Color Inspirations

Color is so fun to play with - it is one of the reasons why I love polymer clay!  Combining colors can sometimes be tricky, especially when I'm looking for a new colorway. Places I look for inspiration include:

• Artwork that inspires - my favorites are paintings from the Impressionist period. 
• Clothing catalogs - these are great for showing color combinations that are currently in style.
• Interior decorating magazines - usually have more classic colors and are sometimes more muted that colors in clothing catalogs
• Nature - pictures taken during different seasons suggest different color combinations.
• Pantone color forecasts - jewelry in colors they suggest sells better.  Color forecasts have an advantage over clothing catalogs in that you can work ahead of demand.  Fire Mountain Gems usually has a forecast in their catalogs.  Here is a link for the Spring 2011 Color Forecast. 
• Blogs that focus on color inspirations - Colourlovers is one.
• Books - the one that comes to mind is Polymer Clay Color Inspirations by Lindly Haunani and Maggie Maggio. 

And now, I feel the need to mix up a new batch of colors.  I'll keep you updated on new colorways.