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Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Lily Hop

Learn 3D layering die hacks with Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Lily. There’s a new Altenew monthly subscription plan in town!

3D Layering Die Hacks | Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Lily

If you made your way here from Maryam Perez’s blog you’re right on track. To hop to the beginning, head to the Altenew Card Blog.

3D Layering Die Hacks

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Lily

Our Craft-A-Flower die sets are released monthly and celebrate the beauty of a wide variety of flowers! Each set includes all the pieces you need to create a multi-layered floral arrangement, inspired by our popular 3D flower dies. All you need to add is colored cardstock and a die cutting machine. 

Craft-A-Flower Subscription

This is a monthly subscription plan for our Craft-A-Flower die set. When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in our monthly Craft-A-Flower releases and will receive a set each month – at a specially discounted price! ($35.99 →$29.99)

Process Video

Details for the cardmaking process and the 3D layering die hacks are in the video. Watch here or in HD on YouTube. While you’re there I’d love it if you like, subscribe, and ring that bell.

3D Layering Die Hacks

Last week, Theresa, one of my subscribers requested I create a video about adding color detail to 3D flower layering dies. Craft-A-Flower: Lily was released just in time!

Theresa also shared,

I have several Altenew die layering flowers and I don’t use them very often because they look too flat.

Theresa Petermann

As requested, Theresa, these 3D layering die hacks are for you and all the other artists out there craving more dimension.

Hack #1: Watercolor

First, watercolor is an instant way to add dimension due to the natural color variation that occurs when painting. Today’s video will focus on watercolor.

That being said, you can definitely create dimension with cardstock, especially Altenew’s line of Gradient Cardstock. I’ll plan on doing a video adding extra dimension to colored cardstock in the future.

Hack #2: Die-Cut Before Watercoloring

Previously, I watercolored a 6×9 inch panel with light and dark colors and then die-cut the pieces accordingly. While that worked ok, sometimes it was difficult to fit all the pieces into the right shade.

So now, I recommend die-cutting the pieces first and then painting them. This gives you control over where the color goes. Don’t remove the die-cuts from the watercolor paper. This keeps them secure.

Hack #3: Refer to Photo & Layering Guide

Next, one of my top tips for coloring flowers is to refer to a real photo of the flower you are coloring. This seems like a no-brainer, but I forget to do this too.

As you can see, the pretty flower in the photo above gives me a beautiful color palette. Also, it’s unlikely I would have come up with the peach undertone on my own.

Also, refer to the layering guide on the packaging. The layering guide illustrates what shade each layer should be. While you don’t have to adhere strictly to this formula, it is a fool proof way to develop dimension.

Hack #4: Retouch Contrast

After painting and before the die-cuts completely dry, stack them and double-check the level of contrast between each layer. As you can see below, there isn’t enough contrast between layers 2 and 3 of the flower.

At this point, I took the Altenew Watercolor Brush Markers directly to the die-cuts to deepen the color in small areas.

Hack #5: Add Foam Tape

Probably the most common way to add dimension to cards is with foam tape. So of course, it’s a great option with 3D layering dies too.

Adding double-sided foam tape between 1 or 2 of the layers not only adds physical dimension. But it also casts shadows creating dimension with color variation.

Those are the tips and tricks I have for today. I hope you find them and the process video helpful with your 3D layering die sets. Thanks for joining me and let me know what you think down below. If you post projects on social media, tag me @notableink.


MORE LAYERING DIES

Believe it or not, some of these flowers are die-cut from pattern paper and some are watercolored.

Learn more about this fan favorite card using Virginia Rose 3D Die Set.


Pin Me

If you love it, pin it, and share it with your crafty friends! Visit me on Pinterest for more design inspiration, patterns, and color combinations.

Prizes

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 5 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog for a chance to win.

We’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew blogs on 05/16/2020.

Next Stop

Therese Calvird is the next fabulous stop on the hop. Be sure to check out all our talented artists down below and leave ’em some love on their blogs.

Altenew Card Blog 
Ashlea Cornell
Nicole Watt
Nathalie DeSousa
Virginia Lu
Svitlana Shayevich
Tania Ahmed
Jaycee Gaspar
Laurie Willison
Amber Rain Davis <<< You Are Here
Therese Calvird

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103 Comments

  1. Fillers are a fun way to add to your favorite blooms with confidence! 1. Yarrow These delicate, soft flowers are often found in white, yellow, …

  2. Sharon Taylor says:

    This is what I love about Blog Hops, finding new and talented people to follow for inspiration. Love your card and your hacks. Thank you for sharing.

  3. Barbara Van Meter says:

    Your watercolor technique gave the flowers depth and dimension, beauty card.

  4. Barbara Van Meter says:

    Lovely card, your flower looks just as real as the live flower

  5. Jeane Campbell says:

    I love how you made this card. And I think that cutting them first is a great way to do this. Just love the whole process. And the finished card is truly beautiful. Learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for that. Staying home, crafting, reading and blog hopping. Keeping safe.. you do the same!

  6. Simply beautiful. Love the design

  7. Thank you for that fabulous video sharing your techniques and process for creating such beautiful flowers. I pinned it and will refer back to it until these techniques become second nature to me! Lilies are one of my favorite flowers and your card is beautiful.

  8. Beautiful! Thank you for the video & all the tips!

  9. Debbie Bonner says:

    Stunning Lilies, I love your hacks and your final card. Thanks Amber.

  10. Lisascreativeniche says:

    Love the watercoloring and dimension on these!

  11. TERESA GODINES says:

    This is my favorite card of the hop. The colors are amazing together. Thank you for inspiring me.

  12. Marisela Delgado says:

    FABULOUS card and colors.

  13. Kari VanNoy says:

    Wow, Amber! This is awesome. Love your hacks and I’m definitely going to try this when my dies get here!

  14. Gorgeous card, love thelily flower and wonderful colours.
    Valerija xx

  15. Absolutely love the background over the super pretty flowers.

  16. Patty A Eifert says:

    This is truly stunning! It is so true what you said..the two most stunning cards with realistic looking lily were yours and one other designer on the hop! I can’t color worth a hoot, but I also look up examples of a flower before I attempt to color one!

  17. Wow… Stunning it is 😍Loved the dimension you gave to the flower.. TFS tips ✌

  18. This is gorgeous! Love all your hacks too!

  19. What a great idea to add the foam! It definitely makes it pop. Gorgeous card! I think this is going to be my first purchase of these layering dies.

  20. john hutchens says:

    the watercolors are lovely. beautiful card.

  21. Sheila Bacon says:

    What a beautiful card! I so appreciate the hacks that you shared, as well as the video which I can rewatch at my convenience.

  22. Jan Viktora says:

    A beautiful card and such helpful Hacks! Thanks!

  23. Heidi Rees says:

    Beautiful card Amber! I love the hacks you listed, now I’m off to watch your video! I’m so excited about the Craft A Flower option!!!

  24. Cyndi Morris says:

    I adore Atenew’s layering die sets and I have several. The hardest part is finding coordinating cardstock to die cut them from. Your genius idea to watercolor them is a perfect solution — thank you! I’m so inspired by your video — I have the watercolor brush markers (love them, too). Now all I need it that gorgeous Craft-A-Flower Lily!

  25. Annette Gordon says:

    Thank you so much for your video, and the time and effort you put into it, and showing us all your techquines. I have tried to watercolour on dies afterwards, but I could never get them to stay put! Love your idea of putting them back in the negative space. And you can really see the difference between those 2 flowers you showed us with dimension and without. I love how those flower turned out! Your card Stunning and amazing.

    I am also so excited for this new monthly subscription, I have always been more of a die person than stamper. And Altenew’s layered floral dies are my absolute favourite products. Getting one a month! CARD MAKERS BLISS!

  26. Bonnie Johnson says:

    Love this idea, layered dies are the best thing to come along in a long time.Thanks for sharing your card. I appreciate seeing the video. Not to play favorites, but I think I like your card the best of the hop.

  27. Inkin' Chickie says:

    Great video and nice tips on how to color the die cuts. I like the loose look of the flower and the color choice.

  28. Melissa Friedrich says:

    Beautiful lilies, I love the dimension and vibrant colors, just gorgeous. Thank you for all the layering 3D die cut hacks and another awesome video tutorial.

  29. Sharon Gullikson says:

    So bold and pretty. I’m loving it! I never would have thought to use such rich colors…

  30. Love your lilies! Enjoyed your video and the suggestions you have for coloring of the die cuts and how to pop up the layers. Gorgeous card!!

  31. Mary Holshouser says:

    thanks for the tips. I love the
    colors of your flowers.
    Wonderful color choices.
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

  32. Becky Turner says:

    Amber, Thanks for your wonderful video! It was so informative. Your card is definitely the most beautiful one in the hop! The watercoloring is gorgeous!!! I love it!

  33. Love your color combinations in your crafted lily, Amber…your flower is simply stunning. This die set is a must have…tfs-stay well.

  34. Lauryne Cunningham says:

    I love the different colors on your flower- absolutely beautiful! I enjoyed watching the watercoloring process on your video!

  35. Jeanne Ragan says:

    Thanks for the watercolor tips. I can’t wait to try these!

  36. Deepa Lakshman says:

    I enjoyed your video. Thank you for allthetipsforhow to watercolor these diecuts. This is Avery pretty card.

  37. Denise Bryant says:

    Awesome colors and background on your beautiful card! The lilies are just gorgeous!

  38. Dorothy A says:

    So beautiful! Thanks for the tips. I’ve never created (nor do I have) layered floral dies. I’ve been nervous to try, but you and others have been a great encouragement and inspiration.

  39. Angela Person says:

    Stunning card! I love the purple with peach undertones. I really appreciate the Hack tips.

  40. Carla Hundley says:

    Love the way you
    created this card.
    The flowers hanging
    off the card look
    lovely and great
    coloring.
    Carla from Utah

  41. agree – coloring your own layers is the best way to go.

  42. Christina M Dauven says:

    This card is by far my favorite on the hop the variety of colors and how well they work together . Your card is what convinced me to purchase this die myself I want to play with it to. Great job on your absolutely beautiful card work of art.

  43. Stunning lillies, gorgeous colors!

  44. Meghan Kennihan says:

    Wonderful tips and beautiful lilies! I LOVE the colors!

  45. Laurie Schlichter says:

    Gorgeous colors and original background. Gotta try it.

  46. Deb Tilton says:

    this looks like another pretty flower making stamp set

  47. Paula Barclay says:

    Very pretty. Popping the flowers gives it piazza!!

  48. Karyn K Siemering says:

    Your subject matter is gorgeous and you added beautiful dimension with the coloring

  49. Carolyn R says:

    Great idea to watercolor the flower after you die cut them. This is just a smashing presentation! Plus your watercoloring is always top notch.

  50. Christine A says:

    Beautiful card. The foam cast shadows is a great idea. Lovely colours

  51. Such a beautiful card & great tutorial! Thank so much.

  52. Danyelle Dillon says:

    Such a pretty and sweet looking card. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! I love the colors that you used!

  53. Rema DeLeeuw says:

    Pretty card . Love the colors.

  54. Barbara Matthews says:

    I thought you were using a different die set at first but after watching the video, it’s because you used watercolour paper and actually coloured the flowers. The card is just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

  55. JeanMarie Breslin says:

    Absolutely gorgeous card. Love it. Great job. Thanks for the video showing how you did it.

  56. Hadassah DeRamus says:

    Wow you really put some love into these lilies!

  57. Hadassah DeRamus says:

    Oh my goodness did you really put some love on these liles!

    1. Leith McDougall says:

      I love it that you coloured your own layers first. I have tried this too but with mixed success. I will try it using your hack. Thank you. They are stunning.

  58. Claudia K Anderson says:

    This was an awesome tutorial! Thank you for the hacks. Love this lily die!

  59. Nancy Dempsey says:

    Stunning card and I love the colors! Thanks for all of the tips and tricks.

  60. Joanne M Hoffmann says:

    Thanks for all the tips and tricks hacks, Amber! I am blown away by your card…color palette and design are so stunning! Going to give your hints a try….

  61. WOW – your lilies are stunning. Wonderful colours and layers!

  62. Kristine Boydstun says:

    Stunning! I loved watching the process. Thanks for always showing all the steps.

  63. Catherine L says:

    Whoa so beautiful! Thanks for the step by step tutorial. I’m not great with watercolors but your post really makes me want to try this technique!

  64. Sharon Vincz 👻 says:

    Oh my goodness!! Just love how you took this die set to a new level!!! Love the colors!!!

  65. Janet Smith says:

    So beautiful! Great color and design.

  66. Carmela Douglas Hubler says:

    Love the dimension you achieved with your card. Great tips I am anxious to try!!

  67. I love your video and your card!!! The video had so many helpful tips and I was amazed at how you watercolored the lily pieces. I love the lily colors, so gorgeous and stunning. Great background and layout. Thank you!

  68. Amber Bissonnette says:

    This is amazingly awesome!!! I love how classy/elegant with a touch “grunge” in the first card! And the second card is layered to pretty with your pattern paper flowers, colours and white splatter!!! My favourite stop this hop for sure, thanks for sharing!

  69. How gorgeous this is! Love seeing and learning new tricks! Thank upu

  70. Gorgeous card! Love the vibrant coloring. TFS

  71. Such a helpful video, thank you!, so beautiful!

  72. Susan Hennigh says:

    Your example made me want to buy this die. It is georgous!!

  73. Karen Hale says:

    These florals are amazing. Thanks for the great coloring tips. I looking forward to trying your creative techniques. TFS!

  74. Lynn Young says:

    Amber you once again inspire me! I think I am going to subscribe to this.

  75. barbara lassiter says:

    My favorite look with Altenew’s layering floral dies is to cut them from watercolored paper! Your technique looks even better and I will definitely try this, especially if I can create a card this beautiful!

  76. Love Love, my favorite today are those that are watercolored as it adds so much to the overall depth of the image, also popping up the alternate layers is a great addition. Just beautiful!! Your video is well done and very informative. Thank you

  77. Stephanie Namako says:

    Such a stunning card.

  78. Donnalee Boisseau says:

    Absolutely loving the colors you used! 😍❤️

  79. LaQuieta Gibson says:

    You rocked this! Love the colors and the techniques used you are amazing!

  80. Lisa Byers says:

    Terrific tips on using this beautiful die cut set. I appreciate posts like this to actually see what you are doing with photos and instructions. Excellent!! I will Pin this definitely!! Thank you for your inspiration!!

    1. Thanks, Lisa! That’s great feedback that I’ll definitely keep in mind as I write future posts.

  81. Carolyn Rapking says:

    You make some of the prettiest cards I have seen. Love the lily die cut where you water color. It is beautiful. Lilies are one of my favorite flowers.

  82. Love the use of pattern paper to create those special flowers !

  83. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.