of the colors is reduced significantly. This gives the card a soft, almost vintage feel.

Supplies:

• card base - Keeping Memories Alive
• embossing folder - Cuddlebug
• patterned papers - Die Cuts With a View
• silk flower - Heidi Swapp
• button
• copper wire
• clear beads
• word beads

This last layout focused on using primary colors in place of darker tones. I was inspired by the vibrant greens in the right-hand photo. Several different polka-dot patterns add a touch of whimsy, I think.

Supplies:

• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned paper - Chatterbox (blue dot and yellow floral), Stampin' Up (green dot), Daisy D's (red dot)
• ABC stamps - Stampin' Up
• ink - Olive Green StazOn, Tsukineko
• fabric tape - Making Memories
• gold pen - Pilot
• lime foam dots - Heidi Swapp
• red shipping tag
• gingham ribbon
• misc. buttons

Below are some color combinations I really like; maybe they'll spark your creativity and get you thinking of fall colors in a whole new light.

Pale Gold                     Soft Grey/Blue                 Plum
Tan                              Medium Brown                Dark Gold
Burnt Orange               Pale Red                         Brick
Deep Blue                     Vibrant Green                 Stone Grey

Dark Teal Green/Blue         Pale Grey/Blue             Burgundy
Dark Gold                           Medium Blue                Vibrant Gold
Medium Brown                   Peach Brown                Toffee Brown
Deep Blue                          Dark Brick Red              Vibrant Green

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