Creating backgrounds for handmade cards is one of the simplest ways to add interest, texture, and polish to your card designs. A thoughtfully designed background helps anchor your focal images and brings everything together in a cohesive, finished way.
In today’s post, I’m sharing three techniques for creating backgrounds for handmade cards using stenciling, embossing, and hot foiling. These techniques are beginner-friendly, easy to adapt, and perfect for adding depth without overwhelming your stamped or die-cut images. I primarily used products from Gina K Designs, with coordinating tools and supplies from Altenew.
Technique #1: Soft Stenciled Background
For the first card, I created a soft and subtle background using the Water Droplets Stencil paired with the Soft Stone Ink Pad. This tone-on-tone stenciling adds texture while keeping the background light and airy—perfect for allowing your focal image to stand out.
Once the background was stenciled, I die cut the panel and a black matte using Master Layouts 1, which creates clean layers and sharp borders with very little effort.
For the focal point, I used the Special Delivery Stamps and Dies. After coloring the image with Altenew Alcohol Markers, I die cut it using the oval from Master Layouts 9. A die-cut greeting finished the card front nicely.
To complete the card, I carried the stenciled design through to the inside layer, adding a soft and subtle detail that ties the entire card together beautifully.
Technique #2: Inked Embossed Background
The second technique combines embossing and ink for a quick way to add both texture and color to your background. I used the Dotty Circles 3D Embossing Folder and applied Tranquil Teal Ink directly to the inside of the embossing folder before running it through my die-cutting machine.
This technique transfers ink to the debossed impressions, giving the background just the right amount of color and visual interest. As with the first card, I die cut both the embossed layer and matte using Master Layouts 1 to keep the design consistent.
For the focal image, I used the Floral Friendship stamps, stencils, and dies to create a bold floral arrangement in corals and teals. The coordinating stamps and dies were also used for the greeting, making it easy to keep everything balanced and cohesive.
On the inside of the card, I repeated the stamped and stenciled floral image in the lower right corner for continuity and a polished finish.
Technique #3: Hot Foiled Background
For the third card, I demonstrated how hot foiling can instantly elevate your background design. I used the Gina K Fuse Foiling Machine along with the Art Deco Poly-Glaze Foiling Sheets paired with Amazing Amethyst Fancy Foils for a striking yet elegant look.
After foiling, I die cut the background using Master Layouts 2, which frames the foiled design perfectly.
For the focal point, I stamped the main image from Floral Framework twice. Both images were colored with Altenew Alcohol Markers using various shades of purples and greens. Once die cut, I adhered the two images in a mirrored fashion, creating a space between them for the greeting. This layout adds symmetry and draws the eye directly to the sentiment.
As with the previous cards, I carried the design through to the inside of the card for a cohesive and finished look. third card may be my favorite of the set! It showcases just how creative you can be with negative die cuts when making zero waste die cards.
Watch the Creating Backgrounds for Handmade Cards Video Tutorial
Be sure to watch the video tutorial where I walk you through each of these techniques creating backgrounds for your handmade cards. You’ll see exactly how each background comes together and how easy these techniques are to recreate.
I’ve also included a resource sheet below with measurements and a complete supply list so you can easily make these cards yourself or adapt the ideas to your own projects.
— Kathi
Simply Kards By Kathi
Supplies
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you shop through them, I may receive a small commission — at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally love and use. All of the products I use have been purchased by myself, unless otherwise noted. I do not accept paid reviews, and I am not on any design teams. All opinions and recommendations are based on my own experience as a crafter. For more details, please see my full disclaimer page. support helps keep Simply Kards By Kathi creating and inspiring! Thank you! View my disclosure page.
Stenciled Background – Special Delivery
Embossed Background – Floral Friendships
Hot Foiled Background – Floral Framework
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