I have been looking around on SugarCraft and Earleens site and a few others. So many choices. What is your opinion on the ones that seem to give a deeper or brighter color.
Ameri Color, Wilton any other you might know of, powder or gel?
Items are limited to Wilton where I live so ordering online is the way I would go. But I would prefer not to venture out with out a word of wisdom, or at least opinions. Also the impression mats. Where do you feel is the BEST place to purchase these. I dont want to make any HUGE $200 order but am willing to and wanting to be able to offer a little more to the people who would like for me to make their cake. I'm not a pro but LOVE doing this for a little extra income and to bless other too.
Well you need to venture no futher when it comes to colors!! Jackie and Heath have now starting carrrying Americolor Gels in the online store!! Thanks also to Colorboy who is also the official rep or spokesperson on here for Americolor!! You really can't get any better than that!!
Laurel 
Well I have the large Red and Black and I have had them for about a year now..they are half full and still good!! As for the mats...Sugarcraft.com and Earlenemoore.com have a good selection of mats which are reasonably priced.
As for the Americolors....you won't be disappointed!!! You'll never use anything else again!
I can't help you on the color question since my knowledge is limited to Wilton only.
On the impression mat question, I just ordered two mats from http://www.cakesbysam.com two weeks ago. I got them rather quickly, and they were reasonably priced. I think they were under $25 after shipping and handling for both . While I still have yet to use them, I am very pleased with my purchase.
HTH
Tina 
ANOTHER QUESTION do you think the colors stay good(useable) a long enough time to warrent the larger bottles. Or do you yhink colors that are rarely used would be best in small bottles??
Colorboy has told us that Americolor is guaranteed to be good for a shelf life of one year, but it is often good longer.
Our recommendation is to start with the small bottles until you figure out how fast you are using them up and what colors you like best, then you can graduate to the bigger bottles in select colors.
I also just placed an order with CC for americolor after reading all the posts.
I have tried the powdered color which worked okay but, I didn't think it was any better than the Wilton colors. I tried them after someone recommened trying them for a better red. Actually, the red seemed to leaves specks in the buttercream. I'll use up what I have, but I don't know if I would buy them again.
Like Smoochiefrog, I also purchased an impression mat from http://www.cakesbysam.com (as well as Satin Ice Fondant). Haven't recieved it yet, but should be here in a day or so.
In my search for impression mats, I was discouraged at the s/h costs. $8-10 for one $5.00 impression mat. Unfortunately, the one local cake supply store that I know, didn't carry the diamond one I was looking for.
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