Hmmm, this is a mystery. Sounds like you’re doing things right, so I’ve just checked the recipes to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake on my part (just in case I was too tired the day I typed it or something) and couldn’t find any errors there. Keep in mind, what you see on your computer screen may look different from how it looks when it is mixed. Every computer screen shows colors differently so the best we can do is a close approximation.

Though both the Cafe-o-lait and the Stone Hearth colors do have a purplish hue to them they are more on the Grayish-Brown side than Purple. Some colors like Browns, Greens and Reds will look radically different in different lighting conditions. You may find that just taking your mixed colors into some natural light will make all the difference in the world. I used to have a lot of trouble getting the colors right until I got myself an OTT light (Full spectrum craft light).

After looking at the recipe and hearing what has happened to you I am wondering if you are sure you added the Raw Umber (Dark Brown) to the recipes? Between the Black and the Brown in both recipes, the purple shouldn’t be dominating like that. Unless there is a chance you made an error in converting the fractions. Why don’t you try it again (on a fairly thin setting so that you don’t use much clay) and cut your square corner to corner to get your fractions?

Try these things and let us know how it goes for you. I am happy to see that you are enjoying the color recipes. Once you get the mixing down perfect you are going to love using the palettes in your projects!

First, I want to say thank you for the great color palettes and amazing projects. I love making canes inspired by your rich color groups, and cannot wait until Fridays to see what wonderful projects you have up your sleeves. :)

I am however, having a bit of a problem with one of the palettes and was hoping to get some advice.

The group 15a Blue Hosta palette is giving me trouble on color 2 and 3. this is cafe-o-lait and stone hearth. I have tried to make both colors seven times each and am always getting a very purple grey shade for each(not the lovely brown I am looking for). I have made several other palettes and color 1 and 4 for this palette with amazing results.

Let me give you some background on how I am mixing the colors so you may be able to better provide a solution(or suggestion) for me. I am using premo clay as noted on the cards and have triple checked that I am using the correct colors. I roll the component colors out on the same thickness in my pasta machine one at a time, cleaning it with alcohol and paper towels each time. I use a 1/2″ square cutter to do my parts. For any fraction, I round all the parts to the smallest fraction. (ie 1/4 parts then 1part=4squares and 1/4part=1 square.

On both colors, all seven times, I have gotten the same two shades a grey purple color. If there is anything else you need to know please do not hesitate to ask. I am more than willing to provide information if it will help solve my mystery. :)

Any assistance or advice you can give on this would be wonderfully appreciated.

Thank you,
Lindsay Mathias

@Ken: You have no idea how much that pleases me to hear you say that about polymer clay being the first hobby that was self sufficient! More and more of you guys are finding success in selling your polymer beads and jewelry. I am so, so proud of you!