Hello, my fellow crafters! Today, I’m excited to share a project that truly highlights the beauty of combining stamps, stencils, and ink blending. If you're looking for a card that’s both unique and elegant, this Floral Window Thank You Card is just the ticket. Featuring the lovely Chrysanthemum Stamp Set from Newton’s Nook Designs, this card comes together with a mix of simple techniques that create a stunning final product.
Floral Window Thank You Card:
The Inspiration Behind the Card
Whenever I sit down to create a thank you card, I always think about the recipient and what makes them special. For this project, I wanted to capture the warmth and gratitude I feel when someone goes out of their way to do something kind. What better way to convey that than with a gorgeous floral design that feels both thoughtful and handcrafted?
The idea of using a window effect came to me as I was organizing my stash and came across the Background Basics Stencils (you know how finding an old favorite can spark new ideas!). I love the way a windowed layout can guide the eye and add depth to a card, so I decided to give it a try with the Chrysanthemum Stamp Set. And let me tell you, it turned out beautifully!
Crafting the Floral Focus
I started by stamping the Chrysanthemum from the Chrysanthemum Stamp Set in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink onto a piece of Bristol Smooth Cardstock. If you’re like me, you appreciate the crisp detail that Versafine Clair provides—perfect for those intricate floral images. After stamping, I set the cardstock aside to dry completely before moving on to the coloring.
When it comes to coloring florals, Tombow Dual Brush Pens are one of my go-to tools. The vibrant hues and the ability to move the ink around with a little water is a combination that can’t be beaten. Using my Princeton Heritage Round Size 2 Paint Brush, I carefully blended the colors to create a soft watercolor effect. This brush is fantastic for detailed work, allowing you to control the flow of water and ink. A little tip: if you’re looking to create depth in your petals, layer your colors gradually, letting each layer dry before adding more pigment. This approach adds dimension and realism to the flower.
Adding the Window Effect
Now, here’s where the fun really begins. I reached for the four-panel stencil from the Background Basics Stencils set (from Penny Black). This stencil is one of those versatile tools that can be used in so many ways, but for this project, I knew it would be perfect to create a windowed effect.
After the inked Chrysanthemum was fully dry, I carefully positioned the stencil over the painted design. Using Wilted Violet Distress Ink, I stamped the Chrysanthemum image again, but this time within a few of the stencil’s windows. This technique helped create a visual triangle, which is a little trick I use to guide the eye and create balance on the card. If you’re new to creating visual triangles, think of it as a way to naturally draw attention to the main elements of your design.
With the stencil still in place, I reached for my Cottontail Blending Brushes (from the Rabbit Hole Designs) and began ink blending around the edges of the four panels. I chose Shaded Lilac and Wilted Violet Distress Inks for a soft yet striking contrast. The blending adds a lovely frame to the floral design, making the Chrysanthemum stand out even more.
Final Touches and Assembly
One of my favorite ways to finish off a card is by adding highlights with a white gel pen. There’s something magical about those tiny touches of light that bring an image to life. I carefully added highlights to the petals, focusing on where the light would naturally hit. It’s a subtle detail, but one that adds so much to the overall effect.
With the design complete, it was time to assemble the card. I attached the card front to an A2 top-folding card base made from Neenah Solar White Ultra Thick Cardstock. This cardstock is my go-to for card bases—it’s sturdy and has a nice weight that feels substantial in the hand. A little tip here: when working with a card that has multiple layers or heavy ink blending, I always use a strong adhesive to ensure everything stays in place.
Why This Card Stands Out
What I love most about this card is how the windowed stencil effect adds a layer of complexity without requiring a ton of extra work. The combination of the bold floral design with the soft, blended background creates a card that feels both modern and timeless. It’s a perfect project for those moments when you want to send a heartfelt thank you with a little extra flair.
If you’ve never tried a window effect before, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s a technique that can easily be adapted to any style or occasion, and it’s a wonderful way to showcase your favorite stamps.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope this Floral Window Thank You Card inspires you to try something new with your card-making. Remember, the beauty of crafting is in the creativity and joy it brings—both to you and to those who receive your handmade cards.
I’d love to hear how you’re using stencils and stamps in your projects, so feel free to share your creations with me. Until next time, happy crafting!
Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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