As we enter the final days of November and gather for Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to reflect on autumn’s closing chapter. This week’s autumn color palettes in our “Autumn Perspectives” gallery capture the season’s last hues—rich, warm tones and soft, cool shades that hint at winter. For more fall color palettes for cardmaking, visit our “Create with Confidence” article, where we share additional inspiring combinations. Each palette is designed for beginner and intermediate cardmakers, with suggested Stampin’ Up inks and practical tips for creating simple yet elegant cards. Let’s explore these palettes and bring a touch of late autumn’s charm into your Thanksgiving-week projects.
Golden Hour in November: Golden Harvest, Rustic Maple, & Autumn Dusk
The Golden Hour in November palette brings together the warm, glowing tones of Golden Harvest, Rustic Maple, and Autumn Dusk. These colors reflect the gentle light of a late autumn afternoon, adding warmth and subtle depth to your cardmaking.
Color Theory Insight
This palette uses a triadic color scheme, balancing sunny Golden Harvest with the rich warmth of Rustic Maple and the calmness of Autumn Dusk. The result is a cozy, elegant harmony that feels inviting and nostalgic—perfect for capturing autumn’s warmth as it fades into winter.
Suggested Inks
- Bumble Bee for Golden Harvest
- Cinnamon Cider for Rustic Maple
- Misty Moonlight for Autumn Dusk
Tips for Cardmaking
Golden Harvest works wonderfully as a background color, infusing your card with cheerful brightness. Rustic Maple can add warmth and depth to focal elements, such as stamped leaves or layered die-cuts, while Autumn Dusk provides a soft contrast for borders, sentiments, or small embellishments. To keep the design clean, focus on stamped silhouettes or delicate die-cut overlays to let each color shine.
Frost & Forest Dawn: Forest Twilight, Deep Harbor Blue, & Morning Frost Blush
The Frost & Forest Dawn palette brings together Forest Twilight, Deep Harbor Blue, and Morning Frost Blush, echoing the cool, tranquil tones of an autumn forest at dawn. This palette moves away from traditional autumn colors, offering a fresh, serene take on the season.
Color Theory Insight
This complementary color scheme creates balance through the grounding green of Forest Twilight and the deep, steady presence of Deep Harbor Blue, softened by the gentle warmth of Morning Frost Blush. The result is a calm, understated palette that brings a sense of peacefulness, perfect for sophisticated and minimalistic card designs.
Suggested Inks
- Evening Evergreen for Forest Twilight
- Night of Navy for Deep Harbor Blue
- Petal Pink for Morning Frost Blush
Tips for Cardmaking
Consider using Forest Twilight for large background areas to establish a grounding, natural feel. Deep Harbor Blue makes a striking choice for borders or embossed details, bringing dimension without overwhelming. Use Morning Frost Blush sparingly for accents, such as stamped floral motifs or sentiment highlights, adding just the right hint of warmth. This palette is ideal for botanical themes or clean, layered layouts that emphasize simplicity.
Lakeside Maple Glory: Autumn Lake Blue, Russet Maple, & Highland Sage
Inspired by the vibrant colors of a late-autumn lake surrounded by trees, the Lakeside Maple Glory palette combines deep blue, warm russet, and grounding green to create a bold, nature-inspired look.
Color Theory Insight
This split-complementary scheme combines the boldness of deep blue and vibrant russet with the earthy grounding of sage green. The dynamic between cool and warm tones creates visual interest, making this palette perfect for eye-catching designs that evoke the richness of an autumn landscape.
Suggested Inks
- Blueberry Bushel for Autumn Lake Blue
- Cajun Craze for Russet Maple
- Mossy Meadow for Highland Sage
Tips for Cardmaking
Russet Maple’s warmth is ideal for focal elements like stamped autumn leaves or intricate die-cut embellishments. Autumn Lake Blue can serve as a striking background, creating a serene, watery effect that contrasts with the boldness of Russet Maple. Highland Sage adds a grounding element and works well as an accent color, perfect for subtle details or frames. This palette is especially effective for rustic themes, layering techniques, or designs that feature outdoor-inspired elements.
Late Autumn Elegance: Cranberry Harvest, November Sky, & Toasted
The Late Autumn Elegance palette presents a sophisticated color trio that balances the deep richness of Cranberry Harvest with the softness of November Sky and the warmth of Toasted Acorn, capturing the refined side of autumn’s final days.
Color Theory Insight
This palette uses a complementary scheme, balancing the deep red tones of Cranberry Harvest with the gentle coolness of November Sky, while Toasted Acorn adds a cozy, earthy warmth. This palette is ideal for creating elegant, slightly vintage-inspired card designs that feel seasonal yet timeless.
Suggested Inks
- Cherry Cobbler for Cranberry Harvest
- Boho Blue for November Sky
- Pecan Pie for Toasted Acorn
Tips for Cardmaking
Cranberry Harvest makes a beautiful focal color, perfect for stamped florals, wreaths, or central sentiments. November Sky works well as a background or layering color, adding a gentle contrast that lets other colors stand out. Toasted Acorn is perfect for grounding elements like frames or borders, adding a touch of rustic elegance. This palette is especially suited for Thanksgiving and holiday-themed cards, offering a smooth transition between fall and winter colors.
Using Color Theory in Your Cardmaking
To make the most of these autumn color palettes, consider a few color theory basics:
- Contrast: Use darker shades like Russet Maple or Cranberry Harvest as base colors to ground your designs, adding contrast with lighter shades to create depth.
- Harmony: Balance your palette with neutral tones like Highland Sage or Toasted Acorn as backgrounds, layering complementary accents for a cohesive look.
- Layering: Place lighter colors on top of darker shades to add dimension, especially in clean, simple layouts that benefit from subtle depth.
Try These Elegant Fall Color Palettes in Your Next Project
Each of these palettes captures a unique perspective on late autumn, offering fresh inspiration for your seasonal card designs. Whether you’re layering rich colors, adding highlights, or working with clean, simple layouts, these autumn color palettes bring warmth and sophistication to your projects. For even more ideas, check out our Cozy Autumn Color Inspirations to explore timeless palettes that celebrate the season’s charm. Explore more fall palette inspiration in our gallery and experiment with the season’s beautiful hues. Happy crafting!