August 2026 WK2 Scrapbook Page Layout

Using the Colour Wheel

Meet Your New Best Friend

Let’s talk about our friend the colour wheel. Have you got one tucked away in your craft room? If not, it is well worth adding one to your collection. It is one of the simplest tools you can use when you are unsure which papers, cardstock or embellishments to put together.

Many scrapbookers spend far longer choosing colours than they do actually creating their pages. It is easy to second guess yourself, pull out dozens of patterned papers and still feel uncertain. The colour wheel takes away much of that guesswork and gives you an easy starting point whenever you begin a new layout.

A Simple Way to Make Colour Choices

You do not need to study colour theory or remember complicated design rules. The colour wheel is simply a guide that shows how different colours relate to one another. Once you understand a few basic combinations, selecting supplies becomes much quicker and far more enjoyable.

Rather than trying every paper in your stash against your photos, you can use the wheel to narrow your choices. This saves time and often encourages you to reach for colour combinations you may never have considered before.

Complementary Colours Explained

The shades of pink and green in Jackie's page are opposite each other on the colour wheel. These are known as complementary colours. Because they sit directly across from one another, they naturally create contrast that catches the eye.

This combination allows each colour to stand out without competing. The pink feels brighter because of the green, while the green appears fresher alongside the pink. Together they create a lively page that immediately draws your attention to the photographs.

Perfect for Fun Photographs

Complementary colours are an excellent choice when your photos are full of smiles, laughter and happy moments. They add a sense of excitement that matches the feeling of the memories you are documenting.

Jackie's gorgeous photographs of her two girls are full of personality, making pink and green an ideal pairing. The colours help reflect the playful atmosphere while allowing the photographs to remain the main feature of the page.

Adjust the Strength of Your Colours

Complementary colours do not always have to be bright and bold. If you prefer a softer look, choose lighter shades of each colour. Pastel pink with soft sage green creates a completely different effect from hot pink and lime green, yet both are still complementary combinations.

You can also use one colour as the main feature and the other as an accent. For example, cover most of the page with green papers and add touches of pink through flowers, titles or small embellishments. This approach keeps the page from feeling too busy while still making use of the colour pairing.

Use Your Photos as the Starting Point

A simple trick is to look closely at your photographs before choosing your papers. Pick out one colour that already appears in the photos, then use the colour wheel to find its complementary partner. You will often discover combinations that bring extra life to the finished page without looking forced.

This method also helps you make better use of supplies you already own, as you can focus your search on specific colours instead of pulling out everything from your paper stash.

Keep a Colour Wheel Close By

Many scrapbookers leave a colour wheel on their desk or attach one inside a cupboard door so it is always within reach. The more often you use it, the more natural colour selection becomes.

Before long you will begin recognising colour relationships instinctively, making it easier to put together page kits, shop for new supplies and create layouts with confidence whenever inspiration strikes.