It’s surprisingly easy to build a beautiful mixed media background using 49 and Market ink pads. With just a handful of additional supplies, you can create layers of color, texture, and dimension that make your project shine. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Apply Ranger’s Transparent Matte Texture Paste through an intricate stencil like Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Mini Layering Stencil Set #10 onto Distress Watercolor Paper. Stencil small portions of the design, leaving areas open for visual interest. Set aside to dry completely.

Step 2: Lightly mist the watercolor paper with water using the Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer for an even, fine mist. To control the ink application, press a piece of packaging (for example, from the Mistletoe and Memories Chipboard Basics) into the ink pad, then “kiss” it onto the watercolor paper, concentrating around the stenciled areas. Start with the lighter Mint Chill ink. Dry each layer thoroughly before adding another. Add depth by lightly layering Green Jean ink over the top. Finish with a few ink splatters for a loose, organic look.

Step 3: Once the panel is dry, blend Mint Chill ink into the remaining white areas and along the edges. This step enhances the mint tones and helps the stenciled design pop.

Step 4: Select snowflake designs from the Mistletoe and Memories Blendable Rub-on Transfers. Apply them so they extend partially off the inked areas, this creates the illusion that the snowflakes are spilling outward. These rub-ons apply smoothly and instantly elevate the background.

Step 5: Use Dina Wakley MEdia Glue to adhere your mixed media panel onto a deep green patterned paper from the Mistletoe and Memories 6x8 Paper Pad. This rich green paper brings out the darker tones in the background. Mount both layers onto a sturdy card base like Tim Holtz Distress White Heavy Stock for a professional finish.

Step 6: On a non-porous surface, pour a small puddle of Tim Holtz Foundry Wax in Gilded. Dilute with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to extend working time. Using a paintbrush, apply the wax along the edges of selected Mistletoe and Memories Chipboard Basics pieces.

Step 7: Add isopropyl alcohol to the wax as needed. Add a few splatters to the chipboard pieces. Heat with the Ranger Heat It Craft Tool to transform the wax into a metallic finish.

Step 8: Attach several of the wax-edged chipboard pieces using Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares. This gives your card layered elevations, preventing it from looking flat.

Step 9: Finish your card with added texture and color: A red bow and enamel dots from the Mistletoe and Memories Puffy Stickers and old foliage accents from the Foiled Die Cut Assortment.

You now have a richly layered, festive card with shimmering details, dimensional chipboard, and a dreamy Forest Green and Mint Chill mixed media background. Perfect for holiday greetings or as a special handmade gift.