Using Shading to Highlight Light Sources and Shadows | Jody Morrow

Great design isn’t just about color—it’s about light. In this Flower Market card, I used shading and directional blending to create depth, realism, and a warm story all at once. The awning fades from bright yellow at its center to deeper tones at the edges, mimicking how sunlight naturally falls. Shadows under the awning and countertop add realism and help ground each element, while soft highlights make the card feel radiant and full of life. This particular card holds a special place in my heart—I made it for my daughter, who built me an herb garden so I could harvest fresh herbs while cooking. It’s a small thank-you, but one filled with love and sunlight.

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

How to recreate this card:

1. Create a top-folding card base from white cardstock. 
2. Dry emboss a white A2 panel using the Petal Grid coverplate die. Adhere to card base.
3. Stamp the sentiment and images with Detail Black. 
4. Add color with the coordinating stencils:
   1. Stencil 1: Skip awning, Ocean Breeze, Aquamarine, Meermaid, Tidal Pond
   2. Stencil 2: Lemon Whip, Ocean Breeze, Aquamarine
   3. Stencil 3: Peach Fuzz, Clementine
   4. Stencil 4: Turquoise, Paradise
   5. Stencil 5: Lemon Whip, Sweet Mustard
   6. Stencil 6: Fresh Pear
5. Die cut the sentiment and images, and stack with one blank (except awning). 
6. Add a layer of thick foam tape behind the flower stand and adhere a piece of white cardstock behind it so that the area inside the stand is plain white and the debossed pattern is hidden. 
7. Adhere to the card with thin foam tape. 
   Score the awning at 3/8" and fold to add dimension. Put a single layer of foam tape along the top of the awning, and a double layer above the score line, below it. Adhere to the card (it will be slanted on the card). 
8. Adhere the sentiment with glue.
9. Embellish with glitter drops. 

I hope this project inspires you to experiment with lighting and shading in your next card! I’d love to see your creations—tag us on Instagram or leave a comment below sharing your favorite part of this technique!