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 

Sunrise Sailing Bundle (English)

[165497]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[159229]

Smoky Slate 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[131202]

Secret Sea 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[165624]

Neutrals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165303]

Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad

[165285]

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

[147277]

Opal Rounds Assortment

[163298]

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

Stylish Shapes Dies

[159183]

Take Your Pick

[144107]

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

Bone Folder

[102300]

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

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.

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.

Paper Pumpkin Makes the Best Gift!

Looking for a creative gift? Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscriptions are on sale through December 9! Each kit arrives with everything needed to craft beautiful cards and projects — no experience needed.

Shop prepaid subscriptions

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.

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!

See Simple Supplies in a Whole New Way

September’s creative escape features the Simply Leaves Bundle paired with the beautiful Painted Patch patterned paper—but don’t let those leaves fool you! We’ll explore unexpected ways to transform simple shapes, play with fresh color combinations, and add gorgeous texture and dimension to projects that look impressive without feeling complicated.

Everything is thoughtfully designed and much of the prep work is already done for you, so you can spend less time figuring out what to make and more time enjoying the creative process and building confidence along the way.

Registration: August 21–September 20, 2026
While supplies last.

Get Started

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

More Than a Discount… Join the Diemonds!

Have you ever thought about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator?

Whether you’re looking to save on the products you already love, be the first to see new releases, or simply become part of a welcoming creative community, becoming a Diemond might be exactly what you’re looking for.

• Shop at a discount
• Early access to new products
• Exclusive demonstrator resources
• A supportive community that encourages you every step of the way

Whether you’re a hobby stamper or dreaming of building a business, there’s a place for you here.

Join the Diemonds and enjoy the benefits of being part of the Stampin’ Up! family. Discover what it’s really like to be part of the Diemonds.

Questions? I’d love to help! wendy@creativeleeyours.com

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

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.