Creating with the 2026-2028 In Colors: Artisan Match Up InstaHop

Have you ever looked at a brand new color and thought, “I have to scrapbook with that”?

That was me the moment I saw Hydrangea Hue. This gorgeous new 2026–2028 In Color is soft, joyful, and just a little bit dreamy. And when the 2026 Artisan Design Team announced our unofficial In Color Match Up InstaHop, I knew exactly which color I was reaching for.

The idea behind the hop is simple: each Artisan chose one of the new In Colors and paired it with a combination of current Stampin’ Up!® colors to create a fresh, inspiring color story. Then we each created a project to show it off!

Here is the color formula I landed on, and friend, I am in love with it:

Hydrangea Hue + Flirty Flamingo + Petal Pink + Daffodil Delight + Basic Black + Basic White

That combination of soft and bold, warm and cool, is just chef’s kiss. It felt like the perfect palette to document one of the most special memories from this season of my Artisan journey.

The Story Behind This Layout

This past March, Stampin’ Up!® held OnStage events around the world, and I had the absolute joy of attending. But the most meaningful part? Getting to meet my fellow 2026 Artisan Design Team members in person, along with so many incredible Artisan Alumni who have gone before us.

Once an Artisan, always an Artisan. That is the truth, and this layout is the proof.

I created a 12×12 scrapbook page to hold all of those memories, and I wanted it to feel as joyful and colorful as the experience itself.

A Closer Look at the Layout

The foundation of the page is a clean White Willow Cardstock background — but it is not just plain white! I used the new Water & Dotted Lines 12×12 Decorative Masks with a blending brush and Hydrangea Hue ink to create a soft, subtle dotted line pattern across the background. It adds just enough texture to make the page feel intentional and layered without competing with the photos or the patterned papers. It is one of those quiet little details that you might not notice right away, but once you see it, you love it.

I layered in several beautiful paper packs on top to create that rich, textured look:

•Painted Patterns 12×12 Designer Series Paper — for pattern and texture

•Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper — the colorful striped pattern running along the top & bottom of the page (I used a strip of the Painted Patterns in Hydrangea Hue to alter the color combo to coordinate with my color scheme)

•Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper — the black-and-white floral pattern that adds bold contrast

•Beach Boardwalk 12×12 Designer Series Paper — layered in for depth and color

The two large tag focal points are cut from Hydrangea Hue cardstock and hold the photo strips of the ADT 2026 and ADT Alumni groups. The labels at the bottom of each tag — “ADT 2026” and “ADT Alumni” — are printed in Black and grounded with a strip of white.

Right in the center where the two tags meet, I added a large die-cut ampersand from the Beautiful Life Bundle in Flirty Flamingo. It is the perfect visual anchor that says, “These two groups belong together.”

On the left side of the page, I tucked in a smaller personal photo of me with my sweet friend Cindy, layered over more patterned paper and a pop of Flirty Flamingo. Beside the photo is a “noteworthy” journaling card where I handwrote the words that kept coming to mind all weekend:

Once an Artisan, always an Artisan. 2026.

Simple. True. Worth preserving.

A butterfly die-cut in Black floats nearby, which felt just right — a little symbol of transformation and beauty.

The Ruched Ribbon Technique

One of my absolute favorite details on this page is the textured ribbon border that runs across the bottom of the photo section. I used the new Hydrangea Hue Ribbon and created a ruched ribbon effect that gives it a beautiful ruffled, dimensional look.

Here is how to do it:

1. Apply a strip of Tear & Tape Adhesive along the edge where you want your ribbon.

2. Starting at one end, press the ribbon into the adhesive.

3. Gently fold the ribbon back on itself to create a small pleat, then press it down firmly into the tape.

4. Continue folding and pressing all the way along the length of the tape.

That is it! The result is a gorgeous, ruffled ribbon border that adds softness and dimension without any complicated tools. It is one of those techniques that looks impressive but is so simple once you know the trick. The Hydrangea Hue Ribbon has the most beautiful texture that makes the ruching look even more polished.

Hop Along for More Inspiration!

This layout is a reminder that you do not need ALL the things. Sometimes, all it takes is one beautiful new color, a handful of photos, and a story worth telling.

Your story matters. These moments matter. And they deserve to be beautifully preserved.

Be sure to hop along with the rest of the 2026 Artisan Design Team on Instagram to see how each designer interpreted this color challenge. You are going to walk away with so many color combo ideas!

Click here to visit my Instagram and hop along!