Hi friends, Rick here, and I’m thrilled to be sharing today’s post with you! I’ve been playing around with some wonderful products from Miss Ink Stamps, and I wanted to show you how just a few simple tweaks can turn one layout into three completely different cards. Using the Llama Love Stamp Set, Llama Love Coordinating Dies, and the Succulent Swirls Stencil, I had a blast trying out some new techniques that gave each card its own special personality.
Getting Started with the Basics
Before diving into the fun part—stenciling and layering—I like to cut all my pieces ahead of time. It’s a little habit that makes my creative process so much smoother. For this project, I used the Llama Love Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies, along with the Succulent Swirls Stencil. I stamped the adorable llama three times, colored them up with my trusty Copic markers, and then die-cut them in one go. Seeing that little stack of llamas ready to go made me feel like I was ahead of the game and ready to play!
Pro Tip: If you’re working with multiple images like these, stamp and color extras. They’re perfect to have on hand when inspiration strikes later!
One Layout, Three Unique Looks
For the first card, I kept things clean and simple. The Succulent Swirls Stencil paired with a soft ink blend created a pretty backdrop that really let the llama shine. Sometimes, I think we forget how beautiful a single color can be when it’s blended softly.
For the second card, I added an extra pop of color by blending a second ink shade into the stencil’s center areas. That little detail gave the succulents so much depth and really made the background feel dynamic. I also layered in a vellum circle behind the llama to soften things up—it’s one of my favorite tricks to keep the focal point front and center.
And for the third card, I decided to go all in with texture. I mixed some glitter paste with ink to create a sparkly custom color, then spread it through the Succulent Swirls Stencil over a gradient inked background. It was a little messy, but totally worth it for that shimmery finish. I love how adding just a touch of sparkle can turn an everyday card into something extra special.
Wrapping It All Up
What I loved most about this project was how it reminded me that even when you’re using the same layout and supplies, a few small changes—like a second ink color, a vellum layer, or a bit of glitter paste—can completely transform your cards. It’s a great way to challenge yourself to see your supplies in a new light and make the most of what’s in your stash.
If you’re feeling stuck in a cardmaking rut, I hope this project inspires you to grab a stencil and see what you can come up with. Let me know in the comments if you’re a clean and simple crafter, a layered and detailed type, or if you love to get a little messy with texture and shine. I’d love to hear how you’re using the Llama Love Stamp Set & the Succulent Swirls Stencil and what new ideas you’re excited to try!
Video Tutorial
Happy Crafting,
Rick
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