Color for wet felting

Last week we started talking about ways to use color in our wet felting projects. We had a look at the color wheel, and at primary, secondary and tertiary colors.

We also spoke about the two easiest ways to create color schemes without having to elaborate too much on any combination and to always get it right: monochromatic and warm/cool color schemes.

Until now, it was easy-peasy. Right?

Now, there are thousands of ways I could make this complicated. But that’s exactly what I don’t want to do. I know I shied away from color theory for years because – not having studied art – I just found it too daunting.

And it makes sense when you’re mixing paint and trying to obtain an exact color. But that’s not what we do as felt makers. For us crazy fiber lovers, color is meant to bring out the beauty of our pieces by creating harmony. We don’t need that much detail.

So – after the disclaimer – let’s dive into part 2 of my version of how to use the color wheel for wet felting.

BASICS FOR BUILDING COLOR SCHEMES AND PALETTES

Complimentary colors

When colors are located opposite to each other on the color wheel, they’re called complementary. Using them together creates a strong contrast and an exciting and dynamic color palette. Here are 3 examples. But any 2 colors opposite to each other on the color wheel are complementary.

Triadic colors

If you choose 3 equally spaced colors on the color wheel, you’ll have a triadic palette. These too create a strong contrast, and a vibrant and dynamic effect.

I happened to choose primary and secondary colors in these two examples. But any 3 colors that form a triangle on the color wheel create a triadic palette.

Analogous colors

Choose any 3 to 4 colors that are immediately next to each other on the color wheel to get an analogous palette, and create a harmonious and calming color scheme. Notice the lack of contrast, and how they go together in such a balanced way.

In my view, this is all you need to know from color theory to be able to create your own color palettes for wet felting.

One of the main aspects to keep in mind from these concepts is:

• the closest the colors are to each other on the color wheel, the more harmonious and calming the palette is,
• the more they “oppose” each other, the more contrast and vibrancy they create.

So, ask yourself if you're looking for harmony or for contrast next time you're planning the colors for your felt project and start from there.

I don’t want to overwhelm you, so that’s all for today. Stay tuned for next week, as the real fun will begin when we start to build on these concepts, and see how we can develop our own color schemes from there.

See you then!

Vanda