Color has a huge impact on our lives. Nature envelops us in color on a daily basis, although sometimes we fail to notice. We all have a favorite color. You know the one I’m talking about. While wearing it, you feel fantastic and you say to yourself, “Damn, I look Good!” (lol)  Other people notice too. Compliments are flowing. Is it the color that attracts attention or is it the way it affects your thoughts and behavior?

In this two-part series, you will learn about the hidden meanings, common perceptions and our expectations associated with particular colors. When it comes to psychology, there are no “neutral” colors.

Color: RED

Powerful, Energetic & Exhilarating – Secretly many people share the fantasy of being race car drivers. Performance car manufacturers satisfy this need for speed. Red is your color if you want to get noticed. Heads will turn, including local law enforcement, which tends to target red vehicles for speeding.

Romantic, Spontaneous & Affectionate – Hearts in many forms, such as candy, balloons, jewelry, accessories, and home décor, are given to express love. Red roses are a Valentine’s Day staple.

Tempting, Daring & Dangerous – Snow White gave in to temptation by eating the apple and fell asleep.  Do you dare?

Bold, Sexy & Confident – Red screams, “Look at me! You won’t believe what I’m going to do or say next!”

Motivational, Courageous & Defiant – Never give up on yourself or your dreams.

Stimulating – In case you didn’t know, Red Velvet Cake is chocolate cake with lots and lots of food coloring. Red is known to stimulate the appetite. My mouth is watering just looking at the photo. (lol)

Color: ORANGE

Playful & Friendly – What could be better than watching the sunset with your best friend?

Family & Entertaining – Firelight invites sharing of stories and roasting marshmallows with family and friends.

Halloween – Candlelit jack-o-lanterns, black cats and ghost stories are memorable elements from Halloweens past.

Celebrating & Festive – Bright lights and colorful decorations set the stage for getting the party started.

Joyful, Laughter, & Lighthearted – Happy people are a pleasure to be around.

Seasonal, Change – Autumn arrives in flamboyant style with a full color show.  Change is inevitable. Welcome new opportunities.

Color: YELLOW

Happy& Uplifting – The sun regulates our internal clocks, making us active during the day and sleepy at night. When it is cloudy and overcast for extended periods of time, we often feel lethargic and uninspired.

Cautionary& Stimulating – Who knows what lies around the next corner? No falling asleep on this drive.

Warm & Fuzzy – This cute little guy begs to be touched, melting hearts with just one look.

Energizing & Motivational – “Don’t just sit there! Get up & get moving!”

Sweet & Tart – A lemonade stand is a summertime favorite & childhood right of passage.

Attention Getting, Childlike, & Unpredictable – In late August, the first sighting of a school bus marks the end of summer and the return to school. If you’re a kid, it’s a bummer. If you’re a parent, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Color Perceptions: True Story

I will share a little family story with you. I have an aunt, who always wanted a pair of red leather gloves. She doesn’t know why she never bought them, and kept this wish to herself. Why? Did she assume they were too flamboyant? Maybe the color red had “naughty” connotations for her? When she finally mentioned the gloves, I bought her a pair for Christmas. You should have seen her expression when she opened the gift. A smile bloomed as she realized a lifelong wish had come true. Such a simple thing brought so much joy.

Take a look at the colors you’re wearing right now. How do they make you feel? Want to make a change? Could the addition of another color make a difference? Give it a try.

Please click here to read Part two of this article.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!