Ink Blending, Stencils, Layers, and Texture!

Hi Altenew friends and fans! It's your texture and layers loving girl back on the blog with a fun play session with the Stencil Art: Styled Backgrounds Layering Stencils. It's a super fun set, and so versatile too. Today I only have one card to share, but I hope that you will look at the gorgeous pattern you can make with these stencils and think 'yep, one card is fine!'

Speaking of the stencils, I think this is one of those stencil sets that will become a firm favorite. Especially because of the versatility of it. There are so many different ways to use them, use the four stencils to create this very same pattern we are going to do today, or one of the geometric patterned stencils on their own, once, twice, thrice or four times. Like I said, there are so many different color combos you can go for, it's an affordable set and takes up very little space in your craft room so it's a win-win situation. 

I truly believe this is one of those stencil sets that will become a firm favorite. Whether you use all four stencils to create the intricate floral pattern I’m making today or use the geometric stencils individually, the possibilities are endless. It’s an affordable, space-saving set—a definite win-win for any craft room!

As with most Stencil Art sets, this one includes six stencils: four that build a lush flowery background and two separate stencils for fun geometric designs. The packaging includes great inspiration and color combo suggestions. I stayed close to the suggested floral colors, though I substituted Mauve for Pinkalicious and Obsidian for Permanent Black. The result? Absolutely beautiful.

Normally when I'm ink blending with stencils that create a floral pattern, I like to add more colors and contrasts in places but for this card I have only done that on the leaves and foliage layer. The first two stencils are just blooms and I went quite heavy with the ink coverage on both.

Pro-Tip: These stencils feature laser-etched alignment lines, making it easy to line up your pattern. Using a Sticky Mat will keep your cardstock perfectly in place while you blend!

I was SO excited at how this turned out, it is such a lovely pattern, and the colors look fabulous too. I'm so glad I decided to try the (as close as I could get anyway) combo suggested in the stencil packaging. The colors really do look like they are glowing! I can't wait to try all my favorite ink color combinations with this stencil set. Like the Tranquility Fresh Dye Ink bundle with Dessert Dreams Fresh Dye Ink Bundle. Dreamy blues with hues of hazelnut browns? Ugh, DREAMY! 

Even though I really like the pattern of the stenciled background, I wanted to add a fun element of layers and texture to the card. I decided to chop it up using a trimmer for clean lines and to add Instant Dimension Foam Tape to these to raise them up from the background. I debated using either Jet Black card stock or Honey Drizzle, to be cohesive with the colors of the inks. In the end I decided to go for Glitter Cardstock in Citrine. That glitter texture really brings the interest levels up a notch! Plus, it's glitter and sparkle, so absolutely that was a fab choice. I am aware I'm tooting my own horn here but if you watch the video, I do show how it looks with the black and yellow card stock too.

For the sentiment, I used the Timeless Sentiments 2 Die Set. I die-cut "Celebrate" using Jet Black for the shadow and Citrine Glitter Cardstock for the words.

Even though this is already a very layered card, I added some more Instant Dimension Foam Tape to the back of the 'Celebrate' sentiment, that I chose to use on the card. It is one of those little things that elevates your design without adding anything else to your card. A super layered card like this isn't great for mailing though, so bear that in mind if you decide to make this card for someone. In person giving is definitely the way to go for these extra layered cards. 

I could have stopped here, and maybe I should have, but I decided to add a little something-something else. Like you do, if you are obsessed with bling and sparkles, like I am. The pattern of the background is very pretty, and the fourth layer of the stencils is done in black ink for little details. Those little details were just begging for some Black Onyx Gem Sparkles.

I placed some of the big gem sparkles in the middle of the bigger flowers, and some of the smaller in select places around the background. I think you will be rather surprised at how few I added, because I have a bit of a habit of going for 'more is better'. 

I must admit that looking at the photos of this card I can't help but think some more gem sparkles would be just the thing, but that can't be helped now. Maybe that's just as well, though. It's nice to shake things up every now and again. Maybe it lets the stenciled background stand out more? 

So. that's about it from me for today, but I really hope you have enjoyed my musings about this gorgeous Stencil Arts: Styled Backgrounds Layering Stencil Set. It really is a lovely one, so if you are looking for a new addition to your stencil collection, this one should definitely be considered! If you ask me that is. 

Over on the YouTube channel you can also watch me play with these stencils, and while I'm not using all of them in the set, I am showing the other two stencils that are each very fun too. 

With that, I am all done. Thank you so much for hanging out with me today and I hope you feel inspired and creative! 

With love and light, creativity and sparkle from your stencil loving gal, Erica.

Lightning Deal Alert: Get 40% OFF Crafter’s Showcase: 40 Mini Blending Brushes & Storage Bundle for 24 hours only! Shop now: https://altenew.com/products/crafter-s-showcase-40-mini-blending-brushes-storage-bundle