Add Soft Contrast to Embossed Cards With This Easy Ink Trick (Video)

If you’ve ever felt your embossed layers were missing something—this project’s for you. This week I’m showing you a simple technique using direct ink to paper that brings out the gorgeous texture from your embossing folders without needing dies or fancy extras.

What You’ll Learn

• How to highlight embossed texture using craft ink
• Simple layered layout with elevated details
• Paper-saving die-cutting trick from hidden cardstock layers
• Masculine-friendly design with soft tones
• Clean card layout perfect for replicating or remixing

Why You’ll Love Recreating This Project:

This card is the perfect combination of simple steps and big impact. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, a retirement, or just sending warm wishes—this design works for just about anyone on your list. You’ll love how the direct ink-to-paper technique lets you add contrast and polish without needing any advanced tools, and the layout is easy to duplicate using other embossing folders or themes.

Bonus: it uses a clever cardstock-saving hack you’ll want to repeat again and again—especially when you’re making a stack of cards. It’s beautiful, practical, and repeatable—just the way we like it!

Psst: This project coordinates with the same bundle we’re using in July’s Cultivated Creativity DIY Papercrafting Kit, so you’ll get even more ways to stretch your supplies when you subscribe.

See full details and register HERE. Registration closes July 20, 2025 (while supplies last)

Project Layers (Imperial):

• 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ Thick Basic White CS
• 5-3/8″ x 4-1/8″ DSP
• 4-1/8″ x 3-3/4″ Smoky Slate CS- die cut center
• 4″ x 3-5/8″ Secret Sea CS
• Scrap Real Red CS- die-cut
• Scrap DSP- die cut
• 5/8″ x 4-1/8″ DSP

I have created a printable recipe with the complete supply list and cut dimensions for you. Simply click the button below to access the printable file.

Ready to get started? Check out the full video tutorial below to see each step in action. I’ll walk you through all my tips and tricks for creating your own amazing cards in my Tuesday YouTube PREMIER. Watch the video replay below and be sure to leave me a comment.

Don’t forget to share the video with your crafty friends! While you are watching, I would appreciate you subscribing to my YouTube channel.

(note if viewing this post via email subscription, you may need to click the post name to display the video)

Wasn’t that super cool? Did this spark new ideas for your next project? Tell me in the comments below the post.

Don’t forget to join me for some LIVE papercrafting every Tuesday at 12:30PM ET on my YouTube Channel where we will play with some new goodies from the current Catalogs! Jump on over and follow me now. Looking forward to seeing you and your crafty friends for our next LIVE papercrafting class!

Shopping List 

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

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Live in the US…CLICK HERE to shop my online store and have your Stampin’ Up! supplies shipped straight to your door!

Don’t forget: Orders of $20 or more now earn 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards—just make sure you’re logged into your account and have opted into the rewards program at checkout. Stampin’ Up! tracks your rewards for you!

Need some assistance placing your order? No problem!

Call/text me at 336-671-1959 or send me a message on Facebook. I am happy to help.

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Want to earn EXCLUSIVE video tutorials once a month featuring the latest Stampin’ Up! product suites? Each month you will receive 12 tutorials all bundled together when you place a qualifying $50 or more order with me through my online store for FREE!

You may also purchase individual tutorials HERE.

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I’m sure you agree…papercrafting can bring so much joy. Whether you use it for stress relief, to share your creativity, or have meaningful cards and gifts always at your fingertips, papercrafting has value that goes far beyond the projects.

There’s so much we can give our attention to and spend our time doing today, but what if you had something at your fingertips that allows you to create memories and express yourself instead of watching Netflix? That’s where our paper crafting kits come in!

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2025-2027 In Color Club:

A BIG Welcome to the new 2025-2027 In Colors!

Stampin’ Up! is known for their color coordination and let me just say…they have done it again with this year’s new In Color collection! These are such an on-trend collection of colors and I know you are going to LOVE them! My five month In Color Club is a great way to get all of the new in-colors + coordinating product, a little at a time. You also get some AWESOME gifts too!

See details and get started HERE

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Want to join us for the next team swap? Do you have a big wish list? Maybe you love to be the first to get your hands on brand new products!  If you love Stampin’ Up! products and would enjoy getting a minimum 20% discount every time you purchase…then purchasing the Starter Kit is just what you need! This is by far the BEST DEAL EVER! Enjoy all the benefits risk FREE (no penalty to drop) when you purchase the ultimate Stampin’ Up! bundle ($99 Starter Kit) HERE!

What are you waiting for?

Not interested in selling? No worries…There are no requirements to sell to others, hold events, create a blog, etc… and no penalty when you drop. You can simply make your purchases and enjoy the product discount as long as you like.

Does the quarterly $300 minimum to remain active concern you? No worries…let’s break this down a bit:

• You can do this all at once to take advantage of the Host Rewards or in multiple orders (there is no limit). It is approx. $3.41 a day when you break it down.
• Your personal orders count towards your quarter sales (I am my best customer!-he he)
• For your first quarter you have from the time you sign up until the end of the first full Stampin’ Up! quarter to meet the min. sales requirement.

Worried about project inspiration? No worries…I am here to help you! I share everything with my team for FREE– yes the Exclusive Project Tutorials, the All Star Video Class Tutorials, the Cultivated Creativity Tutorials, the FMN Club Tutorials, Class Tutorials, Paper Pumpkin BONUS tutorials and MORE!

I welcome hobby stampers to my team! When you purchase the kit and join thru me you will instantly become a Diemond and earn access to all the benefits.

Why not give it a try? Do it for YOU! Need more info… CLICK HERE for more details on joining my team.

Questions? Contact me today at wendy@creativeleeyours.com

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12 EXCLUSIVE tutorials each month for FREE!

I am offering the monthly Exclusive Project Tutorials FREE to my email subscribers. Yes! The Exclusive Projects team is comprised of a talented group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators sharing great ideas. There will be a wide variety of projects featuring multiple stamp sets each month that you will get for FREE…if you are a subscriber to my newsletter… Whoo Hoo!

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up HERE

What others’ are saying about the Exclusive Tutorial Bundles:

Thank you! Each and every one of your cards are wonderful! I love having the tutorials printed out. I flip through the pages and always find something that would be fun to make! Thanks again!

-Mary D

*****

“Thank you so much – I always enjoy the fresh design options – you make card making fun again.”

-Kathleen L

*****

“I LOVE and appreciate this special offer you give to your email subscribers. I always find lots of inspiration from the demonstrators and enjoy replicating their beautiful designs.”

-TY Barbara D

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CreativeLee Yours,

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Join my Stampin’ Up!® Diemonds team and get the awesome customizable starter kit HERE. It’s the best bundle ever!
• Ready for a fun, monthly craft kit delivered directly to you, so you get all the joy of creating without having to do all the research, design and prep? Cultivated Creativity is for you! Click HERE to get started.
• Join my Online Forget Me Not (FMN) Card Club and elevate your hand made cards HERE.
• Follow my blog by email and receive a FREE Exclusive monthly PDF tutorial bundle when you subscribe to email list HERE.
• Join Paper Pumpkin and get FREE PDF Tutorials with alternate projects each month.
• Shop my Tutorials to spark your creativity as I guide you through creating beautiful projects HERE.
• Earn Exclusive BONUS tutorials with my rewards program. CLICK HERE for details.