How to Add Dimension To Your Handmade Cards

Hello, beautiful friends!

Today, I want to share with you a project I made using the darling Cottage Bouquet Stamp Set from the Good Life collection of stamps from Fun Stampers Journey along with some tips for adding dimension to your projects.

Adding dimension helps your cards come to life and adds a ton of personality.

1. Layer it!
The easiest way to add dimension to your projects is to add dimension through the use of layers. You can add a layer of patterned paper to your card front, a few die-cuts, some dimensional embellishments. Allow some layers to layer in front of and peek out from behind other layers to help build on the visual dimension like you see happening with the vines on this projects. Here I've used patterned paper from Good Life Prints, Garden Fence Die, Journey Ovals Die Set, and vines from the Modern Frame Die Set.

2. Emboss it!
Add dimension to your die-cuts through the use of embossing folders. On this project, I die-cut the Garden Fence Die using Whip Cream cardstock and then embossed the die-cut piece using the Barn Wall Embossing Folder.

3. Color it!
Add dimension to your stamped images and help them come to life on your project through the use of your coloring mediums.  On this project, I have used Journey Color Splash Watercolor Pencils to add shading to the various stamped blossoms using a Small Journey Blending Brush.  I also used a Large Dauber Dowel along with Oatmeal Cookie True Color Fusion Ink and Pumpkin Bread True Color Fusion Ink to add color to the Garden Fence die cut. You'll notice that the embossed areas (raised areas) on the fence die-cut have picked up more color allowing the eye to see the dimension.

4. Glaze it!
Lastly, one of my most favorite ways to add dimension is to add Journey Glaze for that little extra bit of ooomph!  Small amounts of glaze pack an extra powerful visual punch on any project.  One this particular project, I have added glaze to all the petals on my blossoms to make them shine as the light reflects off of them. If you'd like you could even sprinkle on some Sparkle Dust or Sparkle Cuts while the glaze is still wet to add even more dimension and shine. I skipped the extra sparkle for this project. Depending on the humidity in your area and how thick you apply the glaze will depend on how long it takes to dry. I do recommend a few thin layers versus one thick gloppy layer. A thin layer will dry in 15-30 minutes.

Hope these tips help you add some dimension to your future projects! Be sure to share a link in the comments below to any projects you make so I am sure to see them.

Happy crafting!
xoxo
T