ink smooshing – Try It – Like It

Controlled Ink Smooshing

Controlled ink smooshing and foiling create the perfect layered background.

This week’s tag features a controlled ink smooshing technique paired with foiling to create a beautifully layered and dynamic background. The controlled application of ink allows the colors to blend organically while still maintaining balance and intention. Adding foil over the textured surface brings in just the right amount of shine and contrast, giving the tag extra visual interest. To finish the design, I layered a few coordinating die-cut elements that complement the background without overpowering it, creating a cohesive and eye-catching final piece.

I used a media mat for a controlled and unique ink smooshing technique.

The tag after the ink smooshing technique.

Video Tutorial:

A close-up image to show detail.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ \| SB	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ
Spray Bottles Shop at: AZ	Zig Adhesive Shop at: AZ

Dip and Dot Paper Craft

Dip ink and dot markers work together harmoniously.

The colors in person are beautiful on this tag, they blend together and create visual texture that is enhanced by the ink dots. I added a short statement from an art words printable to finished things off.

You can find these acrylic markers by Sharpie at Amazon [Markers]. The Color Hive ink pads that are so juicy are being offered by Hedgehog Hollow here: [Store]

I used a printable available in my store section to add a saying to the tag. Art Words can be found here: [Art Words PDF]

Video Tutorial:

Plastic Smooshing Technique to Create Depth

Check out this fun smooshing technique that creates colorful visual depth.

Tag it Tuesday

This smooshing technique is such a fun way to add depth to your project! Using plastic to apply the ink gives you more control over where the colors land, creating a beautifully layered effect with minimal effort.

For this week’s tag, I used Distress Oxide ink pads, a piece of packaging plastic, and a bit of water to build up the colorful, layered background. It’s a simple technique that delivers a beautifully organic and textured look!

Video Tutorial:

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ \| SB	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O	HP Paper Shop at: AZ	Mini Maker Shop at: O	Non-Stick Scissors Shop at: AZ
Paper Trimmer Shop at: AZ	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Spray Bottles Shop at: AZ	Zig Adnesive Shop at: AZ

The close-up image above highlights the rich variety of colors and the layered depth achieved with this fun smooshing technique—each area blends uniquely, adding texture and visual interest.

Stencil Smooshing

Try this fun ink and stencil smooshing technique.

This week’s tag features a fun and easy stencil smooshing technique that creates beautiful, organic texture. By combining ink, water, and a stencil, you get a dreamy, one-of-a-kind background perfect for layering and embellishing!

For this technique, I chose three coordinating colors of Distress Ink to blend together beautifully. I also selected three stencils with varying design sizes—starting with a large, bold pattern and layering down to finer, more detailed designs. This variation adds depth and interest to the final look.

Video Tutorial:

This close-up image reveals the beautiful variety of textures created on the tag using ink, paint, and water. Each layer adds dimension and interest, making the surface rich with visual detail.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, O – Other

Die and Stamp Set Shop at: O	Distress Ink Bundle Shop at: AZ \| SB	Gina K foam tape Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Glassboard Shop at: AZ \| O
HP Paper Shop at: AZ	Ranger Heat Tool Shop at: AZ	Spray Bottles Shop at: AZ	White Uniball Shop at: AZ

Card Making

Follow along the creative process for making a card, staring without a plan.

and the Creative Process

I began making this card without a plan. I take you through the entire creative process from start to finish using minimal materials. The process begins with ink smooching to make a background for the card. And from there, choose colors that coordinate.

For the sentiment, I used a word from the Word Art file located in the store. You can access that file here: https://tryit-likeit.com/product/word-art/

Many of the items I use in posts are provided by the manufacturers to promote their products.
A special thanks to those brands who sponsor this site. Some links are affiliates, thank you for using them.

The sentiment is raised using foam tape and the bloom is tucked into the top. You also get a sense of the glitter splats from the Unicorn Spit paint.

Video Tutorial:

The image above shows the finished card and a peek to the inside. I like to take elements from the front of the card and carry them into the inside. You can also see the slight 3D effect of the bloom on the front of the card.

Suggested Materials:

Links are Affiliates
AZ – Amazon, SSS – Simon Says Stamps, SB – Scrapbook, C – Cricut, O – Other

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Gina K foam tape Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Homeright Heat Gun Shop at: AZ	Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O
Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Unicorn Spit Shop at: AZ

Cricut Portable Trimmer Shop at: AZ \| C	Gina K foam tape Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| SB	Homeright Heat Gun Shop at: AZ	Scraperfect 32 Clog Writing Cap, Medium Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O
Scraperfect Best Glue Ever Shop at: AZ \| SSS \| O	Unicorn Spit Shop at: AZ