Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share a playful and cozy card design that’s all about making today just a little brighter! I used the Mug Shots Stamp Set from Catherine Pooler Designs as my inspiration, featuring an adorable cat mug that instantly adds a bit of whimsy to any card. Paired with the Spring Floral 1 Pattern Paper from The Rabbit Hole Designs and some rich blending with Tombow Dual Brush Markers, this card came together in a fun, cozy way that just makes you want to reach for your own favorite mug!
Make Today So Awesome:
Choosing the Perfect Stamp for an Everyday Smile
I always believe that the little details make a big difference in card making. When I saw the cat mug in the Mug Shots Stamp Set, I knew it would be the perfect focus for today’s card. It’s quirky, warm, and absolutely charming—exactly the kind of vibe I love to share with friends and family. I used Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink to stamp it onto Bristol Smooth Cardstock, which is my go-to paper for working with water-based markers like the Tombow Dual Brush Markers. Bristol Smooth just gives that perfect blendable surface, making it easy to get seamless, soft transitions.
Pro Tip:
If you’re stamping a detailed image that you plan to color, especially with water-based markers, try Bristol Smooth Cardstock. Its smooth surface allows inks to glide on, and the colors look rich and vibrant without much effort.
Blending with Tombow Markers for Rich, Seamless Color
Now, let’s talk about adding color to that cute cat mug! For this design, I wanted the mug to coordinate with the purple plaid pattern from the Spring Floral 1 Pattern Paper (The Rabbit Hole Designs). I went for three shades of purple, starting with the darkest shade along the edges to create depth, followed by a midtone, and finally, a light shade toward the center. Blending each layer with the Colorless Blender brought all those shades together beautifully, giving it that soft, painterly look.
This technique of laying down the darkest colors first really helps to create natural depth, especially when using markers that have both bold and subtle shades. There’s something satisfying about watching each layer of color deepen and blend!
Pro Tip:
When blending with Tombow Dual Brush Markers, start with the darkest shade where you want the most shadow, then add midtones and lighter shades as you work outward. Finishing with the Colorless Blender softens and unifies the colors, giving that professional, smooth look.
Adding a Touch of Realism: A Wooden Table and Shadows
For the base, I wanted to give the mug a cozy setting, so I created a “wooden” table by layering three shades of brown Tombow markers. By blending those browns with the Colorless Blender, I got a look that almost feels like a real, textured surface.
Then, to ground the mug even further, I added a shadow under it using black and two different gray markers, blending them with the Colorless Blender. It’s a simple touch, but it really helps the mug feel like it’s sitting right there on the table.
Storytime:
I remember the first time I tried adding shadows under my stamped images—it transformed the whole look! It’s amazing how something as simple as a shadow can add that little bit of “wow” to your card. Since then, I never skip this step.
Soft Background Blending with Distress Inks
To keep the focus on the mug but still add a bit of atmosphere, I did some light ink blending for the background. Using Shaded Lilac Distress Ink at the top and Frayed Burlap at the bottom with my CottonTail Blending Brushes gave the background a soft, cozy feel. The purple and brown tones work so well with the patterned paper and the colors in the mug.
Blending Distress Ink in this way lets you add texture without overwhelming your main image. The colors frame the mug and give it that extra touch of dimension without drawing attention away from the focal point.
Bringing It All Together: Assembly and Finishing Touches
Once the background blending and coloring were done, it was time to bring the card together. I trimmed the purple plaid pattern paper from the Spring Floral 1 Paper Pad down to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and attached it to a top-folding A2 card base. Then, I added the focal panel with some dimensional adhesive for depth.
For the final touches, I stamped the sentiment in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink, right onto the ink-blended background, and added a few highlights with a white gel pen on the mug to give it a bit of shine and character. Just that tiny bit of highlight makes such a difference—it’s like adding a little sparkle to bring the image to life!
Pro Tip:
White gel pen highlights can really make your images pop. Add them to areas where light would naturally hit, like the edges of your mug or along the shadowed parts. It’s an easy way to add depth without much extra effort.
Make Today Awesome – One Card at a Time!
I love how this card turned out, and I hope it inspires you to create something cozy and fun. With a charming stamp set, a touch of ink blending, and a few thoughtful color choices, you can make a card that brightens someone’s day. Remember, sometimes it’s those small, thoughtful details that take a card from simple to spectacular.
Happy crafting, and remember to make today awesome, one card at a time!
(Affiliate links included where 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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