Make Ink At Home! Ink Pad Recipe Bonanza!

DIY Ink Pad Recipe Bonanza!
Sponsored by Lava® Soap. Find Lava soap at Walmart, bit.ly/LavaSoap_Walmart_TFC and other fine retailers. Visit lavasoap.com/ to learn more and find a store near you. For money saving coupons click here: bit.ly/LavaSoapCoupon_TFC. Follow Lava Soap on Facebook for more tips on how to clean up after craft projects: / lavasoap
*Keep in mind the best practices for keeping your ink pads in good working order is to use the appropriate reinker: shrsl.com/1i0pt I make sure to have a reinker for any inkpad I rely on. Sometimes though a company doesn't offer reinkers or they discontinue a color but you still have the pad. Or you are in the middle of a project and neek ink ASAP in which case we have you covered!
Protect your workspace! I use these super cheap teflon mats than can be cut up to convenient sizes. You get 3 huge ones for $7 on amazon: amzn.to/2O0BmxO *They are $25 each or more at the craft store!
Reinking a dye based ink pad. I have to say that for dye ink pads that adult stampers use your best bet is to buy a commercially prepared reinker. Most dye based pads are similar and you can cross brands. I have used Stampin Up reinkers to ink of other brands pads with no issues. In face many popular companies all have their inks made by the same company. I like juicy ink pads to I keep adding ink to my pad until it stops absorbing ink.
DIY Dye Based Ink Recipe:
Liquid watercolor : amzn.to/2F8iZUK
Vegetable Glycerin: amzn.to/2W3f01J
*For childrens ink pads mix liquid watercolors to desired share and drip on inkpad.
For adult stampers ink pads add 1 drop glycerin to every 2 drops liquid watercolor (mix to achieve the correct color) and apply to inkpad. If the inkpad stamps splotchy or seems to juicy leave uncovered for a few hours and do a test stamp. That will allow excess water in the watercolor to evaporate.
DIY Embossing ink: Glycerin: amzn.to/2W3f01J
DIY Ink Refresher: Fill a 4oz spray bottle with water and 1 Tablespoon of glycerin, shake and spray on dried out dye ink pads.
DIY chalk ink:
Drugstore Isopropyl Alcohol or distilled water (in a spray bottle)
Chalk pastels: amzn.to/2u6iN2j
Spray some rubbing alcohol (or distilled water) on a teflon mat and scribble the select colors of pastel chalks to match the inkpad you wish to reink. You will make a cream consistency slurry or ink. Use your chalk inkpad to sop up the ink. Easy peasy and with 64 colors in the $10 chalk set you probably won’t have to mix colors!
DIY Ink Pads
For Dye inks you need Cut and Dry Felt: shrsl.com/1i0pr (more expensive on Amazon) amzn.to/2O3MERP
For pigment or chalk inks you need Cut and Dry Foam: shrsl.com/1i0pp (more expensive on Amazon) amzn.to/2O8Ufip
A shallow container such as clamshell packaging.
Directions: Cut the felt to size and ink up with the appropriate ink!
*This is great for making custom rainbow and ombre inks. For a disposable option you can add reinkers to a baby wipe.
DIY Pigment ink:
Gouache: amzn.to/2TzSWif
Glycerin
A palette knife or spatula for mixing
Directions: Take a pea-blueberry size dab of gouache and add 5 drops of glycerin, mix well with a palette knife and apply to dry pigment inkpad. If the ink feels too thick spritz with distilled water or drugstore alcohol.
*For metallic ink use metallic gouache or Pearl Ex (see below)
Pearl-Ex Ink pads
Pearl Ex mica powder: amzn.to/2TCCFJm
Glycerin
Directions: Add ½ teaspoon of pigment powder to the inkpad. Drop on 10 drops of glycerin on top. Spread out with an old gift card. If it feels to dry spritz with alcohol.
*This will also work for old Mica Magic Ink pads, this is great on black paper!
Staz-On Ink refresher (alcohol ink pads)
Denatured Alcohol amzn.to/2XUIr7O Apply to dry or sticky stazon pad. I use about 15 drops and let sit an hour before using. If your inkpad is used up you will get a faint impression but if it is just dried out this will reconstitute the ink. I alternate using Staz-On Reinker and Denatured alcohol because if you get too much reinker on the pad it feels sticky. *You can also use denatured alcohol to revive dried up alcohol pens. Do not spray apply denatured alcohol!
Don’t forget to use Lava soap to clean up your hands afterward! Happy crafting!
*This post may contain affiliate links

[@rendaowe]

Thanks for the glycerin tip, I was totally researching that. No need to look any further. You could put hand sanitizer in those water colors, it will thicken up the ink and make it a stronger ink to boot. Foot Coloring can be added to brighten up that yellow as well. Sanitizer can be used to make a form of alcohol ink out of food colors, tempora colors, etc. Loved your video, you gave a lot of information in a small amount of time and certainly didn’t drag it out at all. Great job! I found you by searching to see if glycerin is what’s in an embossing pad. Awesome.

[@jabaricameron9264]

you all prolly dont care but does anyone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost my password. I would love any tips you can offer me.

[@arianjason7622]

@Jabari Cameron Instablaster :)

[@jabaricameron9264]

@Arian Jason i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@jabaricameron9264]

@Arian Jason It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@arianjason7622]

@Jabari Cameron Glad I could help xD

[@mystictempt763]

I love the moment the ink to pops off and ink gets on the table! Thank you for showing the messy parts of these projects. I'm so tired of seeing time lapse cuts that are just perfect from start to finish!

[@reneesmith2665]

I cannot say enough how glad I found your videos. I am frugal too and the idea that I can make my own supplies has made me so inspired that words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you.

[@lisajordan2651]

I agree, I'm Bing watching her other videos. Today I went out and bought a 24pk GOUACHE PAINT SET! I refuse to buy the refills, they're expensive! Thank goodness for frugal and better to our earth!!

[@candicreates591]

Lindsay, I enjoy the variety in content of your current videos, there is however just something special about your classic frugal crafter style diy lessons that bring me joy. Over the last many years people think *I* am clever when I share (with credit to you) the long list of things I've learned from you. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge and skills in a nice variety of content areas.

[@effiecross2008]

This x100! I love all of Lindsay's vids, but her homemade supplies videos are the reason I originally fell in love with her channel. I was SO excited to see this pop up today! I've missed them!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks Ladies! They are fun to make! It is hard to find something really "new" to reinvent these days:)

[@CraftAmundous]

Indeed!

[@amkarei]

WE are very glad you're having fun, cuz it rubs off onto US!! It's less important that what you present is "new", than how you present it...with enthusiasm...and with...JOY!!! We love it! @@thefrugalcrafter

[@pamelagilfillen6780]

This so much this

[@sandyvillanueva4679]

Oh wow, this was perfect! I just pulled out all my old Stampin Up gear and found that after 15+ years, my ink pads were bone dry. I'm going to try the glycerin and let you know if they come back to life! Thanks for sharing! ;o)

[@LunaBianca1805]

I didn't even know chalk ink was a thing ^^' So I definitely learned something new hunching over my breakfast cereal bowl ;) I totally love the idea of re - inking pads for which you can't buy refills for. So much better than just throwing away pads that have only dried up but are still good to go otherwise - both for ones purse and for our nature 🥰 And I totally love the idea of making custom made ink pads, those rainbow colours look really, really cool 🌈

[@paulalovesart4545]

Good point, about this being good for our nature. It is a very "green" thing to do this!

[@TheWanderingWife]

It goes without saying that this is another great crafting video, but what I really want to say is how much I LOVE your new hair color! It looks so much healthier, and it makes you look 10 years younger!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thank you:) it really helps during the "pale" months:)

[@CraftAmundous]

I can hear the ink manufactures groaning from where I am at. Thanks Lindsay! StayzOn was a mystery, but not now!

[@beccaneeley4389]

This is the most helpful video I've watched in a long time! My staz-on is definitely over inked because its sticky, and now I know how to fix it. I'm also going to try the liquid watercolor reinkers on some old/dry mini pads I was going to toss. Thank you so much Lindsay! I'm so excited to try out everything new I learned!

[@robyndixon8361]

My dad used to use Lava soap!! I haven't thought about it in years!! I loved the way it smelled! I've got to buy some now!! ❤❤

[@kryssygee4814]

This is a huge treasure chest of info!!! Thank you so much for putting it all together!! Just WOW!

[@RWilliams0402]

Thank you so much, Lindsay. This will be so valuable in preventing waste and saving money.

[@tammywhalley8402]

Thanks for the 411 on all the ink rejuvenation. And a BIG HELLS-YA! for the quick clean-up with the Lava Soap.

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

WOW Lindsay! You crammed a lot of ideas in there. Great job! Definitely bookmarking this vid for future reference.

[@bevybee2012]

This is great to know I am on a fixed budget thank you Lindsey

[@naturesbestart3288]

Amazing video Lindsay. Thank you so much for all that wonderful, useful information!

[@jodihepler6202]

I didn't think Lava soap was still around. My dad used it after working in grease and oil years ago. Thank you for this video because I have several different kinds of ink pads that was in a large bag that I got at Goodwill.

[@Elizabeth45840]

I Absolutely Love this Video. I have watched more than once. My dad Loves Lava soap! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@KatzyBaby]

OMG, you are a genius. I wish I'd known these things about $300 worth of inkpads ago. Even the stamp cleaner is amazing. Thanks so much!

[@fgraham8712]

My stepdad is a mechanic and used nothing but Lavasoap after he worked on cars and the equipment he worked on at the dye company he worked for. He swore by it. It really does work. It has an interesting texture. Very grippy, if that's a word. Thanks for the vid!

[@theresa_lili]

Sandy...its sandy.

[@amkarei]

BUT...being Sandy makes it Grippy!! (tee-hee) @@theresa_lili

[@theresa_lili]

@@amkarei lol. Agree!!

[@traveldreamer4616]

Lindsey, this was such a helpful and informative video! Thank you for sharing this info!

[@genajones7914]

I LOVE the idea of painting your desk or work surface a bunch of crazy colors. My desktop is beat up and I have been using contact paper to cover it, but it gets wrinkled when I set anything remotely hot on it or use my heat gun near it. I think this weekend I will just let my 10 and 11-year-old kids go nuts with paint on my desktop.

[@rhondallyons9842]

Wow! You're the best teach Lindsey! Thank you!

[@michiganderintexas]

Also, Lava soap - that's a distant memory from long ago - my auto mechanic father used it and loved it - I've put it on my shopping list for the week. Thank you for the memory of it.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

Love this! Old school Lindsay video. This is why I subscribed to your channel years ago. I've been hanging onto some Marvy mettalic ink that are dried out because I thought you might have a way to revive them. At least I can try. Thanks so much Lindsay.

[@marypanich9880]

Wow, I didn’t realize I could re-ink old stamp pads using anything but re-inker. These tips are awesome! I did know about Lava soap being awesome because we have used it in the laundry sink for years. My mom and I got the idea one year when we were repainting the living room. I was so tired of trying to get the latex paint off my hands and arms. With lava it came right off and using a nail brush took care of underneath our nails! It is great for garden dirt, too! Thanks!

[@lisajordan2651]

Growing up in Rhode Island we had it at every sink! Great soap.

[@pokey3010]

Thank you so much for this! Much needed information about inks you save us all $$! Love Lava soap too!!

[@Chichirinoda]

wow! I never thought I could rejuvenate chalk ink pads like that! I got some hand-me-down chalk ink pads... gonna go try this method!

[@anitaholmes6824]

Totally enjoyed this and all the tips you shared. gotta love that soap! TFS

[@CrftyLdy]

Lindsay, that was a great video. I have so many pads that have dried up before using. Going to try and refresh them with your tips. TFS

[@jenrosenberg3276]

Thanks for this tutorial, Lindsay! Love your videos!

[@loracutting4542]

Love your hair. It looks so healthy. I enjoy your videos they make me get excited to do crafts. Great info for saving money and having fun. Thank you.

[@baxtersmomma]

Thanks so much for this video Lindsay! So helpful and packed with information!! 😊💜

[@Wilma.B]

Always learning something new,l've never heard of liquid watercolor .thanks

[@Linda-qq5mg]

You have the best ideas! I really enjoyed this video! Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make your videos.

[@lisamiller8174]

Love the idea for using my gouache. Mix to create custom colors.

[@ArtsiRosi]

I ran and ordered 6 bars of Lava soap from Amazon when you mentioned it in your last video. It's AMAZING!!! I brought one to leave at school (College) in my oil painting classroom (I'm a student!). I also have one in my studio bathroom. EVERYONE loves it!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I have a white soap bar box for my "hand" lava and a green soap box for my "brush" lava:) It's so good!

[@theresa_lili]

Ha ha!! Lava soap. A blast from the past. When I was young that is the only bar soap at the utility sink. Didn't have all of the fancy soaps we have now, Goop, and the orange cleaner. Still can smell it!

[@susandickson9869]

Lindsay, I have rescued many dry pigment ink pads using your recipe. I often buy supplies at thrift stores or garage sales and inkpads are frequently dry. Money saved! I keep a spray bottle of your refresher recipe handy and my dye ink pads have new life. I have also reinked chalk pads with great success. Now I am experimenting with inkjet printer inks and glycerine. Sometimes it is impossible to get reinkers when colors have been discontinued. I can't afford to follow the trendy lines of so many of the big companies, so your DIY solutions keep me crafting! Thank you for this review and the new ideas added in. You are a valuable asset for us, a great artist, and very generous. God bless you.

[@tonismith8146]

This was one of the best videos I've seen thank you for sharing your talents with us

[@tthappyrock368]

You are such a wealth of information! Thank you so much!

[@denisehbisme]

I enjoyed this video so much and now need to go shopping for denatured alcohol, and vegetable glycerin, for all of my ink pads, and lava soap for clean up. My husband will really appreciate the soap as he has been scrubbing greasy work equipment and says my handmade craft soaps do not do the trick to remove all the grease from his hands easily.

[@cherylkorengel5094]

Fantastic knowledge. You really are THE FRUGAL CRAFTER. THANK YOU trufdog

[@sonialynnstation9905]

So happy to see you doing this video! You are always so HApPY!😁. I have decided to follow my dreams in the field of art...not to get rich , but to retire fulfilled !🙃 ❤️❤️ thank you for your Inspiration!

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Great tips! Thanks so much Lindsay.

[@annettefournier9655]

All the inky info in one video. Woohoo. I think Lava soap is older than I am. Good products stand the test of time. Thanks Lindsay. 😗😙💚

[@amkarei]

One of the VERY FEW products that the "bean counters" haven't "IMPROVED" out of existence!!!!

[@annettefournier9655]

@@amkarei and plain liquid castle soap too. It's been around so long people forgot how to use it. My grandma always had a bottle but never told us what four or how to use it. Didn't find out till I was a grandma🤣🤣

[@amkarei]

NOW you've left us in SUSPENSE...What IS it for, Grammy?!?!?!? @@annettefournier9655

[@starshinesoldier]

I love love love your diy videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@helendiaz3359]

Lindsey, I always LOVE your videos. This one is no exception. I live in the Caribbean so my pads tend to dry out. This video helps me immensely!

[@amkarei]

I live in Arizona. I think I might try the suggestion of another further down this list and keep my ink pads in a zip lock -- or Tupperware, as one person from the UK does!

[@lilaboss6894]

How do keep all of this crafty knowledge in your brain? I learn SO much from watching your videos! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@rhondajenkins5163]

Thank you so, so much Lindsey. You are so helpful and I Love your video's. God Bless!

[@ellenschmidt3005]

This is a very informative video! I hate throwing ink pads away; now I won't have to. Thanks Lindsay!

[@rhondita95]

Wow, great demos and info! Thanks, Lindsay. I missed this the first time around or just plain didn’t remember it!

[@created2bless322]

I'm on a roll binge watching! another oldie but goodie! Fabulous goodies on here, girl! I need to get busy, haha. Loved everything about this! Have a great day!

[@susandickson9869]

Thanks Lindsay for all of your great DIY tips to stretch our craft dollars. By the way - I love my Lava soap! I keep a nail brush near by for those pesky under the nails stains and it helps. I was raised around dirty jobs (grandpa and dad had a gas station, then a TV repair shop) and Lava soap was a staple in our home. It still works as well as it used to, and it has moisturizers for your skin now! I don't remember that 50+ years ago.

[@aprilharvey2225]

Wow! So much information! I’ll save and watch again. Thankyou.

[@tracietara4918]

Im on a very tight budget and just starting to journal so my funds went there so this was so helpful and enjoyed learning how to make a few ink pads for a few colors i have been eyeing. I have all these materials already and I cant wait to make an ink pad tonight! Thank you! ❤your newest subscriber

[@echubb03]

While were talking about Glycerin... I recently discovered how great it is for beauty products too! Its usually the main ingredients in lotions, soaps, lipsticks, etc. Well I've been using it on my face to combat dry skin,. Also can be used as a DIY, 3 ingredient setting spray for all you make up lovers. Thought I'd add to how great the product is.... maybe she mentions this, I'm at 28 min. Love all these ideas tho!!

[@amkarei]

Not in this one. Can't remember if she did so in the one she did about Glycerin only.

[@ArtistWizardry]

Such great ideas!!! Lava soap is awesome 👌😋

[@debthereb12]

Lots of great info Lindsey , thank you

[@catherinedoherty2025]

Wizardess! You amaze me with your amazing mind and generously.❤️

[@maryjaneocl]

Thank you for a fabulous tutorial . I've been watching you for a long time and enjoyed every video. Hugs from England xxx

[@bailey5935]

thank u for the watercolor idea i bought a pretty color at the thrift store yesterday but it was completely dried out sadly so now i get to try and create my own color

[@empowercarole11]

Brilliant solutions to reviving stamp pads that cost money! Thank you for your video. 🌹🌹🌹

[@irinaplace3033]

Great resource video! Thank you so much!

[@janetshaffer423]

I loved the stay on tip with denatured alcohol. Love your style ❤️💯👁

[@fazestorm4441]

It's a really good idea to keep your stamp pads and plastic bags and I learned this the hard way but it really helps

[@jesseb5112]

Thank you! I was given an embossing pad. I didn't need another one, but I want a gold metallic pad. I have tried 2 brands and NOT liked their gold. I remembered that you had a video on this. I will be making a gold ink pad

[@rhra6288]

Thank you so much Lindsay. I can not find inks or re-inkers I want or may need for one time projects. I inherited about 20 chalk ink pads...all dry or very light. Woohoo I don't have to toss them. I have pigment ink not sure what to use it on as the mini pigment ink pads seems to never dry, no matter what I try. I bought the denatured alcohol, glycerine, gum arabic, but could not remember why or how to use them. I couldn't find the video again. So thank you for giving me the recipes to use these items. I did not know about the white opaque Stazon. Now I know and will use your tip. I have added to my wishlist...a bigger set of chalks, a set of gauche, pipettes, kids liquid watercolors and lava soap. Thank you for being so giving of your tips, techniques, tutorials, painting tips and techniques.

[@carried9130]

Great video, I've learned a lot! Thanks Lindsay! 👍🏻💖🌸

[@edkarenlytle7893]

Wow!! Thank you!! this is all soo good to know!!

[@Elizabeth45840]

I got a bag of Stampin Up reinkers at the thrift store for a couple of dollars. I just bought the Cut-N-Dry to make mini ink pads. I am buying cheap mini ink pads and taking out the foam and putting in the pad. I have over 30 minis to make.

[@amkarei]

WOW...what a FIND!!

[@beckyb4074]

Walmart sells glycerin in the pharmacy section of store, is over the counter, not prescription stuff. Hope this helps someone. Becky B

[@2848Adriana]

Hi Lindsay, That is a fantasist video, so much information you are truly a frugal crafter, love all the tips as you go through your video, keep up the good work, really appreciate all that you do for the crafter here on You tube, TFS, Cheers Anna.

[@lindad1195]

Great info! Thank you! Lava about takes your skin off!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It doesn't harm mine and I use it all the time, at least several times a week as I get lots of paint and ink stains on my hands.

[@PatriciaBearden]

Love this video! Very informative! Thank you so much! ❤

[@debbiespringer7961]

Wow, lots of helpful information, thank you!

[@RoxanW]

Hi Lindsay! Loved this video about keeping stamp pads alive much longer than I would have ever thought possible!! Great tips, and I love the instruction on making a custom colors pad. I use a lot of Distress ink and reink them frequently but them still seem to become dry. Is there anything I can use on them to prolong the juiciness of them? Thank you so much for all your great videos!!

[@crystalwithartitout8821]

Great info thanks so much for sharing!

[@kathrynsloan4694]

Lindsay, Thank you for the pumice soap idea. I love to get inky but I am a Nurse and I cannot go to work with inky hands. Great solution.

[@melaniefoshee2771]

Free american is the best

[@opal777]

Love this video....esp the chalk ink refill. I don't use chalk inks that much either, but was sitting here thinking that if I ever need a color that I don't have in my inks and need to make my own color to match a project, I could do this and just ink up a makeup sponge for a one time job. Really cool to know!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

yup, you can even get flat oval makeup sponges!

[@denaheck1506]

Great to have, thanks for resending this. I didn’t see it originally, so my first time watching. Great to know because I live where humidity inside is alway below 20. Everything dries out, if I had room I’d keep my supply in a refrigerator (ha ha). The glycerin water in a spray bottle may be my life saver.

[@jimflack9462]

At your prompting in another video, I keep a bar of Lava soap at my kitchen sink for cleaning my brushes after watercoloring and using acrylic paint. I also keep another bar in my bathroom for cleaning my hands. I found it at a locally owned grocery in their soap aisle, and at Walmart back in automotive department. I have found that reinking a dye ink pad is more expensive than buying a new pad. But I do buy reinkers for my alcohol pads. Thanks once again for another learning experience!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

you are welcome!

[@jenniferwatson7118]

SO SO SO helpful! Thankyou!

[@Denise11Schultz]

So glad to find this, 1 AM crafting 😉🦋🌈

[@atxroque]

Another fantastic video!♥️♥️

[@dthomp06]

Such a cool tip. I was just wondering what to do with some ink pads that had dried out but hardly been used. I’ll give this a try.

[@eileenkenny7718]

I love your hair colour!

[@nancisailormoy9135]

Wow I just threw away about dry inkpads last week never knew I could reink them. Thanks for this information

[@corneliawright8292]

Your video was so helpful!!! Thank you!!!👍🏾

[@maryamhaddadi8258]

Love your new hair colour beautiful 👌❤️

[@norinemueller4588]

Great tips as always thank you

[@ronimckenzie1392]

Thank you for sharing your know how!

[@susanthatcher126]

So many great tips thank you

[@lifeisbutadreamsodreamon]

what a fabulous video, so many tips n tricks :) thank you! 😁

[@joannedonovan9489]

Thank you for this video! Now I know what to do with my ink pads!!

[@lizmelrose6595]

Thanks for all the tips. I have some of these issues.😃

[@ReneTheJeepGirl]

Hi Lindsay! Thank you for all the wonderful & useful information. I have a tip from the gardening world for ink under the fingernails. Before you start inking dig your fingernails into a bar of Lava soap. In gardening it keeps the dirt out. When inking, it will coat the underside of your nails and help keep the ink from staining.

[@amkarei]

Not to "Dis" Lava, but if you're going to be doing any amount of stamping, it would be far better to use a gentler soap for the duration. Then, if need be, use the Lava for the final scrub down.

[@renamiller8555]

Excellent as usual!

[@thelifeexperience7344]

I am a new viewer and sub. What caught my attention is how informative your videos are and how through the "mess" you get it done! 😆 lol.

[@functionoflightone]

Thanks so much...really helpful.