The project is part of the monthly Technique Tuesday Blog Hop from the Crafty Collaborations community, a diverse group of Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators from around the world who come together to share inspiration with you.

The theme this month iis Technique of Choice and I can’t wait to see all the other ideas that my fellow demonstrators have come up with

Ink Blending with Masks

For this blog hop, I’ve chosen to focus on ink blending with masks – a versatile technique that can be adapted to suit many card-making styles.
In this post, I’ll demonstrate how one technique can be used to create three different card designs simply by changing colour choices and layout.

4

---

🧰 Materials

• White cardstock (for card bases and panels)
• Ink pads in coordinating colours
• Blending brushes or sponges
• Masking paper
• Stamps and sentiment dies
• Adhesive
• Embellishments

---

✂️ Technique Steps: Ink Blending with Masks

Step 1: Prepare the Card Panel

Cut a piece of white cardstock slightly smaller than your card base.
This allows you to work freely with ink blending and gives a clean border once mounted. You can also add an additional coloured layer, as I have done.

Step 2: Create the Mask

Using masking paper or a sticky note, die-cut or tear a simple shape. I just tore 2 strips from a sheet of masking paper.
Position the mask onto the cardstock panel, pressing it down firmly around the edges to prevent ink seeping underneath.

Step 3: Apply the Ink

Using a blending brush or sponge, apply ink in a circular motion, starting off the edge of the card and working inward.
Build the colour gradually for a smooth blend.

Step 4: Remove the Mask

Carefully peel away the mask to reveal the crisp, un-inked area beneath.
This contrast is what gives the technique its impact.

🎨 Design Variations

Card 1: Soft and Subtle

• Use light, pastel inks
• Keep blending gentle and minimal
• Add a small sentiment and leave plenty of white space

Ideal for sympathy or “thinking of you” cards.

---

Card 2: Bright and Cheerful

• Choose bold, contrasting colours
• Blend more heavily to create depth
• Add a playful sentiment and minimal embellishment

Perfect for birthdays or celebrations.

---

Card 3: Deep and Dramatic

• Select darker ink shades
• Layer colours for a richer background
• Finish with heat-embossed sentiments or metallic accents

If using embossing powder you need to make sure the ink background is thoroughly dry. Despite giving the inked panel a burst with my heat tool and using my embossing buddy, I still had some silver splatters in the background. I don’t dislike them , so it wasn’t consigned to the bin!

Well suited to thank-you or encouragement cards.

---

✅ Key Tips

• Always start blending off the cardstock to avoid harsh lines
• Use low-tack masking products to protect the paper surface
• Clean blending brushes between colours to maintain clarity

---

✨ Technique Summary

Ink blending with masks is a reliable, adaptable technique that works across many styles and occasions.
By changing colour and layout alone, you can achieve a wide variety of looks without changing your process.

Let’s Hop

I hope you have enjoyed my project. Do leave a comment if you can, because it certainly makes my day. Then it is time to hop around all the other projects

How Can I Help?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help with your purchases, or if you have a crafty question.

Meanwhile stay safe and stay well

Helen xx

Product List