Creating handmade cards is always fun, but creating a background that is truly one-of-a-kind? That is where the magic happens! For this project, I used the beautiful Together Stamp and Die Bundle from Pajama Crafter Stamps along with Awesome Sauce to explore a textured background technique I’m calling Crinkle Inkle inspired by Mary Gunn!
This technique creates gorgeous texture, movement, and visual interest using everyday supplies. The best part is that no two backgrounds will ever look exactly the same.
For this gatefold card, I wanted to create a soft, artistic background with a natural feel and Monet-inspired color palette. The finished card has beautiful floral details, soft texture, and a vibrant belly band that brings everything together.
Three Ways to Create Crinkle Inkle Backgrounds
During the YouTube Live, I shared three different ways to create the Crinkle Inkle effect.
The first method used a crumpled paper bag and vellum. I inked the surface with Distress Ink and Awesome Sauce, then used the crinkled texture to create a soft, organic background. This gave the paper a beautiful worn texture that reminded me of soft leather or vintage parchment.
The second method used a dish sponge inside a zip-top bag. This created a completely different texture and allowed the ink and Awesome Sauce to move in a fun, unpredictable way. It is a great option when you want texture without getting quite as messy.
For the final attempt, I used aluminum foil. The foil added sharper crinkles and more defined texture, making it another great way to experiment with mixed media backgrounds.
Featuring the Together Stamp and Die Bundle
The star of this card is the Together Stamp and Die Bundle from Pajama Crafter Stamps. I used the floral images to create a bold, beautiful focal point for the gatefold card.
I also showed how to blend two different flower clusters from the Together stamp one using in smooshing, and the other with blending brushes. This is such a fun way to stretch your stamps and create a larger statement piece for handmade cards.
The front floral cluster is olored with Copic markers, adding bright pinks, yellows, greens, and beautiful depth to the flowers and leaves. The vibrant coloring really pops against the soft plaid paper and textured background.
Adding a Belly Band to a Gatefold Card
To finish the card, I added a belly band around the gatefold design. This not only helps keep the card closed, but also creates a perfect place for a bold focal point.
The large floral arrangement sits beautifully on the belly band and gives the card a finished, dimensional look. The sentiment “You Are Wonderful” adds the perfect encouraging touch.
Why You’ll Love This Technique
The Crinkle Inkle technique is perfect for card makers who love:
- Handmade textured backgrounds
- Mixed media card making
- Distress Ink techniques
- Floral handmade cards
- Gatefold card designs
- One-of-a-kind paper crafting
- Creative ways to use Awesome Sauce
- Stretching stamp and die sets in new ways
Every time you try this technique, you will get a different result. That makes it perfect for experimenting, playing, and creating custom backgrounds for your handmade cards.
Craft Roulette Replay
If you missed the live stream, you can still watch the full Craft Roulette replay on YouTube and see exactly how this card came together from start to finish! I share the coloring, design decisions, folding techniques, and all the little details that made this project extra special.
Final Thoughts
This card was full of texture, color, and creative play. The combination of Crinkle Inkle backgrounds, Awesome Sauce, and the Together Stamp and Die Bundle from Pajama Crafter Stamps made for a beautiful handmade gatefold card with lots of personality.
Try this technique with paper bags, vellum, sponges, zip-top bags, or aluminum foil and see what kind of texture you can create. You may just discover your new favorite background technique!
Happy Crafting,
Joy
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