If you think alcohol markers are just for coloring in outline images, think again! Today’s technique is going to provide you with 4 ways to create a greeting card background.

Whether using vellum, acetate, foil or shimmer vellum you’re going to fall in love with these handmade cards. The best part is that even a novice in paper crafting can create this type of card making. Grab your Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers and let’s turn your greeting cards into a work of art! You’ll swear these are paintings but they are actually scribbled masterpieces!

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Alcohol Markers Video | 4 Ways to Create Backgrounds

Alcohol ink art is all the rage and for good reason. This technique creates amazing backgrounds in minutes. But did you know that you can achieve these same looks using the Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers? Let me teach you 4 ways to use them.

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Alcohol Markers | #1 Vellum Cardstock

The secret to using your Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers is the percentage of alcohol you use. I’ve experimented with all different percentages and the 99.9% isopropyl alcohol works like magic! With this high alcohol percentage you won’t be fighting curled paper plus you’ll receive maximum color-spreading results. CLICK HERE to scroll through my Craft Room Favorites where you’ll find the 99.9% alcohol I used.

When choosing your Stampin’ Blends, be sure you take into consideration that two colors, when blended together, will make a third color. To avoid muddy tones consider the RGBY concept; red, green, blue and yellow. Mixing any shade of these colors will produce a beautiful third color. For example, red and blue will make purple.

The blending of the Dark Pumpkin Pie and Dark Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends markers creates a rich burnt orange color. The contrast with the Bermuda Bay is striking and still leaves areas of the vellum with Pumpkin Pie tones.

If you look closely at this detailed die you’ll see I die cut two then adhered them together for dramatic depth. Small drops of Multipurpose Liquid Glue placed in the precision needle tip glue bottle used in my video is a game changer! Pour the glue into this applicator and you’ll actually enjoy adding glue to tiny areas. CLICK HERE and scroll through my Craft Room Favorites to find this applicator.

Alcohol Markers | #2 Shimmer Vellum 

Don’t stop with vellum cardstock! A well overlooked product in the annual catalog are the new Shimmer Vellum papers on page 135. This pack of 12″ x 12″ 2021-2023 In Color assortment will take your breath away! It’s too bad the camera can’t pick up the shimmer but be sure to watch the video for the WOW factor.

Experiment with both the light and dark shade of the Stampin’ Blends to insure the highest volume of color. Each appears a little different depending on the paper you’ve selected. Here I’ve used Light Blackberry Bliss and Dark Misty Moonlight Stampin’ Blends. 

Alcohol Markers | #3 Foil Sheets

As if it couldn’t get any better, here comes the foil! The colors look totally different on this paper medium because of its specialty finish. Once dried you’ll have a gorgeous patina look. Everyone will be asking “where did you get that paper?”. 

I used copper foil and knew instantly that the Stitched Leaves Dies would just emphasize their color. Once again the 99.9% alcohol is the secret. It dries rapidly and keeps the paper from curling – an important feature when working with foil. 

Alcohol Markers | #4 Acetate

If you’re looking for a lot of ‘easy movement’ with alcohol makers use the Stampin’ Spritzers filled with 99.9% alcohol. Found on page 129 of the annual catalog these bottles have a precision nozzle for perfection direction. Sprayed on the acetate the color literally slides across the surface.

Stampin’ Up! calls their acetate “Window Sheets” and I swear by their quality. Thicker than typical acetate, this medium is perfect for card bases, backgrounds and much more. You’ll find the Window Sheets on page 136 of the annual catalog. 

Warning! This technique is contagious. I continued to play with lots of color combinations – and you will too! This last card uses the pineapple die from the In the Tropics Dies. I added a few gems and a Playing with Patterns Resin Dot to the center of the flower. If you look closely you’ll see white polka dots on the resin dot. I created those using the White Stampin’ Chalk Marker. 

Click on the red tutorial box below to view and/or download the card measurements and the supplies. Click on any product in the download and it will redirected to my online store where you can view them larger and/or add them to your cart. I offer exclusive and generous online ordering REWARDS, too!

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Specials

Stampin’ Up! offers regular specials that include promotional and limited time products. From stamps, dies and accessories there are even more ways to be inspired! Click on the button below to check out the current specials. Remember, products are available for a limited time and while supplies last. 

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This website contains affiliate links. If you click any of the affiliate links and purchase a product, I may earn a commission but don’t worry, there is no cost to you! Read more about our affiliate disclosure by clicking here.