Colour Inspiration

Ever brought a piece of clothing or an accent piece for the home which simply is impossible to match or contrast to? Well you are not alone.

So often colours grab our attention only to cause us matching headaches down the line.  

Nature is the place to find answers to that; our gardens are now a riot of colour, the crazy mix of colours together, colours you would never put together but they work. 

A great way to get inspiration is to take pictures of your garden, local park, or favourite outdoor place.  Take pictures through the year so you have a running commentary on all seasons and therefore many colour ways to consider. You do not have to be a good photographer as long as the pictures reflect the colours correctly. That is enough as it is only for your private design scrap book.

When faced with a colour issue; refer to your book. What would nature put together? Important to note that in nature it is texture and colour, not just colour alone that makes a fabulous combination really work. 

Light is also important, the same paint can look three different shades in the same room due to the light. So, experiment with swatches, tester paint pots, wallpaper cuttings and items you already own to ensure you have just the right shades to make that sensational look.

Nature has it right, it is brave and wild in its choices, so it could be the best place to start when trying to match the impossible.  

Collect your pictures all year as you may well want summer or autumn colours to look back on even in the dead of winter. 

Bonus is if your pictures are ok, well why not frame one or two and create your own art for your home.

Rosie

Creative Director  - Seek It Out

SIO Tips no. 22

If you want to fill your garden with colour next spring, plant bulbs from October to December, before the first frost. Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Grape Hyacinths and Fritillarias are just some of the plants to choose from.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Thinking ahead, take the summer into winter

Want something different for your winter wedding invites, Christmas cards or festive decorations.  Little early you say but no, now is the time to press flowers which can be stored away carefully to create totally unique cards to send or give in the depths of winter.

Flower presses are easy to come by or you could rely on two sheets of paper with the flower sandwiched between and pressed by the weight of a book.  Flowers need to be at their best, dry when picked (no rain droplets or dew on them) and pressed as soon after picking as possible.  The process takes time to let them dry out so be patient.

We think that this site is just great for information on how to so check it out http://www.wikihow.com/Press-Flowers-and-Leaves

SEEKITOUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time