Colour Collaborative: September
Source: Richard Webb
Earth
Doesn't that picture just say September to you?
Well, I guess it depends where in the world you are I suppose. But living where I do, this picture of a ploughed field leaving the rich chocolatey brown of the earth exposed makes me think of Autumn like nothing else. So that is why today's Colour Collaborative topic of Earth is so appropriate for this month.
At first I thought I wouldn't have a lot to say on the subject of Earth and colour. You say Earth to me and my first thought is brown. Initially, it didn't seem that promising to a someone who generally prefers a brighter and more colourful palette. I'm glad to say though, it didn't take me too long to realise that Earthy colours could be a gorgeous and varied a palette to work with and it turns out to be one that I'm very much falling in love with lately.
In fact if you take a moment to examine Earth, as in the soil of the land itself, a surprisingly wide range of colours can be found. Everything from black peaty tones, rich brown loam, crumbly sandy orange, the bright white of chalk and, if you live in the right places of the world, every shade in between.
Sources (L to R): Nigel Mykura, Wikipedia Commons, Philip Halling, Wikipedia Commons, Martin Sokja, Mike McDaid, Tony Frates, Soil Science, David R Tribble, Rae Allen
Who would have thought such a literal interpretation would have brought so much colour?
Of course, then there are the more 'earthy tones' which opens things up even more. Any colour can have that slightly muddy quality which makes it seem a little earthy. The burgundy shades of red, the mustard side of yellow, bramble jelly flavour purples, greyish petrol blues and murky olive greens all fit the bill.
I used a more earthy palette when making my Nan's phone case recently and I really love the way they can be included to give a little depth and richness to other colours. I like the way the beige works to bring everything together on my Sampler Blanket, the brown fabrics that make my Prairie Quilt look slightly more authentic and the rusts, reds and caramels that bring a vintage feel to my Giant Granny Patches.
Yes, it turns out I have a great love of earth colours after all.
Source: Soil-Net Library
Source: Jayme Antonio
Don't forget to check out the other great 'Colour Collaborative' blogs
for more of today's great posts...
S x
