In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing three different cards created with the same embossing folder and coordinating die sets. By changing how we build the background — apertures, spotlight colouring, and masking — we can achieve completely different looks.

You can watch the detailed YouTube tutorial here. I’ve also included a complete visual list of the supplies that are currently available at the end of the blog post for your convenience:

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Card 1: Die-Cut Aperture Background

For this first card, we’re creating interest by cutting apertures directly into the panel and layering a darker cardstock underneath for contrast.

Supplies

• Spellbinders 3D embossing folder
• Spellbinders Magi Mixer etched dies
• Spellbinders Made with Love etched dies
• Spellbinders Fluff, Frost & Roll etched dies
• Spellbinders Cool It Cookie Rack etched die set
• Spellbinders Sugared Expressions clear stamp set
• White heavyweight cardstock for card base
• Dark pink cardstock (Spellbinders)
• Blush cardstock (Spellbinders)
• Craft cardstock (for cookies)
• Distress Oxide ink: Spun Sugar
• Blending brushes
• Foam tape
• Bearly Art liquid glue
• Painter’s tape
• Embellishments

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Step 1: Create the Aperture Panel

1. Trim the Blush pinl panel to 5” x 7”,
2. Position your dies where you’d like the apertures.
3. Tape them down carefully using painter’s tape.
4. Run through your die-cutting machine.
5. Adhere a darker pink cardstock panel behind the openings for contrast.

Pro Tip: If you have a spare magnetic sheet, use it while positioning your dies on the card panel to prevent the dies from shifting.

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Step 2: Emboss the Panel

1. Lightly mist the reverse side of the cut-out panel.
2. Place inside the 3D embossing folder.
3. Run through your machine.

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Step 3: Create the Focal Elements

Create your focal elements using the Spellbinders collection or use your preferred dies and embellishments.

• Mixing bowl with dough
• Spatula
• Whisk and handle
• Flowers and leaves
• Frosting details

Add light ink blending to the cookie dough and accessories for dimension.

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Step 4: Assemble with Dimension

1. Assemble the bowl and insert the spatula slightly behind the top layer.
2. Use foam tape to lift selected elements.
3. Add a sentiment strip to the card front.

Finish by adhering everything to a 5” x 7” card base.

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Card 2: Spotlight Colouring + Dimensional Foreground

This version uses spotlight colouring inside an embossed background and builds dimension in the foreground.

Supplies

• Same embossing folder
• Same die sets
• White cardstock (5” x 7” panel)
• Distress Oxide inks:
  • Mustard Seed
  • Lost Shadow
• Brayer / foam blender
• Foam tape
• Liquid adhesive
• Craft cardstock
• Silver cardstock

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Step 1: Prepare the Front and Background Panels

1. Lightly blend Mustard Seed distress oxide to the part of the background layer that’s visible through the aperture.
2. Use the cookie tray die to cut out an aperture in the centre of a 5 x 7 panel.
3. Lightly mist and emboss the front panel using the embossing folder.
4. Use a brayer or foam blender to lightly add Lost Shadow distress oxide over the embossed details for contrast.

This creates a soft, stoneware look.

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Step 2: Build Focal Point

1. Create the cookie rack using both the solid and detailed dies.
2. Stack layers slightly offset for depth.
3. Add cookies and cookie cutters.
4. Use foam tape to add dimension to selected cookies.

This layering creates beautiful dimension against the embossed background.

Pro Tip: Use press-and-seal (Jennifer McGuire’s trick) to keep your layout intact before adhering.

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Step 3: Finish the Card

1. Adhere the sentiment in the lower-thirds to create interest.
2. Adhere to the card base and keep embellishments minimal to let the texture shine.

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Card 3: Masked Spotlight Colouring + Colour Swatching

This card uses a die cut as a mask to create a controlled spotlight effect.

Supplies

• White cardstock (Neenah Classic Crest recommended)
• Die cut negative (cookie tray shape)
• Distress Oxide ink of your choice
• Foam blender / brayer
• Post-it tape or masking tape
• Embossing folder
• Foam tape
• Liquid adhesive
• Vellum strip
• Versafine Onyx Black ink
• Clear embossing powder
• Heat tool

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Step 1: Create Colour Swatches

Before committing:

1. Blend small panels in different colour combinations.
2. Test with your die-cut elements on top.
3. Compare how each interacts with your focal pieces.

For this card, Spun Sugar provided the best balance.

This step prevents wasted cardstock and helps you make confident colour choices.

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Step 2: Create the Masked Spotlight

1. Place the negative die cut onto your white panel.
2. Mask off surrounding areas.
3. Blend Spun Sugar inside the opening.
4. Concentrate colour in the centre.
5. Lighten toward the edges.
6. Remove mask.
7. Gently soften harsh lines.

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Step 3: Emboss Over the Spotlight

1. Lightly mist the back of the ink-blended panel.
2. Place in embossing folder.
3. Align so the design falls where you want it.
4. Run through your machine.

Lightly blend Lost Shadow over raised areas if needed.

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Step 4: Add Sentiment & Finishing Touches

1. Heat-emboss a sentiment on a scrap piece of white cardstock.
2. Add a vellum strip behind the sentiment to soften contrast.
3. Use foam tape for dimension.
4. Edge detailed die cuts with a coordinating coloured marker if white core shows.

Adhere everything to a 5” x 7” card base.

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Final Thoughts

All three cards use:

• The same embossing folder
• The same collection of dies
• The same core supplies

Yet the backgrounds feel completely different:

• Card 1: Aperture with contrast
• Card 2: Faux spotlight and textured layering
• Card 3: Masked spotlight

This is such a great reminder to dig into your stash and stretch what you already own.

Which background technique is your favourite?

Let me know in the comments — and don’t forget to save your colour swatches for future projects!

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📥 FREE DOWNLOAD:

You can click this link to get your free Printable Checklist for Background Techniques (no email needed): https://cutt.ly/NtmbTBiD

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