How do you choose how to add color to your card designs?
Do you reach for ink pads, blend with brushes, or head straight into your alcohol markers like a crafty rebel?

Sometimes, I can’t choose… so I do a little bit of everything!
And that’s exactly what happened with today’s card, inspired by a gorgeous bunch of flowers for the Color Inspiration Challenge.

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Just a quick heads-up: I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. This helps support my channel and the shops we love 🥰!

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Let’s get started with today’s inspiration.

#ADDCOLOR

I decided to test out five different ways to bring these colors to life, all on one project (because why not go all out). Here’s how I added the color – and I have some ideas you can try too!

1. Stamping in Color

Instead of my usual go-to black ink, I reached for colored inks to stamp the background stems. It’s a simple switch, but it makes a big difference! The result? A softer, more blended look that adds instant color and depth to the bouquet – no extra steps needed.

2. White Die Cuts + Ink Blending

Die cutting from white cardstock and ink blending over the top is one of my favorite color tricks. You can create custom shades, build up soft or bold intensity, and it always feels like a little magic.

BONUS IDEA: I used multiple tones of the same color for the flower petals here, but this technique also looks amazing when you blend two completely different colors together.

3. Colored Cardstock + Ink Blending

Starting with colored cardstock and adding ink on top not only speeds up the coloring process – it also adds instant depth. I did this for the green leaves, it’s like giving your die cuts a built-in shadow and highlight treatment, with way less effort (and no layering required)!

4. White Die Cuts + Alcohol Markers

When I want more precision – especially for small die cut pieces like the flower centres – or when a color just refuses to blend nicely with ink, I reach for my alcohol markers. They give a smooth, vibrant finish that adds contrast to the design.
And let’s be honest… you’re only limited by how many markers you own (so technically, infinite options, right? 😉).

BONUS IDEA: You can also watercolor your cardstock before die cutting for a similar effect – with a softer, more organic vibe.

5. Stamped Images + Alcohol Markers

The classic combo! Stamping and coloring with markers is always a go-to when I want more control and detail. It’s also a great way to tie all the other colored elements together into one cohesive look.

For this card, I stamped and colored the butterfly – and while it’s not the main focal point, it definitely adds a sweet highlight to the overall design (because sometimes it’s the little things steal the show).

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I hope this gave you some inspiration to experiment with different ways to add color to your cards – even if it’s just switching up your usual go-to techniques. It’s amazing how much variety you can get from one card just by changing how you add the color!

Want to give it a try yourself?
These techniques were inspired by the September Color Inspiration Challenge – and I’d love for you to join in too! Use the same colors, try one (or all!) of the techniques, and have some fun with it.

I can’t wait to see what you create with these colors!
Happy papercrafting,

Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄

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P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase—thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!

*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other Supplies:
Altenew Ink: Parrot | Olive | Moss | Wisteria | Hydrangea | Ultraviolet.
Altenew Cardstock: Jet Black | Olive.

Affiliate links are used

Magnificent Magnolias ALT | SSS	Eclectic Bouquet ALT	CAF: Gardenia ALT | SSS	Meadow Reflections Bundle ALT
Featured Sentiments Die ALT	Plants & Vases ALT | SSS	Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS	Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS
Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS	Artist Markers ALT | SSS	Permanent Black ALT | SSS	Obsidian ALT | SSS
Embossing Ink ALT | SSS	Tropical Forest ALT | SSS	Enchanted Garden ALT | SSS	Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS
Pure White ALT	Powder Tool SSS	WOW Heat Tool SSS	Perfect Picker ALT | SSS
Tweezers ALT | SSS	Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS	Stampwheel 2.0 ALT | SSS	Bone Folder ALT
Score Board ALT | SSS	Sticky Grid Mat ALT | SSS	Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US	9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ
Glue Tape ALT | SSS	Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS	Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS	Satin Masking Tape ALT