The Block Fill Technique: One Simple Idea, Endless Possibilities - Tina Zinck, Stamping Artist & Creative Educator

Hi Friends!!! Every once in a while, an old technique deserves a second look.

Recently, one of my viewers asked if I would revisit a technique I originally shared many years ago called the Block Fill Technique. Curious, I went back to watch the original video and was surprised to discover that it had received more than 43,000 views over the years! Holey!

That was all the encouragement I needed to pull out my supplies and have a play because, truth be told, I’d completely forgotten about this awesome technique!

As I was preparing today’s projects, I dug through my files and found some of the original cards I created using the technique back in 2015 and 2019. It’s always fun looking back at older projects and seeing how our styles evolve over time.

Here are a few of the original Block Fill cards I created years ago. Looking at them again brought back a lot of wonderful memories and reminded me why this technique became such a favourite.

“New Wonders” card that I created in 2019 – details here.

I LOVE this card – this one was created back in 2015

The Block Fill Technique is a simple way to create dramatic contrast on your cards. By placing a bold black block behind your stamped images, the colours become the star of the show and really stand out against the dark background.

Another card from 2015 – you can use other colours to fill in the block besides black too!

It’s such an easy technique, it works with almost any image, and can be adapted to suit a variety of styles.

For this card, I used the ‘Top Note Die’ (do you still have this die? I do!) and then covered the entire piece with GLITTER!

One of the things I enjoy most about the Block Fill Technique is its versatility. Once you understand the basic concept, the possibilities are endless. Just think of the all the stamps you can use with this – not to mention the different shapes of the ‘frame’. I also love that it encourages us to look at our supplies in a different way.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple change in layout to make familiar products feel fresh again.

For today’s projects, I created two cards featuring bright floral images, and embellished with a butterfly and a hummingbird.

Stamp sets used: “Thoughtful Expressions” (retired, Stampin’ Up!) & the sentiment is from “Hills of Tuscany” also retired SU.

I allowed portions of the images to extend beyond the black block, which adds movement and interest, but that’s optional—try it both ways! It’s amazing how a few simple squiggles and dots added with a black marker can make such a difference too. Those little details help tie everything together and add just the right finishing touch.