Creating a lovely background doesn’t need to be complicated. One stencil, a few ink colors, and a gorgeous stamp can turn into something truly beautiful in minutes. You can catch this one come together in my quick JAM Sesh video too.

Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are short videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. These quick ideas do not require much explanation, but seeing them in action can be the perfect inspiration you need for your next project. Watch it on YouTube.

---

Featured Unity Supplies

A Monarch Echo USC

Large Damask Background Stencil USC

Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC

Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.

---

Wonderful Monarch

This card came together quickly with the Large Damask stencil from Unity and three vibrant Distress Ink colors. I blended Abandoned Coral, Seedless Preserves, and Peacock Feather for that bold background, then trimmed it slightly to leave a clean white border when mounted to the card base. That gorgeous monarch butterfly stamp from Unity Stamp Company is stamped in Peacock Feather, letting all those intricate details shine without any coloring needed. I added a simple sentiment and a few enamel dots to keep the spotlight on that bold, inky background.

What Makes This Card Special:

• One stencil, big impact: The Large Damask design fills the card with pattern and elegance.
• Bold and vibrant color combo: The blend of coral, purple, and teal creates a rich and lovely mix.
• No coloring needed: The butterfly looks stunning stamped in just one color thanks to its beautiful detail.
• Quick to make: Perfect for last-minute cards or when you want to make a few at once.
• All occasion ready: Just change the sentiment for birthdays, thank yous, or encouragement.

Creative Tips & Techniques

• Secure your stencil: Use a grip mat, sticky mat, or low tack tape to hold your stencil and paper in place while blending.
• Start off the edge: Begin your blending off the edge of your paper to avoid harsh ink spots.
• Use light pressure: Blend with gentle circular motions and build color slowly for smoother transitions.
• Use smooth cardstock: A coated or ultra-smooth paper helps ink glide and blend beautifully.
• Let it settle: Ink blends can look splotchy at first but often smooth out as they dry.
• Keep brushes clean: Use separate brushes for each ink or clean between colors to prevent muddy blends.
• Explore other mediums: Try metallic, glitter or texture pastes, or spray inks through your stencil for totally different results.
• Clean your stencil right away: Drop your stencil into soapy water or clean it immediately after use to prevent staining or buildup from inks and pastes.

Hope this little burst of color and pattern inspires you to pull out your stencils and get inky. It’s always amazing what you can create with just a few supplies and a bit of play.

Crafty Sales & Events

Lots of amazing events and sales going on — here’s a quick rundown of the happenings.

• Scrapbook.com — Save an extra 12% this week with the code: THANKYOU

• Hero Arts — Back to School sale has 40% off just for 24 more hours and then it drops down to just 30%!!! Shop early to get the best deal!
• Spellbinders — Dies are up to 40% – how can you resist that?

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

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

A Monarch Echo USC	Large Damask Background Stencil USC	Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Dies USC	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ	Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ
Abandoned Coral SBC	Seedless Preserves SBC	Peacock Feathers SBC	Enamel Dots AMZ	Grip Mat 6×6 SBC

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	Adhesive Roll SBC