I often use inking to create depth and variation in color on my backgrounds. Today, I’m using monochromatic stamping to create a similar look and stamping on Stickles to add texture and sparkle.

Step 1: Select your ink colors. You want to have a nice gradation in tone from light to dark. I created this swatch to help me keep track of my color order.

Step 2: Stamp the first layer using the large print stamp from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Cling Mount Stamp Royal Script and Ranger Aquamarine Archival Ink Pad on a panel of Simon Hurley create Stark White Cardstock. This does not need to cover the entire. Choosing a less solid image for the first layer helps to preserve some white space on the panel.

Repeat this step with the other colors of ink moving from light to dark, slowly moving your stamping to the edges of the card panel for the darker colors. Avoid using stamps that are large solid images. Choose a variety that includes both images and words.

Step 3: Using Simon Hurley Create Paste Tool, spread Ranger Sunburst Stickles and Ranger Grapefruit Stickles onto a panel of Simon Hurley create Stark White Cardstock and allow to dry. If you would like a more saturated color, repeat this step (I did add a second layer).

Step 4: Stamp butterflies from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Cling Mount Stamp Watercolor set onto dried stickles using Ranger Best Dressed Archival Ink Pad, and then emboss using Ranger Embossing Powder Clear Super Fine Detail.

Step 5: Assemble card. Trim stamped background panel and adhere to Wendy Vecchi Perfect Cardstock White Card. Cut out butterflies. Gently shape butterflies so that wings are slightly forward. Adhere to card using using liquid adhesive in the center and foam adhesive on the wings to create dimension. Stamp and emboss sentiment from Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Cling Mount Stamp Curiosity Shop on Tim Holtz Distress Black Heavystock using Ranger Embossing Powder White Super Fine Detail.