Two handmade butterfly cards with bold colorful ink backgrounds and white heat embossing on vellum, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com
Assemble This! - Gettin' Inky - Unity Stamp Company - video

Let’s Get INKY with 2 Colorful Card Backgrounds! (+ Video)

It’s time to get 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.

Two handmade butterfly cards with bold colorful ink backgrounds and white heat embossing on vellum, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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
Love & Wisdom

USC
A Monarch Echo
A Monarch Echo

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.


Vellum Butterfly Magic

Butterfly card with rich red-orange ink smooshed background, white script embossing and floral die cuts layered behind vellum butterfly, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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

Butterfly card with rich red-orange ink smooshed background, white script embossing and floral die cuts layered behind vellum butterfly, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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

Butterfly card with rainbow blend ink background, sequins, embossed script texture and white die cut flowers layered under vellum butterfly, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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.

Butterfly card with rainbow blend ink background, sequins, embossed script texture and white die cut flowers layered under vellum butterfly, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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.

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.

Crafty Sales

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.

Love & Wisdom
Love & Wisdom

USC
A Monarch Echo
A Monarch Echo

USC
Wildflower Stems 1
Wildflower Stems 1

SBC | AMZ | OTH
Wildflower Stems 2
Wildflower Stems 2

SBC | AMZ | OTH
Vellum
Vellum

SBC
Fabriano Watercolor
Fabriano Watercolor

AMZ
Hammermill Cardstock
Hammermill Cardstock

AMZ
Nocturne ink
Nocturne ink

SBC | AMZ
Unicorn White
Unicorn White

SB | SBC
White Superfine
White Superfine

SBC
Anti-Static Pouch
Anti-Static Pouch

SBC
Silicone Craft Mat
Silicone Craft Mat

SBC

Most Used Tools

1.5
1.5″ block

SB | OTH
Big Shot
Big Shot

SB
Black Stamping Tool
Black Stamping Tool

SB
Blending Brushes
Blending Brushes

AMZ
Blending Brushes Large
Blending Brushes Large

AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium
Blending Brushes Medium

AMZ
Blending Brushes Mini
Blending Brushes Mini

AMZ
Blending Brushes Small
Blending Brushes Small

AMZ
Connect Glue
Connect Glue

SB
Cutter Bee Scissors
Cutter Bee Scissors

SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope
Die Cut Envelope

AMZ
Foam Roll - 2 Inch
Foam Roll – 2 Inch

SB
Foam Roll Combo Pack
Foam Roll Combo Pack

SB
Grip Mat 4.75x6
Grip Mat 4.75×6

AMZ
Grip Mat 6.5x8.5
Grip Mat 6.5×8.5

AMZ
Grip Mat 6x6
Grip Mat 6×6

AMZ
Media Mat Mini
Media Mat Mini

SB | SSS
Mini Blending Brushes
Mini Blending Brushes

AMZ
Mini Stencil Mat**
Mini Stencil Mat**

SB
Mini Trimmer
Mini Trimmer

SB
MISTI - Mini
MISTI – Mini

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original
MISTI – Original

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original - Black
MISTI – Original – Black

SB
MISTI Corners
MISTI Corners

SB | AMZ
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

SB
Post It Note Tape
Post It Note Tape

AMZ
Reverse Tweezers
Reverse Tweezers

SB
Sticky Mat
Sticky Mat

SB
Triangle Trays
Triangle Trays

AMZ
White Gel Pens
White Gel Pens

SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat
White Glass Mat

SB | OTH | AMZ
Two handmade butterfly cards with bold colorful ink backgrounds and white heat embossing on vellum, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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