Let’s take a look at this week’s collection of cozy cardmaking colors, crafted to capture the beauty of autumn in warm, earthy tones. For the week of November 18, our Autumn Narratives gallery features five inviting color palettes, thoughtfully curated to inspire beginner and intermediate cardmakers. This week, we’re featuring Catherine Pooler inks to make it easy to recreate each palette in your projects. These cozy cardmaking colors add a comforting, natural feel to your creations, whether you’re new to cardmaking or an experienced crafter. Discover how these warm, inviting shades can elevate your designs and bring the spirit of fall to your cards!
Gathering Season: Evergreen Shadow, Golden Squash & Mulled Berry
The Gathering Season palette combines Evergreen Shadow, Golden Squash, and Mulled Berry for a harmonious fall color scheme inspired by nature’s warm and fresh hues.
Color Theory Insight
This palette is grounded in the principles of triadic color harmony. The deep Evergreen and rich Berry tones create depth, while the Golden Squash adds a touch of brightness. This combination is ideal for warm and balanced projects, with enough contrast to catch the eye without overpowering the design.
Suggested Inks
- Spruce for the Evergreen Shadow
- Catching Rays for Golden Squash
- Merlot for the Mulled Berry accents
Tips for Cardmaking
This palette’s depth works well with stamped botanical motifs or layered die-cuts. Use Golden Squash as a central color and balance it with Evergreen Shadow and Mulled Berry for added interest. Let these colors shine by layering or using them in focal points for clean and simple layouts.
Sage & Pumpkin Story: Frosted Sage, Harvest Pumpkin & Woven Chestnut
The Sage & Pumpkin Story palette pairs Frosted Sage with classic autumnal Harvest Pumpkin and a rich Woven Chestnut tone, creating a refreshing take on traditional fall hues.
Color Theory Insight
This combination follows a complementary scheme, with the soothing Frosted Sage offset by the bright Harvest Pumpkin. The Woven Chestnut adds a natural warmth, creating a grounded yet lively look. The subtle contrast between Sage and Pumpkin makes this palette versatile for clean designs and layered layouts.
Suggested Inks
- Seafoam for Frosted Sage
- Sauna for Harvest Pumpkin
- Icing on the Cake for the Woven Chestnut accents
Tips for Cardmaking
Consider using Frosted Sage as a background color, with Harvest Pumpkin as an accent. The Woven Chestnut grounds the design, so try using it in details like frames or embellishments. This combination works wonderfully with simple stamped patterns for a fresh fall feel.
Woodland Path: Copper Maple, Aged Acorn & River Stone
The Woodland Path palette highlights warm Copper Maple, Aged Acorn, and River Stone gray, inspired by a serene autumn landscape.
For more sophisticated autumn color inspirations, explore our Elegant Autumn Color Palettes to Spark Your Next Card Project.
Color Theory Insight
This palette uses a split-complementary scheme with Copper Maple and River Stone, creating a subtle contrast. The Aged Acorn provides a neutral base, balancing the warmth of the Copper and grounding the overall look. The mix of warm and cool tones gives this palette a rustic elegance.
Suggested Inks
- Ginger for Copper Maple
- Over Coffee for Aged Acorn
- Twilight for River Stone
Tips for Cardmaking
For a cozy and rustic look, use Copper Maple as the primary color, with Aged Acorn in the background. River Stone adds contrast and can be used for sentiments or outlines. This palette pairs beautifully with leaf patterns or embossed textures for added dimension.
Pottery & Stone: Rustic Clay, Weathered Slate & Burnished Amber
The Pottery & Stone palette combines Rustic Clay, cool Weathered Slate, and Burnished Amber for a sophisticated take on autumn.
This palette balances warmth and coolness, with Rustic Clay adding warmth and Weathered Slate providing a neutral backdrop. Burnished Amber adds a hint of glow, creating an elegant and refined palette. The complementary tones bring energy without overwhelming the design.
Suggested Inks
- Terracotta for Rustic Clay
- Slate for Weathered Slate
- Mandarin Spice for the Burnished Amber highlights
Tips for Cardmaking
For a clean, modern look, use Weathered Slate as the background with Rustic Clay for focal elements. Burnished Amber adds a warm accent that brightens the palette. This combination is perfect for embossed backgrounds or ink blending, giving a polished yet earthy feel.
Vintage Garden Dreams: Autumn Rose, Vintage Plum & Morning Mist
The Vintage Garden Dreams palette blends Autumn Rose, Vintage Plum, and light Morning Mist for a romantic, elegant color scheme.
Color Theory Insight
This palette uses a monochromatic approach with soft contrasts between Autumn Rose and Vintage Plum. The Morning Mist adds lightness, creating a calm, cohesive look that is perfect for delicate designs. The overall effect is sophisticated yet welcoming.
Suggested Inks
- Sugared Lavender for Autumn Rose
- Royal Treatment for Vintage Plum
- Sand Castle for the Morning Mist
Tips for Cardmaking
Use Autumn Rose and Vintage Plum as focal colors for florals or layered die-cut shapes. Soft touches of Morning Mist keep the design light and add subtle contrast. This palette is ideal for romantic card themes or special occasions.
Using Color Theory in Cardmaking
For each of these cozy cardmaking colors understanding a few color theory basics will help make the most of these combinations:
- Contrast: Use darker shades like Woven Chestnut or Vintage Plum as base colors to contrast with lighter shades, creating depth.
- Harmony: For balance, use neutral tones like Weathered Slate or Morning Mist as backgrounds, layering with warm accents for a cozy feel.
- Depth: Layer darker colors underneath lighter shades to add dimension, especially in clean and simple layouts.
Ready to Add Fall Colors to Your Cardmaking?
Each of these curated palettes offers something special for your seasonal projects. Whether layering colors, adding accents, or blending for softness, these cozy cardmaking colors bring warmth, charm, and creativity to your designs. For even more ideas, check out our Fall Color Palettes to Boost Confidence, filled with practical tips and inspiring combinations. Then, explore more fall palette inspiration with this collection on Venngage and get inspired by seasonal color trends that capture the heart of autumn.