Hello friends! Ericka from Strangely Creative here, and today I’m sharing a mixed media card built from layered gel press prints, bold florals, and just the right touch of gold. This is one of those projects where the background does most of the work… and everything else builds from there.
🎨 Starting with a Gel Press Background
I started with a gel press print using a mix of greens, blues, and a hint of gold.
Gel printing is one of my favorite ways to create because every print is different. You get organic textures, unexpected color blends, and a background that already feels layered before you even start.
🌸 Creating the Focal Flower
For the focal point, I stamped the flower from the JOFY 147 by PaperArtsy onto a separate gel print I created using Mattints in The Pink and Bellflower.
This gives you:
- A bold focal image
- Built-in color variation
- A perfect contrast against the cooler background
After stamping, I cut out the flower and layered it onto the card for dimension.
✨ Adding Texture & Detail
To bring everything together, I added:
- A touch of WOW! Embossing Powder for subtle shimmer
- A strip of Washi Tape #1 for a graphic layer
- Highlights with a white and gold paint pen to add contrast and detail
These small additions help guide the eye and give the card that finished, cohesive look.
💌 Finishing Touches
I completed the card with a sentiment from the Lavinia Sentiment Stickers.
Simple. Clean. And it lets the layered background and bold flower stay the focus.
💛 Why This Card Works
- Cool-toned background + warm floral contrast
- Layered prints create depth without extra effort
- Embossing and metallic accents add light
- Minimal embellishments keep it balanced
🌿 A Little Creative Challenge
Next time you sit down to create:
👉 Grab two gel prints
👉 Use one for your background
👉 Use one for your focal image
👉 Layer them together
That’s it.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope this inspires you to pull out your gel prints and start layering. 💛
Want to find the supplies I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you.) Thank you for your support!
 PaperArtsy – JOFY 147 Shop at: TP |
 WOW! Embossing – Clear Embossing Pad Shop at: WOW US | TP |
 Lavinia – Sentiment Stickers – Uplifting Collection Shop at: TP |
 Tsukineko – VersaFine Clair – Nocturn Shop at: AZ | TP |
 PaperArtsy – Mattint Bellflower Shop at: TP |
 PaperArtsy – Mattint The Pink Shop at: TP |
 AALL & Create – Washi Tape #1 Artour de Mwa Shop at: TP |
 Gel Press – Reusable Gel Printing Plate Shop at: AZ | TP | Misc |
 Hero Arts – Wagner – HT400 Precision Heat Tool Shop at: AZ | |
 Speedball – 2″ Brayer Shop at: TP |