Combining Physical & Visual Dimension

Who says a bold background can't be the perfect companion to delicate florals? Today, I'm pairing two favorites from The Simple Things release—Cottage Flourish and the Square Play Coverplate Die—to create a striking congratulations card filled with color, texture, and dimension.

A vibrant blue background sets the stage for an inlaid white geometric pattern, creating a seamless look with plenty of visual interest. The graceful Cottage Flourish imagery takes center stage, featuring a beautiful blend of cool blues and rich greens with just a hint of soft pink.

This design is also a wonderful example of two different approaches to dimension. Stacked die cuts and thick foam adhesive create physical layers, while carefully blended ink colors give the floral imagery depth of its own. Together, they create a card that's bold, balanced, and full of beautiful details.

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn’t listed, it’s been discontinued.

How to re-create this card:

1. Create a top-folding, horizontal A2 card base from white cardstock.
2. Trim a piece of blue cardstock to fit the card front and adhere it to the card base.
3. Die cut the Square Play Coverplate Die three times from white cardstock. Stack the three die cuts together using liquid glue, carefully aligning the geometric pattern to create one dimensional background.
4. Adhere the stacked Square Play die cuts to the blue cardstock panel. Inlay the interior white squares into the openings of the die-cut background to create a seamless geometric pattern with subtle dimensional contrast.
5. Using the BetterPress system, hot foil the Cottage Flourish Press Plate images and the "Congratulations" sentiment onto white cardstock with Opaque Black Hot Foil.
6. Color the foiled images using the coordinating Cottage Flourish stencils:
   1. Stencil 1: Sky Blue, Summer Shower, Seaside
   2. Stencil 2: Sage, Spruce Tips, Lush Forest, Sky Blue, Summer Shower, Seaside, Cherry Blossom, Peony
   3. Stencil 3: Sky Blue, Summer Shower, Seaside
7. Die cut the completed Cottage Flourish images and sentiment using the coordinating dies. Cut two additional blank layers for each piece, then stack the matching die cuts together with liquid glue to create sturdy, dimensional embellishments.
8. Arrange the main Cottage Flourish image across the upper portion of the card. Use thick adhesive foam to secure the floral image and the three coordinating narrow border strips to the Square Play background, spacing the borders horizontally beneath the main arrangement.
9. Die cut two matching wavy banners using the Basic Banners Die set. Stack the two banner layers together with liquid glue, then adhere the banner across the lower portion of the main floral image using foam tape.
10. Adhere the stacked "Congratulations" sentiment to the banner using liquid glue.
11. Finish the card with two Iridescent Clear Drops placed on either side of the sentiment for a subtle touch of sparkle.

One of my favorite things about this card is how the different types of dimension work together. The stacked Square Play background creates a beautiful geometric foundation, while the raised floral imagery and border strips add physical depth without competing with the intricate details of Cottage Flourish.

I especially love the transition between blue and green throughout the foliage. The layered ink colors give the images a richness that complements the bold blue background, while the small touches of pink introduce just enough warmth to balance the cooler palette.

The finished design is a lovely reminder that dimension doesn't have to come from foam adhesive alone. Sometimes, the way we combine colors can be just as impactful as the layers we build!