Simple Blending, Shimmer Splatter, Beautiful Results

Hello crafty friends! Mindy here with Inking It Up With Mindy, and today I’m sharing a project that blends soft, earthy tones with touches of shimmer to create a clean and elegant design. This card brings together layered die-cut details, a smooth ink-blended background, and multi-color splatter—a combination that adds just the right amount of texture and sparkle without overwhelming the focal point.

I began with the Hazelnut Branch Layering Die Set, which has such beautiful organic shapes. Cutting the pieces from rich browns and muted greens—Espresso, Reindeer Moss, Mountain Pine, Vanilla Cream, and Mocha—instantly gives the branch a warm, natural look. A little ink around the edges of the leaves and hazelnuts helps everything feel more dimensional and lifelike. Once assembled, the branch becomes a gorgeous focal point with lots of quiet detail.

For the background, I wanted something understated that still felt dynamic. Ink blending was the perfect choice. Using greens that complement the branch, I blended the color, so it gently fades across the cardstock, creating a soft ombré that adds depth but remains peaceful and clean. Large blending brushes make this effect effortless and allow the colors to transition smoothly.

To enhance the background without overpowering it, I added multi-color splatter using the Metallic Watercolor Pan Set. The dark green splatter brings in subtle texture, while the metallic gold adds a beautiful shimmer that catches the light as you move the card. The combination creates this delicate, almost magical movement across the panel, tying everything together with a soft glow.

After trimming the panel for a crisp white border and lifting it with foam tape, the whole card begins to take on a refined, airy feel.

The branch sits beautifully over the blended background, and a dimensional die-cut sentiment—created with the Stylish Greetings Die Set—adds a clean, bold finishing touch. The layered black letters against the white shadow layer give the sentiment weight while still fitting the overall soft aesthetic of the card.

And that completes today’s project! I love how a few simple techniques—soft ink blending, subtle shimmer splatter, and layered die cuts—can come together to create a design that feels elegant, textured, and beautifully balanced. I hope this inspires you to experiment with color, shimmer, and dimension in your own cardmaking.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I’ll be back soon with more creative inspiration. Until then, have a wonderful day and happy crafting!

Be sure to watch the full video tutorial to see this card come together step by step.

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