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.
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 🥰!
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).
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! 😄
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.
 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 |
Therese, you always bring the most fun to our [crafty] tables! Great tips and a beautiful card!
=]
Thank you Michele MWAH!
Beautiful card and colors!!!
So glad you like this one, thank you Lisa!
This is so inspiring and so fun to read. Your sense of humour is the best!
I love using the stamps from the Eclectic Bouquet together with die-cut layering florals. I’m fairly certain you inspired me to do that. Thank you.
That’s a fantastic combo, the foliage in that set is timeless andit’s such a quick and easy way to fill a bouquet! So glad to hear you enjoyed my post, I have fun writing them, and probably spend more time than I should lol!