COLOUR INKSPIRATION #193: SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

Colour challenges are a lot of fun, but I often end up scratching my head as I begin.My starting point is generally a stamp set, not a colour set, so it throws me off a bit. CI #193 isn’t a traditional set of Halloween colours, but after a few false starts, I got them to work.

  • Stamps: Spooky Halloween
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Cloud Cover, Balmy Blue, Highland Heather, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Spooky Halloween dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Perennial Lavender DSP, Kintsugi Inspirations DSP, Cloud Cover Faux Linen Ribbon, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Blends, dauber, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There are a few adaptations on this card – I stamped on the Perennial Lavender DSP with Memento Black and Highland Heather for the background, and I stamped the sentiment on the Kintsugi Inspirations DSP. I also cut up the Cloud Cover Faux Linen Ribbon because I like the way it gets skinny and stringy.

It’s a small detail, but I cut off the cat’s paw and arranged it on top of the broom because the original looked unnatural. And there’s Stella on all of the Memento Black elements, because every Halloween card needs a little sparkle!

Here’s the INKpiration photo – how do you think I did? I had fun, and in my book, that’s the most important thing.

Have you tried a Colour Challenge? You can find all the details at the Colour INKspiration Facebook page.

(Note: Yes, I know in the USA we spell it color, but this is a South Pacific group and they spell it colour. For this post, so do I.)

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COLOUR CHALLENGES: COLOUR INKSPIRATION #189

My friends at Colour INKspirations know how to set up a proper challenge! This combination was a tough one, as Melon Mambo generally doesn’t get much my attention. But by toning it down using daubers, I came up with a project that met the challenge!

  • Stamps: Impressions Abloom, Elements of Text, Perfectly Pears, Inspiring Imperfections
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Darling Duckling, Melon Mambo, Cloud Cover, Secret Sea
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Impressions Abloom dies, Perennial Postage dies, Gallery Blooms dies, Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder, Kintsugi Inspirations DSP, Dauber, White Bakers Twine, Wink of Stella, Fine Tip Glue pen, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Here’s the inspiration photo. I knew right away I was going to have to be “INKspired” to work in that Melon Mambo! And while I adore Secret Sea, it’s a very bold color, so I used it sparingly as an accent.

Looking for elements for this card, I pulled out some treasures that are still available but have been sidelined in favor of newer releases. That 3D Exposed Brick EF is one of my absolute GO-TO elements. White Bakers twine is too, although it will never replace my beloved Linen Twine.

I used our Fine Tip Glue pen to add shine to the centers of those flowers. They have a little Cloud Cover daubed in the center to soften the white-white-white and tie in with the background DSP. My FTGP has lost its Fine Tip, so I unscrew the cap and use my trusty bamboo skewer to paint the glue over the circle. The skewer lets me control the amount I apply but doesn’t leave brush strokes or messy cleanup.

Cloud Cover ink has been a bit of a heartbreak, as it turns out the formula reacts with the foam in our ink pads, causing instability. The solution is to use one of our un-inked spots and Cloud Cover Ink Refill. It takes a bit longer to ink larger stamps, but I think it’s worth the effort!

There’s still a little time to join the challenge. It closes at 7pm Monday AEST (remember, for the US they are a day ahead). I’d love to see what you do with Melon Mambo!

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Easy Gate-Fold Card Tutorial with Kintsugi Inspirations

Do you have a Designer Series Paper stash? Mine is threatening a semi-hostile take over, but that doesn’t stop me from adding to my collection. I loved Kintsugi Inspirations the moment I set eyes on it at OnStage 2025 in Brisbane, and I couldn’t wait to cut into it and make something!

This is an easy gate-fold card that uses narrow strips of DSP. I find I have a lot of those when I cut larger pieces for card fronts. I love using up those scraps!

Here are the measurements you’ll need to make this card:

  1. Cut a piece of card stock to 5 1/2″ x 11″ for your card base.
  2. Score the long side at 2″, 3 3/4″, 7 1/4″ and 9“.
  3. Fold the 2″ and 9” outer panels towards the back and the 3 3/4″ and 7 1/4″ scores towards the center of the card. This creates the gate fold shape.
  4. Cut 2 each of DSP, choosing coordinating papers: 1 3/4″ x 5 1/4″ and 1 1/2″ x 5 1/4″
  5. Cut 2 each of coordinating card stock: 1 7/8″ x 5 3/8″ and 1 5/8″ x 5 3/8″
  6. Layer the DSP on the card stock panels. Adhere the narrower panels to the inside folds and the wider panels to the front. Add a focal point, embellish, and admire your beautiful work!

Gate folds often have some kind of closure, but I prefer the simplicity of this card as it is. Ready to give it a try? Your choice of Designer Series Paper will determine the mood of your card. Have some fun with it, and enjoy using up those scraps!

Suites and suite products are BOGO this month in the Online Store. Learn more about Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper HERE.

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