I believe Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper (DSP) is my favourite thing in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalogue! It is stunning and I do not believe the catalogue does this DSP justice. 
Here are just a few cards I made using this paper. Take a few minutes to think about how you want to cut the paper to highlight your favourite parts. Each card will be unique, so you do not have to do them all the same. These cards show off the DSP without much else. You can make beautiful cards with great paper. It helps to use layers behind and maybe a little texture as an added touch.
If you are just starting out and do not know how to get going, might I suggest working with a great DSP? Pick one you love: Expressions in Ink!!!! Pick some coordinating cardstock. I liked Basic White and Basic Black as a highlight behind the DSP and then added a colour that would compliment the DSP. It might take a few minutes, but Just Jade, Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, and Shaded Spruce all went well with the greens in these cards. I am working with some of the pinks and oranges for another blog post because I love this paper so much!
Step Up Your Project
When you get more comfortable, then you can add some dimensionals, ribbon or baker’s twine, and embellishments. You can even stamp directly on the paper or stamp a sentiment on Basic White cardstock, then trim and layer as you see fit. Want to get fancier? Use framelits and dies to make a special sentiment stand out. Add an embossing folder to give a little texture to your background paper. I do not think I would mess with this paper at all. There are so many ways to use paper from the simple to more complex. You get to choose your comfort level. No matter what you decide to do with it, I believe the Expressions in Ink DSP is hard to mess up.
Stamp Inside
Don’t forget to stamp the inside of your cards. I love these sentiments from Lighthearted Lines. I love adding a little humour to my cards if possible. The whole point is to make people smile, right? I added the dragonfly from Dragonfly Garden Stamp Set because I love adding an image to the inside of a card. There are so many to choose from, but I often associate green with dragonflies even though they can be all sorts of colours.
What DSP is your favourite in the catalogue? Do you get ideas from beautiful DSP, or do you hoard your paper like I used to? I know it is beautiful so share it! If you do not want to share it, then at least make yourself a card or scrapbook page with it and display it so you can see it often. Why hide all your amazing paper away?
I challenge you to either order some DSP and create with it or go into your stash and start using it today. Show me the amazing creations you come up with.
Other Ideas
With all that said, this beautiful DSP will be available to order again this week! You can also order the Artistically Inked stamp set and make your own DSP. I am going to experiment with the vellum, Stampin’ Blends, and alcohol technique going around these days which gives a similar look to the DSP and my next order, which is on its way, will include the Artistically Inked Bundle found on page 97 in the Annual Catalogue. I originally missed this, but my love of the Expressions in Ink DSP has encouraged me to add the Artistically Inked Bundle to my supplies.
What is your favourite DSP in the Annual Catalogue? Have you made your own DSP with a stamp set you love? Do you use DSP or hoard it away for some mysterious use “one day”? I hope you try some of these ideas and let me know how your projects are coming along.
Be kind and experiment with some card making today!
