5 Ways to Color the Irresistible Designs Specialty DSP

There’s something extra satisfying about discovering a hidden gem—and this week, I’m putting the spotlight on the Irresistible Designs 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper from the annual catalog. With three beautiful patterns and two sheets of each, this DSP is the perfect canvas for creativity. In fact, I’ve found five fun ways to color it, and I’m sharing them all with you today and in my latest video!

I have five different techniques to share with you here, but I’m sure there are other methods for coloring and using this DSP out there, too. Let this be a jumping-off point to explore and play with your favorite supplies.

The first technique is one of my go-to methods: Blending Brushes. This gives such beautiful control over color placement and saturation. You can add just a whisper of color or go bold. I used both Highland Heather and Lost Lagoon inks on my card with this method, adding soft color to the floral and leaf patterns.

The card features a striking butterfly die cut with the Beautiful Butterflies dies from Perennial Lavender DSP and the sentiment “Sending Hugs” from the Greetings For All Ephemera. It turned out beautifully—and I’m excited to enter it into two challenges: Just Add Ink #765 Challenge for the color combo and Sunday Stamps #367 Challenge for the layout.

Next up, is the “direct-to-paper” technique using ink pads. This method adds a deep, rich color to the DSP while still allowing the UV-coated design to shine through. For my example, I created a scrapbook layout inspired by a fabulous fall train trip my husband and I took with friends.

Using Azure Afternoon and Real Red ink pads, I swiped color directly across the leaf-patterned DSP, then gently wiped the excess ink from the coated areas. The result is absolutely stunning and perfectly complements the memories from our leaf-peeping adventure. This layout is being entered into Sketch-N-Scrap #319 Challenge for the design and Color Hues #116 Challenge for the bold blue and red palette.

Watercoloring is the third technique I’m featuring here—and honestly, it’s hard not to love this one. I used a bit of the plaid DSP on my Silicone Craft Sheet and added color using my Aqua Painter and Lost Lagoon ink. It’s easy to create a custom wash of color that keeps the beautiful coated details peeking through.

The end result was made into a fun gatefold card featuring the Sunrise Sailing stamp set and coordinating dies and 3D Embossing Folder showcased behind the sailboat on an oval cut from the Impressions Abloom dies. A simple “Ahoy!” on a banner (cut with the Stylish Shapes dies) brings a fun nautical vibe.

I’m entering this one into The Paper Players #752 Challenge for layout and Time Out Challenges #295, inspired by a peaceful dockside breakfast scene with sailboats and coffee. The colors—Pool Party, Pecan Pie, Lost Lagoon with little touches of Flirty Flamingo—just fit perfectly.

Technique four is a fun twist using Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers. These apply smooth, vibrant color to the DSP, even over the coated patterns.

While the color does cling a bit to the UV shine, it’s lighter and adds a subtle contrast. The Timid Tiger light blend was used to color the DSP on a fun cocktail-themed card.

The card base is Blackberry Bliss and features two fancy drinks fussy-cut from the Celebratory Sips DSP, layered with coordinating strips of paper and a sentiment that simply says, “Cheers.” The Irresistible DSP steals the show with its soft, glowing pop of color!

Finally, wrapping up with a technique that’s both fun and full of personality—coloring the DSP using Stampin’ Write Markers. This method gives a more imperfect, watercolor-like effect and wipes off beautifully from the UV-coated patterns. It’s not as smooth as Blends or water coloring, but that brushed, artsy vibe adds so much character to the finished project.

Whether you’re a card maker, scrapbooker, or just love trying new techniques, I hope this post and video inspires you to look at this specialty paper in a whole new way. The Irresistible Designs DSP is way too fabulous to be forgotten in the catalog shuffle—and now you’ve got five ways to bring it to life in your next crafty project.

Check out the full video (above) and let me know—what coloring technique are you excited to try first?

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