I hinted in my Guest Designer post (oh, it’s luscious to say that!) that I’d made other versions for the Colour INKspiration #34 challenge. The challenge is to use the 2018-2020 In Colors – 1, 2, 3, 4, or all of them – combined with neutral colours.

I’ve seen some gorgeous cards done with multiples of the In Colour palette, and I must acknowledge that it was a lack of inspiration on my part to find them difficult to use together. The 2018-2020 colours are bold, and I’m typically not a bold-combo crafter. That said, I created a card using Lovely Lipstick that’s kind of fun:

• Stamps: Apron of Love, Buffalo Check,  Make a Difference
• Colour Palette: Lovely Lipstick, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Accessories: Big Shot, Precision Base Plate,  Apron Builder Framelits, Silver Foil Sheets, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I have a couple of tips for you. The first one is regards to the Buffalo Check stamp. I’ve always bought my background stamps as wood mount, and that’s what I did with this one. I’ll be honest: you can get a great impression with the wood mount stamp, but it takes some effort. My technique is to lay the stamp on the wood side, rubber up, and thoroughly ink it with an ink pad. Inspect the inked stamp for even application. Carefully place your card stock panel onto the inked rubber, and cover with a piece of scrap paper. (This step keeps you from getting ink on your brayer.) Use a rubber brayer over the surface of the paper-covered-stamp to thoroughly transfer the ink to the paper. You can use your fingers, but the brayer is more accurate.

If I were to do it again, I’d buy the clear mount stamp and use the Stamparatus.  It’s a much quicker, easier process!

To get those apron strings and fabulous kitchen utensils to release from the Apron Builder Framelits, you need the Precision Base Plate.  I know, I know, your craft budget is limited. But this is a paper-saving, time-saving, hunk-a-hunk-a paper-crafting love, and you will thank yourself again and again for this small investment. I bought one when they first came out, and have used is constantly ever since, and it’s still working like a champ.

However, our Standard Cutting Pads need to be replaced more often. They’re acrylic, and the dies really chew them up. Do yourself a favor and get new ones with your next order. I know you can put them in the oven and run them through your dishwasher and send them to the dry cleaners (not really!) to give them another life. But get the new ones. You deserve it.

Don’t overlook the Make a Difference stamp set. It has both block and italic letters, and it’s photopolymer, so you can see just where you’re placing them. You know you’ve got something special you want to say!

If you’re still with me, well, thanks for reading along. And be sure to check out the Colour INKspiration Facebook page. You won’t meet a nicer, more supportive group of creative people! You’re welcome to join the group and contribute, and I recommend it!

Need stamps? Shop HERE.