How to Create Depth with Layered Frames and Subtle Backgrounds

One of my favorite things about working with smaller floral images is the freedom they give us to experiment with composition. Rather than relying on one large focal image, we can arrange individual elements to create movement, balance, and visual interest across a card.

During a recent YouTube Live with Carissa Wiley, we shared a sneak peek of Pinkfresh Studio's Gather & Bloom release. Carissa created a beautiful project featuring the Cozy Corner suite, while I worked with Petite Florals. We also incorporated the new Stitched Heart Lattice Press Plate into our projects, demonstrating how versatile a single background design can be.

For my card, I wanted to explore how delicate florals, subtle background texture, and layered frames could work together without overwhelming the design. I chose a soft color palette with fresh greens, touches of pink, and warm peachy-orange florals, allowing the individual elements to stand out against the white background.

What makes this design especially interesting is the way the layers create depth while maintaining a light, airy appearance. It's a great example of how thoughtful placement and restrained color can make even the smallest images feel substantial.

Let's take a closer look at the design choices and techniques that bring this card together!

*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. Prepare a white A2 card base and a white cardstock panel for the background.
2. Hot foil the Stitched Heart Lattice Press Plate onto the background panel using light pink foil. Keep the foiling subtle so it adds texture without competing with the floral images.
3. Hot foil the Petite Florals images and the "thinking of you" sentiment in black onto white cardstock using the coordinating press plate.
4. Add color to the floral images using the coordinating Petite Florals stencils. Use soft pinks for the tulips and lily-of-the-valley flowers, warm peach and orange tones for the smaller blooms, and fresh greens for the leaves and stems. Blend lighter and darker shades to create depth.
5. Die cut the stenciled flowers and sentiment using the coordinating dies. Cut additional blank layers as desired and stack them with liquid glue for dimension.
6. Create a decorative rectangular frame using coordinating Essentials dies. Ink blend Ballet Slipper onto the frame for a soft pink finish. Layer a white frame over the pink frame, checking their orientation before adhering so the edges align cleanly.
7. Arrange the five Petite Florals images within the framed area, allowing space around each image so the composition feels balanced and airy.
8. Adhere the floral images with dimensional adhesive to give them separation from the foiled background.
9. Layer narrow banner die cuts in white and pale pink, then position the stacked "thinking of you" sentiment across the center of the floral arrangement.
10. Finish the card with a few clear iridescent embellishments.

One of the biggest lessons I hope you'll take away from this project is that smaller images don't have to play a supporting role in card design. With thoughtful placement, they can become the entire focal point!

The Petite Florals suite gave me five individual images to work with, and arranging them separately allowed me to create a composition that feels balanced without being overly structured. The layered rectangular frames help bring everything together, while the Stitched Heart Lattice background adds just enough detail to keep the white space interesting.

I also love how the subtle pink framing and soft ink blending complement the crisp black foiled outlines. The combination creates contrast and dimension without sacrificing the delicate feel of the design.

When you're working with smaller stamps, dies, or stenciled images, I encourage you to experiment with grouping, spacing, and framing before reaching for a larger focal element. Sometimes the most effective design choice is simply giving each image room to shine.

A special thank-you to Carissa for joining me during our Gather & Bloom sneak peek Live! Be sure to watch the replay to see both of our projects and how we approached the new products in our own creative styles.

Watch me make this card here: