Distress Oxide Ink Pads Bundle - 12 Summer 2018 Colors

In this review of the Distress Oxide Ink Pads Bundle, the bottom line is simple: this 12-color Summer 2018 set is aimed at card makers, mixed-media artists and scrapbookers who want an immediate, cohesive palette that blends and reacts with water for oxidized effects. The collection contains full-size 3 x 3 in pads in complementary tones including Barn Door, Crushed Olive and Stormy Sky, making it a convenient grab-and-go kit for seasonal projects. For those seeking a well-curated color story and reliable blendability, this bundle delivers, though a few users report pad dryness that may need re-inking.

Key Features

• Curated 12-color set: The bundle includes Barn Door, Crushed Olive, Dusty Concord and nine other Summer 2018 shades so projects start with a coordinated palette.
• Full-size pads: Each 3 x 3 in ink pad is large enough for direct-to-surface inking, working well with most stamp sizes and stencils.
• Oxide formula: The water-reactive dye and pigment fusion creates distinctive oxidized textures when sprayed with water, expanding creative effects.
• Blendability: The inks layer and blend smoothly when used with ink blending tools and foam, allowing seamless gradients and soft transitions.
• Versatile application: Use these pads with stamps, stencils or direct to paper to add color, distressing or background washes.
• Good starter bundle: The selection covers bright, muted and neutral tones so it suits many project types without buying singles.

Who It's For

This set is best for crafters who enjoy mixed-media techniques, ink blending and water-reactive textures. Card makers and scrapbookers who want a compact, themed palette will appreciate the convenience of twelve full-size pads that cover warm, cool and neutral tones in one package.

It is less suitable for users who need perfectly juicy pads straight from the box for heavy production work; a few customers noted pad dryness, so professionals who require consistent saturation on day one may prefer buying individual pads to check condition or keeping re-inker on hand.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong, well-chosen color selection that works together across many designs.
• Full-size 3 x 3 in pads that are easy to use direct to surface and with stamps.
• Excellent blendability and creative oxidizing effects when sprayed with water.
• Good value for a themed bundle that avoids piecing together singles.

Cons

• Some buyers reported pads arriving rather dry and needing re-inking or extra pressure to get full coverage.

Specifications

Product	Bundle of 12 Distress Oxide Ink Pads
Brand	Tim Holtz
Pad size	3 x 3 in full-size pads
Colors included	Barn Door, Crushed Olive, Dusty Concord, Ground Espresso, Mowed Lawn, Mustard Seed, Old Paper, Ripe Persimmon, Spun Sugar, Stormy Sky, Tea Dye, Tumbled Glass
Ink type	Water-reactive dye and pigment fusion (Distress Oxide)
Use with	Stamps, stencils, direct to surface, Ink Blending Tools and Foam (tools sold separately)

Our Verdict

The Distress Oxide 12-color Summer 2018 bundle is a practical, creative kit for hobbyists who want a ready-made palette with dependable blending and oxidized water effects. It represents solid value for mixed-media and card making projects, though crafters who need consistently juicy pads from the first impression should be prepared to re-ink a few pads if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these full-size ink pads?
Yes, each pad is a full-size 3 x 3 in Distress Oxide ink pad.

Can I use these with water for oxidized effects?
Yes, the dye and pigment fusion is water-reactive and creates oxidized textures when sprayed or splattered with water.

Do they come ready to blend?
They are formulated for blending, but some users report pads arriving dry and may choose to add re-inker or press more firmly when blending.