Custom Colour DSP is a great way to make black and white patterned paper coordinate with the colours you want to use on your handmade cards.
In this week’s Facebook and YouTube Live, I shared how I used a blending brush and ink to colour the black and white pattern from the Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper. This is such a handy technique, especially when you want your Designer Series Paper to match your cardstock, ribbon, sentiment and embellishments.
For my cards, I used some of the 2026–2028 In Colors. During the Live, I demonstrated the Golden Glow version and also showed finished samples in Hydrangea Hue and Peaceful Pine. I have also started working with the other colours too, including Calypso Coral and Barely Blush.
Custom Colour DSP with Ink and a Blending Brush
The lovely thing about black and white Designer Series Paper is that you have options. You can leave it black and white for a classic look, or you can add colour and make it suit your project.
By using a Blending Brush and ink, you can add as much or as little colour as you like. You can keep the colour soft and subtle, or build it up for a stronger look. It is a simple way to take one piece of patterned paper and make it look completely different depending on the colour you choose.
A Simple Card Sketch with Coloured DSP
The card design uses a simple three-panel sketch. This layout was inspired by a card I made a few years ago, and I thought it would be fun to bring it back with a fresh look.
You could keep the card simple by using the coloured DSP on a plain card front, or you can step it up like I did by adding an embossed background. I used the Lazy Daisy Embossing Folder, which works beautifully with the floral patterned paper and adds lovely texture to the card.
During the Live, I also shared two different sentiment options. One card used a die-cut label from the Nestled Essentials Dies, and the other used a simple rectangle with a hand-drawn dashed border. This is a great option if you do not have the exact die or punch shape you want.
I did realise afterwards that I forgot to add the embellishments to the card I made during the Live! They are on my finished samples, and they really do add that final finishing touch. And I added it to the card before taking the photo!
On the Hydrangea Hue cards which I had made before the Live, I tried two different sentiment options. One card uses the Labeled with Love Punch, which is retiring and currently half price, so it is a great one to look at while it is still available. The other card uses one of the Nested Essentials Dies, which gives a longer sentiment shape and a stitched edge. I like both, but the longer die-cut piece balances nicely across the three DSP panels. Which one do you prefer?
Watch How I Made These Custom Colour DSP Cards
To see how I made these cards and how the colour is added to the paper, watch the replay from this week’s Live. In the video, I show how I coloured the paper, cut it into panels, added the embossed layer, and tried the different sentiment ideas.
You will also see the other colour samples and a few ideas for adapting this card sketch with other patterned papers you may already have.
Custom Colour DSP for In Color Club
I also used this Custom Colour DSP idea for the card included with the June packs for my In Color Club members. Each person receives a different colour of the month, and because the Designer Series Paper comes in a mixed pack, I rotated the colours across the cards. It was a fun way to show the same card design in Hydrangea Hue, Peaceful Pine, Golden Glow, Calypso Coral and Barely Blush. I love seeing how one simple layout can look quite different just by changing the colour.
Measurements Shared in the Live
Card base: 14.85cm x 21cm, scored at 10.5cm
Designer Series Paper: 7.5cm x 12cm, then cut into three 4cm wide panels
Basic White layer behind the DSP panels: 8cm x 13cm
Embossed piece: 10.2cm x 14.5cm
These measurements are for a standard A4 card base. You can adapt the idea to suit the card size you usually make.
Supplies Used for These Custom Colour DSP Cards
You can find the full supply list here.
If you would like to see other cards I have made with the Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper, you can see them here.
Try Colouring Black and White DSP
Have a look through your stash and see if you have any black and white patterned paper that could be coloured with ink. It is a simple way to make your paper work with more card designs and more occasions.
You could try this idea with floral paper, stripes, spots, or other simple black and white patterns. It is also a great way to make your card match a favourite colour, a particular ribbon, or the supplies you already have on hand.
If you would like to purchase any of the products used, you are welcome to visit my online store or please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. I would also love to know what colour you would try for your own Custom Colour DSP card.