It’s the battle of Ink Blending vs Alcohol Markers!
Can one beautiful die set create two completely different floral card designs? In today’s live video, I put that idea to the test using a similar colour palette and two different colouring techniques.
Which card will get your vote?
Grab a cuppa and watch the video right here, or head over to YouTube to see it in HD.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love.
Thanks a bunch 🥰!
Floral Card Ideas!
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t choosing the die set – it’s deciding how to colour it! Some days I feel like quick and easy ink blending, and other days I want to sit down and colour with alcohol markers. The great thing about die cuts is that you can completely change the look and feel of a card design simply by switching mediums. That’s exactly what I’m doing with today’s Clematis cards.
Don’t forget to ‘shop your stash’ for a fresh new take on these ideas!
Card #1 – Ink Blended Floral Die Cut
I started with a pale blue-grey cardstock because I knew it would work beautifully with both purples and greens. Starting with colored cardstock also speeds up ink blending because there is already a base color to begin with.
I used a bright pink and violet for the flowers, which I think helped give the design a really vibrant look. I also reached for a large die cut sentiment that I already had ready to go, as I knew I needed to get started on the second design.
PRO TIP: Test your colors on a scrap piece of the colored cardstock first, as inks and alcohol markers will usually dry lighter than they first appear.
Card #2 – Alcohol Marker Floral Die Cut
For the alcohol marker flowers, I decided to do what I like to call “rough” coloring. I used bold color variation with only minimal blending, which gives the flowers a loose and artsy feel. I started the marker flowers on white cardstock as I wanted to colors to be true.
I did play with a new-to-me tool, the MISTI Lite, which I used it to stamp the leaves. I’m still deciding how practical it will be for my style of crafting, but I promise to keep you posted once I’ve had more time to play with it.
Now, I know this style won’t be for everyone, but it’s quick, fun, and a great option if detailed coloring feels intimidating. Sometimes less blending and a more relaxed approach can create a really striking result!
What would I have done differently?
- I did come back in and add some sequins, but I also think that a few black splatters would have looked nice on the alcohol inked CAS design.
- It may be fun to change up the alcohol marker flowers… I could actually use all the layers and color each with markers instead of using the ‘rough artsy’ style.
Over to You!
Which card gets your vote – the ink blended design or the alcohol marker version?
I’d love to hear which coloring style you are drawn to most. And if you give this idea a try with your own dies or stamps, be sure to share your creations in the comments below!
Crafty hugs,
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! 😄
Let’s Shop!
Cardstock: Altenew – Misty Morning.
Alcohol Markers: Copics – Y26 | YG95 – Altenew Artist Markers – R702 | R705.
Embellishments: Altenew – Stellar Sequins Clear Iridescent.
Ink: Altenew – Tickled Pink | Midnight Violet | Forest Glades | Evergreen.
*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
 Clematis SSS | OTH | OTH |  Hello & Hugs SSS | OTH | OTH |  Molded Frame SSS | OTH | SB US |  Eclectic Bouquet ALT |
 Regal Flourishes ALT | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Score Board ALT | SSS | Paper Trimmer SSS |  Mini MISTI SSS |
 MISTI Lite SSS |  MISTI Magnets SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | OTH | SB US |  Sticky Grid Mat ALT | SSS |
 Platesaver OTH |  Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |