Clean and Simple Card with The Rabbit Hole Designs Stamps

Clean and simple cardmaking is one of those styles that looks effortless—but when done well, it feels thoughtful, polished, and full of intention. This encouragement card using The Rabbit Hole Designs Balloon Animal No. 1 Stamp Set is a great example of how a few well-chosen techniques can create a soft, uplifting design without overwhelming the eye.

From the airy cloud background to the no-line watercolor balloon animal, every element on this card was chosen to support the sentiment and keep the focus on encouragement.

A Clean and Simple Layout That Feels Open and Calm

One of the first things you’ll notice about this card is the framed white center panel. Leaving plenty of white space helps the design breathe and instantly gives the card that clean and simple feel—perfect for encouragement cards where the message matters most.

The softly blended border around the card adds color and interest without feeling heavy. Using light layers of ink blending allows the background to stay subtle while still framing the focal panel beautifully.

No-Line Watercoloring for a Soft Focal Image

The balloon animal is the star of this card, and no-line watercoloring plays a big role in keeping it looking gentle and approachable. Instead of bold outlines, the image is stamped in a lighter ink (like Memento Toffee Crunch), allowing the watercoloring to define the shape naturally.

This technique works especially well for clean and simple cards because:

• The image feels less “stamped” and more hand-painted

• The soft edges blend seamlessly into the background

• The focal image stands out without harsh contrast

Using Canson XL Watercolor Paper helps the Candy Apple Distress Ink Reinker move smoothly and creates those soft transitions you see in the balloon shapes.

Layered Ink Blending with Stencils

Rather than patterned paper, this card uses stenciling and ink blending to add interest to the background. The soft clouds floating across the card were created using the Clouds in My Coffee 6x6 Stencil from The Rabbit Hole Designs, paired with gentle ink blending for a dreamy sky effect.

Additional depth comes from blending around the edges using:

• Mowed Lawn, Black Soot, and Dusty Concord Distress Inks

• Background Basics Stencils from Penny Black

This approach adds color and movement while still keeping the overall design clean and cohesive.

Masking for Crisp, Intentional Layers

Masking is one of those behind-the-scenes techniques that really shines in clean and simple cardmaking. By masking areas during stamping and ink blending, each layer stays crisp and intentional—nothing feels muddy or overworked.

It’s a simple technique, but it makes a big difference when you’re combining multiple elements like stenciling, stamping, and watercoloring on one card.

Simple Stamping and Finishing Details

The sentiment is stamped directly onto the white panel, keeping it clear and easy to read. Using inks like Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink ensures clean impressions that don’t compete with the artwork.

A few small finishing touches—like highlights added with a Jelly Roll Bold White Gel Pen and a sturdy base made from Neenah Ultra Thick Cardstock—help the card feel complete while staying true to the clean and simple style.

Why This Card Design Works

This clean and simple encouragement card shows how combining:

• No-line watercoloring

• Soft ink blending

• Stenciling and masking

Can result in a design that feels calm, uplifting, and approachable. It’s a style that’s easy to adapt for different themes and sentiments while still looking polished and professional.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about clean and simple cardmaking, this project is a great reminder that simple doesn’t mean plain—it just means intentional.

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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