Ready for more frame ideas?
If you loved the reverse frame card, today I’m sharing two framed background card designs that use the same floral pattern in totally different ways.
Ready to take a quick look at today’s cards?
Psst… before we start: This post is part of a fun Altenew blog hop (with a giveaway – yay!), so be sure to check out the full hop list below and leave a comment for your chance to win.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love.
Thanks a bunch 🥰!
#FRAMES
Square frames were the focus for both of today’s cards, but it’s amazing how different they look when you switch up the background technique. One design is crisp and textured, and the other is smooth and colourful – both using a similar framed background idea.
TOP TIP: Creating Custom Square Frames
I made the frames for both of today’s cards using a set of nesting square dies. Just tape two dies together with low-tack tape to create the outline shape, then run them through your die cutting machine. The best part? You can make the frame as wide or as thin as you like – whatever suits your design or the technique you’re using.
Card #1 – Classic Framed Texture
This design has such a soft, elegant feel thanks to the white-on-white embossed background. Even though the embossing folder has a tropical vibe, the pattern is subtle when used as texture rather than a focal point. And these flowers are large enough to cover most of the pattern.
The deep purple frame adds a bold border and a little dimension, giving the design a classic, structured look without taking over.
Card #2 – Small Focal Point Frame
This design is all about creating impact with a smaller frame and a strong focal point. The smooth, colourful stenciled background keeps things modern and bright, while the small frame opening gives the toucan and sentiment a defined place to shine.
You can still see the floral pattern peeking through the centre, which ties everything together. And for a subtle touch of texture, I added white relief paste to the flower centres – just enough detail without adding bulk.
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 January 15th 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’s Blog Hop Post on January 17th 2026.
*The winners of the $100 gift certificate will be chosen from comments left on the Altenew blog.
Ready for More Inspiration? Let’s Hop
I hope these framed background ideas get you inspired to play! Try a little texture, a splash of stenciling, or a tiny focal point frame – it’s amazing how much fun a simple square can be. And if you make your own versions, share them in the comments or tag me on social… I’d love to see what you come up with!
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! 😄
Other Supplies: SHOP THE ALTENEW RELEASE HERE!
Simon Says Stamp: SHOP ALTENEW HERE
Altenew Cardstock: Andromeda | Lavender Fields | Deep Iris | Maple Yellow | Parrot | Olive.
Other: White Relief Paste
*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.
 Morning Grace ALT |  Joyful Garden ALT |  Halftone Squares Dies ALT |  Elegant Sayings ALT | SSS |
 Tropical Vibes ALT |  Pocket Sentiments ALT | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Pocketful of Sunshine ALT | SSS |  Tropical Forest ALT | SSS |
 Sweet Dreams ALT | SSS |  Shades of Purple ALT | SSS |  Enchanted Garden ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |  Palette Knife Set ALT |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |
 Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Stampwheel ALT | SSS |  9X12 Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
 Post It Roll SSS |
I love both framing ideas! Both of your cards are gorgeous!
Thank you Lauryne!
Beautiful cards! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Karen, I’m so happy you like them!
More great techniques. Hoping to get back into making a few cards this year.
Crossed fingers x
Some lovely ideas Therese and they do look so different. Thank you.
So glad you like them Louise!
Two marvelous makes, Therese! Love the way you’ve framed the pretty sympathy card and the little tropical number is delightful!
Thank you Lisa x
Wow, as always your cards are gorgeous. Love the framing technique ❤️
Yippee! Glad you like these Jeanne!
Such beautiful cards, Therese! I’m a CYL subscriber, so I want to try this with the small frames in the Frozen in Time set that just arrived for me this week!
How wonderful Carrie, it’s a beautiful release!
These are both gorgeous! I LOVE the yellow flowers sooo much! Stunning!
Thank you so much Meghan!
Gorgeous cards! I love the frame, such a great way to focus the eye.
Thanks Tracy!
Love your cards. So pretty. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Lora
beautiful projects
Thanks Pam!
Beautiful creations. Love the framed look on both.
Thank you Berina!
I especially love the purple flowers. The layers are just wonderful.
Thank you Sharon!
Beautiful projects, Therese. I love the framing ideas and the texture. Never thought to try the frames the second way. Thanks for the great inspiration!
So glad you like these Lissette!
I love to frame out my cards and the two styles are perfect , easy and make your cards delightful!
You are so sweet, thank you Elizabeth!
LOVE your Framed Art. They are both so creative and beautiful!
Thank you Donna!
Cute projects
Thanks Nandini!
Very adorable projects I can’t wait to have a play with this set. Stunning
It’s are real beautiful collection of supplies to create with!
Both of these are beautiful and I love the use of frames! I never think to put frames on my cards but I’ve saved your post so that I can refer back to it.
How wonderful, thank you Patty!
Gorgeous cards. I love the small frame on the toucan card.
so glad you like it Jeanne!
frames do not have to be inside the box…many choices to be creative
Thank you Shari!
Very pretty florals!
Thank you Kathleen!
The toucan card just makes me smile. So happy!
Me too!
Thank you for your creative cards! The frame truly focuses the eyes. I am especially mesmerized by your small frame card. It gives me so many ideas with my small die cuts. I have so many Altenew embossing folders to use as backgrounds, I can’t wait to get making.
How wonderful Dorothy, I know you will have fun!
Interesting cards, great suggestions for working with vivid colors and backgrounds.
Thank you Kathleen!
So lovely! 🙂 the frames add lots of interest to the cards!
Thanks Lynn!
What great projects. I like the framed one. Thank you for brightening my day.
Thank you Jade!
Such pretty cards! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you Sandra!
such lovely cards.
Thank you Amy!
Your cards are so much fun. They are bright and happy. I love the large borders.
Thanks so much Bo!
I will have to use your frame design on a Sympathy card-I like it so much. Unfortunately sympathy cards are the ones we have to make quickly, but still want to make a really special one for friends and relatives.
I hear you Sandy, I try and keep a few on hand for that very reason.
Love the way you used the frames to set off the beautiful flowers!
Thanks so much Bobbi!
Gorgeous card examples and I can definitely see these are home decor too.
Definitely! What a great idea Donna!
Love the framing on each one! Beautiful way to show off these designs! Wonderful cards!
So glad you like them Denise!
Beautiful cards. Love the frame idea. Will have to try this with my cards
Thanks Anna!
Lovely cards
Thank you Kelly!
These are so lovely!
Thanks so much!
i see the frame impact concept – love it
So glad you like it Gail!
You always inspire me with such wonderful designs. Using the frames makes the cards look so lovely.
So glad you like these Kathy!
I love a good frame! love your designs! you did a great job!
Thank you Shannon!
Loved both your cards, but the Sympathy card is perfection for my needs!!
How wonderful, thank you Beverly!