Lisa Horton Crafts inks have become a favorite among crafters worldwide thanks to their exceptional quality, versatility, and stunning effects. Whether you're new to ink blending or an experienced crafter looking to expand your creative possibilities, this guide will help you understand the different types of Lisa Horton inks and choose the perfect one for your next project.
What Are They?
Cloud 9 Matte Blending Inks are premium dye-based inks designed to provide smooth application, effortless blending, and a beautiful matte finish. Available in a wide range of colors, these inks feature an edge-to-edge ink surface that ensures consistent coverage and seamless blends.
Why Crafters Love Them
- Smooth, streak-free blending.
- Easy color mixing to create custom shades.
- Quick drying while remaining workable enough for soft gradients.
- Perfect for stenciling, backgrounds, and ink-lifting techniques.
- Water-reactive properties open up endless creative possibilities.
Best Tools to Use
- Blending brushes
- Foam applicators
- Low-tack stencil tape
- Water mister
- Craft mat
Favorite Techniques
- Ombre backgrounds
- Ink lifting through stencils
- Watercolor-style effects
- Layered backgrounds
- Smooth color transitions
Pro Tip
Build your color gradually using light layers for the smoothest and most professional-looking blends.
What Are They?
Metallic Interference Ink Pads create dramatic color-shifting effects that change depending on the color of the cardstock underneath. A bright pink shimmer on white cardstock may transform into a rich golden glow on black cardstock.
Why Crafters Love Them
- Stunning color-changing effects.
- Brilliant metallic shine.
- Water-reactive for mixed media techniques.
- Ideal for statement backgrounds and focal elements.
Best Pairings
- Stencils
- Blending brushes
- Brayers
- Mixed media projects
Pro Tip
Always test these inks on both white and black cardstock before starting your project. The results can be dramatically different and equally beautiful.
What Are They?
Cloud 9 Metallic Pigment Ink Pads contain ultra-bright metallic pigments that create a highly reflective finish, almost mirror-like when they catch the light.
Why You'll Love Them
- Incredible metallic shine.
- Outstanding performance on both light and dark cardstock.
- Works beautifully alongside Matte Blending and Interference Inks.
- Develops even more depth and brilliance as it dries.
Popular Techniques
- Metallic blending
- Stenciling
- Metallic sentiments
- Edge gilding
- Ink smooshing
Pro Tip
Allow the ink to dry completely before judging the final effect. The metallic finish becomes even more impressive once fully dry.
What Are They?
Swift Dry Hybrid Ink Pads combine the best qualities of dye and pigment inks, delivering crisp impressions and fast drying times.
Why They're Essential
- Perfect for detailed stamping.
- Excellent for BetterPress techniques.
- Compatible with watercolors and alcohol markers.
- Produces clean sentiments and sharp fine-line images.
Helpful Tips
- Use a stamping platform for precise placement and repeat stamping.
- Heat set the ink before coloring with alcohol markers or watercolors for the best results.
Helpful Tips for Working with Lisa Horton Inks
Create Color Swatches
Especially with Interference and Colour Shift inks, the final appearance can vary significantly depending on the cardstock color.
Build Color Gradually
Avoid pressing too hard with your blending tools. Layering color slowly creates smoother blends and richer effects.
Be Patient with Drying Times
Metallic and Interference inks reveal their full brilliance as they dry.
Heat Set When Necessary
Particularly before coloring stamped images with alcohol markers or watercolors.
Mix and Match Ink Types
One of the most effective combinations is:
Matte Blending Base → Colour Shift Layer → Metallic Highlights
This simple formula adds dimension, shine, and a professional finish to any cardmaking or scrapbooking project.
Lisa Horton Crafts offers an ink collection designed to meet every creative need, from beautifully blended backgrounds to dazzling metallic effects and professional-quality stamping. By choosing the right ink and pairing it with the appropriate tools, you'll unlock countless creative possibilities and elevate your handmade projects to the next level.
Whether you're creating greeting cards, scrapbook layouts, journals, or mixed media artwork, there's a Lisa Horton ink perfectly suited to your style and technique.
