Let's talk color, amount and choices

[Joan B]

As part of an effort to simplify the craft stuff, I'm thinking of gradually reducing my color cardstock to 12- 15 colors only. Has anyone successfully limited your stock this way?

then I would buy less of everything else that goes with it. I've come up with the following list.

3 blues
2 greens
2 reds
2 pinks
white
cream
black
kraft
1 yellow
1 orange

i have enough cardstock to last me a while, but i have run out of a few colors and that got me thinking....

[AmberDawn]

OMG, you are a brave woman! I could NEVER part with all my cardstock, so I couldn't dream of being successful at it, lol! Good luck you mad woman, you!;)

[stamphappy1650]

Interesting concept. I couldn't make that work unless I only used one supplier like SU because I can't count on being able to find the same colors at a LSS. I have 2 sets of cardstock. I use mainly SU but there are some colors that I still like and SU doens't have them.

I couldn't do it - sorry, I'm no help.

[NYstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmberDawn

OMG, you are a brave woman! I could NEVER part with all my cardstock, so I couldn't dream of being successful at it, lol! Good luck you mad woman, you!;)

I am with you! I love having a variety of colors. The only thing I would do to cut back, would-be to maybe get less used colors in smaller amounts or as needed rather than buying a full pack.

[lutheran]

Won't you really miss those other colors? Think of having to give up your 64 Crayola box for a 24 box! Let us know how this works out for you. I couldn't do it! Especially when trying to match DSPs and photos on layouts.
Mary Beth

[mycatstamps2]

Joan, I can't wait to see how your cards evolve with less choice- I bet they will be even more amazing and inspiring. I love the thought of this, simplify! My road block (2nd) would be limiting my dsp.

[mnfroggie]

Perish the thought! I have heard people say that it is less overwhelming to have less colors, but I even hang on to all the retired colors. I have 96 colors of SU cardstock, plus most of the colors that PTI offers!

I would love to hear back and see how it works for you. Maybe you'll encourage me some day to cut back, but I can't image that I will ever go down to less than 20 colors!

PS. - I guess you don't like purple. Poor purple!

[Joan B]

thanks for the thoughts so far. I'm just thinking about it at this point, but I see that I may be in a tiny minority!

patterned paper would be an issue. I don't use a lot of it though. Hmm.

Always fun to ponder!

[mycatstamps2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

thanks for the thoughts so far. I'm just thinking about it at this point, but I see that I may be in a tiny minority!

patterned paper would be an issue. I don't use a lot of it though. Hmm.

Always fun to ponder!

If dsp isn't an issue- I really think this is an awesome idea/goal. If you look back on your last 20 creations how many colors did you use?

Often what slows me down in a creation is color choice, then I end up not creating at all. Or tossing what I made because it "just doesn't look right" :rolleyes:

[kiddielitter]

I definitely think you could pull it off. It might be good to start off with a time limit, trying it as a personal challenge for a certain period - a week, two weeks, a month - and see how it affects your process. It would make for interesting blog posts, huh? After all you can always buy more cardstock if it doesn't work for you!

[mycatstamps2]

Great idea Marcy for trying this for a limited time to see how it works.

[geogymnast82]

I like the idea, but being a very visual person, there's no way I would attempt it for me. With some things I'm a "whatever" person, but when I'm creating certain things, I want "just the right color" - which means I want tons of choices available to get just the right mix. Plus between my two kids who have very different tastes in activities, I want a huge variety to choose from for scrapbooking pages. Now, space-wise, your idea is a very good idea and one I should really consider since my wants/needs and space availability don't exactly match up. Also, on your list, are you going to have a "neutrals" section like for browns (or do you not use a ton of them like I do)?

As for the person who said that she'd have to stick with one supplier, like SU, with SU's recent massive color changes, using one company for your colors isn't always do-able. MANY of SU's recently retired colors were my go-to colors, some I still haven't found a good match for (like Brilliant Blue which is the exact color of blue for my kids' school colors all the way through high school). So, you either had to stock up up (not always possible) or keep hunting or have to find something else that doesn't really look right.

[kwelch10377]

I think I could do it. I find myself reaching for the same 10 or so colors all the time. Darker colors like hunter green, navy and maroon don't really appeal to me. I use PTI paper and I do buy the smaller packs of those colors because I do use them every once and a while but if I didn't have them I think I could deal with it.

[beccabatgirl]

I could never do it! The thought of even trying is making me hyperventilate, lol!

[mouseprints]

I'm kind of doing this now. I had been using CTMH cardstock for years, and as my supplies started running out, I decided not to restock as I hate the white core. So I am switching to Bazzill Smoothie and since my funds are limited, I am only getting certain colors (for now). I am getting the basics for now and when money allows, I'll get more coordinating colors.

I do have a lot of dsp, especially CTMH, so it might be hard to match colors when scrapbooking, but I'll make it work.

Trish

[Allistamps123]

I use all SU paper but I've always only liked a handful of colors and color combos.
I like
yellow/gray
blue/brown
pink/brown
green/brown
kraft or crumb now!
love cherry cobbler I also use real red
Certainly celery
Pretty in Pink
neutrals
Chocolate chip
I have a few others that I rarely use!

[thechecker]

I think I could do it. I only have a limited number of ink colors- and it works. Mostly light and dark of each color! So if I did light pink/dark pink and so on, it would work for me. I never have been the type to match exactly ink and cardstock anyways...

Anne

[flash&rusty]

Good for you for trying to simplify/downsize! I have actually been doing this very thing lately (though not by choice). My hubby recently retired (again not by choice), and in order to "make up" the difference between his salary and his pension, we agreed that I would not buy anything for crafting unless it was related to adhesives. So, that has forced me to start using up what I have and not buy more. I have become less concerned with whether or not a dsp matches perfectly with the card stock, because really, who is actually going to look that closely to a card and say "Wow, that [insert colour here] is not the exact same shade of [insert colour here], what was she thinking. It also forces me to start thinking about different colour combinations, and as a result, I have found some new and very exciting new ideas have come forth.

Back to your original question, regarding your list of colours, I think you might want to consider your neutrals as well - they go with everything so you might need to go a little heavier on them.

Let us know how it works for you!

[krystie lee]

Joan- I think you need to lie down until these crazy thoughts pass.

[Paula in GA]

OMG, I can't imagine not having every color available from every source available, though I, of course, don't have all those colors. For me, and I'm speaking only for myself, I adore colors. That's my whole reason for creating cards. I don't care about matching inks and cardstock, etc., but I love lots and lots of choices. Having just two purples as an example, would take away half my fun. I don't use lots of embellishments, but I love COLOR. Did I say I love color!!!! Take away my hundred cardstock colors & my brain starts going fuzzy. Aaack! I'm going to run in my room now and just look at all the lovely colors.

[binx]

I think it's wonderful - in theory. Application is another matter, as in so many cases.

At least for me, I can see trying it and then adding just one more color for this-or-that occasion, then another, then...... Next thing you know, I'd be right back where I am now (with a full supply of SU, PTI, Gina K and a growing collection of one or two other companies).

If you can do it, I say "good for you." I just know myself well enough to know that I shouldn't even try it.

[mouseprints]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krystie lee

Joan- I think you need to lie down until these crazy thoughts pass.

LOL.


Trish

[juliemlacey]

I could never do it, Joan! Only 3 blues? 2 greens? Just thinking about picking only 2 greens is impossible!

[buggainok]

I wish you well, Joan, but I'm with all the hyperventilators who couldn't possibly give up any colors!

This thread makes me think about a Peanuts cartoon I've always loved and remembered.

Lucy is told she has to share her crayons with baby Linus, so she gives him three - gray, brown and black...Sigh. Lucy is my kind of girl.

[Joan B]

can I just say that this thread is cracking me up!

I had no idea colors would be such a hot topic.

Maybe I need vapors!

[jazzytobi]

I would never cut down on colours simply because I get my "colour jumping-off point" from patterned papers... Sometimes I don't have the perfect match and it really bothers me, so no, I would never pare down my CS collection. Good luck, though!!

[cat_woman]

Lately, I have been thinking of doing this myself since I seem to gravitate to a few colours when making my projects. I was thinking of just packing up the colours I don't use in a different area of my room to see how often I would need to dig out specific colours and then after a couple months give the stuff I don't use to my niece. It just bogs me down having to go through so much stuff to decide what to use.

[Barbara Jay]

Joan this is a fantastic idea! I do this due to limited storage space and finances
Having only 12 -15 colors not only frees up storage space, it also limits the number of ink pads, ribbon and embellishments a person needs.

I have :
Black
White
Soft Suede
Chocolate Chip
Real red
Cranberry Cobbler
Razzleberry
Pink ( i forgot which one not Pirouette )
Hunter green
Old Olive
Pear Pizzazz
Navy
Light Blue
Bermuda Bay
Yellow, orange and pumpkin in single sheets from HL as I don't use those colors often
Lavender lace
Orchid Opulence
Gina K's brushed gold and silver

I have a small swatch of each color in my purse so if I buy patterned paper I can compare it to my solid colors. These colors have worked well for me. I have not wished for other colors
Good luck with your idea

[sprtchick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beccabatgirl

I could never do it! The thought of even trying is making me hyperventilate, lol!

I can share with others but the thought of not having ALL the colors from everywhere (it feels like everywhere anyway) made my heart skip a beat...and I started to break out in a cold sweat....had to stop thinking about it...lol
blessings.

[peggysue]

Wow Joan. wow. Color must be one of my hidden weaknesses . . . I have sooo many colors!

There isn't any purple on your list. No purple? Evah???

Not that you're not super creative within that range of colors, I would just be joining the hyperventilating group at the thoughts of parting with my colors.

[Barbara Jay]

My solid color selection works for me because I only buy pattern paper IF it matches one of the solid colors that I have. I don't buy pattern paper packs. I have looked at them and it seems there would be too many sheets I would not use . Same with ribbon and ink it has to match one of my solid CS colors or I don't buy it
Also when I buy patterned paper I never buy more than 2-3 sheets of any design . I don't want all of my cards to look alike.

[Barbara Jay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprtchick

I can share with others but the thought of not having ALL the colors from everywhere (it feels like everywhere anyway) made my heart skip a beat...and I started to break out in a cold sweat....had to stop thinking about it...lol
blessings.

You sound like a friend of mine When she sees a pair of shoes she likes she buy them in ALL the colors available LOL
When I see a pair of shoes that I like ( which is rare) I buy just the color that caught my eye . She and I have been dear friends for 40 years . We each understand the other's way of thinking.

[cobby]

Joan, like many others I am impressed by what I can only call your BRAVERY at thinking about reducing your colors! And also like many others, feel it is a wild and crazy notion and perhaps you should lie down until this madness passes!! :-)

I also noticed the lack of purple in your list and wonder how anyone could live without that glorious color? Eh....to each his or her own.

The closest I've come to this idea is when the new color renovation from SU hit. Having been a demo for a few years I had ALL the colors and ink pads and markers; and quite a bit of ribbon. With the last renovation, I decided to sell off any retiring colors that I didn't like very much, and even a few that were staying current but I didn't really like or use that often.

And I DON'T CARE about buying all the new colors so I can I can have a COMPLETE collection of SU colors anymore!! HA!! SO THERE!! Take THAT my selfish little greedy soul.....if you'll excuse me, I feel a little shaky and need to go lie down now! :-)

But seriously, I've decided to only buy colors or shades of colors I really like and will use and not worry about having an entire line from any one company. It's not nearly as brave as you but it's the best I can do! I follow your blog so I will be interested to see if you step off on this journey of "madness"!! :-)

[princessmeshelle]

I'm not sure I could make it a hard fast rule for myself. I have 2 boys and scrap booking for them tends to involve LOTS of different shades of blue. While I may not have a card staring me in the face that didn't match too well. I would not be able to flip through my scrapbook and NOT notice that those colors just aren't "right". I know blues, greens, pinks and purples I love. I couldn't settle on just one or two shades. There are some colors I think I could pare down to 2 or 3 like orange and red. I did like the idea of using it as a challenge for a set period of time and see how bad you itch to get your hands on more color. Good luck on this crazy venture!

[beccabatgirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprtchick

I can share with others but the thought of not having ALL the colors from everywhere (it feels like everywhere anyway) made my heart skip a beat...and I started to break out in a cold sweat....had to stop thinking about it...lol
blessings.

Exactly!!!

[nbwcc]

I would die with only 2 GREENS!... but I understand where you are coming from....

I have most of the SU! cardstock and ink colors, but I only buy accessories in limited colors, mostly my favorites. Like I have 3 different styles of ribbon in Celery, 2 in White, 2 in Espresso (neutrals are good for this kind of limitation), I like to be able to choose which type (1/8" narrow, 5/8" satin or the wide striped for example) of ribbon fits the card, so I have concentrated on certain colors, and then can choose the ribbon type from those that I have. I don't have every color ribbon, I only have buttons/patterned paper in one of the color family assortments. I figure If I want to make a card, I can incorporate one of my "accessory" colors into it, since those are my favorite colors anyways.

[ccbooboo]

Joan, I think it is totally do-able. You look at a company like PTI that doesn't really have that many colors and yet their design team can create amazing projects with just a few colors. Also, remember that you can always create your own DP. I say go for it if you think it would really help you.

I am a color girl, so I like having LOTS of choices. I can easily count 17 different colors painted in my house (some rooms have multiple colors).

You did not have a dark brown on your list. For me, brown is every much as essential as black for working as a neutral. Think about your clothing and shoes. You probably have a lot of black and brown.

Good luck.

[ccbooboo]

Here is a fun tidbit... Had to dust off my statistic skills.

If you own 15 colors and want to:

use 2 colors, then you have 105 possible combinations.
use 3 colors, then you have 455 possible combinations.
use 4 colors, then you have 1365 possible combinations.

** I calculated so that there would not be repeat combinations.

[katz_r_us]

I sort of restrict my colors in card making, but not in scrapping. I have to restrict things due to budget and lack of space to keep lots of paper. Most of my card bases are neutral anyway. I keep a smaller supply of the colors.

I have more shades, 2 or 3. I keep them next to each other in seperate folders. For some reason, I have this problem with greens; I can't find the perfect 2 or 3 greens I want, so I end up with lots of different greens.

I think it's a good idea to simplify. We all get so driven by the marketing involved in this craft. Even in scrapping, I'm tending to simplify these days. I'm using a lot more neutrals and just using color as an accent. I still drool when I see the new paper lines come out though. But eventually, I think your personal style dictates how you do a page, and you realize you just don't need all that pretty new stuff. And I really don't have room for those multiple trays of 12x12 papers.

[Joan B]

wow. great food for thought!

who knew the lack of purple would spark such outrage?

lol