Elevate Your Projects Using Pens & Markers - Tiny Details to Create Big Impact
by Michelle Short September 19, 2026
Key Takeaways
Controlled Splatter: Fine liner pens let you draw precise dots that mimic paint splatter without getting liquid or ink everywhere.
Mess-Free Metallic Accents: Metallic markers give die cuts a gorgeous shimmer without needing wet paints or embossing powders.
Zero-Bulk Embellishments: Drawing accents directly onto paper keeps projects completely flat, keeping mailing costs low and preventing bulky folds.
Dimension & Depth: Stacking plain cardstock die-cuts behind ink-blended pieces creates instant structural shadow and durability.
Hello there, Michelle here with another edition of Terrific Tags with Michelle. Today I have a fun technique to share - adding details to projects with pens and markers.
This is a great way to:
- Add splatter but in a controled way
- Add metallic accents to die cuts without the mess
- Add the look of embellishments without the bulk
- Elevate your projects with fine details
Twin Leaves Focal Point
I started off my tag by creating the focal point. I die cut one of the leaf sprays from the Twin Leaves Sprays Die Set three times from Classic Crest 110lb Solar White Cardstock.
I placed one onto my Sticky Mat to add ink blending on top. I used the following inks:
I applied the inks to the die cut using Mini Blending Brushes, focusing the lighter yellow/orange tones at the tips of the leaves and the coral/red tones at the base.
I will be adding markers to this, but for now, it was set aside to dry while I worked on the tag. Ideally the ink need to be dry before adding the details with markers on top.
The Tag
To create the tag, I die cut one the arches from the Nesting Arches Die Set twice from Classic Crest 110lb Solar White Cardstock. I temporarily adhered them together back to back and then punched a hole in the top to create a tag.
I die cut the hole reinforcer die from the Labels & Tags 1 Die Set from more white cardstock and adhered them to the two tags using ClearFix Glue.
I then adhered the two tags back to back using Glue Tape.
I adhered the two white die cuts behind the ink blended one using ClearFix Glue. It was then adhered to the tag.
I stamped a sentiment from the Enchanted Roses Stamp Set onto Classic Crest 110lb Solar White Cardstock using Obsidian Pigment Ink. It was die cut out using the coordinating die.
The sentiment was adhered to the tag using more ClearFix Glue and a little Instant Dimension Foam Tape behind the top of the 'k'.
Add Details Using Pens & Markers
To elevate the tag and create interest, I added details using pens and markers.
I started off by adding dots around the leaf spray using 01 and 03 Fine Liner Pens. This is a great way to add splatter without actually adding it. I only added a few dots here and there and it really does make a big impact on the tag.
These can be used instead of embellishments and can be any color using any markers. I like the Fine Liner Pens for black dots, but if you want them bigger, you could use markers instead.
The second way to add detail is using metallic markers. I used the gold from the Essential Permanent Markers Set to add faux splatter to the leaves.
The metallic gold really pops against the ink blending, but again, any color of marker will work here. Also, splatter with paint can be used here too, but I love being able to control how much I add by using the markers instead.
To finish, I tied black twine through the top of the tag and tied it in a bow.
Video Tutorial: Add Details to Projects using Pens & Markers
I hope I have inspired you to try adding details to projects using pens and markers. These tiny details really do add big impact on a project and those metallic markers pop nicely against the die cuts! You can watch the video tutorial below or over on YouTube.
Thank you so much for stopping by today, I hope you have a wonderful day!
SUPPLY LIST
