Creating color swatches is the first thing I do whenever I get new products. I like to get to know the colors and see how they look together. I find it helps to see what each one looks like on paper, but also gives you an easy way to mix and match and decide which colors to use for your next project. Here's what you'll need to get started.

Supplies:

• Markers (affiliate link)

• Mixed Media Paper

• Scissors or Circle Punch

• Hole Punch

• Book Ring

• Black Pen

Step 1: Create Your Swatch Cards

You can cut little squares, rectangles, or circles for your swatch cards. Aim for about an inch and a half wide. If you don't have a circle punch I recommend sticking to squares or rectangles just because they are easier to cut out. Once you have all your cards cut out, punch a hole in the top of each one. 

Step 2: Layer the Ink

In order to have a reference of what each color looks like at its lightest and darkest I recommend drawing one layer of ink, and then going back to do a second layer roughly a third of the way down the card, then a third layer towards the bottom, so you get a gradient from light to dark.

Step 3: Label Each Color Swatch

Make sure to write the name or number of the color on each swatch so you'll be able to match it to a marker easily.

Step 4: Add to the Ring

Once all of your swatches are labeled and dry it's time to add them onto the book ring. You can add them in any order that makes sense to you. I grouped colors together from light to dark but you might like to add all warm colors together, cool colors etc. 

Step 5: Pick Colors From the Color Swatch Ring

Now that you have a handy color swatch ring you can see how colors would look in a project. I recommend choosing a few, taking them off the ring and seeing how they look next to each other. Try some colors you don't use very often, experiment, and really get to know your colors, and what combinations work well.

I’d love to see what color combination you choose for your next project! Share with me by tagging @BrownPaperBunny on social media. Happy swatching!

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Please note: This blog post contains affiliate links, which help pay for the upkeep of this site. That being said, I will never, ever promote anything I am not 100% in love with!