Using Gel Pens To Add Details To Your Cards: Video Tutorial

Hey, crafty friends! Today I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to take your coloring to the next level—using gel pens to add those extra special details. You know, the kind that make someone pick up your card, tilt it in the light, and say, “Wait—how did you do that?” Yep. We’re talking highlights, sparkle, and subtle texture, all made easy with a few gel pens.

These tiny tools pack a big punch, and they’re perfect for card makers who want their finished piece to look polished and professional without having to invest in a ton of new supplies. If you’ve ever looked at your coloring and felt like something was just... missing, this is for you.

Using Gel Pens To Add Details To Your Cards:

Why Gel Pens Are a Must-Have in My Craft Room

Let me tell you a little story. When I first started using alcohol markers, I remember feeling a little deflated. I’d watch tutorials and try to follow along, but no matter how carefully I blended, something about my images still felt flat. One day, out of curiosity, I added a couple of tiny white dots to a flower petal with a gel pen—and suddenly, everything clicked. That one little detail brought the flower to life.

Since then, gel pens have been a staple in my workspace. They’re the secret sauce that makes your coloring pop, and they’re especially useful when you're working with bold or whimsical images, like the ones in today's card project.

Let’s Talk Products: The Stars of the Show

For this card, I pulled out the Lovely Bouquet Stamp Set from Pajama Crafter Stamps and stamped it onto Neenah Solar White 80 lb Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink—my go-to combo for alcohol marker coloring. I also stamped a couple of extra leaf images to tuck in behind the bouquet later.

I colored everything in with my Ohuhu Honolulu Brush Markers, which are fantastic if you’re looking for budget-friendly alcohol markers that still give you beautiful blends. Once the coloring was done, it was time to bring in the magic:

• Gelly Roll Opaque White Pen (Bold Tip) – perfect for adding highlights and faux stitching.

• Gelly Roll Stardust Clear Pen – gives that subtle shimmer without being overpowering.

• Black Glaze Gel Pen – adds a glossy, raised look to small elements like flower centers.

These three pens from Sakura are staples for a reason—they’re smooth, consistent, and easy to control, even on detailed images.

Where to Add the Details (and Why It Matters)

Here’s where things get fun. When I’m adding gel pen details, I’m not just doing it for sparkle’s sake. Each mark has a purpose.

White Highlights

I love using the White Gel Pen to hit areas where the light would naturally land—like the top edges of petals or berries. Just a dot or a line here and there can make the image feel dimensional and alive. Think of it as a final highlight pass, like painters do on canvas.

Faux Stitching

If you love giving your cards that sweet, hand-stitched look, faux stitching is such a fun and easy detail to add! I used a Black Glaze Pen to draw a dashed line (yes, you read that right—this pen can do it all!) around the edge of my card for a whimsical, stitched effect. Not only does it frame your design beautifully without needing extra layers or dies, but the glossy finish of the pen adds just the right bit of contrast and shine. It’s a small touch that really makes your card pop!

Sparkle Accents

This is where the Stardust pen shines—literally. I used it on some of the berry centers, a few petals, and even the bow in the bouquet. It catches the light beautifully but doesn’t distract from the overall design.

Pro Tip: Let your gel pen layers dry completely before handling or layering. The glaze pen in particular takes a minute, but it’s worth the wait for that raised, enamel-dot-like effect.

Bringing It All Together

Once the image was colored and detailed, I fussy cut it with my paper snips and popped it up onto a clean A2 card base using foam adhesive. I tucked the extra leaves underneath one side for a little movement and balance.

For the sentiment, I used the same Lovely Bouquet Stamp Set and stamped it in Versafine Onyx Black Ink—my all-time favorite for crisp, detailed sentiments. I purposely kept the rest of the card simple so that the coloring and gel pen details could really shine.

Final Thoughts: Small Tools, Big Impact

Adding gel pen details is one of the simplest ways to elevate your cardmaking—and the best part is, it doesn’t take a lot of time or money. Just a few thoughtful touches can turn a good card into a great one.

If you’ve got a stash of gel pens that’s been collecting dust, pull them out and play! And if you’re new to using them, I hope this inspires you to give them a try. I’ve linked a video below where I walk through the card and share a few close-up tips along the way.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I’d love to hear how you use gel pens in your card making. Let’s keep inspiring each other to add those little handmade touches that make our cards extra special.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Using Gel Pens To Add Details To Your Cards Video Tutorial:

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking here!

(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

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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