Textured Elegance: A Muted Mixed Media Card

 

Hello friends! Ericka from Strangely Creative here, and today I’m sharing a mixed media card that’s all about texture, muted tones, and just the right amount of shimmer. ✨

This project started with some serious playtime on my gel plate using the gorgeous new PaperArtsy Fresco Paints in Admiral, Zinc, and Pumice. I wanted something soft but still full of depth, so I added just a hint of brown paint into the mix—and wow, the results had that perfectly aged, vintage vibe I was after. 

 

Building the Background Magic

Once my gel press prints were dry, I reached for some of my favorite PaperArtsy Seth Apter Mini Stamps (49, 71, and 108). To give them extra punch, I heat embossed the designs using WOW! Embossing Powders in Dirti Verdi, Weathered Gold, and Crusty Copper. These powders not only add sparkle but also create incredible texture you can see and feel.

For even more interest, I stamped the PaperArtsy Ink & Dog Mini 124 with Lavinia Elements Ink in Truffle. It’s a subtle detail, but it brings warmth and cohesion to the whole design.

The Leaf Focal Point

Every card needs a star, and for this one I chose the bold leaf from PaperArtsy Kate Crane 013. I stamped it onto another gel press print using the same Fresco colors and then heat embossed it with WOW! Black Glint embossing powder. The shimmer and drama it adds—perfection.

 

Layers & Finishing Touches

To create dimension and texture, I tucked some thread and twine from my stash behind the leaf before adhering it to the card front. For the sentiment, I used one of the Lavinia Sentiment Stickers, which was just the right fit without stealing the spotlight.

 

I finished everything off with a hand-drawn frame, because sometimes the simplest detail is the one that pulls the whole design together.

 

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If you love working with muted tones but still crave sparkle and dimension, this technique is one to try. The combination of gel press layers, embossing powder texture, and natural fibers gives your card so much personality—without overwhelming the eye.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend! 💛

 

Topflight Stamp Supplies

 

PaperArtsy - Ink and the Dog Mini 124 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Kate Crane Mini 013 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Seth Apter Mini 108 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Seth Apter Mini 49 Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Seth Apter Mini 71 Shop at: TP
WOW! Embossing - Clear Embossing Pad Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Seth Apter Dirti Verdi Shop at: TP	WOW! Embossing - Seth Apter Weathered Gold Shop at: TP	Lavinia - Sentiment Stickers - Uplifting Collection Shop at: TP
Lavinia - Elements Dye Ink - Truffle Shop at: TP	Tsukineko - VersaFine Clair - Morning Mist Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Admiral Shop at: TP	PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Pumice Shop at: TP
PaperArtsy - Fresco Paint Zinc Shop at: TP	Gel Press - Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at:  TP	Speedball - 2" Brayer Shop at: TP