How to Add Depth to Die Cuts Using Ink Blending and Pattern Paper

One of the questions I hear most often from cardmakers is how to make die cuts feel less flat—especially if coloring isn’t their favorite part of the process. That was the exact problem I wanted to solve with today’s card. This Valentine’s Day card for a friend focuses on simple layers, thoughtful design choices, and just a touch of ink blending to create depth without adding complexity.

I walk through the process on video so you can see how everything comes together visually, but I also wanted to share the design thinking behind this card here on the blog. Understanding the “why” makes it much easier to apply the idea to your own supplies and future projects. If you enjoy seeing techniques in action, the video is a great companion to this post.

The Design Goal: Dimension Without Overwhelm

The main goal for this card was to create a small scene that feels intentional and finished, without relying on detailed coloring or lots of layers. Die cuts are perfect for this, but on their own they can sometimes look a bit one-dimensional. By pairing them with subtle ink blending and a patterned paper background, the card gains depth while still staying clean and approachable.

This approach works especially well for friendship cards and Valentine’s Day cards for friends, where you want warmth and personality without going overly fussy or romantic. Keeping the color palette limited—mostly soft browns and neutrals—also helps the design feel cohesive and calm.

Why These Techniques Work Together

Ink blending on die cuts is one of my favorite ways to add dimension because it’s forgiving and flexible. Using two shades of the same color creates gentle shadows that suggest depth without harsh lines. This is a great option if you want the look of shading but don’t want to commit to full coloring.

Another key design choice here was using dies in a different way. The tree from the Hello Autumn Slimline Die Set becomes a branch rather than a full tree, which instantly changes how the die feels. Thinking of dies as shapes instead of finished images opens up a lot of creative possibilities and helps stretch your supplies.

Pattern paper plays an important role too. The Magic World 6 x 6 Pattern Paper Pack provides texture and interest while acting as a neutral backdrop. When pattern paper is doing some of the visual work, you can simplify the rest of the card and avoid over-designing.

Product Choices That Support the Design

The Owl Always Be Your Friend Pun Die Set was a natural choice for this project because it includes both the focal image and a coordinating sentiment. That built-in pairing makes it easy to create a cohesive card without needing to search for the “right” sentiment. The playful style of the owl also keeps the card friendly and lighthearted, which is perfect for a Valentine’s Day card meant for a friend.

Stamping the sentiment in brown pigment ink instead of black helps it blend into the overall color scheme. Small choices like this can make a big difference in how polished the finished card feels.

Making This Idea Work With Your Stash

One of the strengths of this approach is how adaptable it is. You can:

• Swap the owl for any solid or layered die-cut image you own

• Use a branch, fence, or simple shape instead of a tree

• Replace pattern paper with a softly ink-blended background

• Change the sentiment to suit birthdays, thinking-of-you cards, or encouragement cards

If you’re newer to ink blending, start light and build slowly. If you’re more experienced, you can push the contrast a bit more for extra depth. Either way, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating visual interest with less effort.

A Gentle Reminder

Cards like this are a great reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques or a huge supply list to create something meaningful. A few intentional choices can go a long way, especially when you focus on depth, balance, and simplicity.

Video Tutorial:

If you haven’t watched the video yet, you can watch the process here to see these ideas come together visually. And if you try this approach with your own supplies, I’d love to hear how it worked for you—this is one of those techniques that gets better the more you play with it.

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!

(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

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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