Blended Ink Backgrounds

Today I used Stampin’ Up! Blending Brushes to make these beautiful blended ink backgrounds for my cards. Making custom blended ink backgrounds is so much fun and there are so many possible color combinations. I used blue and green inks to create a masculine card and pink and purple inks to make a more feminine version.

After I created my blended ink backgrounds, I added a die cut leaf from the Stampin’ Up! Artfully Layered Bundle. I love how the white leaf outline pops against the bright ink background.

How to Create a Blended Ink Background:

• Choose two colors of ink. I like colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (blue-green, pink-purple, yellow-green)
• Ink your blending brush by tapping on your ink pad.
• Rub off excess ink on scrap paper before blending on your paper.
• Start in the center and blend outward (for this style of background).
• Alternate between the two colors until you achieve the look you want.
• Add the die cut leaf and a stamped sentiment.

A Couple of Blending Tips…

• Apply ink to paper in a circle motion.
• Use very light pressure to avoid dark spots.
• Hold only the handle of the brush –– I have a habit of putting my pointer finger on the head of the brush and the pressure from this can cause darker spots.

Caring for your Blending Brushes

• Use one brush for each color group
  • • pink-purple
    • blue-green
    • yellow-orange-red
    • neutrals
• To Clean: Rub the brush on scrap paper to remove excess ink.  You can clean the brush under running water, but the brush needs to be completely dry before using. You may need to do this if you are switching from a deep color to a light color.

Instructions for Today’s Card (supply list at end of post)

• Follow the instructions above to create a blended ink background area in the center of an A2 card base. (I used Stampin’ Up! Just Jade and Pacific Point for the blue/green card and Magenta Madness and Highland Heather for the other card)
• Apply a 2″ x 2″ piece of Stampin’ Up! Adhesive Sheet to the back of a 2″ x 2″ piece of Basic White cardstock and crop with leaf die.
• Peel the backing off of the die-cut leaf and attach to card.
• Stamp the sentiment from the Artfully Layered stamp set (I used Stampin’ Up! Bermuda Bay for the blue/green card and Gorgeous Grape for the pink card).

You Might Also Like:

If you liked today’s project, check out these cards also made with the Artfully Layered Bundle. Click on the images to view the blog posts.

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Happy Crafting!

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Supplies used on today’s project:

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