Faux Watercolor with Acrylic Blocks – Terrific Techniques Week

It’s Terrific Techniques week for Stamp with Me Tuesday, and I’ve got a super fun way to use your acrylic blocks for more than just mounting stamps! This week, we’re turning those clear blocks into faux watercolor tools—and the results are gorgeous.

This technique is easy, creative, and perfect for making stunning backgrounds that look like you spent hours painting (spoiler: you didn’t!). Keep reading for the step-by-step instructions, video tutorial, and three card samples that show just how versatile this technique can be.

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

​Want to see this in action? Click below to watch the full video tutorial and stamp along with me!

Download the FREE Project Sheet

How to Create Faux Watercolor Backgrounds with Clear Blocks

1. Choose 1–4 colors of ink. Ink your clear block, starting with the lightest color and layering darker colors as you go.
   
2. Spritz the block lightly with water using a Stampin’ Spritzer.
   
3. Press the block onto a piece of Thick Basic White cardstock and let it sit for a few seconds.
   
4. Lift the block and allow the cardstock to dry.
   
5. Finish your card by stamping directly onto the background or layering cut-out stamped images.
   

Each time you try it, your results will be a little different—and that’s part of the fun!

Complete Supply List for this Card

Congratulations Card with Sunrise Sailing

This sunny card features the Sunrise Sailing stamp set and coordinating dies. I used Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Melon Mambo to ink up my block, then gave it a quick spritz and stamped it onto a piece of Thick Basic White.

Once it dried, I stamped the sailboat in Summer Splash, Early Espresso, and Pecan Pie on a scrap of Basic White cardstock, die-cut it, and adhered it with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I stamped the birds and the sentiment directly on the watercolor background for a finished look that’s perfect for a celebration.

Father’s Day Card with Trusty Tools

This background reminds me of a messy paint job—so it’s ideal for a crafty Father’s Day card!

I inked a large clear block with Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, and Granny Apple Green, spritzed it, and pressed it onto Thick Basic White. After it dried, I stamped “Dad” directly on the background.
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I stamped the rest of the sentiment on a Basic White scrap, trimmed it out, and adhered it with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Two stamped and die-cut paintbrushes finish off the card, adding a fun pop of dimension.

Complete Supply List for this Father's Day Card

Complete Supply List for this Thank You Card

Thank You Card with Impressions Abloom

For a softer, more elegant look, I used only one ink color: Lemon Lolly. I inked the acrylic block, spritzed it with water, and stamped it onto Thick Basic White for a delicate yellow glow.

Then I stamped the floral images from the Impressions Abloom stamp set directly over the dried background using Strawberry Slush and Timid Tiger. I added subtle texture behind the focal panel using the Pressed Flowers embossing folder.

Want to try it?

This technique is perfect for playing with color and making stunning handmade cards with minimal supplies. Use different shapes and sizes of blocks, go bold or soft with your color combos, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

👉 When you place an order of $50 or more, you’ll receive my Creativity Made Simple card sketches and tutorials bundle.

👉 When you place an order of $75 or more, you’ll receive Bundle of the Month video tutorial bundle to create 15+ projects.

👉 With an order of $100 or more, you’ll also get a free card kit for next month’s Online Card Class—no code needed!

What colors are you excited to try with this faux watercolor technique? Let me know in the comments—or tag me on social media so I can see your creations! 🧡