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Using Ink Blending to Create Depth on Your Cards | Rachel Alvarado

Using Ink Blending to Create Depth on Your Cards | Rachel Alvarado

18 Jul 2025 2 Comments

Hello everyone! It's Rachel here with a shaker card that features some beautiful products from the new Whispering Views release.

I used some basic ink-blending with the amazing Pinkfresh Studio ink blending brushes to create shading and depth in my card today as well as lots of color.  By creating a dark-to-light ombre effect in both my card background as well as the lily pads, I was able to give my project more depth and dimension. 

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

How to recreate this card:

1.  Trim a piece of smooth white card stock (I used Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 110lb) to slightly larger than 4.25" x 5.5" and blend it with Tidal Pond, Waterfall, and Mint Inks starting at the bottom of the card stock with your darkest color and working your way to the top with the lightest color. 

2.  Trim the card stock piece from step one to exactly 4.25" x 5.5" (to get rid of any ink blotches on the sides of your card stock) and then use the two background stencils from the new Tranquil Water Lilies product suite to add some ripples.

  • Stencil 1: Stargazer, Paradise, Meadow (darkest to lightest once again starting at the bottom and working your way toward the top using lighter colored inks as you go)
  • Stencil 2: Calico White

3.  Set aside your base piece from the two steps above and trim another 4.25" x 5.5" piece of smooth white card stock.  Use the other stencils from the Tranquil Water Lilies product suite as well as the following Pinkfresh Studio ink colors to achieve the same look as my card or use whatever colors you desire to get a different look.

  • Stencil 1: Atlantis, Candy Violet, Mint (for the large lily pads) and Meadow for the leaves on the water lilies
  • Stencil 2: Sparkling Rose, Candy Violet
  • Stencil 3: Bubble Gum
  • Stencil 4: Sparkling Rose
  • Stencil 5: Candy Violet

TIP: In order to get some beautiful shading, make sure to use at least one dark-colored ink, a medium colored ink, and light colored ink on the lily pads to show a decent amount of contrast while still be able to blend the colors smoothly.

4.  Die cut your ink blended images using the coordinating Tranquil Water Lilies Die Set.

5.  Using the larger die from the "Essentials: Stitched Scallop Rectangles Die Set", die cut six rectangles from white card stock and glue five of them together with liquid adhesive.  Set one frame aside for the top of the card.

5.  Adhere this dimensional frame to the top of your ink blended piece from the first two steps (I once again used liquid adhesive for a secure hold.)

6. Stamp your sentiment (I used one from the Message in a Bottle Stamp Set) and adhere it to the center of your card.

7.  Add your shaker embellishments (I used Pinkfresh Studio Leaf and Aqua Glitter Drops as well as generic 3mm sequins) to the middle of your card.  Glue a 3.75" x 5" piece of clear acetate on top of your scalloped frame to hold in the shaker embellishments.  

8. Glue your last scalloped frame on top of the acetate, directly on top of the 5-pieced frame below.

9.  Add your water lilies with 3D foam adhesive tape for a pop of dimension.  

I hope you enjoyed my card today!  I absolutely love this gorgeous product suite and I think that you will too!

I would love to see what you create!  Make sure to tag us on Instagram with your own creations using these products!

Please feel free to leave a comment below as well as any questions you may have.

- Rachel

    Pinkfresh Studio Supplies

  • Tranquil Water Lilies stencil

    Create peaceful scenes with these layered waterlilies and lily pads designed by Inna Moreva. Each flower features soft petals and bold contrast for eye-catching depth. The flowing water background adds movement and a sense of stillness. Let your creativity bloom in quiet, mindful moments....
    $21.00
    $21.00
  • Tranquil Water Lilies die

    Use this coordinating die to cut out the colored images. Coordinating product for purchase separately: Tranquil Water Lilies stencil Details: 1 piece Designed by Inna Moreva Made of high-quality steel Packaging includes a finished, full-color example
    $19.00
    $19.00
  • Message in a Bottle stamp

      Set sail on your next project with these nautical ship-in-a-bottle designs designed by Inna Moreva. Create stories of adventure with vintage sailboats, fishing vessels, and a message in a bottle. Each element captures the charm of ocean travel and maritime dreams. Let your...
    $16.00
    $16.00
  • Message in a Bottle die

    Use our innovative, one-piece die to cut every design in one pass, giving you more time to create! This die set includes a hidden magnet within the packaging that keeps the multiple pieces of the die in place. Coordinating products for purchase separately: Message...
    $17.00
    $17.00
  • Essentials: Stitched Scallop Rectangles Die Set

    2 piece die set designed as an essential for crafting basics. Cut panels & layers to fit perfectly on an A2 card with a beautiful stitched scallop edge. Each die includes an outer scallop edge, but also includes an inverted scallop inner die.  With...
    $14.40
    $18.00
    $14.40
  • Glitter Drops: Leaf

    1 pack of glitter embellishment drops in mixed sizes (3mm/4mm/5mm/6mm). Each Glitter Drop is flat backed, and can be easily adhered to a papercrafting project using liquid glue and a jewel pick or tweezers.
    $5.00
    $5.00
  • Glitter Drops: Aqua

    1 pack of glitter embellishment drops in mixed sizes (3mm/4mm/5mm/6mm). Each Glitter Drop is flat backed, and can be easily adhered to a papercrafting project using liquid glue and a jewel pick or tweezers.
    $5.00
    $5.00
  • Premium Pigment Ink Pad : Calico White

    Our USA-made pigment ink is acid-free, making it perfect for stamping on cards and in scrapbooks. We've included a raised felt pad surface for even and crisp coverage on stamped images of any size.  USA-made ink
    $7.50
    $7.50
  • Premium Dye Ink Pad : Waterfall

    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 : Mint

    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 : Tidal Pond

    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 : Paradise

    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 : Atlantis

    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 : Stargazer

    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 : Candy Violet

    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 : Sparkling Rose

    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 : Bubble Gum

    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 Cube Pack : Garden Stroll

    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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • Premium Dye Ink Cube Pack : Amalfi 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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • Premium Dye Ink Cube Pack : Island Oasis

    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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • Premium Dye Ink Cube Pack : Soul of Provence

    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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • Premium Dye Ink Cube Pack : Starry Night

    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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • Premium Dye Ink Cube Pack : Fairy Dust

    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 even and crisp coverage on stamp images of any size. This ink is fast-drying and perfect for water-based techniques....
    $14.00
    $14.00
  • 1/2" Blending Brush set

    Introducing our sleek and modern ½” Blending Brush set, part of our newest collection, Studio Essentials. This collection will slowly build as we add high-quality tools with a focus on sustainability. Each set includes (6) ½” blending brushes with a white lacquer handle, the...
    $16.50
    $16.50
  • 1” blending brushes

    Introducing our sleek & modern 1” Blending Brush set. The latest blending brush addition to our Studio Essentials collection, the larger brush size easily ink blends larger surface areas.     Each set includes (3) 1” blending brushes that offer a white lacquer handle with...
    $18.50
    $18.50
  • 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
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2 Comments

20 Aug 2025 Lisa Vice
Beautiful, I just so inspiring I must buy all supplies to make this. Tank You
20 Jul 2025 Mariette
Beautiful Rachel!

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