Vibrant Colour: Embracing White Space with Tsukineko VersaColor Neon Inks

Hello everyone!

If you caught my last reel (or even if you didn't!), you'll know I've been spending some time with the Tsukineko VersaColor Neon Ink Pads. After reviewing them and seeing what they can do (you can find my full review and swatch tests HERE!), it felt like the right time to try them on a card. And for this project, I really wanted to challenge myself to embrace that white space!

Handmade card featuring a stamped image of a woman holding a cat, colored with pink and grey ink, set against a vibrant pink circular background with Japanese characters. A 'wishing you happiness' sentiment strip is layered over the image, all on a white card base with a black border.

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Neon. Just the word can make some crafters (and even me, sometimes!) raise an eyebrow. 'Too bright?' 'Too much?' 'Will it even play nicely?' But here's the thing – I've always had a soft spot for neons. They're not just for shouting 'HERE I AM!' They can add an unexpected lift to a colour palette, bring a bit of joy to a background, or simply give that perfect, vibrant pop you didn't know you needed. I think you'll see why in this project!

Tsukineko VersaColor Neon Ink Pads swatched on paper, demonstrating their vibrant colour and quick-drying properties

If you want to find out more about what these inks can do, have a wee nose at my previous blog post where I review them and test them in different ways.


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Alright, let's get to the colour! For this card, I deliberately reached for something I thought would be an interesting combination: Paula Pascal's gorgeous Japanese-inspired red rubber stamps. I wanted to see how these vivid inks would work with more traditional designs, and it was the perfect way to put those swatch insights into action!

Completed card project made with Tsukineko VersaColor Neon Inks, featuring a stamped Geisha design with a 'wishing you happiness' message and pink accents.

Although I've shared a written process here (just scroll down!), I did also create a reel showing how this card came to life!


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Wishing You Happiness:

First up, I stamped my main images with Neon Pink. While the ink was still wet, I quickly embossed them with clear powder for that lovely shine. Next, a little trick: I stamped the Geisha Cuddle image directly onto my main card front. This wasn't the final Geisha, but a useful guide for placement. On a separate piece of card, I stamped the Geisha again, this time ready to use the VersaColor inks as watercolours.

Card showing a stamped Geisha image holding a cat, highlighted with pink and grey tones, and the sentiment 'wishing you happiness.' The card has subtle Japanese characters and sits on a wooden surface.

And I was genuinely surprised at how beautifully the Neon VersaColor inks watercoloured! They behave a little differently than traditional watercolours – they dry (or 'stop moving') quicker, which is something to remember if you're tackling a larger area.

Card showing a stamped Geisha image holding a cat, highlighted with pink and grey tones, and the sentiment 'wishing you happiness.' The card has subtle Japanese characters and sits on a wooden surface.



Using 3D foam pads, I gave my Geisha and sentiments that perfect pop. I'm really pleased with how this card turned out! It truly lets those vibrant neon inks shine, and I think it shows how neon can elevate even traditional imagery. And yes, I'm quite chuffed with how that white space really works!

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Since spending more time with my Ink Pad Swatch stamp set, I've felt a definite shift in how I approach my ink pads. No more pigeon-holing them for 'just stamping and embossing.' It's made me think differently, realising how many of my inks might be gathering dust, just waiting for me to unlock their full, versatile potential.

So, I've shared my recent exploration with neons, but now I'd love to hear from you! What are your absolute favourite, unexpected ways to use neon inks? I've even been playing with them on my Gelli plate – and I'll be sharing those results soon! Share your tips, tricks, and favourite neon projects in the comments below!

Until next time, take care,

Lou 
xxx


Geisha Cuddle A6 stamp set
Circle A6 stamp set
Sentiments A6 stamp set

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