Hi there! Today’s video shares how to create marbled and beautiful watercolor backgrounds using Distress Oxide inks and a variety of acrylic blocks. I also shared a fun tip for super quick shading of stamped images to make them look dimensional without much work!

(Looking for anything that I used in the video? All of the supplies are linked with images to multiple stores at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links used when possible. Watch the full video HERE in HD!)

For all of the cards, I used Distress Oxide ink simply because I think these backgrounds look beautiful with the oxidized finish on the colors. However, play with whatever water-reactive dye inks you have (they will all give you awesome results)!

(images: Christmas Is Coming stamp set)

I used a variety of different acrylic blocks, applied the ink directly onto the blocks, and generously sprayed the ink. If you are using regular ink pads, using the corner of the ink pad to apply color allows for 3-5 colors to be added on each block!

Using a variety of acrylic blocks to create several spots of color allows you to create fun scenes when stamping is added! Here, I used the Merry Pigs stamp set to create a playful Christmas scene in the boxes of watercolor.

On this example, I used an acrylic block with wavy edges to create a unique background with extra detail around the edges. Playing with different acrylic block shapes and sizes can help to create unique backgrounds on your projects!

(image: Christmas Is Coming stamp set)

On this example, I used a rectangle acrylic block to create stripes going down the card base. I added images from the Christmas Is Coming and Merry Pigs stamp sets to create a unique comic book look!

For all of the cards, I used light gray and dark gray real brush pens to add a bit of shading onto the images. This is a great way to make the images stand out of the background without having to take the time to color each image fully!

On the last example, I created a sunset sky using a rectangle acrylic block. For this example, I added less water and got a more concentrated color of ink onto the background.

(images: North Star stamp set)

SUPPLIES

Below are all of the supplies used in today’s video linked to multiple stores for convenience. Compensated affiliate links used when possible (when you use these links it helps support me at no extra cost to you)… Thank you!