Colour Mixing with Inks Beginners Guide
In this tutorial, Sheena Douglass shows you how to unlock a full spectrum of colour using Cosmic Shimmer Water-Based Inks in this simple yet effective mixing guide. These highly pigmented, water-reactive inks are perfect for paper crafts, mixed media, journaling, card making, scrapbooking and more. By working with just three base colours and black, this tutorial shows how to create everything from bold, vibrant shades to soft pastels and natural tones—perfect for getting the most from your inks.
If you’re starting out or looking to simplify your toolkit, this method is both cost-effective and gives you full control over your colour palette.
Watch Sheena's Colour Mixing Guide
What You'll Need
- A white palette or plate (essential for seeing true colours)
- Paintbrushes
- Water (ideally with two compartments)
- Kitchen paper for blotting and cleaning brushes
- A colour chart for testing and recording mixes click here to download (print on an inkjet that uses black pigment ink or a laser printer so the lines won’t bleed when painted)
Instructions
General Tips for Successful Colour Mixing
- Always start with the lighter colour when mixing
- Clean your brush thoroughly between colours
- Work gradually—add colour in small amounts
- Test and record your mixes for future reference
Your Essential Colours
To mix almost any colour, you only need four inks:
- Yellow (e.g. Marigold)
- Magenta (e.g. Raspberry Ripple)
- Cyan/Blue (e.g. Tuscan Teal)
- Black (e.g. Charcoal Black)
This is known as the CMYK colour model, commonly used in printing. These colours are chosen because they provide the widest possible mixing range.
Mixing Your First Colours
Start by mixing equal parts (1:1 ratio) of your base colours:
- Yellow + Magenta = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Blue + Magenta = Deep Blue/Purple tones
These are your secondary colours, and they form the foundation of your palette.
Creating Colour Variations
Once you’ve mixed your base combinations, you can begin adjusting them. Add more yellow for lighter, warmer tones. Add more blue for cooler, deeper shades. Add more magenta for richer, warmer hues. Even small changes create noticeably different colours, allowing you to build a wide spectrum from just a few inks.
Lightening and Softening Colours
To create softer tones or pastels, simply add water. More water = lighter, softer colour. Less water = deeper, more intense colour. This means every base colour you mix can produce a multitude of variations.
Creating Natural and Earthy Tones
To achieve more muted, realistic colours mix your secondary colours together (e.g. green + orange) or combine opposite colours (such as red and green). This reduces brightness and creates browns, greys, and olive tones—perfect for natural effects.
Using Black Ink
Black is powerful, so use it sparingly. Add a tiny amount to darken colours using it to create shadows and depth. Dilute it first for better control as a small touch can transform a bright colour into a moody, atmospheric shade.
Mixing Skin Tones
You can even create skin tones with this simple palette. Start with a warm orange (yellow + magenta) and add a small amount of green to neutralise. Adjust with water to lighten. This produces natural, balanced tones that can be refined further if needed.
Final Thoughts
With just three base colours and black, you can create an almost unlimited palette. From bold, vibrant shades to subtle neutrals, this approach gives you complete creative freedom without the need for dozens of pre-mixed colours.
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