Welcome to Part 2 of my mixed media cardmaking series! In Part 1, I walked you through building a layered background with seven different techniques. Today, I'm taking you step-by-step through creating the embellishments and assembling everything to complete this card. You'll see how I stamp and watercolor flowers, create a vintage ephemera piece, and use foam tape strategically to add beautiful dimension. Plus, I'm sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks that make the assembly process so much easier!
This is Part 2 of a two-part series! If you missed Part 1 where I created the mixed media background, check it out first: Read Part 1 | Watch Part 1 on YouTube
From Stamped Images to Finished Embellishments
One of the questions I get asked most often is how to take stamped images and turn them into polished, dimensional embellishments that look cohesive with your background. The key is in the details - how you color them, how you create supporting elements like ephemera, and how you plan your placement before anything gets adhered down.
In this tutorial, I'm using watercoloring to add soft, natural color to my stamped flowers. Watercoloring with dye inks gives you so much control - you can build up layers for depth, blend colors seamlessly, and create that loose, artistic look that works beautifully with mixed media backgrounds. The best part? You don't need special watercolor paints. Regular dye inks and a water brush work perfectly.
I'm also showing you how to create a vintage ephemera piece using stamps and inks to coordinate with your main elements. These little supporting pieces add so much to a design - they give you something to tuck behind your focal images and help tie everything together visually.
And here's the game changer: my Press & Seal technique for keeping die-cut pieces exactly where you want them while you add adhesive. This trick has saved me so much frustration over the years, and once you try it, you'll use it on every dimensional project!
Creating the Embellishments: Step-by-Step
Here's how I built the layers for this card:
Step 1: Stamping the Images
I stamped the outline flowers and leaves using waterproof ink on watercolor cardstock. Using waterproof ink is essential here since we'll be adding water for the coloring - you want those outlines to stay crisp.
Step 2: Watercoloring the Flowers and Leaves
Using a water brush and dye inks, I added color to each flower and leaf. I built up layers of color for depth and let each layer dry before adding more. The key is working with a light touch - you can always add more color, but it's harder to remove it.
Step 3: Die-Cutting the Elements
After all the stamping was completed, I used the coordinating dies to cut out each flower and leaf. Having dies that match your stamps makes this process so much easier and gives you clean, professional edges.
Step 4: Creating the Vintage Ephemera Piece
I stamped a ticket image and aged it using ink smooshing and edge inking, then added water splatters for that authentic vintage look. This piece will tuck behind the flowers to add visual interest and help ground the cluster.
Step 5: Adding Dimension with Foam Tape
I added foam tape to the backs of my pieces, creating different levels of dimension. Not everything needs to be popped up the same height - varying the dimension makes the design more interesting and realistic. Now, I already had a pretty good idea of where I wanted everything to go, so I jumped ahead to adding the foam tape. But if you're not sure about your layout yet, you might want to plan your placement first before adding adhesive.
Step 6: Planning the Final Layout
Even with foam tape already on, I still played with the placement to make sure I was happy with the arrangement. This is where my Press & Seal trick comes in handy - laying a sheet over the top lets me pick up all the pieces at once without them sticking together, flip it over if needed, and keep everything exactly where I want it during final assembly.
Step 7: Adding the Sentiment and Adhering to the Background
Finally, I adhered the completed background to my card base and added a sentiment sticker. I shared my tips for getting everything straight and centered without measuring.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Ready to see all the details, watch the watercoloring process in action, and learn that Press & Seal trick? The video walks you through everything step-by-step with all my tips for getting professional results. You can watch Part 2 below.
If you missed Part 1 where I created the mixed media background for this card, be sure to watch that first to see how I built up all those layers! You can watch Part 1 below.
What's Your Favorite Assembly Trick?
I'd love to hear from you! Do you have a go-to technique for assembling dimensional cards? Have you tried Press & Seal or do you have another method that works great for you? Drop a comment on the video or send me a message on Instagram—I always love hearing what works for other crafters!
Supplies
Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!
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JULIANA