So many stencil ideas – so little time, but now… it’s time to Shimmer! 😉
We’ve already ‘rainbowed’ a stencil, shared 10 easy stencil techniques, and proven that simple techniques don’t mean boring cards. Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek at one of my favorite shimmer paste stencil ideas – an easy way to add instant sparkle, texture, and drama to your projects.
Psst… before we start: This post is part of the new Altenew Release, so be sure to check out all the fun!
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 🥰!
Stencil Technique – Textured Background
Here’s a quick way to add instant texture and interest to your cards using stencil paste:
Materials & Prep
- Secure your stencil with a sticky grid mat or low-tack tape.
- Protect your work surface with a craft mat or scrap paper.
Creating the Background
- Choose your paste – shimmer, textured, or both.
- Apply evenly with a palette knife, bread knife, or spatula over the stencil.
- Remove the stencil gently and set the panel aside to dry.
Tips for Cleanup & Care
- Wash your stencil and tools immediately, or place them in a bowl of water until you can.
- Return any leftover paste to the jar as long as it’s uncontaminated.
Pro Tips for Extra Impact
- Layer pastes for depth – let one layer dry, then add another for contrast.
- Add subtle ink over dry texture to make it pop.
- Tint white or light pastes with water-based inks for custom colors.
- Try metallic or pearl pastes to catch the light beautifully.
- Use painter’s tape or post-it borders for crisp, clean edges.
Card Inspiration
Sneak Peek – Shimmer Paste Stencil Card
For this sneak peek card, I wanted the shimmer paste background to really shine while keeping the Cosmos blooms as the star.
- Layered Cosmos Blooms: The shimmer background provides a subtle stage for the flowers to pop.
- Central Cluster: I arranged the flowers in a circle focal cluster, which lets the texture shine without overwhelming the design.
- Clean Sentiment Space: Leaving room for a sentiment ensures it’s readable and balanced with the shimmering background.
This technique is quick, simple, and adds instant wow factor – perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of shimmer and dimension to their cards.
Psst… this card is part of the new Altenew release, and there are so many other fun stamps, dies, and stencils to play with! Be sure to check out the release to see all the gorgeous options.
I hope you’re enjoying all these stencil ideas and feeling inspired to experiment with your stash! Let me know which techniques you try, and of course, if you want to share your creations – I’d love to see what you’ve made! 🥰
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! 😄
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Simon Says Stamp: SHOP ALTENEW HERE
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 Garden Cosmos ALT |  Deco Leaves ALT |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Classic Greetings ALT | SSS |
 Shimmer Relief Paste – Pearl ALT | SSS |  Shimmer Relief Paste ALT | SSS |  Palette Knife Set ALT |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Artist Markers ALT | SSS |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Stampwheel 2.0 ALT | SSS |  Stamping Mat 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 |  Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Really beautiful, Therese! I do love that subtle shimmer!
=]
So beautiful! It really is the perfect background for your floral center.