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?

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 ?).
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.


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.
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time.
![]() Delicate Magnolia ALT | ![]() Magnolia Dreams ALT | ![]() Luminous Diamond Rings ALT | ![]() Pocket Sentiments ALT | SSS |
![]() Wings & Petals ALT | SSS | ![]() Just Leaves Die ALT | SSS | ![]() Statement Flowers ALT | SSS | ![]() Sentiment Strips 2 ALT | SSS |
![]() Acrylic Markers Vol 2 ALT | ![]() Permanent Markers ALT | SSS | ![]() Sea Beryl ALT | ![]() Shimmer Relief Paste – Pearl ALT | SSS |
![]() Palette Knife Set ALT | ![]() Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS | ![]() Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
![]() Perfect Picker ALT | SSS | ![]() Tweezers ALT | SSS | ![]() Embossing Ink ALT | SSS | ![]() Black Onyx ALT | SSS |
![]() Antique Gold Spray ALT | SSS | ![]() Pure White ALT | ![]() Powder Tool SSS | ![]() WOW Heat Tool SSS |
![]() Antique Gold ALT | ![]() Bone Folder ALT | ![]() Stamping Mat ALT | SSS | ![]() Score Board ALT | SSS |
![]() Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB | ![]() 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | ![]() Glue Tape ALT | SSS | ![]() Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |
![]() Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS | ![]() Satin Masking Tape ALT |
These are FABULOUS! I LOVE the new flowers!
Altenew can always be relied on for the BEST flowers!
Pretty cards! I love the effect of coloring the embossed panel.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful cards.
Thank you so very much!
I love all of your cards, thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you Cynthia, you are the sweetest!
I love this paste and the colors are so lush! What a beautiful embossing folder love your cards
Isn’t that embossing folder divine!!
Therese these are all really wonderful ways to add dimension and interest to a card – you know my favorite is die-cuts, right? SO gorgeous!
=]
Yay! There are are, missing you my friend x
Three amazing cards, Therese! You really brought that embossing folder to life!
Yippee! Glad you like them Lisa!
Thanks for sharing these beautiful inspirations!
Thank you so very much Cindy!
Beautiful cards! Thanks for all the tips!
So glad you liked them!
I am always looking for new ideas to add some dimension and these ideas hit the mark! Thank you!
They are relatively post friendly too (not the extra bits I added but the backgrounds are lol), so glad you like them!
The white flowers are so elegant and beautiful. Great cards
Yay! So happy you liked them Christine!
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I’m a HUGE fan and love that you always have different takes on the same card supplies!! SO INSPIRING!
I’m also so fangirling to also be a guest in this hop with such talented designers!!
You are an amazing papercrafter and always inspire my friend, I’m so excited that you are a GD!!
Loving all the tips given! I frequently make backgrounds. I just need to use them now ?
I hear you lol.
gorgeous cards
So glad you liked them Joan!
Beautiful cards. Love all the different techniques.
Thank you Tina!
Wonderful cards! Those acrylic markers look interesting.
They are fun. & easy to use! I used the first set to make Xmas cards in this video here https://youtu.be/jwKtBpB03Sg?si=CyOCSCG6tIC7a1gz
Thanks for sharing some great ideas to bring my cards to new heights (see, I can be punny too.)
We obviously both have the same sense of humour lol.
Lovely set of cards. Loving the color combo! The 3d embossing folder is gorgeous!
So glad you liked them!
haha thanks for showing us how to step up the backgrounds! they are really pretty! 🙂
Thank you so very much Lynn!
Lovely cards. My favorite is the one with the subtle yellow center florals! Just gorgeous
Thank you so very much Cathy!
Gorgeous cards Therese, I love the Magnolias embossing folder, the Galactic Stream relief paste, and the markers (need them to have the full set, yep got that addiction too ?). A fab release for sure. TFS!
I find it very difficult not to have ‘full set’ addiction, but when it comes to these markers, with only one set up my sleve… it’s only going to make them more practical, having 2 together (wink)!
Great tips and I LOVE the cards! They are so classy!!
Thank you so very much Lee!
Oh Therese
All three cards are fabulous and pass the SEND test.
Everything that used today has certainly added up to spectacular cards.
Needless to say a bit of shopping has been inspired by your blog post.
Oops, sorry Lisa, didn’t mean for that to happen, but I know you will make these flowers shine as you always do x
Soft and lovely color tones I love this well done!
Thank you so very much!
Love your cards!
Thank you so very much!
Stunning cards Therese. Love all your tips and ideas. You take the simple and make it spectacular! Thanks for being so inspiring.
Thank you so very much Dawn!
Beautiful card designs ?.
Great tips on how to design and get inspiration.
Thank you so very much Orit!
Your work is so inspiring, Therese! I love all the tips you shared about your gorgeous cards!
So glad you liked them!
YOWZA!!! I loooooove your creations! The Color Palette on each
Yay! So happy you liked them!
Hi, Therese! What gorgeous cards! Always a delight for the eyes!
You are the sweetest Mari!
Very pretty!
Thank you so much!
Beautiful cards!
Thank you so very much!
Such beautiful cards! I really love the Hugs card design!
Thank you so much!
Love your elegant looking white flowers w yellow centers!
Thank you so very much!
These cards are so beautiful! I totally love the card you created with the embossing folder!
Thank you so very much Maria!
loving your cards – the dimension on them is gorgeous
Thank you Dee x
Hi Therese. Your cards are wonderful & each is so different despite (or is it because of) using the same design set. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
So glad you liked them Carolyn!
I am definitely inspired! All three cards are wonderful, but the Delicate Magnolia card really checks all of the boxes for me, especially for something that I rarely do (which is making a background with die cuts) so I am putting that one on my Pinterest because I need to remember to do that! Thank you so much for sharing all three techniques!!!
Lovely projects ??
Gorgeous cards. Love the shimmer relief paste. The magnolia card is just soooo pretty.
Fabulous cards! Thanks for all the great tips on backgrounds. I look forward to giving them a try.
Hope you have fun creating!
Love all the different techniques/styles.
Thanks so much Sarah!
Love your creativity and tips!! All 3 of your cards are inspiring! Card #2 of die cut layering is stunning and my fav’!! Love your work!!
So glad you like them, thank you Beverly!
Love your cards & the yellow & gray.