Want to skip a step?
Start with colored cardstock! I love a shortcut that still looks like you put in the effort! Starting with colored cardstock means part of the color work is already done, so you can build up depth with stenciling and ink blending without starting from scratch.
But first, let’s take a look at today’s card!
Psst… before we start: This post is part of the new beatufiul Altenew Release.
And, 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 🥰!
TIPS FOR STARTING WITH COLORED CARDSTOCK
- Choose a lighter color or neutral base if you want your ink blending to stay bright.
- Smoother cardstock is usually easier to blend on than heavily textured cardstock.
- Remember that dye inks are translucent, so the cardstock color underneath will affect how the ink looks.
- Not sure if the colors will work together? Test them on a scrap first or check your color wheel before committing.
Card Inspiration – Stenciling on Colored Cardstock
For something different, I started with Dew Drops cardstock instead of white and added the Expressive Flora big floral stencil design.
The pale teal background instantly became part of the color palette, while deeper teal-green foliage and violet-purple petals added some contrast.
I finished the background with a few white ink splatters, then added the large stamped and die-cut sentiment from the kit.
Starting with colored cardstock is such an easy way to change up a design and save yourself a little time along the way.
Keep an eye out for more colored cardstock inspiration, where I’ll be sharing another way to use the same color combination in a completely different design.
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! 😄
Other Supplies: SHOP THE ALTENEW RELEASE HERE!
Simon Says Stamp: SHOP ALTENEW HERE
Altenew Cardstock: Dew Drops.
Altenew Fresh Dye Inks: Thistle Floret | Alpine Heather | Wild Orchid | Bramble Berry | Rosted Seaglass | Coastal Haze | Misty Harbor | Green Onyx | Rosewood.
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Oh, Therese! I was so hoping that the stencil set would be offered as a stand-alone set! Gosh, this is soooo gorgeous and your card is spectacular!
=]
Happy to enable my friend (I know how you adore a Poinsettia… like me lol) but YES, it is sold separately as well! Yay!
This is lovely. The purple looks great over the dew drops. Makes me wonder why I haven’t started with coloured cardstock more in the past, not just stencilling either.
I know right, i am the same lol.
Beautiful, I love the twist of the soft blue background.
Thank you Lisa
Love this color combo, Therese! Pretty card!
You are the sweetest!
The Dew Drops base becoming part of the palette is a nice reason to start with teal instead of white. I agree that “the cardstock color underneath will affect how the ink looks”, especially with those violet petals. Keeping a test swatch labeled with the ink names could help when you revisit this combination, particularly if the next design uses a different balance of flowers and foliage.
Yes I agree, it wouldn’t take much to change up the depth or look of the color as ink blending isn’t always exactly the same!