Adding Texture to Your Cards with Gel Press & Stamps

 

Hello, crafty friends! Ericka from Strangely Creative here, and today I’m diving into texture and layers using a gel press print and some fabulous stamps. I’ve been playing around with the Hot Drinks set from AALL & Create, and I can’t wait to show you how it all came together!

Step 1: Creating the Gel Press Background

To kick off the project, I used my gel press and a mix of PaperArtsy paints in Mud Splat, Slate, and Taupe. These earthy tones created a rich, textured backdrop that gives the card a cozy, coffee-shop vibe.

Step 2: Stamping & Embossing

Next, I stamped the Hot Drinks set and heat embossed it with WOW! Tarnished Teal. The tarnished finish gave it a fun metallic sheen that contrasts beautifully with the matte background. It adds that extra bit of "wow" (pun intended!) to the card, making the coffee image stand out.

Step 3: Adding Coffee Rings

What’s a coffee-themed card without some authentic coffee rings? I used the coffee ring stamp from the Darkroom Door set and stamped it in Versafine Clair Pine Cone ink, then clear embossed it. The embossed texture made the coffee rings look realistic, as if a fresh cup was just set down!

Step 4: Coloring the Coffee Pot

To add a bit more dimension, I took some Distress Crayons and lightly colored the coffee pot from the Hot Drinks stamp. The crayons are perfect for adding soft, blendable color and give the image a warm, rustic look.

Step 5: Sentiment & Finishing Touches

For the sentiment, I used a stamp from the AALL & Create Coffee Break set—because, let’s be honest, a card about coffee needs the perfect quote! To finish things off, I added bits of Scriptural washi tape here and there, tying the whole design together with a bit of artsy flair.

Final Thoughts

I love how this card turned out—full of texture, layers, and warm coffee vibes. If you’re looking to add some dimension to your next card-making project, playing with a gel press and embossing techniques is a great way to go. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to break out all your fun stamps!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Topflight Stamp Supplies

AALL & Create - Coffee Break Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - Hot Drinks Shop at: TP	Darkroom Door - Coffee Time Shop at: TP	AALL & Create - #39 Scriptural Shop at: TP
WOW! Embossing - Clear Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Clear Embossing Pad Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Seth Apter Tarnished Teal Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Pine Cone Shop at: TP
PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Mud Splat Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Slate Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Chalk Paint - Taupe Shop at: TP	Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at:  TP