Looking for a simple way to add colour, texture, and interest to your cards without lots of layers or tools? In my Facebook and YouTube Live on 3rd July, I shared how to create beautiful cards using a blended ink background and the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set. This technique not only adds a soft, dreamy finish to your projects but also gives you loads of creative flexibility.
Why try a blended ink background?
One of the things I enjoy about blending inks is the flexibility it offers. You can go bold or soft depending on your colour choices, and even if it doesn’t turn out quite how you imagined, you can often adapt the design or try again on the other side. It’s all part of the creative process!
Blending allows you to create your own custom backgrounds in colours that suit your project perfectly. Whether you like soft pastels or bold brights, there’s no limit to the combinations you can try. Plus, it’s relaxing—and who doesn’t need a bit more calm in their week?
Add splatter for extra interest
To give your background a bit of extra life, I also added some ink splatter using Stampin’ Write Markers. It’s a small detail, but it helps break up the colour and gives the card a more artistic look. You can keep it subtle or go a little more dramatic, depending on the feel you’re after.
Options for backgrounds
There are a few ways to incorporate blending into your card design. In some of the cards I shared during the live, the ink blending was used on the card base itself as a full background. In others, I used the technique just on the butterfly image before cutting it out. Both give beautiful results.
Here is the card in Balmy Blue and Fresh Freesia:
You can also add stamped textures to the background (like dots or splotches) or keep it smooth and simple. It’s a fun way to make multiple variations using the same supplies, just by changing how and where you use the blended colour.
Coffee & Cards creation
These cards were originally created for my Coffee & Cards class this month. It’s always a joy to gather with others for a hot drink and a bit of crafting. These designs were simple enough to work in a short time frame but had that “wow” factor thanks to the blending, bold butterfly, and optional splatter or embellishments.
👉 Click here to view all the supplies used
Watch the Live Video
If you’d like to see how these cards came together, the colours I used, and how the backgrounds were blended, be sure to watch the replay of this week’s live video below for extra tips and inspiration.
If you’re feeling inspired to give this technique a go, I encourage you to try it out with your own favourite colours. Whether you go for the soft tones or something a little bolder, blending ink is a great way to create a unique background every time.
And if you’re not sure where to start or would like to order any of the supplies, feel free to reach out to me or visit my online shop.
I hope today’s card ideas have inspired you to try creating with a blended ink background and the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set!