I've got some tips for using pigment inks for card making for you, and today is the perfect day to share these with you because….

DRUMROLL PLEASE….

Starting today, there are two new Metallic Inks from Catherine Pooler: Copper and Bronze. They are both a pigment ink, which stamp differently than dye ink and they are beyond beautiful!

They look just how they sound and have a wonderful sheen to them. Metallic Inks are unique and fun, and can add some sparkle to most any project.

To help celebrate the launch of these, I've created not only some super cute projects but also written up some tips to go along with most any metallic pigment ink.

Pigment inks have a different base, which makes them more opaque dye inks. They are also thicker and a bit goopier than dye ink. Instead of soaking into your paper, like dye, pigment inks sit on top of your card stock. Therefore, they take longer to dry, which is a huge bonus if you want to heat emboss the stamped image. If you want to work with your image faster, but without heat embossing, you will need to heat set your image.

Because the ink sits on top of your card stock, you can use pigment ink on dark colored card stock.

Let me show you some samples using these new inks and the new Peaceful Deer stamp set.

A Touch Of Metallic

Here's the first project to share with you. I used the new Copper Metallic Ink Pad.

If you don't know, I love plaid! And so a die cut plaid banner was the perfect way to start.

Just below the banner is the sentiment, stamped in Copper and heat set with WOW Clear Embossing Powder.

The cute deer die was used to cut out the middle of the banner. Popping that banner up with foam tape let's all that negative space pop!

Heat Embossed Two Ways

For this card, I used more plaid, yet a different one – plus more of the stunning Copper ink.

I stamped the deer and heat set it with WOW Clear Embossing Powder. Then I die cut it out.

BUT, I also did some direct to paper on a scrap of white card stock. I took the ink pad straight down into my card stock and pulled. I repeated this a few times to get the right coverage and then also heat set it with the same embossing powder.

Some times with pigment inks, doing the direct to paper technique can be different than doing it with dye ink. Since it's thick and kinda goopy, it can stick to itself and pick up ink from your card stock, so it may feel like you are going backwards. So I do a base coat, then pounced the ink pad down onto my card stock to get the final coverage I want before heat setting.

Having that little strip of Copper behind the plaid gives it the perfect edging.

Then we have that glorious deer, I can't get over that one!

I started to stamp the sentiment in Copper but I decided to balance it out with a coordinating red ink instead and I am so happy that I did.

Blended Bronze

For this card, I decided to focus on just the simplicity of the metallic ink, no embossing, and actually no stamping.

Did you know you can blend with metallic inks. You can!

I started by die cutting one of the deer from the Peaceful Deer die set.

Then I took some repositionable tape to hold it down onto scrap paper. Then grab a new blending brush and start with a very light coat. It will look way worse before it looks better, like it often does with ink blending. Just keep blending until you get an even look. It doesn't take long, so don't give up.

And look how beautiful this card turned out with just the simple Bronze ink on a deer and a stunning cover plate for the background.

The Downside

The only downside to these projects is that it's hard to share the true sheen and luster of these inks on camera. I wish you could see these up-close and personal. It's night and day different. They are inks you really need to use to appreciate!

The Supplies

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Ready to try it? Here's the list of supplies that I used. The Peaceful Deer stamps and dies, plus the new metallic inks and refills are all included in the big bundle along with other fabulous products, including a cover plate that I didn't use. But I also have them listed out separately along with the other products I used.

Simply click on an image below to order them. I love it when you use my links, as not only does it help support this blog, but it also helps strengthen my relationship with these companies!

Tips for Using Pigment Inks For Card Making

• These are pigment inks, metallic inks are. Pigment is heavier than ink, so the ink will settle. When you first get a metallic/pigment ink pad, it may appear to be dry. You will need to press down harder with your stamp to get full coverage.
• Get the refill, get the refill, get the refill. When you order your ink pad, also get the refill. I like to use a smidge of refill over part of the top, to get my sentiments crisp without having to press down too hard. We are talking about the size of a pea. Not much at all, so don't worry about using too much, and none of it is wasted. What you don't use for your sentiment will be ready for the next time you stamp.
• Heat Embossing with clear embossing powder makes it shiny. Gorgeous luster without it, shiny with it!
• I use an alcohol free, scent free baby wipe to clean my stamps after use with any pigment ink.
• Once you use a pigment ink onto a blending brush, you have to thoroughly clean it, like water and soap! You don't want to mix it with a dye ink. I have a brush for each metallic that I don't change out, it's as dedicated as I am to polka dots.

Which Style of Card Is Your Favorite?

Out of these three projects, which is your favorite style? I am super curious to know!

Patterned paper? Heat embossed finish? Blended bronze? None of them? The more you share of what you like, the more I am able to bring that style to the blog. So keep on commenting!

Thank You

I hope you like these tips for using pigment inks for card making. If I think of any more tips, I will add them to the list above. More coming soon! XOXO, Meg