Want to add some quick WOW to your backgrounds? Then, check out these ideas to pump it UP!

Let’s bring on the dimension! Starting with a click glimse of what is to come in today’s cards, can you guess the techniques I used?

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And a quick note, I wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links (which means that if you choose to click on my links and buy something nice, then I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – this is a great way to support me and the shops that we love ?).

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This post is also part of a Hop celebrating a new release from Altenew and you can find all of the hop details in the link list below!

#BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds are a great place to start when making a card design, and using dimension can really add something extra special to your card. In fact, sometimes I believe that, the background can be ‘the focal point’ of the card lol.
Today I share 3 EASY and fun ways to add some dimension to your card backgrounds, and yes, we are going to step-it up a little to show how you can stretch what you have to create a new look.

PRO TIP: In a card making slump? Did you know that you don’t have to make a ‘whole’ card, why not sit yourself down and make a bunch of fun backgrounds with no end design in mind. It’s a fun way to try new techniques and BONUS, you have pre-made backgrounds ready to go, when you need a card in a hurry!

Idea #1 – Embossing Folder

This is one of the easiest ways to add a very quick dimensional background. Embossing folders come in many different sizes, designs, are easy to use and affordable.
And, there are many ways that these can be stepped up (pardon the pun ?).

• Choose a simple white embossed panel for a clean & simple finish.
• Emboss coloured cardstock or design paper for a different look (for something unique, try adhering strips of coloured cardstock to copy paper and run that through with an embossing folder)
• Add colouring, such as I have done in today’s example. I used some fun acrylic markers, but you can use whatever medium you have. NOTE: Be aware that watercolour may absorb into the paper and you could lose some of the dimension, but it is possible to line up the embossing folder a second time and re-emboss the image.
• If the image has co-ordinating stencils then colour can be added with ink blending instead.

The great thing about these acrylic markers is they are very forgiving. If you do not like how the colour looks another colour can be added over top.

I let the embossing folder steal the show here and added a few ink splatters and a simple sentiment.

Idea # 2 – Die Cuts

Cover dies are a fast and easy way to add dimension to a background… but have you ever stepped it up (here I go again ?) by using separate die cut images to make a dimensional background?

• This idea can be stretched to use any die cuts that may suit your design, and leaves were a perfect backdrop for this floral bouquet.
• You can create a tone on tone look such as I did, but, you could also change it up and use coloured cardstock, or even multicolours for a fun idea.
• Want MORE dimension? Then add extra layers of die cuts over top to build it up to sit higher.
• TOP TIP: Make sure to ‘hang’ images over the edge of the card and flip the cardstock over to cut the excess away. This will give the look that this is a continuous background pattern.

This time the bouquet is the focal point of the card and the dimension added to the background adds interest without overwhelming the card.

I added some extra shiny details with the gold pen in the flower centres as well as some sparkle sequins.

Idea #3 – Embossing Paste

Embossing paste is something that will always elevate (promise, this is the last time ?) any card design. It adds elegance and often shine, and it’s easy to use. Simply grab a stencil and with a few swipes and drying time… yes, this is the hardest part, waiting for it to dry without touching it, you have a dimensional background ready to go.

• Embossing paste comes in many different different styles and colours. You can match colours to cardstock or even add clear or white paste over a coloured background for a new look.
• Did you know that you can ‘mix’ embossing pastes, this allows you to extend the colour palette using what you have.
• Another option is to do what I did today, which is to use 2 different colours of paste through one stencil allowing the edges of the colours to mix together. NOTE: Be sure to pick colours that will mix well together without making a ‘muddy’ colour.
• Instead of covering the entire background, why not swipe only a portion of the stencil?
• OR, cut down or die cut a background panel for the card front instead.
• Don’t want to add a focal point? Simply add a large die cut sentiment and a couple of enamel dots, sequins or sparkles.

With a basic colour like the Pearl paste that I used for this design, you have the ability to mix it with ANY other colour in your stash… imagine mixing this with a silver, or even gold?

I like the ‘rough’ edge look where the paste hasn’t gone perfectly through the stencil, but this is all personal choice.

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Giveaway Prizes
$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $100 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $50 gift certificate to 4 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by April 17th for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 5 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on April 19th 2025.

*The winners of the $100 gift certificate will be chosen from comments left on the Altenew blog. 

Let’s Hop

I’m sure you have some great ideas for some quick card backgrounds with dimension… do you have a favourite OR anther idea to share, let us know in the comments below.

Are you ready to create? I’d love to see what you are making and what inspires you! Let me know which card or technique is your favourite today in the comments below!

Crafty Hugs,

Other Supplies: SHOP THE ALTENEW RELEASE HERE!
Altenew Acrylic Markers Vol 2: Buttercream | Shattered Shell | Pumice | Sand Dunes | Polished Stone.
Altenew Cardstock: Cloudy Sky | Nimbus | Jet Black.
Altenew Essential Permanent Marker: Gold.

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