These stunning cards use new dies from Spellbinders. The bold colors of cardstock on the dark backgrounds create a big impact and draw the eye into the design. Visit Yana Smakula’s blog for a video tutorial.
A recent post by creator Yana Smakula inspired todays theme. She created some stunning cards using bright colors of cardstock over very dark backgrounds. You might think that dark backgrounds will make a card look gloomy and of course they work really well for Halloween or Sympathy cards but a dark background can work for almost any occasion or style of card. The colors of the focal images will really pop and stand out over those darker colors. It’s inspired me to collect a bunch of cards using stamping and die cutting that all have dark backgrounds that will hopefully give you a new perspective on your handmade card designs.
Beneath each photo you’ll see a link, click to find more info like what products were used, tutorials and techniques.
Dark blues are the perfect backdrop for outer space cards. And notice how the white heat embossed sentiment really packs a punch on that dark cardstock! White ink with no embossing was used for the stars to create a subtle background dimension. Visit Kristina Werner’s blog for a video tutorial.
The dark cardstock on this fun card from Laura helps the rainbow of colorful geometric circles really stand out! I also love gold embossing with dark colors, this embossed sentiment on vellum adds the perfect finishing touch. Visit the Laurafadora blog to watch her tutorial.
The gradient blue ink blended background on this sweet card creates the perfect backdrop for a night time birthday party scene for these adorable dogs. You can find a video on how to create this wonderful interactive slimline card on the Lawn Fawn blog.
This beautiful Christmas shaker card has a dark red ink blended background that’s darker at the edges and light in the center that pulls the eye to the main focal point of the tree. This background also has terrific gold embossing all over. Visit the Ranger blog for all the details.
These bold red ladybugs are so sweet on the dark green background of this card from Jessica. She stamped a subtle background of grass and flowers on the green for some added texture and dimension. Plus, check out the glossy look of the ladybugs, so fun! Visit the Hero Arts blog to learn more.
Therese used pretty shades of pink and teal cardstocks over top of a dark teal background for some beautiful designs using dies from Altenew. A small stamped sentiment completes her designs. Visit the Altenew blog for more details.
This cute teen girl digital stamp was colored with Copic Markers and stands over a background of ink blended navy with white heat embossed flowers for a sweet tag. Visit the Polkadoodles blog for a closer look.
These frogs are having so much fun hanging out on bright green Lilypads over a dark blue pond. I love the 3D additions of rolled paper roses and dragonflies with lifted wings! I spotted this card on the Whimsy Stamps blog.
It’s so much fun to add a little light on a dark card, like literally this interactive card has a little light that glows when you push it! This cute Halloween ghost card is so interactive with the light and a shaker element! Learn more at the Pear Blossom Press blog.
This beautiful card from Kelly has such stunning rich dark colors! She used Sketchmarkers to color in the stamped flower and added it to a navy blue background that also has heat embossed and die cut white text to create a pretty postage stamp design. Watch her video tutorial on the Ellen Hutson blog.
Vicky created her own leafy pattern paper by using yellow ink and a stencil over top of dark green cardstock. It’s the perfect background for the cute Toucan couple! The mix of gold foil and white heat embossing for the sentiment once again helps it stand out over the dark background. Visit the Clips N Cuts blog for a how to video.
I hope all of these amazing cards featuring dark backgrounds has inspired you to come to the dark side 🙂 and add some darker colors to your own card backgrounds!
-Heather
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