Today’s card is all about blending brushes, beautiful colors, and, of course, a bit of sparkle! I had so much fun creating this project using the Linked Together Decorative Masks and experimenting with Embossing Paste for the first time.
I started with a quarter sheet of cardstock secured to my grid paper. Using the first Decorative Mask from the Linked Together set, I blended Highland Heather ink over the cardstock with a Blending Brush. Once I was happy with the color intensity, I placed the second Decorative Mask and used the same Blending Brush to apply Gorgeous Grape, transitioning from a lighter hue to a darker one. The third Decorative Mask was then positioned, and a light layer of Blackberry Bliss was blended onto the cardstock art piece.
Instead of using the fourth mask in the set, I skipped ahead to the fifth Decorative Mask and applied a much heavier layer of Blackberry Bliss. After blending, I wiped some of the ink off the mask with a tissue and then added a layer of Shimmery White Embossing Paste. Since this was my first time using Embossing Paste, I simply applied it with my finger. While there may be a better technique, I was excited to dive in and experiment! After carefully removing the mask, I set the piece aside to dry.
Once dried, I trimmed the art piece down and matted it with Blackberry Bliss. The card base is Basic White, layered with Blackberry Bliss, another layer of Basic White, and finally, the matted art piece adhered with dimensionals for added depth. For the sentiment, I stamped “Your Kindness Is So Appreciated” from the So Sincere stamp set in Blackberry Bliss on a strip of Basic White. The sentiment was then cut into a banner shape and accented with White Sheer Ribbon before being adhered to the card front with dimensionals.
The final result is a stunning thank-you card with gorgeous color blending, intricate patterns, and just the right amount of sparkle! I’m thrilled to have finally used the Linked Together Decorative Masks and the Embossing Paste. I absolutely love how the Embossing Paste adds dimension as well as the sparkle! Both the masks and paste are so easy to use and add a special touch to any project.
I’ve created a video tutorial for this card, so be sure to check it out.
I hope you feel inspired to try this technique and create your own beautiful blended backgrounds!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Basic White) – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4
- 1st Layer (Blackberry Bliss) – 4-1/8 x 5-3/8
- 2nd Layer (Basic White) – 4 x 5-1/4
- Art Piece – 3-1/4 x 4-1/2; coordinating cardstock to mat (Blackberry Bliss) – 3-3/8 x 4-5/8
- Sentiment (Basic White scrap) – 1 x 3-1/2, cut into a banner after stamping
- inside the card – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5, coordinating cardstock (Blackberry Bliss) 3-7/8 x 5-1/8