Hello Friends, it is Leslie here for July’s Color Me Pretty series. This time around I decided to explore black, white, silver, grey and yes, neon pink. I do not think I have gone totally eighties on you. I have just been a little obsessed with this color combination since I saw the cover of Inside Out magazine last month.

This magazine inspired this mood board below… and this series today!

You can sneak a little neon pink into a neutral interior and have it feel really fresh and summery with a simple pillow as an accent as shown below.

Of course it is a trendy color, which is what makes it so fun, just use it in small dosages! Handwriting, beads and tape were also brought into the mix this time around. I hope you enjoy what I have put together for you.

I love photographing chalkboard menus when I travel in Europe. It is more about the handwriting, less about the menu. Chalkboards are fun in the home and I like the idea of sketches or poems written on them, maybe even a fancy frame around their edge. Even if you are nervous about showcasing your own handwriting, go for it. That is what the eraser is for!

I have been sticking Rob Ryan’s tape on everything. As most of you know, tape can instantly personalize a plain journal or a blank card.

On my mood board I combined some Japanese tape with a little neon pink stitching to make a card. I also combined Rob Ryan’s tape with some Japanese tape to make another card.

Recycle tip: An empty food can is painted white and then spruced up further with a little note and some ribbon to hold a plant for a gift.

Craft Idea: I tried using stencils this month as well –to go along with my eighties investigation because weren’t stenciled walls big back then in the US? Do you remember the do it yourself grapevine stencil kits? Well, stencil kits are back better then ever! I loved using the kits by Ed Roth of Stencil 1. Lotta Jansdotter makes some nice larger scale stencils that I tried too. You can also check out Lena Corwin’s chapter on stenciling in her book “Printing By Hand”.

I used stencils from both Stencil 1 and Lotta Jansdotter to create images on some small square canvases. I realize I am not the best stencil student as I like to paint myself but it was fun to have a guide and the results were very fast. I did not have a stencil brush, which I think I will use next time around. I especially liked making some cards for my mood board collection on heavy paper using the stencils.

Have you tried using stencils? Any tips you want to share with us beginners?

Thank you for joining me here and I will see you again next month with a Color Me Pretty series for August! If you would like to see previous CMP columns please click here. Bye!

(images: leslie shewring)

Tags: Color Me Pretty

67 Responses to “Color Me Pretty: Neon Pink”

1 Brooke H commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:07 am

Hands down, best Color Me Pretty post to date! Absolutely love it. Great job Leslie. =)
Brooke H´s last [type] ..Fashion Illustration Exposed
2 Brooke H commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:10 am

. . .Also could you by any chance share some info on the pillow in the first photo? Its ideal for my apartment.
Brooke H´s last [type] ..Fashion Illustration Exposed
3 ishtar commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:19 am

this color me pretty photos are awesome!!! I really liked the combinations of all this colors! modern, fresh, stylish! So nice! beautiful photos Leslie!!! : D
4 Samantha commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:06 am

oh yes I remember stencils, when I was first married just about every wall in the home had some kind of stencil on it!
I love these boards above and have also just discovered pretty sticking tape, have been playing around with it myself this week, I think it will become my latest obession.
Samantha´s last [type] ..China trends
5 Tina commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:08 am

I´ve never bought stencils but I tried to make one myself to decorate a chair (with a motive and not letters) and it was FUN and turned out really nice: http://tinajoathome.blogspot.com/2010/04/chair-project-is-finished.html

It´s really a great thing if you want to make something “you”. :-)
Tina´s last [type] ..Yarn giveaway!
6 MsCritique.com commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:11 am

I love the colour palette. Looks fab!
7 Brianna commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:15 am

This is super gorgeous.
I have always thought that neon pink was such a pretty color, but its brightness can be easily overwhelming when it is overused.
This way, with simple and small splashes of it, makes all the difference!

LOVE
LOVE
LOVE
it.

xoxo
bB
8 Elisa commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 7:05 am

Just decorated my bedroom in black, white, silver and grey…gosh dare I add some neon pink!!
You got me thinking!
9 Danielle commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 7:15 am

Love the combo together!
The pink adds a hint of brightness!
Danielle´s last [type] ..Fill in the Blank Friday
10 neaner commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 7:53 am

I really enjoyed this post. In my adult life, I’ve never really considered using hot pink in my apartment. It just goes to show that any color can be lovely in interiors if executed well!
neaner´s last [type] ..The Canisters That Got Away
11 Casa e Cose commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:01 am

love the mood board. when they are nice like that it becomes such a pretty interior decoration. shame mine is not that pretty…

besitos,
helena
Casa e Cose´s last [type] ..rainbow colors
12 Renee commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:07 am

LOVE this colour combo! There’s something so fun and refreshing about accenting with neon colours with an otherwise neutral colour scheme.
Renee´s last [type] ..Pick of The Week- Off Cut Studio Vases
13 Jillian commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:43 am

looooove this inspiration. i gets my juices flowing. thanks!
14 Jillian commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:44 am

looooove this inspiration. it gets my juices flowing. thanks!
15 Dreaming of Palm Trees commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:58 am

Can’t go wrong with any neon color as far as I’m concerned. :) Love it! xo
Dreaming of Palm Trees´s last [type] ..Have a dreamy weekend- Happy Birthday- Michelle!
16 Diane commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:17 am

Love this color series. The neon pink looks awesome with black, grey/silver and white. So inspiring Leslie!
17 Shay commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:22 am

Love this color combo and all the decorating ideas !!! Very 80′s !!!
You rock Leslie !!!
Shay
18 fresh365 commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:32 am

Can’t get enough of gray and I love the addition of bright colors- yellow, green and especially pink!
19 Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:46 am

This is always a fun combination! And I understand your chalkboard obsession… I had my hubby add a chalkboard wall at his place of work because of this!

As for the colour combo… it brings me back to these totally cool flourescent pink shorts with black polka dots I had back in the day, hehe.
20 Will commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:26 am

Thanks, Leslie! I have just decorated my new home office in black and hot pink! A lovely post x
Will´s last [type] ..Colour Cocktail- Multi Coloured
21 Katherine commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:29 am

Ohhh, nice choice on the color combo…liking it lots!
Katherine´s last [type] ..38 turns 39- short year- long journey
22 peggy commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:42 am

Hi Leslie,

This is a really beautiful post. I love this color combination!
23 Piper (DailyDivaDish) commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:52 am

I’ve tried, but have never had stencil skills. I’m loving these pops of neon pink with the black, white and grey. Gorgeous!
XO Piper
Piper (DailyDivaDish)´s last [type] ..Here’s what I’ve been up to…
24 Cassie commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:19 am

Everything looks amazing! So great. xoxo
25 Marsha Harris (Splenderosa) commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:24 am

I love this! As I’ve grown up I realize how soothing this palette can be. I love silver/gray with pops of color. Excellent ideas too, sweetie. I’m sending on to my DIL. xx’s
Marsha Harris (Splenderosa)´s last [type] ..TGIF
26 Ludmila {creamylife.com} commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:49 am

This is such a stylish and gorgeous combination! Amazing post, Leslie! Just as always! Hope you’ll have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
Ludmila {creamylife.com}´s last [type] ..Where I am now
27 Eleanor (Oh Louise!) commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 11:59 am

Oh my gosh..amazing! I looove the tape– & i think i need to be reading the Inside Out magazine! Awesome job on the post!
28 Nuit commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:14 pm

whAt a delicious color…. I have NEON pInK on my Toe Nails and I AM the HAppIEsT giRl =D
Nuit´s last [type] ..She rocks- Sarah Richardson
29 mer commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:21 pm

ooh, this one is really fun!
mer´s last [type] ..two new prints
30 Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:54 pm

I LOVE this color combination! I was an 80′s girl so I have a secret fondness for Neon, but this combo is so modern and fresh. As far as stenciling goes, the trick is to work with fairly dry color, either a stencil creme, a powder or hardly any paint on your brush. sponge, cloth, finger, what-have-you. Then work you color in lightly, starting on the stencil and sweeping into the cutout. That way color doesn’t seep under the stencil and make a mess.
Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor´s last [type] ..This Polymer Clay Tutor 5th Friday Will Inspire Your Creativity
31 Holly of So Chic Decor commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Lovely pictures! I love these colors together.
Holly of So Chic Decor´s last [type] ..Mood Board – Olioboard
32 jadeee_d commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

loved this post leslie! such a lovely, fresh colour combination. and i LOVE that rob ryan tape.. i’m on the etsy store now and feel a shopping spree about to begin :] thanks for brightening up my day!
jadeee_d´s last [type] ..music- mayer hawthorne
33 Ashley commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

I love the neon pink,gray, and white! Inspired!
34 PriscilaPetersDecor commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

That pillow on the 3rd photo…. wow!!
PriscilaPetersDecor´s last [type] ..Cute idea
35 Laura Gaskill commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 3:30 pm

80′s, yes, but the way you’ve put the colors together here just feels very fresh + current. Nice work, Leslie! Honestly, I wish I could just pull that inspiration board right out of my computer screen and hang it over my desk right NOW!

Have a lovely weekend Leslie (& Holly!) xo Laura
Laura Gaskill´s last [type] ..Sweet Obsessions Friday
36 Catherine commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Love it. I usually go for a riot of colour but I love this too
37 Jen A. commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

That is some supercool tape! I’ve never seen it before thanks for posting it.
Jen A.´s last [type] ..Robots on my Mind
38 Steph Bond @ Bondville commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Hi Leslie, I absolutely love your inspiration this week and am obsessed with the Thank You plant. Genius.
Steph Bond @ Bondville´s last [type] ..Hip Products- Tightology tights for Kids and Mums
39 patricia commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:34 pm

I’ve never tried stencils myself but I’m very curious about working with them. To be perfectly honest the thing that makes me giddy is every time I purchase an Inside Out magazine. It’s my favorite magazine right now. So inspiring.
patricia´s last [type] ..our friday morning
40 Torrie @ a place to share... commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:33 pm

I love this color combination and I kind of like having memories of the eighties- with the bright pink and the stencil kits:). I write that as I sit hear watching an 80′s movie (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure- a little ashamed to admit, but they’re sure enjoying it:) with my kids!

A couple of quick ?’s~ Regarding the white can… Did you put the white ribbon around the rim? I love this idea and want to do it myself! And- did you use acrylic paint for this? I’ve painted cans to use as vases/pen holders/etc. but with the paint that I used as it tended to peel off/scratch easily.

Thanks for the great ideas!
Torrie @ a place to share…´s last [type] ..Honey-cherry yogurt popsicles
41 Torrie @ a place to share... commented:
July 30th, 2010 at 10:34 pm

I love this color combination and I kind of like having memories of the eighties- with the bright pink and the stencil kits:). I write that as I sit hear watching an 80′s movie (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure- a little ashamed to admit, but they’re sure enjoying it:) with my kids!

A couple of quick ?’s~ Regarding the white can… Did you put the white ribbon around the rim? I love this idea and want to do it myself! And- did you use acrylic paint for this? I’ve painted cans to use as vases/pen holders/etc. but the paint that I used tended to peel off/scratch easily.

Thanks for the great ideas!
Torrie @ a place to share…´s last [type] ..Honey-cherry yogurt popsicles
42 Hazel commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:59 am

LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! Inspiration at every turn!! OMG! Love it! I’m inspired to re-do my own inspiration boards now! :) Hazel
Hazel´s last [type] ..What have you got planned for the weekend
43 laura trevey commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 9:02 am

I love the color combination of pink, black, and white…
laura trevey´s last [type] ..Have a Beautiful by the Poolside Weekend
44 Sandra Kuwartowski commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:27 am

what a nice post – it shows me that tin and tape are very nice interior accessoiries. I never used stencils (except potatoe ones…) but I am screenprinting …. maybe a good idea to get the paint/ink evenly on the stencil is to have the stroke of brush first in vertical direction and then in horizontal direction (oh, I hope this makes sense to you…). Lovely post, Leslie – I love the neon pink (I often use it for my printing as well combined with gold, the pure 80ties groove)
45 decor8 commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Leslie – My mother was the stencil queen so she taught me how to do them when I was little. She always taped her stencil down with masking tape and used a stipple brush and tap tap tap — that’s how she applied the paint as that was the best way to avoid it from bleeding outside of the pattern. It also has to do with the paint, if yours is too “wet” it will bleed so it’s best to use the creamy stencil paint – it’s in a tin and reminds me of cream blusher. Also, you always dab some on paper before applying it immediately to the stencil to dab off the excess and do this each time you refresh the paint on your brush. There is also a stencil spray paint which is usually used only on fabrics, it’s good too.
46 shelley t commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:30 pm

leslie, you are seriously genius! this post, as all your posts, is absolutely gorgeous. this was actually one of my least enjoyed covers of ‘inside out’ but you made it come to life in ways that hadn’t even entered my mind. thanks for your take on our gorgeous aussie mag.
shelley t´s last [type] ..Fabulous Friday
47 Susie M commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:44 pm

I love love love neon pink. It amazes me how a small splash of bright color can liven up a neutral space. This post gave me a great idea for my own home. Thanks.
Susie M´s last [type] ..Response cached until Sun 1 @ 23:39 GMT (Refreshes in 23.95 Hours)
48 Brigitte commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:38 pm

I love the shots that have just a hint of hot pink, especially that painted food jar.
Brigitte´s last [type] ..The Unofficial Mid-Summer Chicago Art Festival Guide
49 Erica Cooper commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 7:16 pm

Thanks for sharing the “inside out” color story. I am not sure would love the pink with the gray long term, but for a short splash of color, it works.
I do love that you shared the chalk board… I am in love with chalk boards, especially the vintage style with unique handwritten script… that really gets my creative juices flowing. I also love the stacks of tape, that inspires me as well.
Thanks for your post!
Erica Cooper´s last [type] ..Curly Girl Design…a Favorite Find Giveaway!
50 tamara nicole commented:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:07 pm

What fun colors!!! Lovely lovely ideas, and seriously LOVE your blog!!!
51 Julie the Alkaline Sister commented:
August 1st, 2010 at 2:26 am

Leslie, Is that new bench I spy yours? Love the graphic piped fabric on the white frame. So crisp and it could be accented with any colour cushion. Love the entire post, would have been fun for you to add a clip of 80′s music to listen to while we scrolled thru-don’t you think? Shania Twain or Lionel Ritchie- Hee!
Julie the Alkaline Sister´s last [type] ..Cannellini Bean and Artichoke Spread – The benefits of cannellini beans
52 Merissa commented:
August 1st, 2010 at 5:44 am

My goodness Leslie! These are crazy beautiful! I always love the light in your photos and your eye for the little details that make your photos so special. I love the pop that the neon pink gives, it’s very fun and playful. I totally have that same magazine issue as well. The cover just caught my eye when I saw it at Barnes & Noble and once I flipped through the pages, I couldn’t put it down and ended up purchasing it. It was so cool to see your interpretation of the cover’s color story here. Your work has sparked such inspiration for me.
xo, Merissa.
Merissa´s last [type] ..Fonts- France- &amp Japan- an old issue of Harpers Bazaar
53 Melissa de la Fuente commented:
August 1st, 2010 at 10:35 am

Absolutely amazing…as always Leslie! I love, love, love this combo. Leave it to you to make me think of adding a bit of neon pink….thank you! :) Always so inspired by you & your inspiration. So don’t be surprised if my monday post is inspired by you! ;)
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Closer to home- Dont forget
54 Wikkie commented:
August 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm

What a beautiful colour combination! Just love the neon pink. It brings a special effect into your house when used subtile.
In my shop I also sell the wall stickers of Mimi’lou who also uses neon pink as an accent. Take a look at muursticker ‘fils de perles’ for example.
55 Leigha commented:
August 1st, 2010 at 4:54 pm

Exciting (and slightly unpredictable) color combination. Way to keep us on our toes…but still filled with delight!
Leigha´s last [type] ..Soft white
56 The Design Dish commented:
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:15 am

I love color me pretty! What great posts!
The Design Dish
The Design Dish´s last [type] ..JCrew Bridal Boutique
57 Amelia commented:
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:02 am

when I did stencils, I cut out using a scalpel on acetate, masking taped down as you said, and I used spray paints to get an even finish.

Such lovely, inspiring ideas I want to go off and make, make, make!!!

Amelia.x
58 gina commented:
August 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 am

i think this combo is really pretty
59 steve commented:
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm

What a lovely series of colour combinations, very inspiring!
60 Hilary commented:
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 am

These colors…or lack thereof, are somehow completely refreshing to me.
Hilary´s last [type] ..Room with a View- Curtains
61 Caitlin commented:
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 am

Oh my gosh this is so stunning- definitely my favourite ever! Something about these colours together looks so incredible and inspiring to me :) I am definitely going to incorporate some neon pink into my room!
62 martha brown commented:
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:34 pm

re: stenciling
–if you are stenciling onto fabric, cut the stencil from freezer paper and then iron it onto the fabric. It makes a perfect stencil every time!
63 crt commented:
August 3rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm

This post is really inspiring… and offers a lot of great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
64 Sima Gilady commented:
August 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm

:::B E A U T I F U L:::

LOVE love LOve loVE this colour combo!

xoxo,
Sima
65 Jessa commented:
August 5th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

Love this so much!!! It’s a fabulous colour combo!!

Jessa xx
Jessa´s last [type] ..The Key To My Heart
66 emily commented:
August 9th, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Anybody know what that gray and white patterned fabric is in the first shot? Love it.
thanks!
67 Z commented:
September 18th, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Hi I love the pillow from the first photo too, (white & silver) can you tell me where it’s from?!

When you comment…

Please feel free to comment, whether you agree with the opinions found on this blog or not, your voice is important to other readers who share this space. Constructive criticism can be useful if left in a tone meant to help and not to shock or overly offend. However decor8 reserves the right to delete any comment that is abusive, profane, rude, or considered spam.

Comments are the sole responsibility of their authors. decor8 is not responsible, nor will be held liable, for blog comments. For more, please read the full disclaimer.