Contributor post by Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey
Complementary colors are any two colors opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, blue and orange, or red and green. These create a high contrast, so they are used when you want something to stand out. Artists are known to use these colors in their artwork to allow something to “pop” or “stand out” in whatever they are creating. One color will often be used as a background color while the other color will be used for accents.
Here are some wonderful items from team members of the Etsy Christmas in July team who have used this concept to create some beautiful items on display in their shops. Be sure to check them out and witness some talent in action!
Przemila K from CanisArtStudio says:
Red Longhaired Dachshund on a dark green background. This cute dog is similar to a small fox. To paint him very realistic I put it on a dark green background. The strong contrast makes it very realistic and the whole composition is in autumn colors. You can choose the color of the frame, but I prefer gold because it slightly neutralizes the contrast and adds warm colors.
CanisArtStudio
Robyn Campbell from RobynFayeDesigns says:
I designed this cross body bag around a piece of Japanese fabric featuring cranes. I love the contrast of green treetops against the red background and of course the metallic gold for a bit of bling. Definitely a stand out color combination!
RobynFayeDesigns
Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says:
Blue and Gold – cool and warm, complimentary and contrasting.
This is all reflected in our Best Friends Card: Soul Sisters. Perfect for your childhood best friend, graduation buddies, or members of a bridal shower.
StockLaneStudio
Roses Workshop from RosesWorkshop says:
The contrasting colors in this Harris tweed tea cozy make it really eye-catching. Many traditional tartans use red and green, but I think this twist to brick and turquoise is rather unusual.
RosesWorkshop
Marta Gotliba from GottliebTextiles says:
Bright pink has a fantastic contrast on a black background.
GottliebTextiles
Cerena Levene from CerenaLevene says:
Here you will see the contrasting decorative stitch in a golden yellow upon a terrific purple flannel backing of this baby bib set.
The yellow and purple are repeated in the painted Easter egg fabric. The contrasting yellow verses violet (and orange verses blue ) add to the excitement of the holiday! Feed your little golden egg with less mess and more style.
CerenaLevene
Caroline from SoyCandlesbyCaroline says:
I chose these contrasting colors when creating the label so that when you need light during an emergency situation, you can easily find this candle! This candle provides light and is very lite!
SoyCandlesByCaroline
Nancy Duncan from EponasCrystals says:
Chunky jewel tones gemstone necklace in tones of blue, amber, bronze, brown, turquoise and gold. The gemstones included are African turquoise, amber, natural blue aquaterra jasper beads with a mixture of a fabulous blue and a sparkling gold quartz, red agate, pietersite and brown mookaite jasper.
EponasCrystals
Cristal Hughes from DesignsByCristal says:
Purple and gold are the colors of my favorite school. To me these colors represent strength, spirit and excellence. Purple is also so regal!
DesignsByCristal
Karen Hafel from timetalentjewels says:
It is interesting to me how the orange will stand out differently with the shades of deep purples and then with the shades of teal greens. This makes a cool wool felted hot pad how it all came together after knitting and felting. Color is so fascinating, don’t you think?
timetalentjewels
EtsyChristmasInJuly 