Are you ready to fake it ’til you make it?
Today I’m sharing how to create a beautiful faux shadow-box card that looks dimensional – without a single complicated fold. This project is part of my Bird Series, and I’m trying something a little different with a pretty layered bird design.
Would you like to see what we made together in the live?
If you missed the LIVE, don’t worry, you can catch the replay right here and craft along with me in real time.
But before we start, a quick note: I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support me and the shops we love 🥰.
#SHADOWBOX?
A faux shadow-box card is such a simple way to add instant depth to your design, especially when you pair it with a layered die-cut bird and a few sweet botanical details. With one easy frame, some soft ink blending, and a touch of dimension, you can create a birthday card that feels special in just minutes.
Card Inspiration: Hooray for Today!
I added depth to the faux shadow-box by starting with a dark coloured background (which I embossed for even more texture). I popped up the leaves and bird inside the window so you can actually see their shadows, and I used double foam tape for that extra lift. Not so postage-friendly… but a whole lotta fun!
Instead of using coloured cardstock, I decided to ink blend the die-cut layers for the bird, which gives the whole design a softer, more subtle look.
What would I do differently?
- I would either shade the sentiment banner or stamp the sentiment in a color.
- Some embellies might look nice…
CONGRATUALTIONS TO THE WINNER! Lissette L
Please email me so I can send you the $25 Gift Certificate!!
Now it’s Time for YOU to Get Crafty!
I hope this faux shadow-box bird card inspires you to pull out your dies, try a little ink blending, and create something dimensional and fun. If you make your own version, I’d love to see it – share your creation in the comments or tag me on social!
Don’t forget to watch the live video tutorial for a step-by-step guide – you can find it embedded above or over on YouTube.
Happy Cardmaking, and as always, crafty hugs!
Happy Papercrafting,
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! 😄
SUPPLIES:
Cardstock: Concord & 9th – Peacock – Altenew – Parrot
Inks: Pink Diamond | Pinkalicious | Buttercream | Chamomile | Fresh Leaf.
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 Flying High SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Accordian Card Base Dies SSS | OTH |  Accordian Woodland Dies SSS | OTH |  Birthday Stamp Set SSS | OTH |
 Tropical Vibes ALT |  CAF Open Peony ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
 Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Nocturne SSS |  Fresh Dye Inks ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Love the 3D effect and how easy!
Thank you Lisa, love a ‘faux’ anything lol.
Hooray for today and hooray for this darling card! Thanks for the smiles, Therese. This is just delightful!
You are so sweet Lisa, thank you x
I love that sweet little bird, Therese, and the recessed background gives the scene a more realistic feel.
I love how this bird can be changed up into a thousand color combinations… I guess I still have a few to go lol.