One stencil set, two VERY different cards | creativity outside the box
by Erica Andersson August 20, 2026
Key Takeaways
Masking Saves Time: Built-in stencil masks allow you to seamlessly ink blend background skies or splatter metallic ink without damaging the main mountain image.
Smart Stenciling Technique: Place stencil edges off the cardstock or cut canvas frames first to control image size and avoid wasting ink and paper.
Maximum Versatility: Use layering stencils as dramatic focal points or scaled-down background art (like an easel canvas) for Clean and Simple (CAS) card designs.
Hello, hello Altenew friends and craft lovers! It's Erica popping in from my very own mountain today.
For ethical and legal reasons, I need to state that it is not my official mountain—it belongs to Spain—but since I live almost right at the top, I have claimed it as my own because it has my heart. This beautiful mountain served as the direct inspiration for today's two handmade cards, featuring the Mountain Peak Layering Stencil Set.
As soon as I saw this stencil set, I had a flood of creative card-making ideas. Today, I am going to share two completely different ways to use layering stencils to kickstart your creative spark!
1. Using Mountain Layering Stencils as a Bold Focal Point
This layering stencil set comes not only with the individual mountain layers, but also a dedicated mountain mask! Having an included stencil mask saves so much time and hassle when you want to ink blend a vivid sky around your focal point without having to hand-fussy cut a paper mask. I’m firmly on "Team Hate Fussy Cutting," so this feature is a game-changer.
Master Ink Blending with Layering Stencils and Dye Inks
In the release, you’ll find several gorgeous dye ink collections, including the Tranquil Reflections Fresh Dye Ink Bundle. A rich, neutral grey ink set is an absolute must-have in your card-making supplies. This bundle leans slightly toward a warm grey, making it an ideal choice for realistic rock textures and mountain landscapes.
For my first card, I wanted a prominent, imposing mountain:
Positioning: I placed the bottom edge of the first layering stencil off the cardstock panel. (If you’re having trouble visualizing this technique, check out the video tutorial below where I demonstrate it step-by-step!).
Layering: After the base layer, I worked through the remaining layering stencils normally to create a detailed mountain range. The Tranquil Reflections shades provided the perfect dark, realistic rock look.
How to Use Stencil Masks for Ink Blending & Metallic Splatters
Living on top of a mountain means breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The sky colors are so vibrant that without seeing them in person, you’d assume they were photoshopped!
To recreate a sunset background without ruining the mountain focal point:
Secure the Mask: Secure the stencil mask over the finished mountain using folded Satin Masking Tape on the back to keep it firmly in place.
Blend Sky Colors: Blend warm orange, soft yellow, and blue dye inks across the top of the card to create a brilliant glowing sky.
Add Night Sky Details: To capture the clear, star-filled mountain sky, unscrew the nozzle of an Antique Gold Metallic Ink Spray and splatter fine droplets across the background. Because the mountain mask remains secured, not a single stray drop will ruin your mountain!
Adding Dimensional Texture with Shimmer Relief Paste
Once the background dries, add touchable texture using the final stencil layer and Smoky Quartz Shimmer Relief Paste.
Pro Crafting Tip: Working with shimmer or glitter pastes requires speed because they dry quickly. Keep a shallow bowl of water nearby to submerge your stencils immediately after application. This simple step keeps your stencils clean and extends their lifespan.
To finish this first design, add a calming greeting from the Tranquil Greetings Stamp & Die Set to complete the scenic design.
2. Using Stencils for Background Accents in CAS Card Designs
For the second card, I wanted the mountain stencil design to take a subtle backseat as a detailed accent rather than the main star. Layering stencils offer incredible value for money—they are space-saving, budget-friendly, and versatile enough for both dramatic focal points and Clean and Simple (CAS) layouts.
Framing Stencil Designs with Layering Dies
This card focuses on a CAS layout paired with the Art Studio Treasure Layering Die Set. The mini easel and frame inspired me to "paint" a miniature canvas landscape using the Mountain Peak Layering Stencils:
Trace the Canvas: Instead of ink blending an entire mountain, die-cut the mini canvas first and trace its outline on your paper base.
Targeted Ink Blending: Ink blend only within the traced lines using the grey dye ink bundle to prevent ink and paper waste.
Assemble the Scene: Die-cut small paint tubes and art supplies in color palettes that complement the mini painting.
Assembly and Dimensioning Tips for Handmade Cards
Putting together intricate die-cut scenes can feel like a puzzle. Use Press'n'Seal wrap to pick up all your small die-cut elements at once while maintaining their arrangement. Apply Instant Dimension Foam Tape and adhesive foam dots to the back, then press everything down onto your final card base effortlessly.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Thank you so much for stopping by today! Be sure to watch the full step-by-step YouTube video tutorial for a hands-on visual guide to both card-making techniques.
With love and light, sparkle and creativity,
Erica
Supply List
