Bouquet of Purrs Stamp Set Cardmaking Tutorial with Alcohol Markers | Unity Stamps

There’s something about a “just because” card that feels extra special. No holiday. No deadline. Just a simple reminder that someone matters. When I sat down to create this handmade card using the Bouquet of Purrs Stamp Set from Unity Stamps, I knew I wanted the focus to be warmth, softness, and personality. Not fussy. Not complicated. Just heartfelt.

Sometimes we overthink friendship cards. We add layers, embellishments, extra techniques… and before we know it, the message gets lost. For this one, I leaned into a clean and simple card design that lets the stamped image and coloring do the heavy lifting.

Letting the Image Lead the Design

The sweet kitty holding that bright bouquet is full of character. When I’m working with a strong focal image like this, I ask myself one important question:

What does this image need — and what can I leave out?

Because the stamp already has so much personality, I kept the layout intentionally simple:

• A crisp white card base

• A thin black mat to frame the design

• A softly blended ink background behind the image

• A bold green grounded area to anchor the composition

That clean framing keeps the card polished, while the ink blending adds just enough atmosphere without overwhelming the scene.

When you’re designing handmade cards, especially for friendship or encouragement themes, negative space can be your best friend. It gives the eye somewhere to rest and keeps the focus where it belongs — on the sentiment and the image.

Why Alcohol Markers Were the Right Choice

For this cardmaking tutorial, I chose alcohol marker coloring because it creates smooth blends and vibrant contrast — perfect for a cheerful “just because” card.

The orange fur against the cool blue blended background creates natural visual interest. Warm colors pop forward. Cool colors recede. That contrast makes the kitty feel dimensional without adding bulk or extra layers.

If you’ve ever struggled with flat-looking stamped images, here’s a simple mindset shift:

Instead of trying to color everything perfectly, focus on:

• Adding darker tones where shadows would naturally fall

• Leaving lighter areas for highlights

• Keeping your color families consistent

Even beginner alcohol marker users can achieve beautiful results by simply choosing 2–3 shades within one color family.

And if alcohol markers aren’t your go-to? This design would work beautifully with colored pencils, watercolor markers, or even simple ink blending over a heat-embossed image. The layout supports multiple coloring styles.

The Power of a Simple Ink Blended Background

That soft blue ink blending around the stamped image wasn’t just decorative — it serves a purpose.

It:

• Separates the focal image from the white background

• Adds subtle dimension

• Creates a soft, airy feel

When creating clean and simple handmade cards, a light halo of blended ink can replace extra patterned paper or die cuts. It keeps things visually interesting without adding clutter.

If you’re newer to ink blending, start light and build gradually. You can always add more ink — it’s much harder to take it away.

Designing for Versatility

One of the things I love about the Bouquet of Purrs Stamp Set from Unity Stamps is how versatile it is. Yes, this version is a friendship card, but the same layout could easily become:

• A birthday card (swap the sentiment)

• A thank-you card

• An encouragement card

• Even a Mother’s Day card

The key is keeping the structure simple and letting the stamped image tell the story.

You could also:

• Change the flower colors to match a specific recipient’s favorite palette

• Use patterned paper for the bottom “ground” instead of blended ink

• Add splatter for extra texture

• Keep it entirely monochromatic for a softer look

When a layout works, don’t be afraid to reuse it. That’s not “copying yourself.” That’s developing a signature style.

Clean & Simple Doesn’t Mean Boring

There’s a misconception that clean and simple cardmaking lacks creativity. I actually think the opposite is true.

When you remove extra distractions, your choices matter more:

• Color placement

• Contrast

• Sentiment positioning

• Framing

Those small decisions are what elevate a handmade card from basic to beautiful.

On this card, the thin black mat gives definition. The bold green base grounds the design. The soft blue blend balances the warmth of the kitty. Each choice supports the overall feeling of cheerful encouragement.

That’s intentional design — and it’s something every cardmaker can learn to develop over time.

Encouragement for Your Craft Desk

If you take anything away from this project, let it be this:

You don’t need complicated techniques to create meaningful cards.

A strong stamped image.

Intentional color choices.

A clean layout.

A heartfelt sentiment.

That combination is powerful.

So pull out a favorite stamp set — whether it’s this sweet Unity Stamps image or something already in your stash — and try building around the image instead of around layers. Let it shine. Keep it simple. Trust your creative instincts.

And most importantly, send it. Because the world always needs more “just because” kindness.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

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