There’s something so magical about a technique that turns out even better than expected, and that’s exactly what happened with this card! I had an idea to use an acrylic block to stamp a bold block of color onto my card front, and I absolutely love the result. I hadn’t done this technique for a long time, and I’m glad I remembered it. The soft wash of Pool Party ink created the perfect foundation for a simple yet striking design.
The card began with a panel of Basic White cardstock embossed using the Starstruck Embossing Folder. This folder is one of the fabulous free items available with a qualifying purchase during Sale-A-Bration, and I couldn’t resist incorporating its beautiful texture. Once embossed, the panel was adhered to a Thick Basic White card base for a crisp and clean look.
For the focal point, I inked up an acrylic block with Pool Party ink and stamped it directly onto another panel of Basic White, creating a smooth, soft square of color as a center focus of the card. Over this background, I stamped a delicate floral image from the Mixed Florals stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, allowing the intricate details to shine against the gentle blue hue. In the top right corner of the stamped square, the sentiment “Always In Your Corner” from the Spring Corners stamp set added just the right heartfelt touch.
The inside of the card features a coordinating Pool Party cardstock mat framing a panel of Basic White, ensuring a polished and cohesive look from start to finish. A few Rhinestone Basic Jewels provide a subtle sparkle, elevating the design while maintaining its clean and simple aesthetic.
This card is my entry for the Can You Handle the Pressure challenge for January 25 and the Addicted to CAS Challenge #275 where the Code Word is “Center Focus”. I love how the embossed texture and the acrylic block stamping technique came together so effortlessly, making this card both easy to create and visually stunning.
If you’d like to see every step in action, I’ve shared a quick video on my YouTube channel demonstrating the entire process. I hope it inspires you to try out this technique and have fun experimenting with your own color combinations!
Let me know in the comments—have you ever used an acrylic block to stamp a background? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (This Basic White) – 11 x 4-1/4, scored at 5-1/2
- Embossed Panel (Basic White) – 4 x 5-1/4
- Art Piece (Basic White) – 3-1/2 x 4-3/4
- Inside card – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5 and coordinating cardstock (Pool Party) – 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining us at Can You Handle The Pressure!
Diane CYHTP Co-Owner
Thank you so much, Diane! I truly appreciate your kind words and the inspiration your challenge provides. Looking forward to joining again!
Lovely card – I like the way you did the sentiment also. Thanks for joining in at ATCAS
Thank you so much, Vicki! I really appreciate your kind words. I had so much fun creating this card and loved playing along with ATCAS!
That is so effective with the colour block behind the image – love it!
Thanks for joining us at the Addicted to CAS Challenge.
Helen x
DT
Helen, I appreciate your kind comments about the card. I had fun joining in with the Addicted to CAS challenge; the ideas are always so fresh and fun. I’ll look forward to joining in again soon.