Hello crafters! A big article today featuring several recent projects!
Let’s talk about Ink Smooshing. There are multiple methods for getting an ink-smooshed look. Ink Smooshing is typically an ink and water technique used to get an abstract result, often a background. Recently I showed 2 methods. One method used a large acrylic block as the tool and the other method used a Stamp Positioner Tool. (BTW, our all-new Stamp Positioner Tool is available beginning May 5, 2026).
Let’s take a look at this card, where we used the first method:
Swipes of color are placed on the acrylic block (I used Stampin’ Up! block I) directly from the ink pads and then sprayed with a fine mist of water. When this gets stamped on Watercolor Paper, you get an amazing unique background. In the card above, I used the colors that are retiring May 4. (Petunia Pink, Summer Splash, Shy Shamrock, Pretty in Pink and Peach Pie) and then a simple sun image stamped in the same colors. It’s a fresh look that really satisfies the desire for “something different”. If you’d like to see the full video tutorial, and learn how to make this card, I’ve provided the YouTube link here:
Let’s move on to the second method and card. This card was made a Stamp Club April 2026 and we used the Stamp Positioner to get this look. Although the Stamp Positioner has some primary uses other than ink smooshing, it works very well for this technique. In this instance we still applied ink straight from the ink pads and swiped onto the acrylic plate of the tool. These ink “patches” are spritzed with water and then pressed onto the Watercolor paper to get the look. This process can be hard to imagine, so take a look at this video tutorial. You’re going to want to try it!
A little more about this card – we used stamps and dies from Pop Up Petals and we used these colors for the background: Coastal Cabana, Lemon Lime Twist and Azure Afternoon. I like the pop of black from the card stock layer and from the stamping. If you like the whimsical twine, that is easy to do by placing Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the Lemon Lolly card stock frame and simply winding the twine in an “S” pattern before sticking it down to the card front. See the shopping list here:https://s.tamp.in/nViSjc
OK let’s look at this gorgeous card! Recently I showed a card (Simply Saturday episode 213) that had some similar attributes, like the arches and the DSP from Lovely Garden. This was a fast & easy card that was simple. At the end of the episode I showed a similar card where I added some die cut words and this really elevated the card. Loving how this turned out, I prepped it so we could make it as a Stamp Club project. If you compare the SS 213 card with this version below, you can see that the arches and paper choice are the same but by die cutting the shadow for the words and die cutting the words, it really POPS! Below you’ll see 2 color variations of the same card.
I’ve linked this video here for you:
Next I want you to see a card made with the newest colors to our line up. These are the 5 In Colors for 2026-2028. Introducing: Hydrangea Hue, Crisp Cantaloupe, Golden Glow, Peaceful Pine and Barely Blush. The stamp set is called Boutique Blossoms and you’ll see I used ribbon in the new Peaceful Pine color. Look for these products in my online store beginning May 5, 2026.
I made a video tutorial for this very easy card with these new colors and posted it to YouTube. You can see that here:
And for today’s final installment, lets take a look at BBQ Master. This stamp and die bundle is available NOW. Here is a direct link: https://www.stampinup.com/products/bbq-master-bundle-english?demoid=1434 We made a fun fold card using stamps and dies. I think making cards suitable for the men in our lives can be challenging. We have plenty of inspiration and products for making pretty, cute, whimsical, beautiful, romantic cards. But for guy cards. we are often left with limited choices of a plain, plaid or sports stamp set which isn’t for everyone. (Note – I do enjoy using a retired golf and also Whiskey set but it was time for something new). I think BBQ Master fills the gap! The stamps in the set are fantastic, but let me tell you that the DIES in this set are OVER-THE-TOP. Let’s take a look:
The fun-fold Z card is not complicated, so we started with that. We made a fast background in Smoky Slate ink on Smoky Slate card stock. The BBQ tool stamps are SO cute. The grill itself is stamped and die cut as is the flame. When the card is opened it reveals the cheeseburger which is made entirely of die cut images. The ketchup bottle is stamped, then die cut. This card was SO much fun to make, and I’m already designing more cards with these products. Want to follow the tutorial and see how we did it? Here is the YouTube link:
I hope today’s post and all the photos/videos have been inspiring to you! I love what I do, and I love sharing it with you. If you’d like to purchase products, please visit my online store. Remember our generous program gifts you Rewards based on your purchases that you can use or save for future purchases. Shop now! https://juliebaum.stampinup.net
Thanks for stopping by. Hugs & Happy Stamping!
