6 WAYS: Layered Background Dies + Giveaway

Hello there! I have fallen in love with layered background dies and am thankful they are becoming more popular. However, I know they are pricey. So I am here today to show you how to get more out of the investment… with 6 techniques.

[All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. To watch the video in HD on YouTube, click HERE.]

I know that background layering dies are higher priced than most crafty products, so I wondered if I should do a video showing fun ways to use them to get different looks. I asked on Facebook and most everyone said yes. So here are six ideas to get you started!

For all of the cards, I used new layering dies from Altenew. These dies are sold separately but work great as pairs. I used the Altenew Medallions Die A, Medallions Die B, Floral Die A, and Floral Die B.

#1: DRY EMBOSSING

Dry embossing (making an impression) with dies is an excellent way to get more from any die. And it works great with layered background dies! I first impressed SSS Audrey Blue Cardstock with my Embossing Mat and Altenew Layered Medallions Die A. I then added a Altenew Layered Medallions B die cut from Lawn Fawn Mermaid Cardstock. The texture is fabulous! The sentiment is a combo of Altenew Inline Alphabet die cuts and Altenew Hug Me Stamps on vellum. I did add a few details with my white gel pen, too.

#2: FAUX DIE CUT INLAY

Die cut inlay has been another favorite technique of mine. (You can see videos on how to do it HERE, HERE, and HERE.) However, doing die cut inlay with an entire background with lots of detail can take a lot of time! So I came up with a fun trick to give a similar, almost-smooth look with a simple trick. After gluing Altenew Layered Medallions A and  Medallions B die cuts onto a cardstock panel, I put it inside a folded piece of typing paper and ran it through my die cut machine a few times. This flattens it and gives it a smoother look. Again, the sentiment is a combo of Altenew Inline Alphabet die cuts and Altenew Hug Me Stamps on a vellum circle.

#3: CUT OUT PATTERN

Many background dies have some sort of distinguishable pattern or image in it… allowing you to easily cut out a portion for a new look. For this next card I layered the Altenew Layered Floral A and Floral B die cuts in coral and green cardstocks and cut out flowers and leaves.

For the sentiment I used the Altenew Halftone Circles Stamp Set. (Isn’t that sentiment the best?!) Check out that texture on those flowers…

#4: DIE CUT WINDOW

Who says you have to use layered background dies as a background? Here, I die cut a heart from a layered background and added it to a simple card. And the best part is I can use the negative space for another card to create a window. (I will make that card another day – I ran out of steam!) Again, I used the Altenew Layered Medallions A and  Medallions B dies. One of the layers is cut from Silver Glitter Cardstock for added fun. The sentiment is from the Altenew Painted Butterflies Stamp Set.

#5: MASKS & STENCILS

Stencils are wonderful for creating smooth, inked backgrounds with the look of dimension. And you can create your own stencils with background dies! I decided to use Masking Paper for my stencils due to the detail. Over the Altenew Layered Floral Die A “stencil” I applied Abandoned Coral Distress Ink and then over the Altenew Layered Floral Die B “stencil” I inked Fired Brick Distress Ink. The results are gorgeous! And think of the different colors you could do!

Those Altenew Inline Alphabet Dies are so classy. So pretty. And that small Altenew Hug Me sentiment is so sweet.

#6: SPECIALTY PAPERS

An easy way to get a new look from background layered dies is to use specialty papers. For this card I used vellum sprayed with Shimmer Spritz with the Altenew Layered Floral Die B and Gold Foil Cardstock for the background panel. Layering the vellum on the gold paper is so cool! You could use a variety of specialty papers such as cork, glitter paper, etc.

I simply can’t get enough of the Altenew Halftone Circles Stamp Set sentiment! I have used it a lot lately. And check out the shine and texture on that background…

There are many other great ways to use layered background dies. You could use them with a clear acetate card… for a tri-fold card… add color with markers…. etc. They are fun! And worth the investment to me.

BLOG HOP

Today I am part of the Altenew April Release Blog Hop… celebrating the release of their new layering dies and New Day Card Kit. You can see the new dies HERE and find out more about their card kit HERE. (Be sure to check out the kit – it contains many unique goodies!)

The next stop on the hop is the blog of Erum Tasneem. She is an absolutely amazing artist – be sure to check it out! (You can always start at the beginning of the hop on the Altenew Blog.)

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate this release, I have a $30 Altenew gift certificate for one of my blog readers! For your chance, leave a comment below by 11:59pmEST on 4/14/17 telling me which today’s layered background dies sets is your favorite. (To leave a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post and click the green “leave a comment” button. The winner’s name will be randomly selected, emailed and posted on my “Winners page” after the giveaway closes. International folks are eligible, too!)

Also… Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to THREE lucky winners on their blog! Be sure to head there, too.

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? To make them easy for you to find, I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except those from Altenew. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the letters below each picture to go to a favorite store: Altenew (ALT), Simon Says Stamp (SSS), Ellen Hutson (EH), etc.


Leave a Comment

851 thoughts on “6 WAYS: Layered Background Dies + Giveaway”

  1. I love floral A – it will definitely go on my long, long wish list! How do you come up with all these wonderful ideas?

  2. I love floral A – it will definitely go on my long, long wish list! How do you come up with all these wonderful ideas?

  3. Love these cards – they’re so fancy, gorgeous, elegant and just so eye-catching. You are so creative 🙂
    I especially love the Layerd Floral Die A.

  4. Thanks do much for all the instruction and fabulous and gorgeous examples. You did invest a lot of time. Thank you!

  5. I love all yours ideas today, but my favorite is the mask and stencil. I don’t have any dies like this, but would love to get some and try it.

  6. I love the painted butterflies. The new full floral dies are goergeous. How great to decorate your cards.

  7. Thanks for all the ideas and to Altenew for the giveaway!! The floral layer cover dies are definitely my favorite, so pretty!!

  8. Altenew Layered Floral Die A and B are awesome! I like the way the flowers were cut apart. So many looks with use a few background dies. The “sets” are really nice. Thank you for all the great ideas.

  9. I really do like both background dies! Hmmm…maybe Medallion first, then floral. Really though, a tough decision!

  10. Wow, Jennifer, what gorgeous die plates and amazing cards! I love each of the techniques! Would love to win a gift certificate for these! Thanks for your creativity! Hugs!

  11. It is difficult to pick just one. If I have to pick, it is the cut out layered card. I am hoping to use that technique soon. Love your videos, Jennifer.

  12. I love, love the Altenew Floral Die A and B! Such a pretty, sweeping design that is not too busy… I can imagine lots of different ways to use them, and really like your creative presentation of them, here.
    Can’t wait to try them, myself! Thanks for providing such incredible inspiration on your blog – not only do you show and explain wonderful ideas, but you also help get the creative juices flowing!

    –Mishell

  13. Wow soooo hard to choose a favorite … I’ll have to go with the Medallions dies. Thanks for the great give-a-way!

  14. As always your work is exquisite. You make it look so simple. The inspiration makes me want every stamp and die you show us. Love it all.

  15. What beautiful and creative cards, Jennifer! I really appreciate that you give us a variety of ways to use supplies, especially when they’re more expensive. These dies are all amazing, but I’d have to say the Floral dies are my favorites. I’ll have to add them to my want list! Thanks for all your great ideas and inspiration. You’re a blessing.

  16. I love #3. And the colors you used look amazing!!! I just recently came across Altenew…And now I can’t get enough!! Their products make me feel like a superstar…Everything turns out beautiful!! Thank you so very much for the demos…They were very helpful!!

  17. When I look at your unique cards I can’t wait to get back to my craft room and check out your techniques. Aways interesting and lovely designs. Thank you Jennifer.

  18. Thank you for showing us all the creative ways to use background dies. My favorite die is the Altenew floral background die. They are just as gorgeous as their floral stamps. Thanks again for sharing. I just love your videos!!

  19. Thanks for a great video. I am new to Atlenew. But you have totally enticed me to want the background die sets. I love the floral one. I will put it on the wish list. I truly enjoy your teaching video. Thanks again.

  20. I just finished watching your video on how to use the layered dies multiple ways. I can’t wait to get crafting and use some of those ideas. Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring! Your cards are just amazing…

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