Video: Gradient Background Stamping

Janette Kausen

Hello and welcome to the Hero Arts blog! Today I am sharing an easy technique to spice up background stamping and framing it with a glittery inlaid border. I'm featuring the Floral Doily Bold Prints cling stamp.

I have also created a video tutorial. It is a fun technique I encourage you to try. I would be delighted if you create along with me. Many supplies used are likely already in your crafty arsenal! 

If you’re having a problem viewing this video, please try watching it HERE in HD on YouTube.

This technique relies heavily on a MISTI Stamping Platform. When the MISTI was introduced a few years ago, it elevated the stamping game to a whole new level. I use, at least one, nearly every time I stamp. 

I chose Rose Madder, Indigo and Grape Juice inks, but I had a hard time deciding because this technique is beautiful in so many color combinations. Mount Floral Doily Bold Prints cling stamp in MISTI and ink up top third in Rose Madder. Dab off the ink lightly where the pink will overlap the blue, for a smooth transition. Remember, you can always add ink, but it is very difficult, if not impossible to remove it, so tread lightly. Stamp again with pink, building color as necessary. Repeat with Indigo in the middle third, dabbing off color at the top and bottom where it will blend with the colors above and below. Repeat with Grape Juice for the bottom third of the card panel.

Once stamping is complete, use 2 larger Nesting Infinity Rectangle dies that are close in size to die cut a narrow border into the stamped panel and again into gold glitter paper. Die cut "Hello" with brackets included in the Luggage Tag Alphabet dies. Ink blend lower half of letters with Rose Madder by adhering them to the sticky side of blue painters tape.

Adhere large stamped border to Snow Folded Card base with liquid glue for wiggle room. Then, adhere gold glitter frame. Nest it right up to, but not overlapping the outer border. Adhere the inner rectangle. Finally, adhere the sentiment and a few gold sequins from the Champagne Mix.

There are several tips included in the video to make this an easy process.

If you've been inspired to create, please tag us on social media. We'd love to see what you are up to!

Happy Crafting!


  • Debbie P

    Beautiful card

  • Karen Hale

    Beautiful card and great background technique. I love the gradient coloring of the doily and the half tone on the letters. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Henriëtte

    Love it completely Janette, it’s such an elegant card with the small gold frame between the gorgeous background you made. Thanks for such an great idea!

  • Margaret

    Beautiful! Thanks so much for the tips on making a border with infinity dies and holding letters in place on painter’s tape – those will both come in handy!

  • Barbara Smith

    Love that background technique.

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