Ink Pad Experiment #1

I'm not happy with the colored dye inks in my collection. Many of them are older and drying out. I have refills for some of the SU ones, but not all of them. I can't decide whether I prefer foam pads or linen pads. I am fairly certain I want to do a replacement instead of re-inking existing stamp pads. I know without a doubt I prefer full size pads, not mini cubes. 

What to do??? It is a dilemma.

I've asked a few friends what their favorite ink pads are. As you can imagine, I've received nearly as many different responses as the number of people I've asked.

I'm taking my research to a new level - trial and error. LOL!

I own one - yes, only one - color of Gina K inks but I wanted to give it the blending test. I do love to blend with my blender brushes.

They make me so happy! Some are well-loved; others are ready to see some ink. All of them sit handy to my stamping space so I can reach them easily. And the amazing rack spins. Isn't that cool?!?!

But I digress. Where was I going?

Oh, yes... my one and only colored ink from Gina K. It's the Kraft ink pad.

For my research I wanted to see how well it blends. I started with a plain white piece of cardstock and some scrap paper (actually sheets from an outdated calendar). I tore a piece and used it for a "stencil" of sorts. Then another and another. I created a fun piece of designer paper that in some ways reminded me of clouds (except it is Kraft colored) or the sand dunes I loved when we lived in California as a child.

I decided to use the piece for the background on a card. It was just too pretty to discard.

In case you're curious, the Gina K definitely passed the ink-blending test. WOW! It blended so well. I am impressed. I also stamped a sentiment on a piece of scrap paper to see how well it stamps and it passed that test, too. So far, I'm thinking Gina K is a great contender for my quest for new ink pads.

Of course, I'll do some more experimenting before I decide for sure.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp/Die Set: CC Designs Puppy Power stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White, FSJ Oatmeal Cookie, and Recollections Black CS

Ink (for blending): Gina K Kraft

Dies: Altenew Thanks, Impression Obsession Crazy Stitched Set, and Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics

Embellishments: Eyelet Outlet Paw Brads