We began the Online Workshop with a discussion about the color wheel and the principles used to create color themes to complement your products.

• The Monochromatic Color Scheme uses one single color in a combination of different tints, shades and tones. A great example of monochromatic can be seen in this adorable dress by Neneee.etsy.com.

• The Analogous Color Scheme uses three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, for example blue, green and yellow. One color is used as the dominant color, while the others are used as an accent.

Take a look at this beautiful skein of analogous yarn by brennx0r.etsy.com.

• The Complementary Color Scheme is made up of two colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel, for example blue and orange. This is a great color scheme to use when you really want to create a dramatic contrast between your item and the background.

Check out how maryandjane.etsy.com's red dot earrings vividly stand out against the green background. This is a perfect example of how complementary colors can really make your item stand out or "pop" as they say.

• The Split Complementary Color Scheme uses the base color, in addition with the two colors adjacent to its complement. This color scheme creates a strong contrast, but does so in a more subtle way.

Take a look at lupin.etsy.com's colorful pansy brooch and how she used the split complementary color scheme of green, purple and yellow to create a balanced color contrast which really makes her item stand out.

• The Triadic Color Scheme uses three colors which are evenly spaced around the color wheel. If you draw an equilateral triangle over the color wheel, you will create a triadic color scheme at the three points, for example green, purple and orange. 

• The Tetradic Color Scheme uses four colors arranged in two complementary pairs and looks best when one color dominates three accent colors. If you draw a rectangle over your color wheel, your will create a tetradic color scheme at the four points.

And just a note to all those who were trying to say that Mary didn't have her facts straight, it is indeed TETRADIC!

Creating a Mood with Color

 Colors can be carefully combined to create a mood within your shop to complement the type of items you are selling.

• If you are selling delicate, feminine items, you may want to use a soft color palette such as white, yellow and pink.

• If you are looking to make a bold statement, you can use a warm color palette like yellow, red and orange. These colors have been shown to raise a person's heart rate and create excitement.

• A shop selling vintage items, or items with a vintage feel may want to use a color scheme that was popular within the era the items are from or inspired by. For example, if you want your shop to have a 1970's feel, you might want to use avocado green, brown and mustard yellow.

• Using a cool color palette can complement a shop filled with eco-friendly products very nicely since the cool colors like blue, green and grey are most commonly found in nature.

• If your shop items incorporate a broad range of colors, you can use neutral backgrounds like black and white, silver and grey or tan and gold in order to unify your items. Neutral colors will help draw the focus to your product and make the vibrant color palette within your items stand out.

• Another trick is to create a shop centered around one single background color. This is a great way to brand your shop and create consistency. Take a look at how kinchi.etsy.com's shop uses bright green in the background of every photo. This gives the shop a fun vibrant feeling which perfectly complements the children's clothing sold in the shop.

I hope this information has inspired you to go out and experiment with color, expecially during these cold, dark winter days.

Give it a shot soon, because we'll be highlighting Shop Makeover Series before and after screenshots at the end of the month.  Paste the links in the comments below!