Beyond Basic Background

Hello,
One of my favorite card making techniques is die cutting. Today, I am sharing a project inspired by Altenew’s Educator Certification Program (AECP) Level 2 Beyond Basic Background class taught by Lydia Evans. In the class, Lydia shared with us many creative ways to make background beyond simple ink blending. In particular, one of the lessons was In-laid die cutting technique which inspired today’s homework submission.

I am also playing along with the Altenew November Inspiration Challenge with this project.

Let’s look at how I made the card which features Altenew’s Simple Shapes Cover Die Set and Polka Dot Leaves Die Set.

Steps:

1. On some heavy weight A2 Neenah solar white panels, I die cut the Simple Shapes Cover Die four times.
2. Using one of the die cut element, I heat embossed it with Wow Brass Embossing Powder. I repeated it several times to achieve the faux metal look. I adhered all four layers together for dimension.
3. On another layering weight Neenah solar white panel, I dried embossed the Simple Shapes Cover Die and attached the die cut element to it. Tip: When dry embossing, follow your die cut machine’s instructions. I used Spellbinder’s Platinum 6 which came with two dry emboss shims.
4. I colored some of the Simple Shapes die cut negative pieces using Altenew’s alcohol artist markers – Sunkissed, Orange Cream, Dark Chocolate, Caribbean Sky and Persian Blue. For variation, I repeated some of the colors several times to get them a darker shades.
5. Next, I inlaid the colored pieces in the cover die panel.
6. I die cut the Polka Dot Leaves with vellum. After applying anti-static powder, I used Versamark to apply the sticky ink all round the leaves and heat embossed with some brass embossing powder. Tip: When heat embossing vellum, move the heat gun around to avoid overheating the vellum.
7. After adhering the Polka Dot leave die cut to the panel, I added a heat embossed “Just a Note” sentiment from Craft Your Life Project Kit – Fragrant Florals. Next, to complete the design, I scattered some PinkFresh Studio Sparkling Champagne metallic pearls for added interest.
8. I adhered the entire panel to a heavy weight top folding note card with some foam tapes.

I love the juxtaposition of the geometric shapes background with the softness of the vellum polka dot leaves. I hope you find some inspirations to create interesting backgrounds. Thanks for stopping by and see you soon.

Lillian

Supplies Used:

Affiliated links below are at no additional costs to you. Thank you for your support.

Simple Shapes Die Set (ALT | SCR)

Polka Dot Leaves Die Set (ALT | SCR)

Altenew Craft Your Life Project Kit – Fragant Florals (ALT)

Brutus Monroe Gilded Embossing Powder (SCR)

Artist Alcohol Markers Glacier Caves Set (ALT)

Artist Alcohol Markers Warm & Cozy Set (ALT)

Artist Alcohol Markers Four Scoops Set (ALT)

Lawn Fawn – 8.5 x 11 Vellum (SCR)

Cardstock – 8.5 x 11 – 80 lb. Neenah Solar White – 50 Pack (SCR)

Cardstock – 8.5 x 11 – Neenah Solar White – Ultra Thick – 25 Pack (SCR)

PinkFresh Studio Metallic Pearls Sparkling Champagne (SCR)