Altenew | How to Create a Neon Floral Design

Hello friends!

Today I’m sharing a bold and playful card that showcases one of the simplest yet most striking techniques I’ve tried recently for creating a neon effect on dark cardstock—with minimal supplies needed. The main star of the show here is the Acrylic Marker 24 Color Set – Vol. 1, which is absolutely essential for this look.

I came across this technique in a short video a while ago (wish I remembered where so I could credit the creator) and it’s been on my to-try list since. It was originally used on a simple geometric design, but I couldn’t help wondering—what if I apply it to a floral image? Turns out, it totally works.

SELECTING THE IMAGE

For this card, I selected a large floral stamp from the Gracious Peonies Stamp Set. Large, bold images with clean outlines are best suited for this technique, especially if you want the neon lines to really pop.

I started by stamping the floral image onto a panel of Crafty Necessities: Jet Black Cardstock using Cloud White Pigment Ink. The white ink won’t show up under the acrylic markers, it simply creates a guide for the next steps.

After stamping, I reached for the Acrylic Marker 24 Color Set – Vol. 1.

First, I began tracing the outlines of one of the flowers using the Wisteria Acrylic Marker. I kept the tracing to the outer edges of the petals and avoided any detail lines inside the flower.

Then I added a second layer of color around the flower using the Lavender Fields acrylic marker. This helped build up the glow effect and added more vibrancy around the original outline.

Next, I followed with a third layer using the Deep Iris acrylic marker.

This progression from light to dark— Wisteria, Lavender Fields, and Deep Iris —created a dimensional neon aura that gives the design so much energy.

After finishing with the Deep Iris outline I went back and added another layer of the Wisteria Acrylic Marker to make it brighter and also to cover any areas where I had gaps.

I repeated this process for the second flower and bud.

For the leaves, I used only two shades— Minty Mint and Sweet Green —to keep them from overwhelming the design. Using fewer shades on the smaller elements helps keep the overall look balanced.

CLEANING UP THE IMAGE

Once the neon illustration was finished, I foam-mounted the panel onto a white card base using Instant Dimension Foam Tape.

For the sentiment, I used the Versatile Greetings 3 Comfort Edition Die Set. I die-cut the shadow from Crafty Necessities: Jet Black Cardstock and the letters themselves from white cardstock. Both layers were adhered with black adhesive foam squares , which I prefer when mounting dark elements onto a dark background—makes them look like they’re floating!

To finish off the card, I added a few enamel dots from the Enchanted Garden Enamel Dots Set, which perfectly complemented the floral hues and added a nice touch of polish.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This acrylic marker neon image technique is surprisingly easy, super fun, and gives a very graphic, bold look. It’s perfect when you want something modern and a little bit different. And even though it leans into a neon aesthetic, you can easily adapt it to softer colors or different designs.

If you’ve never tried coloring with acrylic markers , this is a great first technique to explore. Whether you’re into florals or abstract designs, it’s a versatile approach worth experimenting with.

Thanks so much for stopping by—hope you’re inspired to break out your markers and try this look!

SUPPLIES

If you’re curious about the supplies I used, they’re all listed below. I use compensated affiliate links where possible—meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Just click the letter codes to shop from your favorite retailers: Simon Says Stamp (SSS), Altenew (AN), Scrapbook.com (SC), Amazon (AZ), Spellbinders (SB), Papertrey Ink (PTI), and more.
I truly appreciate your support!

Altenew Gracious Peonies Complete Bundle Click A Shop: AN	Altenew Versatile Greetings 3 Die Set Comfort Edition Click A Shop: AN	Altenew Cloud White Pigment Ink Click A Shop: AN | SC	Altenew Crafty Necessities: Jet Black Cardstock Click A Shop: AN	Altenew Acrylic Marker 24 Color Set – Vol 1 Click A Shop: AN
Altenew Instant Dimension Foam Tape Click A Shop: SSS | AN	Scrapbook Adhesives Foam Squares Mix Black Click A Shop: SSS | SC	Altenew Stampwheel Click A Shop: AN	Altenew 9″X12″ Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid Click A Shop: AN	Altenew Enchanted Garden Enamel Dots Click A Shop: AN