Ink Blending on Black & White Patterned Paper

Have you ever had a piece of patterned paper that you really wanted to love, but every time you tried to use it, it just felt a little too bold or overpowering?

That was exactly how I felt about this black and white bee paper sitting in my stash. After loving how the ink blending softened the paper on my previous card, I wanted to experiment with it a little more.

Black & White Paper Paper Transformation

I started blending a mix of yellow tones, deepening the colour around the edges to create a soft glowing effect through the middle of the background.

I also added a subtle bokeh-style effect using sponge daubers and the same ink colours. You see the full step-by-step transformation here:

Freshly Made Sketches Inspired Design

The current sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches features a rectangle focal point in the centre of the card. I paired that idea with inspiration from a recent frame based project I made and created an open stitched rectangle frame. Leaving the centre open allowed the transformed patterned paper to really shine through as the focal point.

Finishing Details for This Thank You Card

The thank you sentiment was inspired by the current TGIF Challenges theme, which is focused on thank you cards this week.

After packing everything away, I kept thinking the card needed a little extra contrast. So, inspired by the little blue wings of the bee, I pulled out a soft blue scrap and layered that over the floral die cuts instead — a change that ended up making the whole design pop much more.

I’m really happy with how this card came together. It feels soft and layered while still letting that bold patterned paper remain the star of the design.

Ink Blending on Black & White Patterned Paper

May 21, 2026

Softening Bold Black and White Patterned Paper with Ink Blending

When I saw the current  Festive Friday Challenge celebrating World Bee Day, I immediately thought of this gorgeous black and white bee-themed patterned paper that has been sitting in my collection for years.

I’ve always loved the paper, which is probably why I could never part with it, but I also found it surprisingly difficult to use. The pattern is quite large for cardmaking, and the stark black and white contrast feels very bold, even with the beautiful gold foil floral details throughout.

After experimenting with ink blending last week, I was inspired to see if I could soften the look of this paper and transform it into something that felt a little more like my style.

Using Ink Blending to Soften High Contrast Patterned Paper

I reached for my blending brushes and started layering yellow and orange ink over the patterned paper. The original paper already had the black base and beautiful gold foil accents, but the warm ink blending completely changed the feel of it. I loved how much softer the background became once the colour was added.

To add a little extra detail, I stamped some subtle hexagon elements using the retired Touches of Texture stamp set — an old favourite from my collection. The hexagon pattern worked perfectly with the bee theme without overpowering the design.

Card Sketch Inspiration from Atlantic Hearts Challenge

Once the background was finished, I needed to figure out how to actually use it on a card. I was inspired by the current sketch challenge over at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge, and used their layout as the basis for pulling the design together.

Because the patterned paper was still fairly bold and busy, I decided to keep the focal area smaller and simpler. For the centre panel, I stamped and coloured a simple floral image from Touches of Texture using similar yellows and soft neutrals to tie everything together.

When I finished the card, it still felt like it needed a little something extra, so I added some soft blue spotted stamping behind the flowers. I also layered in a piece of blue ombré patterned paper from my desk stash to help frame the focal panel and add a little contrast against all the warm tones.

Of course, I couldn’t resist adding the tiny bee from the Touches of Texture stamp set. I popped it up on dimensionals for a little extra detail and fun.

This project was such a good reminder that sometimes all a piece of patterned paper needs is a little colour and experimentation to completely change the feel of it.

Softening Bold Black and White Patterned Paper with Ink Blending

May 20, 2026

You Are Amazing

 A Simple and Sweet Card Inspired by Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I wanted to share a floral card project that’s heartfelt but simple enough to make in a quiet crafting session. This design says “You are amazing”, which makes it perfect not just for mums, but for any wonderful person in your life who deserves to feel appreciated.

It’s a feminine card, soft and uplifting, built on a Pool Party card base — a gentle blue that works beautifully with florals and fresh spring tones. If you’re not familiar with Stampin’ Up! colours, it’s a light aqua that’s easy to coordinate with.

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🖤 Upcycled Details

I couldn’t resist sneaking in a bit of upcycling too! I used a strip of black-and-white patterned toilet paper wrapping (yes, from Who Gives a Crap!) which I salvaged for its lovely design. I love reusing packaging in unexpected ways — it adds character and charm to your projects and helps reduce waste.

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🌼 Stamping the Florals

For the floral image, I turned to an old favourite stamp set called Touches of Texture. The floral spray was stamped in Melon Mambo, though I’ve also used Lovely Lipstick in earlier versions — just grab any pink that makes you smile!

I used a blender pen to pull the ink from the stamped lines and fill in the petals. I love how the colour starts out deep and then softly fades as you go, creating dimension and softness.

Then I added a bit of grungy fun by stamping the little textured spots back over the flowers using the same pink. It ties everything together and gives that signature “touch of texture.”

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🍃 Leafy Details & Speckles

For the leaves, I stamped the same textured spots in Pear Pizzazz, giving them a similar look and feel. And to finish the background, I pulled out the larger spray of speckles and added those in Pool Party over the top of everything. It’s a lovely final layer that gives the card some movement and interest.

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🖋️ Assembling the Sentiment

I walk you through this entire process step-by-step in my video — you can watch it here:
👉 You Are Amazing Card Tutorial – Watch on YouTube

It all came together with Tombow glue, and I added a strip of my salvaged wrapping paper to the left edge of the card for a unique border.

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This card is a sweet and easy way to tell someone they’re amazing — whether it’s a mum, sister, teacher, or friend. It’s also a lovely reminder that sometimes the simplest materials (and even scrap packaging!) can become part of something meaningful.

Let me know if you give this one a try — I’d love to see your version! 💙
Until next time, happy creating!

Jenn x

You Are Amazing

May 7, 2025

Favourite Colouring Technique, Let's Get Hopping #20

The Let's Get Hopping crew are sharing colouring techniques with you today.

When I was first introduced to the Stampin' Up! Blender Pen, I was like

"Wait... you're telling me I can use this pen to colour with ink from my inkpads?  That this one little marker can become ANY colour and then cleans off on scrap paper ready for the next tone?  SOLD!"

I'm super thrifty, so a pen that can double purpose my ink collection and can be cleaned and reused used over and over again just makes sense!

I love the soft ombre tones you can achieve with this marker. I feel like I have more control over the colour than I might have with some other colouring mediums as it's easy to collect as little, or as much ink, as you like to get the effect you want.

Granted, I find it suits adding colour to smaller images best.  It was certainly perfect for adding the Grapefruit Grove and Call Me Clover tones to the florals in the stamping on this gift bag project.

This is an alternate design of a gift bag set I featured *here* on my blog last week. Learn how to hack your Gift Bag Punch Board to create gift bags this size (perfect for handmade cards) in my Tutorial Bundle for this tool.  This full colour, step-by-step printable pdf includes three alternate project ideas and at just $3US it's an absolute steal!

 Includes a 12 page, full-colour PDF with step-by-step photos and instructions in both A4 and Letter format.  Just $3US

Colouring can be so peaceful and really deliver a sense of creative achievement.  Be sure to click through the 'next' link below to see what the UK's Linda Handford loves colouring with most!  

Love this design? Find more of my projects on

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Attend live online classes with four multi-award-winning Stampin' Up! Artisans! Join our Crafty Carrot Co program from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your own home!  Follow video-based tutorials, be inspired and see behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to bring your cardmaking to the next level, whether you're a beginner or have years of experience there is something for you! 

Find more information, and subscribe to join us today at http://craftycarrotcollective.blogspot.com.au/

Favourite Colouring Technique, Let's Get Hopping #20

May 2, 2019

For Family, Fancy Friday Blog Hop

Hello!  Today, I'm joining the Fancy Friday blog hop as we share projects created especially for family.  This theme was perfect for creating a class around!

When I made this gift bag, it was not my intention to create a full set of projects.  We have been featuring the Gift Bag Punch Board in class these past few months.  I wanted to show class participants how the tool could be used to create an extra large gift bag that would fit their handmade cards in.  Who else loves giving packs of their own handmade cards as gifts?

Once I cut the 12"x 12" designer series patterned paper pieces for this project, I was left with two panels that were perfect for matching cards - and so a set was born!

Each participant enjoyed choosing one piece of 12" x 12" paper to work with and pairing it with whatever sentiment they liked.  Popular choices were Easter, birthday and Mother's Day.

Supplies for the cards 
Stamps: Touches of Texture plus a sentiment, here I've used Itty Bitty Greetings and Best Bunny
Card: Whisper White, Gray Granite
Paper: Neutrals Designer Series Paper (this particular pattern is retired but you could easily substitute with ANY paper that calls to you)
Ink: Granite Gray, Call Me Clover, Grapefruit Grove, Petal Pink, VersaMark
Accessories & Tools:  White embossing powder, Heat Tool, Blender Pen, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Adhesives: Tear'n'Tape, Dimensionals, Multipurpose Glue

Bonus gift box
The class was held in the week before Easter, so it seemed fitting to squeeze in this little bonus Easter gift box.  Another example of a different idea for the Gift Bag Punch Board.

Do you have the Gift Bag Punch Board at home?  Make the most out of this tool and pick up a copy of my tutorial bundle today.  It includes three alternate project ideas and at just $3US it's an absolute steal!

 Includes a 12 page, full-colour PDF with step-by-step photos and instructions in both A4 and Letter format.  Just $3US

LAST CHANCE PRODUCTS

Both the punch board and the beautiful Touches of Texture stamp set featured here are retiring.  Buy yours today before they are gone!  Order through my online store and have your stamping supplies delivered straight to your door, wherever you are, Australia wide. 

Host code for customer rewards: 79W2YYAU

CONTINUE THE HOP!
For more family-friendly project fun, click the 'Next' link below to see what the amazing Connie Collins has for you today!

Love this design? Find more of my projects on

FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  PINTEREST  |  YOUTUBE

TAKE YOUR CRAFTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Attend live online classes with four multi-award-winning Stampin' Up! Artisans! Join our Crafty Carrot Co program from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your own home!  Follow video-based tutorials, be inspired and see behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to bring your cardmaking to the next level, whether you're a beginner or have years of experience there is something for you! 

Find more information, and subscribe to join us today at http://craftycarrotcollective.blogspot.com.au/

For Family, Fancy Friday Blog Hop

April 26, 2019

[VIDEO] Masking and Layered Stamping

Back in May, I shared this design in a blog hop with the Crafty Carrot Collective. Today I'm back with a video tutorial featuring the masking and layered stamping technique used to make this project.

If you love this set and want to see more, The Crafty Carrot Co have just released their Touches of Texture Tutorial Bundle!

Inside the bundle you'll find:

*A Step It Up project: how to add those artisan touches to turn a simple card into a wow project
* CASE the Cattie inspiration
* An on-trend technique project
* Off-the-card ideas: think gift packaging and gift sets!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Touches of Texture
Inks: Powder Pink, Tranquil Tide, Lemon Lime Twist, Fresh Fig, StazOn Black, VersaMark
Papers: Shimmery White, Whisper White
Accessories/Tools: Aqua Painter, Linen Thread, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

[VIDEO] Masking and Layered Stamping

July 26, 2017

Touches of Texture, The Crafty Carrot Co Blog Hop

It's an exciting time in the Stampin' Up! calendar.  The brand new annual catalogue comes out in just a few short weeks.  One of the stamp sets carrying over from the current range is "Touches of Texture".  The Crafty Carrot Co crew have chosen to feature this pretty set in our rewards program throughout June!

Today the Crafty Carrot team have a blog hop teaser of the program to share with you.  For my hop project, I've paired this stamp set with four out of the five brand new in-colours that will be available for purchase come June 1st.  The new in-colour inks and papers are ALWAYS at the top of my new catalogue shopping lists.

To secure your place in our interactive June program, simply add this stamp set to your May shopping cart and plug in the host code!  Or, pick up a bargain in the retiring and clearance sales that are happening at the moment - all purchases to the value of $57(AUD) or more will get you FREE access to our tutorials, videos, challenges and more all month long!

HOST CODE (Copy and paste me): SRWSZR3E

But before you run off to shop, don't forget to hop along with us as we share more fun ideas for this pretty set!  Next on the hop is the talented Krista Frattin in Canada.

Touches of Texture, The Crafty Carrot Co Blog Hop

May 16, 2017

Step-It-Up, Fancy Friday Blog Hop

I'm really excited about today's Fancy Friday blog hop!  The team has been given a 'Step-It-Up' themed sketch challenge to share with you.  I love sketches, but I especially love seeing ideas for creatively taking a card design up a notch!

For my project today, I was inspired by some of my class participants who requested we make a shaker card when we meet next.  I immediately thought of this fairy from the Fairy Celebrations stamp set.  With a punch to match those lovely wings, it was a great fit for a shaker concept.  But a shaker card is advanced.  So first I put together a non-shaker version that let the image shine as intended!

For me, 'simple' means sticking to the basics - stamps, ink and a little paper. This card would be very easy to recreate with very few tools at home!

I've stamped the fairy in Memento Black on shimmery white card and then coloured with blender pens.  A shout out to the clever Paula Dobson who advised me to use blushing bride mixed with a touch of Coral Calypso for colouring skin tone - it worked a treat! Thanks Paula.  Do you have a favourite combination or a go-to trick for colouring skin? I'd love to hear from you!

Now to kick it up a notch...

Can you spot the differences??  This project has been stepped up with:

• a hand stamped background as opposed to designer series patterned paper;
• a die cut Stitched Framelits oval layer
• a die cut Tags and Labels Framelit feature
• wings punch cut to create a window for a shaker feature.

Now you must go and visit the next blog in this hop!  I just know this group of talented cardmakers is going to rock this challenge!!  Next up is my talented friend, Susan Wong.

Shop in Australia with me
As soon as you place a qualifying Stampin' Up! order and using this month's host code (9N67UXJA) you will get exclusive access to an amazing rewards program like no other! Full details *HERE*.

NEW Tutorial Bundle!

Suite Sentiments - USD$15

Step-It-Up, Fancy Friday Blog Hop

March 31, 2017