One stencil, two techniques, and a BONUS idea… are you ready?
Need some inspiration to stretch your background stencil for a new look? Today I’m sharing two cards made with very similar products – but using different stencil techniques. Each giving a unique look and helping you get more from your stash.
Here’s a sneak peek at today’s cards…
Would you like to see how these stenciled backgrounds come together? Click HERE to watch the video at YouTube.
This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.
I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support my channel and the shops we love 🥰!
#BACKGROUNDSTENCIL
A background stencil can instantly transform a plain card base, giving your design texture, dimension, and a polished look with minimal effort – without adding bulk!
Want to see how I stepped up this stencil?
Card #1: Shadowed Leaves
For my first card, I created a subtle ‘shadow’ using light grey ink. I then shifted the stencil slightly and added multiple shades of green through the same stencil, giving the leaves beautiful depth.
I used dye inks today, so the look has a slightly transparent feel in places. If you prefer a more solid finish, pigment inks will give a more opaque result.
PRO TIP: Busy backgrounds can sometimes overpower a design, so adding a focal point with a die cut – like a circle – helps highlight the main element and keeps your design balanced.
Card #2: Tone-on-Tone Green Leaf Layers
You probably already love a quick tone-on-tone background – it’s an easy way to create a beautiful pattern in colors that perfectly match your project. But have you ever thought about stepping it up with multi-inking? I used three green inks on some bright green cardstock here, which adds a ton of depth and dimension without adding bulk.
I also added tiny floral die cuts to each of the leaves to build on the pattern – but the real bonus is a shimmer paste trick I can’t wait to show you!
BONUS Technique: Selective Shimmer Paste
To give this card a subtle sparkle, I used shimmer paste through the dotted sections of the stencil. Instead of waiting for each section to dry, I cut small pieces of masking paper to isolate the areas I wanted to emboss and moved it around the card. This created delicate shimmer in just the right places without slowing down the process.
Both cards use the same color combos and products, but the different techniques give each one a unique look – showing just how versatile background stencils can be!
Which Background Stencil Technique Will You Try First?
A shadowed pattern for subtle depth, or a tone-on-tone multi-inked pattern for a stepped-up look? I’d love to hear which technique inspires you to try first – share your thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share your cards if you give it a go!
Happy crafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things!
P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase – thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!
*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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Other Supplies:
Altenew Inks: Limestone | Parrot | Olive | Moss | Pastel Sunrise | Coral Bliss | Ruby Red | Grapevine.
Altenew Cardstock: Coral Bliss | Pastel Sunrise | Bamboo | Moss | Olive | Ruby Red | Maple Yellow | Caramel Toffee.
 Deco Leaves ALT |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Classic Greetings ALT | SSS |  Prickly Pear ALT | SSS |
 CAF: Gardenia ALT | SSS |  Zero Waste 3D Floral Cover Die ALT | SSS |  Meadow Reflections Bundle ALT |  Brushed Pyrite Paste ALT | SSS |
 Shimmer Relief Paste ALT | SSS |  Palette Knife Set ALT |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Tea Party ALT | SSS |  Tropical Forest ALT | SSS |
 Red Cosmos ALT | SSS |  Rock Collection ALT | SSS |  Pocketful of Sunshine ALT | SSS |  Martian Terrain Ink Set ALT | SSS |
 Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT |  Black Onyx ALT | SSS |
 Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  9X12 Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US | 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |
Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  1/2″ Ultra Sticky Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |
 Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Amazing ideas! I love that shadow idea. Gorgeous cards, my friend.
So happy you liked these Lisa, I’ve been having some real STENCIL fun lately lol.
I loved your use of soft colors with this stencil set the other day, but this new fresh green duo is marvelous, Therese! It’s always a treat to watch your videos!
It’s a fun stencil, and I’m so happy that you enjoy the videos, thank you Lisa!
The shadow stenciling really made a difference in the look of the background, Therese. That is such a great hint.
I agree Bobby!
Clever use of pattern using stencils, turns out so effective. The makes are gorgeous and so playful. You come up with such wonderful ideas Therese. Hugs xx
Thank you so very much Angellica, you are so sweet!