Fabulous Floral Backgrounds | Ink Smooshing + Stamping Tutorial
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/RB0824_Orchids_Cling_Stamp_-_Karen_Brown_-_square_duo.jpg?v=1723145756)
Hello lovely crafters! Karen Brown here and today I am excited to share with you a simple yet stunning way to create a floral background with the gorgeous new August Cling of the Month called Orchids.
Easy Yet Eye-Catching Ink Smooshing
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/RB0824_Orchids_Cling_Stamp_-_Karen_Brown_-_coral.jpg?v=1723145884)
Step-By-Step Tutorial:
I will walk you through how to make two colorful cards using the August Cling of the Month: Orchids.
- I started by making two background panels. I took a Clear Acetate Card Panel, dabbed Reactive Ink on the acetate panel and then sprtized with water. Some spots were watery and others were a bit drier, and I think this combination adds more character to backgrounds.
- I turned the acetate over, bent it so that it touched just a portion of my background, and applied the diluted ink to a section of Luxe Watercolor Paper. I continued adding different colors until I liked the look of my panel. I wanted contrast so I made sure to keep some white space. You can see my process photo below.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/Process_1_horitzontal.jpg?v=1723146165)
Below is a photo of my completed ink smooshing. I used Fruit Punch, Creamsicle and Taffy for Card 1 and Blue Hawaii, Paradise and Pool Party for Card 2.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/Process_photo_-_Karen_Brown.jpg?v=1723146265)
- I let my backgounds dry overnight, but you could speed things up with a heat tool.
- I find I get a better result if I season my cling stamps prior to stamping my project. I inked up the Orchids stamp and stamped on plain computer paper and then discarded this test paper.
- I put my ink smooshed background and cling stamp in my stamp positioner and stamped three times with Intense Black Ink. I wanted a nice dark impression that really penetrated the paper.
- Next, using the August Card Kit of the Month, I die cut my elements from Pitch Black cardstock.
- With my paper trimmer, I cut two 2" x 3 " white panels and two black mats.
- I stamped the sentiment (also from the August Card Kit) near the bottom of the white panel and then attached my die cuts with foam squares.
- I assembled my card, adding a bit of craft foam behind the small black mat.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/RB0824_Orchids_Cling_Stamp_-_Karen_Brown_-_blues_-_angle.jpg?v=1723146559)
Here is a final photo of both cards.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/RB0824_Orchids_Cling_Stamp_-_Karen_Brown_-_close_horizontal.jpg?v=1723146609)
I hope you enjoy trying out this technique. Happy stamping!
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1420/5382/files/karen-brown-755_-_Signature.jpg?v=1701640401)
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3 Responses
Melissa Bee
August 15, 2024
These really are fabulous! Thanks for the tutorial, Karen.
Dawn V.
August 14, 2024
So pretty!
amy tsuruta
August 14, 2024
These are both so fabulous Karen!
Love your color choices!