Backgrounds for Cards

Learn how to use your card making supplies to make more interesting backgrounds for your handmade cards.

The background for card making is such a vital element to your design. It pulls the card together whilst not dominating the focal point of the card. The right background can turn your card into something extra special that will wow the recipient.

What should you consider when choosing backgrounds for cards?

The Focal point

What is the key element, a sentiment or embellishment needs to stand out clearly from the background so you should have in mind what you want this to be. It can be a little 'chicken and egg' deciding whether to pick the background or the focal point first. We recommend thinkink carefully about the message and feel the card should get across.

The Colour

Do you want your background to be complimentary in colour or to contrast so the foreground pops. For example if you have a beautiful bright layered rainbow die cut then that will definitely impact your choice of background as you will want those colours to sing rather than compete with a busy background.

The Pattern

Patterned backgrounds work beautifully with simple foreground focal points. Be careful when thinking about the size of the repeat of the background pattern. You want to make sure all elements of the design are visible and understandable.

The Texture

Texture works beautifully for backgrounds allowing you to use the same colours and still enabling the focal point of the card to shine. Think of beautiful white on white cards, these rely on contrasting textures.

Stencilled Background Techniques