Ink color swatches - happiness!

Who loves to organize, besides me?! I have swatched my inks (all but my distress colors, but they'll be done soon) and my complete Copic collection -  what a great feeling. This will be so much quicker when searching for a particular color/shade than having to test all the possibilities individually. Bliss!

For my copic project (which I did some time ago) I used the Waffle Flower Swatch Tag dies. What a huge time saver that project has been! I used heavyweight cardstock for the tag, then for the color swatches I used Copic Xpress it Blending Cardstock to get a true version of the color. Be sure to saturate it well. 

I hadn't really thought about doing this for my inks until I saw this awesome die set by Catherine Pooler and my organizational mind went crazy. I HAD to have it!!! Game changer, my organizer-people. And if you have Catherine Pooler inks, even easier - there are color labels and swatches available premade for her line of inks. 

For my other swatches, I did the same and used the Copic Xpress it Blending Cardstock for the color patches. I did it this way because I typically use the Xpress it paper when coloring and this will give me the truest shade of color when I use that ink or marker. This is a personal preference, so if you typically use a different cardstock for coloring, that is the one I would suggest you use to make your swatches for a true color match. 

I do not have the complete line of oxide inks, but what I have is now swatched and by the end of the day will also be copic matched. I tried a couple of ways of doing this and ultimately decided to cut the shape first, then ink over directly with the pad. I also tried making color patches then cutting them out, but it's harder to keep track of the color names that way (for me), so this was the best option. Also, I got a pack of latex gloves at the dollar store, and rather than wear a full glove, I just cut off the fingers and used them as "little condoms" to keep from inking my fingers. To prevent colors from mixing, I used a baby wipe to clean between colors. 

This makes me so happy! :) 

Pinkfresh Studio 

Hero Arts, I have just these 8 colors.

Anyway, I hope this inspires you to organize your ink colors and maybe even your markers. I guarantee it will save you so much time in the long run when it comes time to choose colors for whatever project you're working on. 

One more thing to note, you can find all different sized binder rings at the office supply store. I ordered mine from Staples online some years ago and will never in a million years use up all the rings I now have. LOL

Have fun, crafters!