Color Theory Tee by nonfiction tees

What’s your favourite part of the creative process?  For me, it has got to be the fun of playing around with different hues in order to find the ‘perfect’ color combination.  It’s kind of strange that I enjoy it so much because, to be honest, I’m not very good at it!

Lately I’ve been making some brooches from felt and fabric rosettes, which is what made me realise just how much I love laying out the different materials and trying to figure out what goes with what. Sometimes I like to use colors that clash a little (like orange and blue – always a goodie!) and sometimes I try to create a sense of harmony.

Below is a favourite from the latest batch of brooches – the softness of the colors (loden green, sage blue and lilac) make me think of day-dreams, wistfulness and lovely, ladylike behavior!  I have been looking at lots of pretty, washed-out photos on flickr lately (just like these) – maybe that’s what helped inspire the color combo?

So thinking about the joy of color inspired me to write some posts about it: in part three, I’m going to talk a little more about color scheme inspiration and I’ll also share some really fantastic (and free!) tools to help fire up your creative spark when it comes to color.  But first (in parts one and two) I want to showcase some Etsy sellers that I think have an unbelievable grasp on the whole color thing.  They create in a range of mediums, but across the board they each seem to have that gift, that sense, for color.  As you’ll see, some of them use quite simple color palettes – but boy, do they make them work!

So, here’s the first batch of my masters of color.  Or sultans of shade, if you prefer.  Or maybe the hepcats of hue?  Princes of pigment, perhaps?  Ok, I’m stopping now.  Promise….

Anyway, I’d love to hear about the Etsy sellers who inspire you with their color choices!  Show them some love – tell me who they are in the comments below and maybe I’ll feature them in part two!

1. Caties Blue

I first got to know the work of Brandi Hussey (jewelry maker behind Catie’s Blue) through an interview I put together for the Writers Spark series.  Seeing her jewelry collection I was completely blown away by the beautiful shades she uses and the nuances of tone in each piece.  And it’s clear from the interview that Brandi is driven creatively by color too (well, the tag line for her Etsy shop is ‘Jewelry inspired by color!).  Anyway, enough reading, time to feast your eyes on some of Brandi’s beautiful work, and be inspired!

2. Draw! Pilgrim

One peek at Pilgrim Lee’s amazingly fun and vibrant home and you can tell this girl knows a thing or two about using color! (I’ll wait a beat so you can go click on that link and take the Draw! Pilgrim house tour.  Go on, click!).  Graphic artist Pilgrim Lee draws inspiration from the 60s and 70s ‘when color was not a dirty word’ (as she says on her completely awesome blog).  Her vintage inspired illustrations feature strong lines and a simple yet oh so powerful color palette – wonderful!

3. Sir Tom

Sticking with the simple but bold theme, Sir Tom makes clutches and coin persons in vibrant (hand dyed) hues featuring striking designs.  I really like the contrast between a utilitarian fabric like hemp and the super vivid colors Sir Tom uses.  In fact, I like it so much I just bought two!

4. Milka Loom

Chamilka is the man behind Milka Loom, and he designs and weaves the most beautiful tea towels I’ve ever come across.  Seriously, the color combinations and traditional yet graphic designs give me shivers every time I visit Milka Loom.  Aside from the bright, rainbow designs there’s also a nod to green and black, another old favourite color combination.  So tasty!

So there you have it – my first four picks for the masters of color!  I do have a few more favorites ready for part two, but I’d love your input as well.  What do you think?  Do you agree?  Who would you nominate?