Help and Guidance needed on choosing SU colors

[Dith in NC]

Hi,
I had have a ton of 11+ year old mix and match stamp pads which are getting dry.

I basically only order from Stampin up now.

I wanted to replace my colors so they all coordinate to the SU paper and cardstock I�ve purchased.

My question is � how to do you choose?

I started with a set of designer paper that I wanted and the matching ink and cardstock colors, but then I got stuck.

It�s all pretty.

Do you do ROYGBIV and pick some of each?

I was going to just become a hobby stamper because the sign up is so good right now.

Is there any benefit after you sign up besides the 20% discount.

Since I�m starting fresh I just didn�t want to make any mistakes.

Thank you so much in advance for your advice.

[postmark]

Can you afford to purchase one color family at a time? They are priced to be a little cheaper that way. And if you decide to be a hobby demo it doesn't take too much effort to get to the next level to earn 25% discount. I would start with your favorite color family that you use the most.

[bzzzeee]

Starting with the colors in design paper you like is a great idea! Next, think about what colors you will most likely need in the near future. Will you be making cards for Easter, weddings, babies, Mother's Day, etc? If so, you might want to choose soft colors, or a family that includes the spring colors. As the year goes on, then think Summer brights, earthy Fall and Winter jewel tones. Have fun!

[lindylou1220]

You might consider the 2016-18 in colors if those appeal to you. They will definitely be current for another year.

[rockybeta]

I've found the colors that appeal to me the most are also the ones I gravitate towards in clothing and/or home decor. In the spring and summer I look to my gardens. If I had to pick my one all time favorite color it would be Old Olive.........I think it goes with everything.........but maybe that's just my imagination playing tricks on me because I use it so much.

[Brenda71]

I wanted all the colors, so I joined in 2006. I've been my own best customer since then!! LOL I'm still hanging in there as a mostly hobby demo. I would get the color family that you think you would use the most first. Then the others as you have the funds. (If you want them all)

[cardmaker2]

Personally I have now what I use most and am really fond of. There are many very similar to old colours, if you aren't planning to be a demo, maybe you could get away with keeping some of the old cardstock and getting new ink that are super close. I may get shot down for that, but for my purposes, some of them are 'close enough'. Not all, for sure. I also don't have every single colour of ink pad although I do have a lot. If I I feel I can make one colour serve more than one shade of cardstock, I will, for example, stamp off once will make a lighter shade of the ink. Sometimes that works for me.

A word about the new sponge ink pads. I find they dry out faster than the old ones so make sure you get reinkers with whatever colours you get.

I usually try a multipack of the new in colours, then I see if I want to invest more fully in single colour packs and ink. This year I haven't been interested in them.

I know I love and use lots of neutrals, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Tip Top Taupe. They go with almost everything else! I lean toward greens, purples, love Cherry Cobbler my go to red for everything. There are time when only Bravo Burgundy will do and it's retired, so I am glad I have old colours around still. Keep in mind seasons though, as mentioned, you could get fall colours later on if you need to pace yourself.

The thing with being a demo for others, is you can't use what they can't buy, so you couldn't demo with retired colours. Hobby demo would be more flexible.

Good luck with your choices and decisions!

[Dith in NC]

Thank you so much for all your help! This has given me a lot to think about.