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Janet Troy Sep 12 2 min read

Choosing And Using Colour - Part 1

Basket & photo by Ruth Woods @craftschooloz

THINGS TO CONSIDER...

How to choose colours that look good together? Firstly, there’s no right answer to this question. If you were to ask three different weavers whether a colour palette looks good, you could get three different answers. It really depends on your desired outcome. For example, do you want to create drama and excitement or a restful harmonious feeling? Colour plays a big part in achieving this.

IT COMES DOWN TO HUE, TINT, SHADE AND SATURATION...

Hue – is what we think of when we look at a colour eg. the ocean is a deep hue of aquamarine. Basically, it’s a word for the colour that we’re talking about eg. yellow, red, blue. Choosing hues next to one another on the colour wheel creates harmony because they flow easily from one to the other.

Tint & Shade– refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour. In other words:
Colour + white = Tint
Colour + black = Shade
Colour + grey = Tone
Choosing colours of similar tint or shade generally creates harmony. Colours of differing tint or shade usually creates drama, because some will stand out more than others.

Saturation – is the intensity and purity of a colour. When it comes to raffia brands, Nutscene raffia colours are intense, providing contrast and drama. The Raffia Connection colours offer more muted tones, providing a gentle harmonious result.

SO, HOW CAN WE TRANSLATE THIS TO NATURAL PLANT-BASED FIBRES, LIKE RAFFIA?

THINK OF COLOURS LIKE PERSONALITIES...

If you’re an extroverted party person, you’re probably going to choose colours that are high intensity, bold and contrasting. Colours that like to party!

From top left: @janetbeck444, Ann Irving, Kathleen (aged 9), Lily Tupper

If you’re a quieter, more reflective personality, you may prefer to use groups of subtle colours with complex nuances. Just chillin’.

From top left: @ make_it_perfect, @melissaristeen, @coronado.ave, @cjcocksy

LOOK AT NATURE FOR INSPIRATION...

When using plant-based fibres like raffia, hemp and linen, you really can’t go wrong by looking at colour combinations that occur in nature. They work every time!

From top left: Red rumped grass parrot, SallyHolliday @make_thrift, @carola_tocornal, @paulaboostudio

From top left: Landscape central Australia, Sherri Brown @stuffaduck, Lee Atkins @naturebylee, TinaZenou@bluevalleymedia

From top left: Annie Clarke @annie0009 x 2, @stella.fox.art, @amycohencreations

3 TOOLS TO ASSIST WITH CHOOSING COLOURS

COLOUR SWATCH

Use our colour swatch to help plan colour schemes for your projects. The swatch is FREE with The Raffia Connection Full Range or is available to purchase separately on our website.

SHOP THE SWATCH