If you’ve ever wished your Stampin’ Blends could magically turn into soft, artsy backgrounds (and basically do the heavy lifting for you on your card), today’s your lucky day.
Because that’s exactly what this technique does. And nope, you don’t have to be an artist. Or have an art degree. Or even own a beret (although go for it if you want the full ‘artiste’ vibe 🇫🇷).
All you need are four things:
- A few Stampin’ Blends (on sale for 40% off until Dec 1, 2025!)
- Vellum
- Alcohol
- And a teensy sense of adventure!
And you can end up with cards that look like this!
Last week’s Ink Paper Play LIVE shows you exactly how to turn those few supplies into soft, dreamy, drippy alcohol backgrounds you’ll use on cards all year long.
👉 Catch the replay here
And yes…that’s me holding them up up there with a goofy grin, because these make me so happy.
Why This Technique Works So Beautifully
Vellum + alcohol markers = magic!
Pure and simple as that! As soon as you add rubbing alcohol to those patches of colour, they start to bloom, bleed and blend into gorgeous organic patterns. Think northern lights…marbled stones…clouds melting into each other. It’s all of these and more!
Every single one turns out different, and that’s part of the joy.
No perfection required – in fact it’s better if you let go of that perfectionist streak for a mo 😁.
And once your piece is dry (like in about a minute)? You can use big chunks, tiny accents, punched shapes or even a peek through circle like I did on the “You Are So Appreciated” card (check it out below).
Today’s Projects: Clean & Christmassy
Take a peek at these two cards. Deep Shaded Spruce backgrounds paired with gold or silver metallics and a dose of alcohol-ink magic. They’re:
- Festive without being fussy
- Quick to assemble (because the background is doing all the talking)
- Perfect for batch-making
Want to Level Up Your Alcohol Backgrounds?
If this little technique has you itching to explore more – refining the background, layering, lifting, blowing, shaping and experimenting, come join me in my Alcohol Backgrounds for Card Makers online class.
You’ll learn multiple ways to get different effects and get all the details for these 3 designs, all using Stampin’ Blends and a few inexpensive tools.
More Inspiration for You
If you missed my earlier post on creating backgrounds with Stampin’ Blends, take a peek, you’ll find more ideas, colour combos, and layouts!
I really love those little bleed lines you get with this technique – so easily!
Watch the Replay!
You won’t believe how easy this technique is – come get all tips in the video!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
Once you start playing with alcohol-ink style backgrounds on vellum, it’s a slippery slope…but in the best possible way. Here are a few fun twists to try so your cards feel uniquely you:
- Change up the colours – try different combos (some will work fabulously…others not so much, but you’ll have fun!)
- Use smaller pieces for big impact – you’ll be surprise how a little goes a long way
- Add metallics for instant Ooomph!
- Pull your cut offs into the inside of the card
Each tweak makes your background its own little piece of art.
Like to See Something New Every Week?
And if you’re new to my weekly Ink Paper Play LIVE, come join the fun! You’ll get bite-sized technique tips every Wednesday at noon MT.
Your Turn!
When you try this technique, tag me or send me a not at info@designwithjo.ca. I love seeing your designs, especially with these flowy backgrounds! Any wild ones that surprise you? Those are usually the best.
