Before making this card, I started with something very simple —
not a complex design plan, but a small color rule that I personally use a lot in my botanical work.
This EP is about how I choose colors,
and how that decision quietly shapes the whole card.
Watch the full process video:
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The Easy Color Rule (Rainbow Rule)
When I work with pressed flowers, I often use what I call an easy color rule.
It’s based on something we all already know:
the rainbow.
Red → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Indigo → Violet
In this rule, pink belongs to red, and purple connects back to red —
the rainbow works as a circle.
Instead of thinking too much about color theory,
I simply choose two or three neighboring colors from the rainbow.
That’s it.
This small rule already creates harmony,
because those colors naturally belong together.
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Why I chose yellow and orange
They sit next to each other on the rainbow,
so the palette feels warm and connected —
not too bright, not too heavy.
Using neighboring colors like this keeps the composition calm,
even when the flowers themselves have different shapes and textures.
This rule works especially well for flower arrangements,
because flowers naturally have subtle variations in tone.
The color harmony does most of the work for you.
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Neutral colors in botanical work
In pressed flower designs, some elements behave like neutral colors,
even if they’re not technically neutral.
For example:
• green leaves
• ferns
• grasses
• branches and stems
They support the main colors instead of competing with them.
In the same way, white, grey, and black also work as neutrals:
• pale petals
• translucent flowers
• light background paper
These colors don’t interrupt the palette.
They help everything breathe.
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Choosing materials for a natural feeling
Because I wanted a more natural and handmade feeling,
I chose plant-based paper with a visible fiber texture.
I paired it with a matte ribbon,
instead of something shiny or glossy.
The rough paper and soft ribbon work together quietly —
nothing stands out too much, but everything feels intentional.
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Simple composition choices
For this card:
• I placed the main flower in the center
• Secondary flowers sit gently to the side
• Ferns are used on both ends to frame the composition
• Lighter-colored flowers help soften the transition
I didn’t focus on creating a specific shape.
I simply let the materials guide the layout.
Sometimes simplicity leaves more room for feeling.
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A small color echo detail
For the label, I chose green.
Green connects naturally with the leaves,
and it acts as a soft color echo rather than a focal point.
Not every detail needs to stand out.
Sometimes it’s enough to quietly belong.
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Finishing the card
Once everything is placed,
I glue the flowers down and write a message inside.
And just like that,
a one-of-a-kind card is finished.
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Why I like this rule
I like this color rule because it’s:
• simple
• intuitive
• forgiving
You don’t need perfect shades.
You don’t need professional color knowledge.
As long as the colors come from the same part of the rainbow,
they usually work together.
This rule removes pressure for me.
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🌿 More on my website
You’ll find more step-by-step botanical lessons,
pressed flower DIY materials,
and a selection of finished handmade gifts on my website.
👉mogutoo.com
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