Video: Faux Tile Technique With Texture Blocks and Ink - Hero Arts
Posted by Lydia Fiedler on February 26, 2024

Video: Faux Tile Technique With Texture Blocks and Ink

Hi friends - Lydia here today with an EOINA technique - that stands for "everything old is new again." This is one of the very first "faux" techniques I ever learned and is still one of my favorites for scenic cards like the one I will show you today.

The key to the technique is dry embossing. You can do this with a stylus or a bone folder, but I've found a stylus works the best. You'll see why in the video.

After you've debossed your "tiles" you'll want to stamp over them to really show off the tile effect. I chose a botanical pattern from the new Texture Blocks set from the 2024 Spring Catalog. This set is perfect for this technique because all the stamps are perfect squares so they are a snap to align with the tiles, and you get so many fun patterns, you can make a lot of different looks. If you want to cover the whole space, just line the little blocks up next to each other. I chose a checkerboard pattern instead.

Wherever you stamp on top of the debossed lines, the "grout" will appear like magic.

The next part of the technique is ink blending each tile with a small ink blending brush, and in my case, the same color ink I stamped with - Indigo. To do this, you need to mask off the grout and then just lightly shade the edge of each tile.

Here's what it looks like as a kitchen backsplash, with the images from Eggcellent in the foreground. I colored a counter and cabinet with alcohol markers and using direct to paper with Caramel ink.

If you don't want to take the time to ink blend, it still looks like tile without it! This next example uses Cornflower ink, with images from the new Birthday Animals set and a sentiment from Appreciate You.

But you don't have to take my word for it - here's the video:

I hope you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by.

Click on products to shop:
CM748 Texture Blocks | Hero Arts
HA ]
CM747 Birthday Animals | Hero Arts
HA ]
CM745 I Appreciate You | Hero Arts
HA ]
SB316 Eggcellent Bundle | Hero Arts
HA ]
AF702 Cornflower Core Ink | Hero Arts
HA ]
AF704 Indigo Core Ink | Hero Arts
HA ]
AF744 Caramel Core Ink | Hero Arts
HA ]
MI004 Hero Tools Ink Blending Brush...
HA ]

Leave a comment

Your email will not be published. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.


  • How to Use Dies Beyond Basic Cutting

    Technique Tutoral

    Creative Die Cutting Techniques Every Cardmaker Should Try

    Ready to get even more from your metal dies? Discover a collection of creative die cutting techniques that go far beyond basic cutting. From embossing and eclipse designs to partial die cutting, shaped card bases, shaker cards, and interactive projects, this beginner-friendly guide will help you unlock the full potential of your Spellbinders dies.

  • September 2026 Small Die of the Month Preview & Tutorials – Owl Be There

    Spellbinders Blog

    September 2026 Small Die of the Month Preview & Tutorials – Owl Be There

    Our September 2026 Small Die of the Month preview & tutorials are here! This "Owl Be There" die set features 21 cutting dies. Enjoy the step-by-step tutorial below as well as the video tutorial to get you started with this month’s kit. Make sure to show us what you create by tagging #SpellbindersClubKits on social media! Spellbinders Monthly Clubs are exclusively designed by our in-house...

  • September 2026 Clear Stamp + Die of the Month Preview & Tutorials – Stuffed With Gratitude

    Spellbinders Blog

    September 2026 Clear Stamp + Die of the Month Preview & Tutorials – Stuffed With Gratitude

    Our September 2026 Clear Stamp & Die of the Month preview & tutorials are here! Join the Clear Stamp & Die of the Month Club and receive an expertly designed clear stamp and coordinating die set each month, complete with inspiration. Plus, members get store savings, extra deals, gifts, and more. This stamp set features made-in-the-USA stamps from high-quality photopolymer for clear, crisp impressions. Our...