Get those background panels out, dust them off, and make card designs like a pro! Today I have a ton of ideas and inspiration for you to create from your stash!
Have you been following along with my 2023 Same But Different Christmas Card Series this year? CLICK HERE to see the full playlist at Youtube, I have already focused on Critters and Stretching a Stamp Set 5 Ways, Poinsettias (sigh) and ‘No Stamping’ Ideas. Now it’s time I have some Brilliant Background Ideas!
Would you like to see today’s cards?
You can see my video here or Watch in HD at YouTube!
Do you have background panels in your stash? They can be anything, watercolours, smooshed ink, alcohol inks or you could even swap it out for design paper… today, on my cards I am using some fabulous Foiled Art backgrounds which I created during a live which can watch right HERE. I was so excited because Crafty Critta now stocks ‘white’ toner sheets, YES, you heard me right, this is a game changer! (Don’t forget to use my discount code to SAVE 5% if you do go shopping – lostinpaper05). Let’s get creative!
Idea #1 – Basic Card Panels
The most obvious and easy way to use backgrounds is to cut them down into panels to add them to a card front. This is a great ‘no waste’ technique as you can use smaller pieces on different size cards, such as square and also slimline cards.
You can dress up a patterned panel as little or as much as you like. In my true ‘go-to’ style I decided to keep these cards clean and simple. I used alcohol markers to quickly colour some fun images and popped them up in the centre of the design.
And the best thing about ‘Foil Art‘ is it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Because I can use the waste foil on Toner sheets (here I used the new white version) and get the reverse image and I am not throwing away any unused foil!
My next design has a central image but this time I die cut a silhouette deer and popped it up on the front of the card.
TIME SAVING IDEA: You may also have noticed that I have not added a sentiment, instead I have used the panel design to provide the sentiments instead.
Recently, I have found it easier to die cut rectangles to create my panels and card fronts, but if you don’t have any you could just as easily use a paper trimmer to cut them down as I did for many many years 😉.
Idea #2 – Nesting Die Backgrounds
This is where nesting dies can really come into their own. There are many different shapes and styles available, simply choose the shape that suits the background pattern and the size of the card and either add it directly to the front of the card or pop it up for extra dimension, if you prefer. I added an elegant oval shape to this card today.
Then, I took it a step further and added a ‘faux’ mat layer using the coordinating Metallic Gold toner sheet (you can see how I did this in the video linked above).
Idea #3 – Shaped Image
Use your background panels to add a scene, pattern, or colour to your images. Think about the possibilities, snowglobes, stars, snowflakes, and even windows just to name a few! You can either die cut the background panel with the shape or die cut the shape from a separate piece of cardstock and layer the negative portion overtop of the panel which will allow the pattern to show through.
This particular background pattern was perfect for my snowglobe scene and a fun dancing bear!
BONUS IDEA: Don’t have a snowglobe set? You can create your own using nesting circle and rectangle dies or even an electronic die cutting machine such as a Cricut.
Idea #4 – Mix & Match Panels
Create patterns using the background panels! Choose colours and designs that will coordinate well, cut strips and adhere them in stripes across a card to create a unique and fun look! You could also do something similar with a shaped die cut such as circles or stars and adhere them to create a pattern on a card front. OR, you could do as I did here and use the negative space and line it up to fit exactly the reverse image so that the pattern flows through the design.
This was a great way to save waste and also give a fun look to another card!
Idea #5 – No Waste!
I’m still on the ‘no waste’ kick and this time I used the leftovers to create a panel on a smaller card. Don’t forget that you can even use the smallest pieces to create or decorate gift cards or tags!
Did you see that I have now used this one panel to create three different cards?
Idea #6 – Image
One of my favourite ways to incorporate background panels into my card designs is to die cut them to create ‘images’. This can be as simple or as complex as you like.
Die cut single one-layer images or multiples to create a scene (such as a row of trees). Or, where this technique really comes into its own is with the many layered die cut images that are now available, and one of my favourites would have to be layered flowers. This is also a great way to use those ‘left-over’ smaller pieces as they make great flower centres, petals, or leaf layers.
I kept my example very simple here by cutting out the shape of a tree, I didn’t use any other layers but instead allowed the pattern to become part of the overall design.
#BONUS TECHNIQUE!
Not exactly a background panel idea but one I had to include as I shared how to do this in my Live video.
Did you know that you can use leftover negative pieces of HOT Foil on toner sheets in a laminator? This is another game changer for me as I always struggle to get the sandwich correct using solid hot foil plates. There is no longer any guesswork and I can run the left-over piece of Hot Foil through the laminator with a toner sheet and achieve perfect results every time! And, it’s even better now that I can do that with coloured and white toner sheets (and not just black as was originally the only previous choice we had).
Here again, I used that amazing White Toner Sheet and doesn’t it look fabulous with that sparkly Hot Foil!
I adore my Christmas stamps and love to make the most of them throughout the years so sadly not every set that I have used today is still available. I will link what I can or find similar where possible, if you use my links (at no extra cost to you) I say a HUGE thank you for your support of my channel. It helps me bring more free content your way.
I encourage you to also use what you have and adapt these background ideas to suit your style. And, if you are inspired I’d love you to share your designs with me on Social Media.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Crafty Christmas Hugs,
I use affiliate links which means that I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my card adventures!
Other Supplies:
Crafty Critta – Foil Art / Toner Sheets / Foils – Don’t forget to use my discount code to SAVE 5% – lostinpaper05
Toner Foils – Amethyst | Spring Petal | Sea Foam Hot Foil – Silver Galaxy
Stamps: My Favorite Things – Sun-Lovin Santa | Merry Moments | Candy Land 6X6 Paper Pad
Ellen Hutson – It’s Christmastime Stamp Set
Cardstock – Silver Mirror – Concord & 9th Cardstock – Sweet Pea | Poppy | Marmalade | Aqua Sky | Peacock | Oceanside | Seaglass.
Copics – 0 | T0,2,4 | W00,2 | C1,7 | BG11 | B01,02 | YG03,17,21 | Y17 | RV04,13,34 | BV02 | V15 | R14 | E00,11,33,25. Altenew Artist Marker – S
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  A4 Toner/Hot Foil 250g US OTH |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | AUZ |
 Jet Black ALT | AUZ |  Dark Gray ALT |  Navy ALT |  Poppy Cardstock AUZ | OTH |
 Sweet Pea AUZ |  Aqua Sky AUZ |  Brushed Silver ALT | SSS |  Acetate SSS | AUZ |
 Foam Sheets AMZ | SSS |  White Toner Sheets OTH |  Metallic Gold Toner Sheets OTH |  Toner Sheets OTH |
 Foil Art – Christmas Backgrounds T0134 OTH |  Foil Art – Christmas Backgrounds T0135 OTH |  Crafty Critta Hot Foils OTH | Crafty Critta Toner Foils OTH |
 A2 Layers Die SSS | AUZ |  Essential Stylish Ovals SSS | AUZ | OTH |  Reindeer Leaps OTH |  Globe Builder Die Set ALT |
 Pinstripe ALT | SSS |  Christmas Sentiments Dies SSS | AUZ | OTH |  Christmas Sentiments SSS | AUZ | OTH |  Holiday Sayings SSS | OTH |
 Smile and Wave SSS | AUZ | OTH |  Smile and Wave Die AUZ | OTH |  Holiday Greetings Hot Foil ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Holiday Greetings Die ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Chritsmas Cloche SSS |  Tuxedo Black SSS | AUZ |  Nocturne SSS | AUZ |  Gray Denim ALT |
 Copic Markers SSS |  Fairy Jewels SSS | AUZ |  Gelly Roll White Pens SSS | AUZ |  AUZZ Pokie Tool AUZ |
 Diamond Dust SSS |  Solid Hot Foil Plate SSS | AUZ |  Tweezers ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Scissors SSS | AUZ |
 Bone Folder Altenew ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Mini Score Board SSS | AUZ |  Stampwheel ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT |
 Mini MISTI SSS | AUZ |  Magnets OTH |  Perfect Align Tool AMZ | AUZ |  Cutting Mat ALT | SSS |
 Paper Trimmer AMZ | SSS |  Bigshot SSS |  Gemini Junior SSS |  Gemini Double Cutting Plates AMZ | SSS | AUZ |
 Turntable AMZ |  Thin Foam Squares SSS | AUZ |  Foam Squares – Black mix AUZ |  Satin Masking Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Bearly Art Glue SSS | AUZ |  ATG SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Foam Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ |
I would have to agree… they are most definitely brilliant!!! Love them all.
Thank you sweet friend x
Brilliant with a capital B, Therese! I’m so happy to see those foiled backgrounds put to use! oh, Oh, OH I do love that Santa over your fun purple background! But my favorite of all today has to be the classic red and white! SO DEER!
=]
That deer seems to come out to play EVERY year lol. So happy you enjoyed these my friend x
OK…I need the link for the video on hot to use your laminator with your negative foil pieces! I have saved all of mine, because I knew there had to be a way to use them! I love all your ideas btw…
Yes, I hate throwing the foil away too and being able to use both the hot foil and toner leftovers with the laminator is easy with the Toner sheets. Hope you have fun creating with your leftovers Kristin!
All of your cards are adorable!! Such wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing!
So glad you like these, thank you!
Brilliant cards and I’m delighted to see the re-appearance of my favourite ever deer. It’s so elegant. I have to agree with Michelle that my favourite card is the red and white background with the beautiful deer â¤ï¸
I would have to agree, that deer is a fave for me too!
I agree, white toner sheets is a game changer!
Aren’t they fabulous!!
Fantastic cards, Therese, each and every one! I’m smitten with the little fox and deer under the tree and your captivating red and white with the leaping deer!
So glad you enjoyed these x
Such great ideas, Therese. Not only for background panels but a good way to use up patterned paper. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you so very much Bobby x
These are gorgeous! I might just substitute pattern paper for some of these!
Ah Christmas card inspiration.
Loved all these cards and great ideas.
Cheers
Lisa
I am hoping to have more inspiration coming soon, but time is slipping by so fast… is January too early for Christmas inspiration lol.
Greetings from Buffalo, NY! The foil backgrounds are such a great idea, everyone likes bling on their card! Can you tell me what company the cute Santa and bears came from? They look so familiar I think I may have them! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity! Debbie Pokerwinski
Hi Debbie, these cute images are both from My Favorite Things (and were retired, but crossed fingers that they came out of the vault) the sets are called Sun-Lovin Santa and Merry Moments. Hope this is helpful, and thank you for your lovely visit and comments here today. Have fun creating, Crafty hugs, Therese