VIDEO: Maximize Colors On Layering Stencils

Hi crafty friends! It’s Mindy with you today, and I’m excited to share some tips on how to maximize your colors when working with layering stencils. Sometimes it feels like we’re limited to the basic shades that match each layer, but with just a few clever blending tricks, you can add depth, dimension, and even multiple tones to a single image. This is such a great way to stretch your supplies and create eye-catching designs that feel full of life.

I also have a video tutorial to walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can see exactly how I layer, blend, and bring in those extra colors for maximum impact.

If you have trouble viewing the video, click HERE to watch it on Youtube.

For my project today, I’m working with the Apple Frame Die and the Apple Frame Layering Stencil. I found it easiest to start by die cutting the panel first from white cardstock. Once I had my frame cut, I placed the stencil over the top so it lined up perfectly with the openings. This way, I didn’t have to worry about shifting or trimming later—it made the blending process much smoother and more precise.

Instead of inking the apples all in one flat color, I masked off portions with post-it tape and blended in different colors using a blending brush to maximize the look. This simple trick really makes the fruit pop and adds interest without needing extra supplies. 

The ink colors I'm using today are:

• Dandelion
• Spicy Mustard 
• Fresh Lawn
• Green Hills 
• Pale Tomato 
• Cranberry
• Moss
• Forever Green
• Cup O' Joe

The great thing about this set is that you can use the stencil and die together for a perfectly coordinated look, or use them individually depending on your design. You can switch it up with watercolors or alcohol markers for a softer or more detailed finish on the die cut piece alone. 

For the finishing touch, I stamped a sentiment from the You’re Golden Set using Intens-ified Black Ink. I love how a bold sentiment can ground the design while letting the stenciled images shine. The combination of rich, blended colors with layered die cuts and a crisp sentiment creates a card that’s perfect for autumn or any occasion where you want to send a warm, thoughtful note.

And that’s my finished card! By starting with the die cut panel, layering the stencil over the top, and using post-it tape for selective ink blending, I was able to bring in multiple shades to make the apples feel fresh and full of life. Pairing the stencil with the coordinating die, adding layers for dimension, and finishing with a bold sentiment from the You’re Golden set really pulled everything together.

I hope this inspires you to look at your layering stencils in new ways and experiment with maximizing your colors. It’s such a simple trick, but it adds so much impact to your finished projects. Thanks so much for stopping by, and don’t forget to check out the video tutorial for a step-by-step look at how this card came together. 

Happy crafting!