It’s Time to Be Brutally Honest about Ink Pads
I struggled a bit deciding where to talk about ink pads. Are they a supply? A tool? Honestly, they’re both—but since they’re essential to actually use your stamps, I decided they deserve their own special post in this decluttering series.
Let’s be real: ink colours shift over time. This applies to stamping inks, dauber pens, even bingo markers. Heat, time, and especially sunlight will all impact your ink pads.
In general, your ink pads will last as long as you have a re-inker for them. But let’s talk about when it’s time to let them go—whether it’s because of wear and tear or simply because your style has changed.
Do You Actually Like Your Ink Pads?
First things first, know which type of ink pad you genuinely prefer. There are linen pads (like the Tuxedo Black ink pad) and foam pads. Foam pads can be made from various materials, but it really comes down to personal preference.
For me, switching away from linen pads was a game changer. Honestly, I wish the Tuxedo pad would switch too! If you don’t like the feel of your ink pads, you won’t use them—so don’t be afraid to let them go.
Over time, ink pads can crystallise. I used to toss them out because I felt overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning them… until recently. I announced to my husband I was about to tackle it—gloves on, pep talk done—only to discover it was ridiculously easy.
All I did was run the pad under the tap, gently pressing out the ink. Five minutes later, it was clean. I used a towel (not a good one—learn from me!) and my hairdryer on low to speed up drying.
Then I over-inked it like a total rookie. I thought I’d need at least 1/8 of a reinker bottle—nope. Twenty drops was too much!
Pro tip: start with 10 drops, especially with newer Stampin’ Up! foam pads. Total clean-up time? Under 10 minutes. Drama was absolutely unnecessary.
Let’s Talk Colour: What Sparks Joy?
Colour trends change. We change. Sometimes we buy colours as part of a set (yay sets… boo sets), or for certain paper collections, or a specific holiday. And just like stamps, it’s okay to get rid of seasonal colours. (Yes you have my permission!)
Let’s use winter jumper (sweater for North American friends) as an example. Chances are, you’ve updated your jumper more recently than you’ve cleared out your ink pads. The old jumper still works, but you wanted a new style or colour—same goes for your ink.
I love colour—
Colour is my favourite part of crafting. Adding a few fresh ink pads can breathe new life into your stamps. But if you’re not using certain colours, they become clutter. The weight of unused supplies can stifle creativity. Letting go of old colours can genuinely feel amazing.
I recently couldn’t get rid of two particular colours fast enough after it retired. I happily used up every bit of it, and it felt ah-maz-ing. Some colours just wear out their welcome—like Blushing Bride and Wild Wheat for me. I was done with them before they were even officially retired.
A friend of mine gasped when she saw I had an empty spot in my ink pad holder. She buys new racks to keep expanding—she’s now up to over 150 ink pads, many untouched in over a decade!
Not me. I’ve been decluttering ink pads for 10+ years and I’m fine. I only held onto Pebbled Path because it’s a perfect neutral when I don’t want to use black. (If I was being truly honest, I could get rid of Pebble Path too – but I’m only human.)
Break up your colour collections. Keep the ink pads that you love, box up what bores you, and make space for new ink and colours you’ll actually use. You won’t regret it.
💬 Now I want to hear from you—
Are you a ‘keep them all just in case’ crafter, or are you ready to embrace a lighter, fresher craft space? Do you have an ink pad that’s overdue for retirement? Let me know in the comments below! Let’s chat about it—no judgement here!
Until next time… happy creating.
Chrissy
