Hi friends, Lisa here. Are you ready to get inky?

Today I’m sharing a card with the Slow Bloom Society stamp set and the easiest watercolor background with all that gorgeous texture and moody movement. This one is especially fun if you love rich color, simple stamping, and a card that looks a little dramatic while still being easy to do. I also have a full video with my favorite tips for creating this background and finishing the card.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.

Featured Unity Supplies

Slow Bloom Society Stamp USC

Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC

Moody Bloom Layers

This background sets the whole mood. I used three colors of Distress Ink Reinkers as watercolor, and they create the prettiest blend. It starts lighter at the top, then gets deeper and moodier toward the bottom, which gives the panel that soft night-sky feel. The little bits of splatter add the perfect amount of texture. It feels loose, organic, and full of movement in the best way.

Distress Ink Colors: Salvage Patina, Broken China, Uncharted Mariner

The floral image from Slow Bloom Society is such a good one for a card like this because all that gorgeous detail is already built right in. It does not need much at all to look beautiful. Stamped in black over that watercolor, it feels crisp and bold without losing the softness underneath. That contrast is one of my favorite parts of the whole card.

I also love those torn layers tucked behind the panel. They add just enough softness and texture without competing with the watercolor. Then the sentiment comes in and finishes everything off with such a thoughtful, supportive feel.

Watercolor Background Creating Tips

• Control the water: A lighter hand with water gives you more control and helps the color stay where you want it.
• Let the colors meet gently: Keep the blend soft so the ombre look stays pretty and the shades do not turn muddy.
• Lift color in small spots: Clean water is perfect for pulling back a little ink and creating lighter glowing areas.
• Add splatter in layers: Water splatter creates natural texture, and white paint splatter adds that dreamy finish on top.
• Use the reinkers like paint: Distress Ink Reinkers watercolor beautifully, especially when you want soft blends and lots of movement.

I love how this one feels moody, soft, and really pretty without a lot of effort. That easy watercolor background does so much, and the floral stamping looks so gorgeous over the top.

Are you into these deep moody blues too? Or would you try another color mix?

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

Colorwheel Cardstock Colors: Seaside, Indigo

Slow Bloom Society Stamp USC	Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ	Fabriano Watercolor AMZ	ColorWheel Cardstock 48 HA | SB | SBC
Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ	Broken China SBC	Salvaged Patina SBC	Uncharted Mariner SBC	Cooling Rack AMZ
Paint Brushes Wood AMZ	Watercolor Tin 48 Pans AMZ	White Gesso AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ

Hello friends, Lisa here with some inky inspo for your day. Have you ever wanted a colorful card without committing to coloring an entire image? That was exactly the idea behind this card. I started with a soft watercolor background and layered a stamped vellum image over the top so the watercolor could do all the work. I am using the Where Butterflies Wait KOMpanion stamp set by Unity Stamp Company. I also have a full Assemble This! video if you’d like to craft along with me.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.

Featured Unity Supplies

Where Butterflies Wait USC

And then it was Spring {paper} USC

Postage Stamp {die} USC

Let the Background Shine

This card really starts with the watercolor. I used Distress Inks in Worn Lipstick and Dried Marigold on watercolor paper and just let them blend where they wanted to. No plan, no pressure. Once it dried, the background already felt finished, which made the rest of the card feel easy. This watercolor background card sets the tone right away.

Instead of coloring the image, I stamped the Where Butterflies Wait design on vellum. I love how vellum softens everything and lets the watercolor peek through. It keeps the image light and airy and takes away that feeling of needing to color perfectly. It is one of my favorite tricks when I want something gentle and relaxed. I adhered that to the background with glue only around the edge.

What Makes This Card Special:

• Background Led Design: Letting watercolor lead takes the pressure off and keeps the process fun on this watercolor background card.
• Soft Vellum Layer: Vellum blends the image into the background instead of sitting on top of it.
• Easy Layering: The design feels layered without a lot of bulk or fuss.
• Simple Framing: A frame adds structure and solves the adhesive problem at the same time.
• Just Enough Shine: A light touch of sparkle finishes the card without overpowering it.

To pull it all together, I used patterned paper die cut with a postage style die to frame the vellum and hide the glue. The card stays mostly flat, with just the postage element popped up slightly. I punched a small heart from another watercolor scrap and tied a bit of string behind the sentiment to add texture. A little gold glitter glue on the flowers and butterfly was the last touch and adds just enough sparkle.

Creative Tips & Techniques

• Start Loose: Watercolor does not need to be perfect to be beautiful.
• Skip Image Coloring: Let the background carry the color story.
• Save Your Scraps: Watercolored leftovers are perfect for small accents.
• Use Dimension Sparingly: One raised element is often all you need.
• Know When to Stop: Soft designs shine when they stay simple.

This card is a good reminder that you can get a lot of impact without doing a lot of work. A watercolor background card paired with vellum keeps things calm, creative, and enjoyable. Do you reach for background driven designs when you want a more relaxed card making session?

Love crafty inspiration? Get all my new posts, videos, and updates straight to your inbox. I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing the cardmaking fun!

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

Where Butterflies Wait USC	And then it was Spring {paper} USC	Postage Stamp {die} USC	Postage Stamps Infinity Dies HA	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ
Vellum SBC	Fabriano Watercolor AMZ	Intens-ified Black Ink Pad SB | SBC	Obsidian Amalgam Ink OTH	Worn Lipstick SBC
Dried Marigold SBC	Heart Punch Set** AMZ	Champagne Glitter Glue SBC	Ivory Burlap String AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ

Hello friends, Lisa here. Today I’m sharing some cozy fireplace cards created with the Stone & Spark background from Unity Stamp Company. With a little Copic coloring and a simple layout, this scene comes to life with warmth and charm. So perfect for sending comfort or kindness someone’s way.

It has been a while, but I have a full Assemble This video for you today! I hope you will join me.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.

Featured Unity Supplies

Stone & Spark USC

Winter’s Gentle Heart USC

Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC

Scallops & Banners Dies USC

Warm Red for Comfort

This fireplace scene was such a fun one to color. The background has so much great detail that you really don’t have to think too hard about where everything goes. I went with a red chair for this one and I love how it adds a warm, comforting feel to the whole scene. The beautiful sentiment fits so well for a sympathy card… simple, cozy, and heartfelt.

Copic Colors:

• Stone & Wood: W1, W3, W4, W6
• Fire: Y000, Y21, Y26; W6
• Red Chair: R35, R37, R39
• Blanket: W1, W3

The stone texture shows up so nicely with the warm gray markers, and the red blends came together really easily. I trimmed the panel to 4″ x 5.25″, added a little gold thread for interest, and finished it off with a stitched sentiment banner. Nothing too fussy, just a clean layout that lets the scene shine.

Teal Tones for Kindness

For the second card, I kept the fireplace coloring the same and just changed the chair color to teal. It’s amazing how that one change gives the scene a completely different feel. This version feels calm and peaceful, which works lovely with this sentiment for a thank you card.

Copic Colors:

• Stone & Wood: W1, W3, W4, W6
• Fire: Y000, Y21, Y26; W6
• Teal Chair: BG11, BG18, BG87
• Blanket: W1, W3, Y000

You can see how the teal pulls out the glow of the fire in a lovely way. I finished it with a slightly different layout, a coordinating mat, gold thread, and a simple banner sentiment. It’s such an easy design to recreate, and I love that the colors give each card its own personality.

These cozy fireplace cards were so relaxing to color and show just how much personality you can get from a simple color change. Which version do you love most for your cozy fireplace cards, the warm red or the peaceful teal?

Love crafty inspiration? Get all my new posts, videos, and updates straight to your inbox. I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing the cardmaking fun!

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

Stone & Spark USC	Winter’s Gentle Heart USC	Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC	Scallops & Banners Dies USC	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ
Peppermint {paper pad} SBC	Tuxedo Black AMZ	Gold & Silver Thread AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ

Hello friends, Lisa here just Gettin’ Inky.

I’m all about getting some stunning, colorful backgrounds for this big, beautiful butterfly by Unity Stamp Company. I used an easy trick to create two backgrounds at once, giving each card its own gorgeous look with one inky session. Join me for the whole process in the Assemble This! video.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel! You’ll be the first to know when a new tutorial goes up too. Watch on YouTube.

Featured Unity Supplies

Love & Wisdom USC

A Monarch Echo USC

Vellum Butterfly Magic

This grungy background is one half of my inky background panel. I used spray inks and a smooshing technique to let the colors blend and move naturally. No overthinking here. I share lots of tips and my thoughts in the video. I hid some Tim Holtz die cut flowers behind the vellum butterfly, letting it peek through without stealing the spotlight. The wings are curled for dimension, and the sentiment keeps it simple but heartfelt.

Dylusions Spray Ink Colors: Pomegranate Seed, Pure Sunshine, Vibrant Turquoise
Distress Spray Stain Color: Abandoned Coral

What Makes These Cards Special:

• Two-for-One Backgrounds: One inky session created both card panels with different personalities.
• Vellum Butterfly: White heat embossed and cut to flutter right off the card with soft dimension.
• White-on-Color Contrast: The crisp white elements pop against the saturated inky layers.
• A Little Sparkle: Add a few sequins for movement and shine.
• Script Texture: Heat embossed script adds depth without distracting from the design.
• For You Sentiment: Clean and universal… perfect for any occasion or just because.

Color Burst Beauty

The other half of the background had a little more drama and color variation. I tucked some flowers into the corner to let the rainbow really shine through. The scripty stamped and embossed texture adds a lovely touch. That same stunning butterfly floats above with soft lifted wings. A few sequins finish it off with movement and shine, giving this card just a bit of fluttery sparkle.

Creative Tips & Techniques

• Ink Smooshing + Spray Inks: Let the colors do the work. Less is more here, so you don’t get a muddy mess of ink. Watercolor paper is a must for this technique.
• Split Your Background: Maximize your time by using an 4.25″ x 11″ piece of watercolor paper. Once your background is dry, cut it in half for two panels.
• Stamp on Vellum: Use white heat embossing for soft elegance and bold texture.
• Curl the Wings: A little lift adds life and dimension to your butterfly.
• Mix Florals with Texture: Tuck die cut flowers behind or around your focal point for depth and softness.
• Bigger Envelope Needed: This big butterfly needs to spread its wings. Mail in a larger A7 envelope so the wings don’t get crushed.

Does this bold, colorful background technique inspire you to get a little inky too? It’s amazing how much beauty can come from letting go and letting the ink do its thing. These butterflies sure found their happy place on top of all that rich, vibrant color.

Love crafty inspiration? Get all my new posts, videos, and updates straight to your inbox. I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing the cardmaking fun!

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

Love & Wisdom USC	A Monarch Echo USC	Wildflower Stems 1 SBC | AMZ | OTH	Wildflower Stems 2 SBC | AMZ | OTH	Vellum SBC
Fabriano Watercolor AMZ	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ	Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ	Unicorn White SB | SBC	White Superfine SBC
Anti-Static Pouch SBC	Silicone Craft Mat SBC

Most Used Tools

White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ	Grip Mat 6×6 SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	MISTI – Original SB | SSS
MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Stamping Tool SB	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS
Mini Stencil Mat** SB	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS	Reverse Tweezers SB	Connect Glue SB
Blending Brushes AMZ	Detailed Ink Brushes AMZ	Mini Ink Brushes AMZ	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Post It Note Tape AMZ
Big Shot SB	Mini Trimmer SB	Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive AMZ	1.5″ block SB | OTH

Hello friends, Lisa here with a set of cards that all started from one simple idea… mask off a strip, blend some pretty ink, and stamp right over the top. That’s it. One technique. Three different cards. All featuring the Grunge Grove stamp set by Unity Stamp Company.

I love a good technique that gives you room to play, and this one is so easy to mix up with color combos, layouts, and sentiments for any occasion. I’ve got a full video walking you through how I made each card, plus some ideas on how to fix little mistakes when oopsies happen.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel! You’ll be the first to know when a new tutorial goes up too. Watch it on YouTube.

Featured Unity Supplies

HA

Grunge Grove USC	A Round of Hellos USC	Fall Stems USC	Meadow of Memory USC	Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC

Comfort in the Season

This one keeps it super simple with a one layer design. I masked off a strip and blended in those rich fall colors. Then just added the leaves right over the top and finished with a little bronze watercolor splatter for shine. It’s soft and thoughtful. Perfect for sending comfort or a little support when someone needs it.

Distress Ink Colors: Wild Honey & Crushed Olive

Grateful for the Season

This one feels full of fall but with a fun twist. I used a wider masked strip and a brighter, less traditional palette that still gives all those cozy autumn vibes. I added in some stamped texture using the A Round of Hellos set. The circles are stamped in the same ink colors to keep things soft and subtle. A few gold watercolor splatters give it that extra shimmer I love. A pretty little thank you or seasonal card you can send anytime.

Distress Ink Colors: Spiced Marmalade & Peacock Feathers

Heartfelt Sympathy

I combined the blend style from the first card with the colors from the second. The way the colors overlapped added a hint of a lovely green. As I was blending, I accidentally got ink outside the masked area. Oops. I almost scrapped it, but the blend was just too pretty to toss. So I shifted gears by adding some soft stamping on the inside and a vellum overlay to pull it all together. It turned into this gentle, heartfelt card that feels just right for sending love and sympathy.

Distress Ink Colors: Spiced Marmalade, Peacock Feathers & Evergreen Bough

I hope this post gave you some ideas to try with your stash. That little masked strip is such a simple base, but look how different each card turned out. You never know where one idea will take you, and sometimes those creative detours turn into something even better than you planned. I had so much fun making these, and I hope you find some joy in trying it out too.

Love crafty inspiration? Get all my new posts, videos, and updates straight to your inbox. I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing the cardmaking fun!

Love crafty inspiration? Get all my new posts, videos, and updates straight to your inbox. I’d love to stay connected and keep sharing the cardmaking fun!

If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies

*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.

Grunge Grove USC	A Round of Hellos USC	Fall Stems USC	Meadow of Memory USC	Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC
Hammermill Cardstock AMZ	Vellum SBC	Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ	Peacock Feathers, Spiced Marmalade SBC	Wild Honey SBC
Crushed Olive SBC	Evergreen Bough SBC	Metallic Watercolor AMZ	Large Block HA	Post It Tape 2″ AMZ

Most Used Tools

White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ	Grip Mat 6×6 SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	MISTI – Original SB | SSS
MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Stamping Tool SB	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS
Mini Stencil Mat** SB	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS	Reverse Tweezers SB	Connect Glue SB
Blending Brushes AMZ	Detailed Ink Brushes AMZ	Mini Ink Brushes AMZ	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Post It Note Tape AMZ
Big Shot SB	Mini Trimmer SB	Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive AMZ	1.5″ block SB | OTH