One of my favourite ways to add life to die-cut images is through colouring and shading! Starting with simple cardstock and building layers of colour with Copic markers (or your go-to medium) creates depth and personality that flat cardstock can’t match. Simply shading Die cuts for dimension really makes them POP!

Today I’ve got two adorable cards to share—one features a sweet pup stamped image, popping out of a die cut gift box, and the other showcases a totally die cut, & fabulously French Bulldog with classic flair. These are two perfect examples of how adding shadows, contrast, and a little creative fun can transform your die-cut images into real scene-stealers. I’ve even got a video tutorial for the Frenchie to show exactly how I went from flat to FAB!

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Card 1: Puppy Surprise Gift Box

1. Die cut the gift box and lid from red cardstock.
2. Use a variety of red Copic markers to add shadows and depth to the die-cuts, focusing on where the light would naturally hit. Don’t forget to add some of that ‘scary dark’ shade sparingly!
3. Stamp the puppy from the coordinating stamp set in Versafine Onyx Black and heat emboss with WOW Clear Gloss powder.
4. Colour the puppy using Copic markers—I matched mine to my daughter’s beloved Bones Jellycat plush! Then die cut.
5. Adhere the puppy into the gift box so that its paws and head appear to be peeking out. Add the lid tilted on its head like it’s just jumped out!
6. Ink blend a fun pattern onto a 4×5.25” panel using one of the same kit’s stencils. Concentrate colour on the edges and let it fade towards the centre.
7. Mount this onto an A2 panel of the same red cardstock used for the gift box.
8. Pop the gift box and puppy up on foam adhesive for dimension.
9. Stamp a simple “Happy Birthday” sentiment, die cut with a strip die, and adhere.
10. Finish with enamel dot embellishments to match your colour scheme.

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Card 2: Bonjour, Frenchie!

1. Die cut the layered French Bulldog and coordinating pieces from white cardstock and red glitter paper.
2. Use Copic markers to colour and shade each piece, adding shadows around the edges and dimension to the face, ears, and body.
3. Stick tiny pieces down to your surface using low-tack tape to keep them still while colouring.
4. Assemble using reverse tweezers and strong liquid glue—especially helpful for small pieces.
5. Use white cardstock and embossing folders to build the background: here, a squiggly rectangular design sits atop a grey colour-blocked strip.
6. Add colour to the base panel with a matching grey marker to frame the design.
7. Use a mini tag die to cut your sentiment panel, and stamp “Bonjour!” in black ink. Thread a piece of red twine through the tag.
8. Finish with layered mini panels, the coloured Frenchie, and a trio of glittery red hearts for the perfect finishing touch.

From Flat to FAB! Shading Die Cuts for Dimension

Whether you’re replicating a real-life pup or creating a whimsical Frenchie with a jaunty beret, these projects are a fun reminder that you don’t need complex techniques to achieve standout results. A few simple shading tricks can take your die cuts from flat to fabulous!Let me know if you give these ideas a try—I’d love to see your takes!

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Please be aware:

As part of my Design Team and Guest Design work I do often receive free products to use, but I only ever recommend products that I genuinely love.

Also, I know how incredibly lucky I am to have these opportunities, but you don’t always NEED the newest products or the ‘full set’.
So please don’t feel that you need everything.
I like to show a variety of brands and products; this way there will be something for everybody to enjoy.

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— SUPPLIES —

Card 1

Affiliate links are used where available; this is at no cost to yourself and I truly appreciate everyone who chooses to use my links to shop. Thank you

Pool Party Reactive Ink Shop at: HA	RT XL Essential Messages Shop at: HA | SBC	Nov 2024 Card Kit Shop at: HA	Clear Gloss – Regular Shop at: WOW USA | WOW UK	Dual Speed Heat Tool – **UK** Shop at: WOW USA | WOW UK
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Copic E15 Shop at: SBP | AMZ	Copic C5 Shop at: SBP | AMZ | CPD	Copic C7 Shop at: SBP | AMZ | CPD	Copic E08 Shop at: SBP | AMZ	Copic R81 Shop at: SBP | AMZ
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— My Basic Supplies That I Use On Every Project —

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MINI MISTI Shop at: Scrapbookcom | Alt | SBP | Trinity	MISTI – Original Shop at: Scrapbookcom | Alt | SBP	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive Shop at: Scrapbookcom | SBP | Craftstash UK | Craftstash US	Neenah 80lb Shop at: Scrapbookcom | Alt | Craftstash UK
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*Affiliate links are used, where available; this means that I may get a small commission if you purchase using one of these links, at no extra cost at all to yourself. A huge thank you goes to anyone who does purchase using my links, it is so highly appreciated.