The power of colors in crafts
How to choose shades that bring joy?
Crafts are full of possibilities – the texture of the yarn, the shape, the details… but most of all, the colors. Colors are the first thing we see, and often also the thing that evokes an emotion. They have a huge impact on how the craft feels – both in the eyes of the maker and the viewer.
I have noticed that the color black is often used in my crafts. Not because I hate colors, but because black is safe, functional, and above all, it sells. It is timeless and easy to combine, and a familiar and easy choice for many. But at the same time, there is a small longing inside me – a desire to occasionally make something colorful, crazy fun, maybe a little strange and wonderful.
The use of colors in crafts is not only an aesthetic decision, but also directly related to emotions and moods. As the sunlight increases, I find myself reaching for brighter colors – they give energy and lift my mood. On the other hand, when I want to calm down, darker and earthy tones feel right. So, you can use colors to adjust your own mood, as it were.
Often the choice of color starts with a single element: a certain fabric, yarn, or just an idea that won't leave you alone. I strive to build harmony between the shades – the colors don't have to be the same, but they should feel good together. And often the inspiration is found nearby: in nature, the seasons, or what you see and feel around you.
Although I love clarity and a controlled color scheme, I admit that I am timid with colors. Bold color combinations are tempting, but I rarely dare to really throw myself into them. Maybe that's why I feel that writing about colors is also a gentle awakening for myself: colors are joy, energy, and life – and crafts are the perfect way to give them space.
Combining colors can feel like an art – and in a way it is. But art doesn’t mean complicated theory or memorizing color textbooks. Often the best way to find a color scheme that works is the most concrete and easy way: to look, experiment and feel.
I use a very basic trick myself, and it works every time: I spread the fabrics or threads on the work table and start combining them, placing them next to each other, overlapping and on top of each other. I see how the colors look together – how they feel. And if something doesn’t work, it’s simply left off the table. It’s not a scientific method, but it works with intuition. Often you can see right away which color pairs speak to you and which don’t.
There are no rules when it comes to combining colors – there are only moods and feelings. Sometimes neutral tones are accompanied by a small, bright detail that brings the whole work to life. Sometimes you feel like building a whole entirely from muted tones that flow together softly like the shadows of a forest.
Colors can also convey a message. Bright pink or lime green convey playfulness and daring, while gray and beige can convey peace, earthiness, and practicality. The colors of a craft can tell a story about the maker or wearer – or just the moment the work was created.
And although I often choose harmony, I admit that sometimes you should dare more. Bold colors and surprising combinations are scary, but at the same time they also tickle. Maybe the use of colors is a bit like an attitude in life – sometimes you can jump outside your comfort zone and let the colors take you.
Even though my favorite color is – and probably always will be – black, that doesn't mean I'm not drawn to the charm of other colors. Colors are like the seasons: changing, repeating, and surprising, even though they're familiar.
Spring brings sunlight, and with it, shades of yellow, green, white and sand creep into crafts. They feel fresh, hopeful and energetic – like the first buds on the branches or a warm breeze on your face after a long winter.
In summer, the colors remain light, but perhaps with more playfulness and lightness. In autumn, the color palette deepens and darkens – alongside black, brown, blue and earthy tones emerge, which feel calming and homely. They have the feel of the forest, candlelight and sweater.
In winter, black takes over, but at the same time I dream of colors that I rarely use. Dark red tickles my fancy every year – it would be such a lovely, warm and powerful color. But for some reason, it easily gets labeled as a Christmas color, even though it deserves much more space at other times of the year.
Perhaps the most important lesson about color is this: all colors are allowed all year round . There is no wrong shade if it brings you joy. Sometimes that joy comes from quiet harmony, sometimes from a blazing combination.
If you’re looking to go bold with color, start small. One colorful detail alongside a familiar hue can change the whole mood. And if nothing seems right – do as I did: spread the colors out on the table, see what they tell you. Remove what doesn’t fit. Keep what makes you smile.
Colors aren't just about appearance – they're about emotion. And crafts are the perfect place to give that emotion a visible form.
🎨 Color palette according to emotions – what do colors say in crafts?
Colors aren't just for the eyes - they also speak to the mind. Here's a small color palette and mood tips you can use in your crafts:
🖤 Black – security, strength, clarity
A timeless, selling and surefire choice. Creates contrast and gives other colors room to shine.
💛 Yellow – joy, light, new beginnings
Like sunshine on a thread – perfect for spring and to cheer up the mind.
🌿 Green – balance, growth, naturalness
A calming color of nature that brings grounding harmony to work.
🤍 White & sand – purity, softness, breathability
Classic base colors that lighten and refresh the overall look.
💙 Dark blue – peace, depth, stable atmosphere
For autumn and quiet moments – bring your work closer to peace of mind.
🍂 Brown – warmth, earth, familiarity
An earthy color that invites you to put on your wool socks and bring your mind home.
❤️ Dark red – strength, courage, passion
Often a Christmas color, but why not also a surprise for autumn or everyday life? Try it in small doses!