How to Make Gorgeous DIY Backgrounds with Ink, Water & Embossing Folders

Hi Friends! If you love getting inky and creating one-of-a-kind backgrounds for your handmade cards, you’re going to absolutely love today’s technique!

This is one of those easy, no-fail methods that looks amazing – and it’s also a fabulous way to use your inks in a way you may not have thought of before, while getting even more life out of your embossing folders. Trust me – what may look like a mess in the beginning turns into something absolutely stunning!

I ended up making four cards using this technique – and each one turned out completely different and absolutely beautiful.

On a couple of the cards, I used printable sentiments I designed as a thank-you gift for those who filled out my recent survey (such as the one featured on this card!). These little extras really add a special touch!

I also did some simple die-cutting to embellish the cards:
🍃 The leaves were cut from Old Olive and Vellum cardstock using the Perfectly Pears dies
🌸 The flowers were cut from the same die set, using a scrap strip of the inked background paper—I just love when nothing goes to waste!

✨ Here are the Basic Supplies You’ll Need:

• White cardstock
• Ink refills and/or ink pads (Stampin’ Up! colours I used: [insert list])
• Water spritzer
• Glass mat (or any waterproof surface)
• Embossing folder(s)
• White pigment or craft ink pad
• Heat tool (optional)
• Paper towels

💦 Step-by-Step Tutorial:

1. Add Ink to Your Glass Mat

Drop or swipe a few colours of ink directly onto your glass mat. You can use ink refills, ink pads, or both!

2. Spritz with Water

Give the ink a good misting with your spritzer. Watch the colours blend—this is where the magic begins!

3. Press Your Cardstock Into the Ink

Place your white cardstock face-down into the inky water and press gently. Lift to reveal a beautiful, unique background!

4. Dry Thoroughly

Let your piece air dry or use a heat tool if you’re feeling impatient (like me).

5. Emboss It!

Run your inked cardstock through your embossing folder. This adds gorgeous texture on top of the colourful background.

6. Swipe with White Ink

Gently swipe a white pigment ink pad across the raised portions. It highlights the texture and gives it a soft, dreamy look!

This card features beautiful white hibiscus die cuts, and to bring them to life, I used sponge daubers to colour the centres with Lemon Lolly and Bubble Bath ink pads. I just love how soft and tropical they turned out!

The leaves were stamped using Old Olive and Mossy Meadow – I stamped off first to get that lighter shade for the inside layer, which gives a really nice depth and dimension.

To finish it off, I stamped the sentiment in Blueberry Bushel, which really pops against the soft background!

🌸 This is a great reminder that your sponge daubers can do so much more than just edges – try them for soft floral blending too!

Oh my goodness, how I love the “Cheers & Sips” bundle (and that coordinating paper – so good!). It paired beautifully with the background technique, and the sentiment I created to go along with these images? Absolute perfection!

Actually… now that I think of it, this sentiment would be great for the man in your life who loves to BBQ too! I only just thought of that while writing this – LOL! Don’t you love when ideas just spark like that?

📺 Watch me create these backgrounds & cards on YouTube!

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Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this technique inspires you to pull out your inks, add a splash of water, and have fun creating some beautiful backgrounds of your own. Let me know if you try this technique – I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Take care & HAPPY STAMPING!