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Understated neutrals: 10 ways to use them



Neutrals are often associated with being "safe" and "boring". But I love how they can create an impact without being too loud. Here are 10 ways to use them on your projects. :)

Mr&Mrs-burlap-bags
Quick and easy burlap bags
1. Mix your textures.

Play up the contrast of textures like I did here with the rough burlap against the soft feminine lace and pretty bloom.


Travel-canvas
My first love is altered art

2. Try a little gold and bling.

Mix different shades and textures of gold on your elements to create interest but maintain colour harmony. And bling makes everything better. :)


Afternoon-tea
Afternoon tea
3. Add black.

The contrast of black against the browns, beiges and whites really draws your eye to the focal point.

Be-brave-mixed-media-canvas
When elements appear to be unrelated
4. Add interesting elements in similar tones.

Take out all your neutral toned embellishments and put them in a pleasing cluster.

White lace makes everything pretty. Nothing more to say...*winks*

Y-white-decorated-monogram
The embellished white wood monogram
6. Make something classy and timeless.

See 5. 

The top portion of the canvas was a mish mash of leftover white lace which were coloured with a gold Faber Castell Gelato. I then dab white gesso to bring out the lace details. The patterned paper was toned down with watered-down gesso so as now to compete with the blooms.

An-invitation-to....
Handmade invitations
8. Go for a fun vintage vibe.

A little distressing on the edges, random splashes of tea stain and a cluster of vintage-inspired embellishments and these cards scream fun!:)

French-inspired-mixed-media-canvas
Will you be nicer to me Paris?
9.  Give the brown, white and gold combo a go.

Mix up the textures for an old world charm feel.

Vintage-inspired mixed media canvas
What do you collect?
10. Glam it up!

Play with gold and silver on walnut-ink stained vintage paper. Add a velvet bow and glam hardware for vintage glam! :)

There you have it. 10 ways to play with understated neutrals. Do you have a fave?


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13 comments:

  1. It was hard to narrow down my choice but I favor 2, 3 and 9. I rarely do anything with neutrals but you've proven that they do look great in a layout. Hey, could you take my photos and make some cool canvases? I love your work!

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  2. If you MADE me pick, it would be #2....that cracked bg & those jewels....yum! You make neutrals absolutely SING.....love this collection. I don't think I'm really a neutral girl...but I might just have to challenge myself now;)!!!

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  3. I rarely work with neutrals,I am very much amazed how you have made it look glamorous and all of the projects ,my fav ? recent postcards !

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  4. I love neutrals, I find them very elegant, but you really make them look glamourous !! love the first, burlap and lace !!

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  5. Wow love each of these, but do love the addition of lace! And pearls! And flowers! Gorgeous creating!

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  6. Ohh I love each and everyone of them ..What a fabulous post ...Thank you so much for sharing these tips and tricks ..Totally agree with you on the white lace things ..it definitely glams up any project :)

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  7. You ROCK everything you touch!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Love the ideas, Yvonne... neutrals are my life, LOL!!! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  9. I personally adore neutrals, so I'm super excited that you've addressed them here! You always have such fabulous tips, my friend! And your projects are stunning and completely inspirational!

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  10. These are all just gorgeous!!! Each one is a total delight!

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  11. It is just impossible to pick a fav - they are all amazing!! If forced, I'd have to say 9 because I love all of the details, the textures and the layers!! But everything you create is stunning my friend!! Have a great day :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  12. My favorite is the monogram. I love neutrals. They focus the attention right where it should be and let the main elements sing.

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Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. Have an awesome day!:)

Cheers, Yvonne.