If you’re already in love with Stampin’ Blends (who isn’t?), then you’re going to adore these 3 simple tricks for pro-level colouring results. Whether you’re new to card making or have been blending for years, these Stampin’ Blends secrets for adding dimension and depth will instantly take your cards up a notch.
These secrets are ideal if you have a few markers or a whole rainbow collection already tucked into your drawer. Best part? You don’t need to be an artist to get a WOW result.
Why Stampin’ Blends Are a Must-Have
These dual-tipped alcohol markers are buttery smooth, super blend-able and available in coordinating Stampin’ Up! colours. That means your colouring can match your card bases, patterned paper and embellishments perfectly. No fuss!
But today, we’re going a step further. Let’s unlock their true potential with three simple techniques for more realism, texture and contrast.
3 Ways to Add Depth and Dimension Like a Pro
I walk you through these colouring secrets in the video, but here’s a sneak peek so you can get inspired.
1. Highlights (Shopping Bag Card)
The first trick is ridiculously easy. And it adds instant oomph. By placing your lighter, softer colour down first (and last), you can create a highlight like the reflection you see on “real” things!
On the shopping bag card, both the Light and Dark Azure Afternoon markers coloured in just a certain way gives it depth and makes the whole layout feel more realistic. Use this on anything from critters to cupcakes!
2. Dab & Tap Colouring (Sunflower Card)
This one’s perfect for florals. Instead of layering solid colour, you’ll gently tap or dab progressively darker tones on top of lighter ones. It keeps the lighter shades visible in some areas and gives a natural variation, especially on petals and leaves.
You’ll see it in action on the sunflower image, where the golden yellows softly blend with deeper browns. It adds richness, texture and that “real flower” feel without being fussy.
3. Full-On Layered Blending (Wine & Cheese Card)
Now for the bold one. Here, we’re layering solid colours from light to dark to get full, smooth saturation. The wine bottle and glass are great examples. Notice how the cheese and wine tones melt into each other for a bold, cohesive look.
I also showed you a bonus tip for adding some shading to the wine glass. Did you see it in the video?
You’ll use both the bullet and brush tips of your Blends here, with some careful flicking and overlapping to remove harsh lines.
Want to Feel More Confident with Stampin’ Blends?
Whether you’re starting fresh or just want to stop second-guessing your blends, my Stampin’ Blends Basics online class is packed with tips to help you colour with confidence.
- Learn to choose colours that blend well
- Avoid common mistakes like streaks and bleed
- Fix oopsies when they happen
- Create highlight and shadow like a pro
All for just $30. And you can watch anytime, anywhere.
Click here to grab your class now!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
Once you’ve got these techniques in your toolbox, the possibilities are endless. Try
- Dabbing colour into critter tummies, clouds, or flower petals
- Full-layer blending for balloons, backgrounds or birthday cakes
- Using shadows to “lift” your die cuts and focal images off the card front
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The great thing about alcohol markers? They dry fast and with a Color Lifter, you can “fix” little errors (my class has the how-to!)
See the Video in Action
Pop over to the video tutorial to watch each technique step-by-step. You’ll see the difference a bit of depth makes and how quickly you can apply these tricks to your next project.
And if you’ve ever coloured outside the lines (been there), you’ll also love this cute colouring and masking post where I shared a super simple way to fix a blending oops: 👉 Fix a Colouring Oops
With these three Stampin’ Blends secrets for adding dimension and depth, your cards will go from “nice” to “nailed it.” Whether you like subtle shadows or full-on saturated colour, there’s something here for every style and skill level.
