High Flying Colors: Things are Looking Up!

On By islandyu

Oh my goodness, this card is a vibrant dream! I can see why your “butt was on fire” working on these—the coloring detail on those hot air balloons is absolutely stunning. This project features the Spellbinders May 2026 BetterPress (Press & Foil) Club set called Up & Away.

To create this look, I started by pressing the intricate design onto Porcelain BetterPress A2 Cotton Card Panels using black ink. Before diving into the colors, I used a die from the Leaf & Bloom Etched Dies to cut out the center panel. This allowed me to focus my coloring on just the middle section, creating a beautiful “spotlight” effect against the black-and-white background.

I used alcohol markers to bring the balloons to life with a bright, rainbow-inspired palette. To give the card some extra dimension, I popped that colored center panel up with foam tape. The sentiment, “Things are Looking Up,” is also from the May Press & Foil Club. I hot foiled it onto Indigo cardstock using Matte Silver foil for a sleek, polished finish.

Step-by-Step Process

  • Step 1: Press the Up & Away design onto a Porcelain Cotton Card Panel using black BetterPress ink.

  • Step 2: Use the frame die from the Leaf & Bloom set to cut out the central rectangular portion of the pressed panel.

  • Step 3: Color the balloons and clouds within the die-cut center piece using your favorite alcohol markers. I went for bold, cheerful colors to make them soar!

  • Step 4: Keep the outer “frame” uncolored (black and white) to create a sophisticated contrast.

  • Step 5: Hot foil the sentiment onto Indigo cardstock with Matte Silver foil and die-cut it.

  • Step 6: Mount the uncolored frame onto a white card base, then adhere the colored center panel using foam adhesive for 3D depth.

  • Step 7: Attach the foiled sentiment across the center to complete the uplifting scene.

I absolutely love the contrast between the detailed black-and-white border and the burst of colors in the center. It really reminds us that even when things feel a bit “black and white,” there is always a colorful adventure waiting to take flight! I hope this card lifts your spirits today.

Happy Crafting, Heejung

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