Ink is what brings your stamped images to life, adding colour and detail to your projects in a simple and satisfying way.
Stampin’ Up! ink pads are designed to coordinate beautifully with cardstock and Designer Series Paper, making it easy to create projects that look coordinated without needing to spend lots of time matching colours.
You can start with just a couple of ink pads and build your collection over time as your confidence grows.
To use ink, simply tap your stamp onto the ink pad, then press it onto your paper to create your stamped image.
You’ll use ink whenever you’re stamping an image or sentiment, making it one of the supplies you’ll reach for again and again.
Stampin’ Up! is known for its coordinated colour system.
Many products are available in matching colours, including ink pads, cardstock, Stampin’ Blends, markers, Designer Series Paper, embellishments, and ink refills.
This means you can choose a colour and often find matching products across the Stampin’ Up! range, making it easier to create coordinated projects.
For beginners, this can remove much of the guesswork from colour selection and help projects look polished and professional.
You do not need every colour to get started. Many crafters begin with a few favourite colours and build their collection over time.
Not every type of ink is needed when you are first starting. Many beginners begin with Classic Stampin’ Pads and add other ink types as they learn new techniques and discover what they enjoy creating.
Stampin’ Up! offers several different types of ink, and each one is designed for a specific purpose.
As a beginner, you do not need every type of ink straight away. Understanding what each ink does will help you decide which products are most useful for the projects you want to create.
Classic Stampin’ Pads are the most commonly used ink pads for cardmaking.
They are water-based, available in all Stampin’ Up! colours, and coordinate with cardstock, Designer Series Paper, ribbons, embellishments, and other products.
Classic Stampin’ Pads are ideal for:
• Stamping images and sentiments
• Beginner cardmaking
• Everyday crafting projects
• Use with Stampin’ Write Markers and Blender Pens
For most beginners, Classic Stampin’ Pads are the best place to start building an ink collection.
Memento Tuxedo Black is a fast-drying black ink.
It is commonly used when colouring stamped images with Stampin’ Blends because it is less likely to smear when alcohol markers are applied.
Memento is ideal for:
• Stamping images for colouring
• Use with Stampin’ Blends
• Crisp black outlines
Many stampers keep Memento alongside their Classic Stampin’ Pads because it serves a different purpose.
VersaMark is a clear watermark ink.
It can be used to create subtle tone-on-tone images, embossing techniques, and special effects.
VersaMark is ideal for:
• Heat embossing
• Watermark effects
• Background stamping
Many beginners add VersaMark after they become comfortable with basic stamping techniques.
One of the things many people enjoy about Stampin’ Up! products is how the colours coordinate across the product range.
The same colour can often be found in ink pads, cardstock, Designer Series Paper, ribbons, embellishments, markers, and other products. This makes it easier to create projects that look coordinated without needing to spend lots of time matching colours yourself.
Stampin’ Up! colours are organised into colour collections, helping crafters find colours that work well together.
The main colour collections are:
• Neutrals – blacks, greys, browns, and versatile everyday colours
• Brights – bold, vibrant colours full of energy
• Subtles – soft, gentle colours
• Regals – rich, strong colours
• In Colors – limited-edition colours available for a set period of time
As a beginner, there is no need to collect every colour. Start with a few colours that appeal to you and build your collection over time.
A Colour Family Cardstock Pack or a small selection of Classic Stampin’ Pads can be a great way to begin exploring colour without feeling overwhelmed.
When I first started stamping, I certainly did not buy every colour straight away.
Like many beginners, I started with a few supplies and added to my collection over time as my budget allowed and as I discovered the colours I enjoyed using most.
Stampin’ Up! offers a wonderful range of colours, but there is no need to own them all when you are getting started.
A few favourite Classic Stampin’ Pads, some Basic White cardstock, and a small selection of coordinating colours can take you a long way.
Colour Family Cardstock Packs can also be a great way to explore different colours without purchasing lots of individual packs.
As your confidence grows, you can gradually add colours that suit your style and the types of projects you enjoy creating.
As someone who lives on a fixed income, I understand that crafting supplies can feel expensive. I have found it helpful to build my collection slowly and make the most of the supplies I already have.
Remember, creativity is not about having everything. It is about enjoying the creative process and using the supplies you have in ways that make you happy.