GIVE IT A LIFT - EASY WAYS TO ADD DIMENSION TO YOUR CARDS

Hi Stampers!

I know we talk a lot about adding dimension to cards. Using methods that add height, texture, perspective, shadow or highlight, etc are common to card making.  With all the talk about adding dimension, we really don’t talk much about the definition of “adding dimension.” 

There are several definitions for dimension. Many are associated with mathematics, and those definitions do apply to card making. For example the measurements for card bases and layers are perimeter measurements or dimensions.  Another definition for the word is: adding a lifelike or realistic quality. (Many thanks to Merriam-Webster) Adding texture, creating shadow, masking and stamping images behind others, and strategic placement of images are examples of adding lifelike qualities. 

In my opinion, when it comes to card making the definitions of dimension overlap and work together. We can’t have cards without a bit of math, and cards would be dull without lifelike qualities! For today’s cards I am focusing on the mathematical definition. We’ll look at ways to add dimension to cards by lifting up (elevating) certain images or areas of a card. Lifting up areas of the card also adds lifelike qualities, so as I mentioned there is a lot of overlap in these definitions. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

VIDEO

GIVE IT A LIFT - 

EASY WAYS TO ADD  DIMENSION TO YOUR CARDS

ADDING DIMENSION BY LIFTING UP ELEMENTS ON CARDS

TACO CARD

* Dimension was added to the cards on the left by using dimensionals to lift up the focal panel, the taco, and the word bubble. 

* More subtle dimension was added by paper piecing the taco and adhering it with dimensionals. Drawing the arms and legs directly onto the focal panel helps enhance the 3-D look of the taco. (And give it lifelike qualities!)

BURRITO CARD

* For the card on the right the same techniques used for the taco were used on the burrito, except the burrito was lifted up using stacked card stock instead of dimensionals. This lifts it up, but keeps it lower than the frame.

* The focal panel and the mat layer have been altered. The  mat layer was changed to a frame, and dimensionals were added to the frame. The focal panel was adhered directly to the card base. 

* The word bubble was adhered directly to the focal panel accenting the elevation of the frame and the burrito.

INSIDE THE CARDS

The cards are the same inside.

CARD MEASUREMENTS

For these cards I used one of my favorite layouts the Around the Block Layout. To learn more about an Around the Block card see this post AROUND THE BLOCK

All supplies are from Stampin’ Up!®️ The stamp set, rectangle die, and patterned paper I used are retired items. To view current Stampin’ Up! products click HERE.

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded in half at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Patterned paper - 1 or 2 or 4 designs - two cut at 1” x 4 1/4” and two cut at 1” x 3”

* Printer paper or cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”  (I recommend cardstock for the framed version)

* Focal panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 3 1/2” x 2 1/4” (taco card) and 4 1/4” x 3” for burrito card

TACO CARD

SUPPLIES I USED 

* Cardstock - Lost Lagoon (card base),  Lemon Lolly (focal panel), Basic White (inside panel); scraps of Crushed Curry (taco shell), Granny Apple Green (lettuce), and Basic White - for greeting

* Patterned Paper - see note under measurements section

* Printer paper to help with constructing the frame  (optional)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Daffodil Delight, Crushed curry; Basic Black marker; Stampin’ Blends (alcohol markers) - Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green

* Stamp Set - Taco Fiesta (Retired) ©️1990-2024 Stampin’ Up!®️

* Dies - Stitched Rectangles - measures 3 1/2” x 2 1/4” or cut rectangle of same dimension

scissors for fussy cutting; word bubble die

* Adhesive and dimensionals (taco, greeting, focal panel)

SUPPLIES I USED

*The supplies for this card are the same as for the taco card, except the focal panel is not die cut (see card measurements above). The frame is placed on dimensionals as opposed to the focal panel. 

* To lift up the burrito I cut 3 pieces of Crushed Curry cardstock at 1” x 1/2” and glued them together - one on top of the other, then adhered them to the back side of the image, and placed the image on the card.This lifted the burrito, but kept it just a hair lower than the frame. This technique and variations can be used in place of dimensionals for panels, die cuts, sentiments, etc.

NOTE - I list the supplies I use and the source as a reference. I encourage you to use the supplies and stamps you have  to create your version of the sample cards.

WRAPPING UP

Adding dimension by lifting up certain portions of a card is one of the easiest (and budget friendly) ways to add interest to your cards. I hope you give some of these ideas a try. 

VIDEO CARD

That’s all for today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Today’s supplies and stamps are from Stampin’ Up!

* Stamp set - Taco Fiesta ©️1990-2024 Stampin’ Up!®️

* NOTE - I am not affiliated with nor do I receive compensation from Stampin’ Up! or any other company.