TX Stampin' Sharon

Technique Spotlight: Four Easy Ink Backgrounds + Silly Old Bear Sneak Peek

Beginning Stamping· Card Making Ideas· Card Making Techniques

Today’s Technique Spotlight is all about one of the most important parts of your card… the background.

So many times we overthink it, but the truth is—you can create stunning backgrounds using just ink, a little water, and a willingness to go rogue.

Blending Brush Technique

Use a blending brush and apply a little bit of ink to the center of your cardstock. Gives a soft background and is so quick and easy!

In this class, I’m sharing four of my favorite easy techniques:

  • Acrylic Block Background
  • Bubble Wrap Texture Technique
  • Blending Brush Background
  • Alcohol Marker + Rubbing Alcohol on Vellum

Each one gives you a completely different look—and they’re all beginner-friendly.

Video Tutorial

My goal is to inspire you and help you with your cardmaking. I invite you to watch me on my YouTube Channel every Monday night at 7:00 PM Central…the live chat community is amazing and you are invited to be a part of it!

The Cards

For today’s class, I used the absolutely adorable Silly Old Bear Collection, available starting May 5.

Want the Step-by-Step Instructions?

I’ve created a Technique Spotlight PDF that walks you through each background step-by-step.

You can get it FREE when you:
👉 Place a $50+ order in my online store during May or you can purchase it in my store HERE

This is my way of saying thank you and helping you build your technique library.

These sweet images paired with soft backgrounds make the perfect heartfelt cards—whether you’re creating for a friend, family member, or just sending a little happiness in the mail.

You’ll also notice I used two of the brand new InColors:

  • Hydrangea Hue (soft and calming)
  • Golden Glow (warm and cheerful)
2026-2028 InColor Ink Pads Stampin' Up!

Acrylic Block Technique

Use an Acrylic Block, a water-based ink pad, and a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water to achieve this look. Let dry completely.

Bubble wrap technique

This is a great way to use that bubble wrap that we hang on to “just in case we need it”. I prefer to use a Brayer to apply water-based ink to the bubble wrap for even coverage.

Alcohol Inks technique

Stampin’ Blends from Stampin’ Up! are alcohol based. Use them to scribble on a piece of vellum, use a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with 91% rubbing alcohol, then use a heat tool to move the colors around!

Silly Old Bear Collection Details

This collection is full of charm and versatility—perfect for all ages.

Includes:

  • Sweet Old Friends Stamp Set (13 photopolymer stamps)
  • Sweet Old Friends Dies (20 dies)
  • Sweet Words & Labels Stamp Set (9 photopolymer stamps)
  • Sweet Words & Labels Dies (18 dies)
  • Silly Old Bear 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper
  • Hundred Acre Woods 3D Embossing Folder

Everything coordinates beautifully and makes creating quick, cohesive cards so easy.

PINTEREST-ING!

Follow me on Pinterest and save these card ideas to your favorite Stampin’ Up! card ideas board.

Did you know that when you join my Newsletter, you get 2 Project instructions for FREE each week?

Author Bio — TxStampin Sharon

Hi y’all! I’m Sharon Armstrong, better known as TxStampin Sharon — your friendly online teacher for card-making techniques and creative confidence!

I’ve been a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for 28 years, teaching stampers around the world through my Mystery Monday Stamping live classes, YouTube tutorials, and my 110 Cardmaking Techniques Library.

My mission? To help you make beautiful handmade cards with no stress — just go rogue!

👉 Explore more tutorials at TxStampin.com/Card-Making-Techniques
Happy Stampin’, y’all!

Shop Click Here to Shop Online

Make sure you check out everything I have to offer:

Sharon Armstrong www.txstampin.com
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