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Easy Ink Blending Tips for Getting More from Your Ink Pads | Jody Morrow

Easy Ink Blending Tips for Getting More from Your Ink Pads | Jody Morrow

15 May 2026 0 Comments

There is something timeless about soft pinks and delicate details. Today’s card combines graceful layering, subtle texture, and dimensional die cuts to create a design that feels polished and feminine while still remaining clean and modern. 

For this design, the perfume bottle image becomes the star of the card front, accented with soft pink blending, dimensional layers, and the gorgeous Bloomlight Stitches coverplate background. The monochromatic pink palette mixed with warm gray tones creates a sophisticated color combination, while the layered sentiment adds depth and visual interest. Can you believe this was achieved with just two colors of pink ink? Changing the intensity of the application turned two colors into four, covering all four stencils with different shades. Don't have the whole color family? No problem! 

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn't listed, it's been discontinued. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Stamp the Elegant Essence image and the “You are…” sentiment onto white cardstock using Licorice ink.
  2. Color the images using the coordinating stencils:
    • Stencil 1: Misty Coast
    • Stencil 2: Cherry Blossom (perfume bottle; light blend), Rocky Slope (perfume top)
    • Stencil 3: Cherry Blossom (heavier blend)
    • Stencils 4–5: Peony (lighter on stencil 4, heavier on stencil 5)
  3. Die cut the images and sentiment using the coordinating dies.
  4. Assemble the layered perfume bottle using liquid glue.
  5. Adhere the sentiment to the gray shadow die cut slightly offset for added dimension.
  6. Ink blend Peony ink around the edges of the card front, leaving the center area lighter.
  7. Dry emboss the Bloomlight Stitches coverplate onto an A2 panel of white cardstock.
  8. Adhere the embossed panel to the card base using liquid glue.
  9. Die cut the elongated oval from white cardstock.
  10. Ink blend Peony ink around the edges of the oval, fading softly toward the center.
  11. Adhere the oval to the center of the card using foam tape.
  12. Adhere the perfume bottle to the oval using foam tape.
  13. Adhere the sentiment to the perfume bottle using liquid glue.

Designer Tips

  • Offset shadow layers behind sentiments for extra dimension and contrast.
  • Keep the center of your ink blending lighter to naturally draw attention toward the focal image.
  • Use varying pressure while stenciling to create soft highlights and realistic depth.
  • A monochromatic color palette instantly creates a polished and elegant finished card.

I love how this card proves that you do not need a huge ink collection to create beautiful layered color and dimension. By using just two pink ink colors and varying the blending pressure, I was able to create four distinct shades of pink throughout the design. It is such a great way to stretch your supplies while still achieving a polished, professional look. Small details like the offset sentiment shadow layer and the softly blended oval help add depth while keeping the overall design clean and refined.

I hope this project inspires you to experiment with getting more versatility from the ink colors you already own. Try changing the color palette, adding metallic accents, or pairing these techniques with different focal images to create a completely new look.

If you recreate this card or try these ink blending techniques, I would love to see what you make! Be sure to tag Pinkfresh Studio on social media and share your beautiful creations.

    Pinkfresh Studio Supplies

  • Elegant Essence stamp

    Add a touch of timeless beauty to your handmade cards with the Elegant Essence stamp set, designed by Inna Moreva. This graceful design features a classic perfume bottle adorned with a flowing ribbon bow and delicate atomizer, bringing a sense of elegance and femininity...
    $16.00
    $16.00
  • Elegant Essence die

    Use our innovative, one-piece die to cut every design in one pass, giving you more time to focus on creating. This die set features a hidden magnet in the packaging that keeps the multiple die pieces securely in place. The bow die contains detail...
    $18.00
    $18.00
  • Elegant Essence stencil

    These coordinating stencils will make you feel like an artist, allowing you to quickly and easily color in the images. Coordinating products for purchase separately:• Elegant Essence stamp• Elegant Essence die• Elegant Essence press plate Key Features: • Precision-cut designs align perfectly with the stamped...
    $17.00
    $17.00
  • Bloomlight Stitches coverplate die

    Illuminate your cards with the Bloomlight Stitches coverplate die, designed by Inna Moreva. This intricate background features circular blooms with radiating stitched lines and dotted halos, creating the effect of glowing florals or twinkling lights—the versatile design pairs beautifully with both bold and delicate...
    $21.00
    $21.00
  • Essentials: Double Stitched Elongated Oval die

    Create polished cards with this die set featuring elongated ovals with a double-stitched border on the outer edges. The nested sizes allow for endless combinations. Details: 7 pieces, approximate measurements: largest 3.75" x 5.25", smallest: .75" x 2.25" Made of high-quality steel Packaging includes...
    $16.00
    $16.00
  • 1” blending brushes

    Introducing our sleek & modern 1” Blending Brush set, dubbed by Jennifer McGuire as "The Magic Brushes". The larger brush size easily blends ink on larger surfaces.    Each set includes (3) 1” blending brushes that offer a white lacquer handle with the Pinkfresh...
    $18.50
    $18.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Cherry Blossom

    Our USA-made premium dye ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for perfectly crisp coverage on stamped images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and ideal for water-based techniques. USA-made...
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Peony

    Our USA-made premium dye ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for perfectly crisp coverage on stamped images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and ideal for water-based techniques. USA-made...
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Misty Coast

    Our USA-made premium dye ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for perfectly crisp coverage on stamped images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and ideal for water-based techniques. USA-made...
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Rocky Slope

    Our USA-made premium dye ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for perfectly crisp coverage on stamped images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and ideal for water-based techniques. USA-made...
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Licorice

    Our USA-made premium dye ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for perfectly crisp coverage on stamped images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and ideal for water-based techniques. USA-made...
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Dual Tip Embellishment Tool

    Our Dual Tip Embellishment Tool is made of brass that matches our other Studio Essentials products PERFECTLY! Each metal side is sturdy & high quality, and you can really feel that when you pick the tool up. It's not heavy, but it feels just...
    $16.00
    $16.00
  • Reverse Craft Tweezers

    Our precision tip tweezers are not only functional but beautifully crafted from brass, matching the rest of our Studio Essentials collection. Easily heat emboss, set liquid glue and hold things in place with these high-quality reverse tweezers. We didn’t forget about comfort, adding an...
    $10.00
    $10.00
  • Precision Clear Craft Glue .5 oz

    This premium glue is ideal for use in papercrafting. The pen-style applicator features a fine, precision tip, allowing for detailed and accurate application. The glue goes on white, ensuring visibility during use, and dries crystal clear for a professional finish. It’s water-based and acid-free,...
    $5.00
    $5.00
  • Precision Clear Craft Glue 2 oz

    This premium glue is ideal for use in papercrafting. The applicator features a fine, precision tip, allowing for detailed and accurate application. The large 2-oz size offers excellent value. The glue goes on white, ensuring visibility during use, and dries crystal clear for a...
    $10.00
    $10.00
  • Stamp Press Tool

    Introducing our sleek & modern Stamp Press Tool, part of our newest collection called Studio Essentials. This will be a slow building collection as we add high quality tools with a focus on sustainability. The base of our stamp press is wood that has...
    $20.00
    $20.00
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