Good morning friends! Today, I’m sharing a fall layout I created using the TCW988 Leafy Collage Stencil to create a fun ombre background using ink and a blending brush.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221019_151706281-1024x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1)
To create this background, I selected two shades of orange ink. I colored the entire cardstock with the lighter shade so that I would not have white lines after I blend in the send orange through the stencil.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_155356283-1-1024x1024.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
Next, I taped down the ends over white cardstock to prevent the stencil from slipping during the ink blending process.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_155356283-1024x1024.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
After that, I used a blending brush to blend in the ink across the page, alternating the colors to create an ombre effect down the page.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_155515407-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
This is super simple to do and oh, so fun!! I just love watching the ink colors bring the stencil to life…
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_155749428-1024x1024.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
You can barely see the difference between the two colors, but it really helps with adding shadows and depth to the leaves. See what I mean…when I lift the stencil. SO PRETTY!!
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_155727886-1024x1024.jpg?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_163356579-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_163353552.MP_-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/PXL_20221017_163350538.MP_-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1)
I’m so pleased with how this layout turned out. It turned out exactly how I initially envisioned. Love when that happens. It doesn’t always turn out as plan. LOL.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecraftersworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Facebook-Post-3-1-1024x1024.jpg?resize=558%2C558&ssl=1)
Thanks so much for visiting today! I hope you found this post inspiring!
Nicole Martel, Design Team Member