Two-step stamping techniques are a simple way to add colour, shading and detail to your handmade cards. By layering two coordinating stamps, you can create a finished image with much more depth than you might expect.
In this week’s Facebook and YouTube Live, I used the Begonia Belle stamp set to create two floral cards. I also shared how to make two shades of the same colour using only one ink pad.
Begonia Belle—July Product of the Month
The Begonia Belle stamp set featured in these cards is the July 2026 Product of the Month. When you place an order of $150 or more, you can add the stamp set to your order for just $11, while stocks last. Even though it is now August, there are some stamp sets still available, but maybe not for long!
Begonia Belle is one example of a two-step stamping set, but there are other Stampin’ Up! stamp sets that use the same style of coordinating images. Once you understand how to layer the stamps and use stamped-off ink, you can apply these techniques to many different flowers, leaves and other designs.
What Is Two-Step Stamping?
Two-step stamping uses two separate stamps to create one complete image. One stamp forms part of the flower or leaf, while the coordinating stamp adds more detail, definition or colour.
The images can be stamped in two different colours, but you do not need to own several similar ink pads to get a shaded effect. For these cards, I used full-strength ink for one image and stamped-off ink for the second.
Stamping off simply means inking your stamp, stamping it once on scrap paper and then stamping it onto your project. The second impression is lighter, giving you two shades from the same ink pad.
In the video, I also share a few practical tips for lining up the photopolymer stamps. Looking directly down over the image before stamping makes it much easier to see where the second layer needs to go. I also marked the top and stamping order on my stamps, which can be helpful when two images look quite similar.
Two-Step Stamping Techniques with One Ink Pad
I used Strawberry Slush and Crushed Curry for the flowers, with Granny Apple Green for the leaves. Each colour was used at full strength and stamped off to create the lighter layer.
This gave the flowers and leaves plenty of variation without introducing lots of different colours. It is a helpful technique when you are still building your ink collection or simply want your cards to have a coordinated look.
The two cards use the same floral images but show two different ways to arrange them.
A Layered Card with Fussy-Cut Flowers
For the first card, I stamped the flower and leaves separately before fussy cutting around each image. I then arranged them over a die-cut oval created with the Frame Violets Dies.
Fussy cutting gives you the freedom to move the images around until you are happy with the arrangement. It also adds dimension when the pieces are raised with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
One tip I share in the video is to keep your scissors fairly still and turn the cardstock as you cut. This gives you more control when cutting around the curved flower petals and leaves.
I added a striped pattern from the Violet Dreams Designer Series Paper behind the oval. The quieter reverse-side designs are useful when you want some background colour without distracting from the main stamped image.
Secret Sea cardstock, twine and a few coordinating embellishments finished the card.
Creating a Masked Floral Card
The second card has a flatter, more streamlined design using a simple masking technique.
I stamped the flower first and then covered it with a mask before adding the leaves. Once the mask was removed, the leaves appeared to be growing from behind the flower, even though everything had been stamped directly onto the same piece of cardstock.
Masking is a useful way to create depth without adding extra layers. It works especially well when you would like a card that is easier to post or when you prefer a clean, one-layer stamped panel.
I mounted the stamped panel onto Secret Sea cardstock and added another piece of the striped Violet Dreams paper in the background. The twine, sentiment and embellishments tie the design together while still allowing the flower to remain the main focus.
Watch the Two-Step Stamping Video
The Begonia Belle stamp set was the July Product of the Month at the time of this Live and was available while stocks lasted. However, the techniques shown in the video can be used with many other coordinating stamp sets.
Watch the video to see how I position the two stamps, create lighter shades by stamping off, fussy cut the floral images and use masking to make the leaves appear behind the flower.
Which card style do you prefer: the added dimension of the fussy-cut flower and leaves, or the flatter masked design? Please let me know in the comments.
You can view the supplies used for these cards here:
You can also find out more about the August Paper Pumpkin Kit and the current new-subscriber offer here:
Find out more about August Paper Pumpkin
Whether you try these ideas with Begonia Belle or another coordinating stamp set, I hope these two-step stamping techniques give you more confidence to create depth and colour with the ink pads you already have.